Shaved ice with syrup or toppings is a standard summer dessert in Japan. Here at Hotel New Otani Tokyo, these delights are made with precious naturally-frozen ice from the mountains of Nikko, shaved to a texture that is soft and light as falling snow for a luxury summer indulgence.
About the ice
In the winter, spring water from the Nikko mountains is drawn to a dedicated pool and left to freeze in the chill until it reaches a certain thickness. The process takes about two to three weeks, and involves constant care and attention including the removal of any debris, or stirring the water all night if the temperature is not low enough for it to freeze in even layers. The ice is then cut into large blocks, packed in sawdust, and stored in a traditional ice house until the early summer, by which they have melted to around half their original size.
The naturally-frozen spring-water ice renders a soft and fluffy texture like cotton candy, a mellow taste, and is less likely to cause ice cream headaches.
KATO'S DINING & BAR
Until late September 2025
Visit the restaurant's website
Available hours: 11:30am-2:00pm (last orders) & 5:00pm-9:00pm (last orders)
- Available during 2:00pm-4:30pm (last orders) also on weekends and holidays.
Watermelon
Price: ¥2,500
*June 6-July 31, 2025
A luxury shaved ice dessert that encases generous chunks of premium watermelon from Tottori. Delight in the clear taste and mellow texture of precious naturally-frozen spring-water ice from the mountains of Nikko and rich and juicy watermelon grown with plenty of sunshine.
The watermelon brands used vary by the month.
- During June: "Tomari Bijin"
A brand known for its fine-textured flesh and delicate sweetness. Delight in the tantalizing fragrance and juicy refreshing taste. - During July: "Daiei"
One of the most well-known watermelon brands in Tottori, Daiei boasts a crunchy texture and rich sweetness that will make you forget the summer heat.
Wasanbon
Price: ¥2,800
Topped with a sauce made of the premium wasanbon sugar, the shaved ice hides shiratama dumplings, yokan jelly, and sweet bean paste, set off by the subtle accent of natural sea salt from Aogashima island .
Mango
Price: ¥2,800
A fruity combination of mango jelly with fresh pulp, kuromitsu syrup jelly, and mango-kudzu sauce.
Strawberry
Price: ¥3,500
*Until June 5, 2025
The luxury strawberry sauce made 100% of Amaou strawberries brings out the natural sweetness of this precious fruit, and is a dainty in itself that strawberry lovers should not miss.
All-day Dining SATSUKI
July 1-August 31, 2025
Visit the restaurant's website
Available hours: 11:00am-5:00pm
Muskmelon
Price: ¥4,950
With generous cuts of fresh premium muskmelon, complemented with muskmelon gelee and fresh whipped cream from Omuta in Kyushu, this dainty is like an elaborately crafted cake.
Watermelon
Price: ¥2,500
*June 6-July 31, 2025
A luxury shaved ice dessert that encases generous chunks of premium watermelon from Tottori. Delight in the clear taste and mellow texture of precious naturally-frozen spring-water ice from the mountains of Nikko and rich and juicy watermelon grown with plenty of sunshine.
The watermelon brands used vary by the month.
- During June: "Tomari Bijin"
A brand known for its fine-textured flesh and delicate sweetness. Delight in the tantalizing fragrance and juicy refreshing taste. - During July: "Daiei"
One of the most well-known watermelon brands in Tottori, Daiei boasts a crunchy texture and rich sweetness that will make you forget the summer heat.
- Prices include tax and are subject to service charge.