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
Visit the restaurant's website
Period: Until late September, 2026 (tentative/varies for some items)
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.
Matcha
Price: ¥2,800
Shaved naturally-frozen ice hides mini bean jam-stuffed mochi and bean gelée, and is topped with matcha-kudzu sauce. Experience the true summer dessert with the most classic combination of traditional Japanese flavors.
Watermelon
Price: ¥3,025 (Available June 8-late July)
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.
Mango
Price: ¥2,800
A fruity combination of fresh mango chunks, mango gelée, kuromitsu syrup gelée, and mango-kudzu sauce.
All-day Dining SATSUKI
Visit the restaurant's website
Period: Until late August, 2026
Available hours: 11:00am-5:00pm
Pineapple
Price: ¥3,025
Pamper yourself with this sumptuous dessert packed with tropical flavors. Half a fresh pineapple is stuffed with shaved ice, sago pearls coated in coconut jelly, and pineapple chunks marinated in honey and lime peel, all topped with generous drizzles of pineapple sauce and coconut sauce.
- Prices include tax and are subject to service charge.