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Kadoya Kakigōri

The perfect sweet for Japan's scorching summer

Quick Look

Food

Indoor

About

Kakigōri, Japanese shaved ice is japan's elegant answer to the summer heat. While you may find it all over Japan, none compare to the mastery of Kadoya, a hidden gem in Osaka that serves what I believe is the finest Kakigōri in all of Japan.

Must Do's

Cool down with their legendary kakigōri

Experience a classic japanese favourite, the monaka

Key Info

cost

accessibility

uniqueness

*Learn more about my Key Information methadology here.

Cost

Despite its legendary status, a visit to Kadoya is remarkably easy on the wallet. With Kadoya's kakigōri priced between ¥400 and ¥700, it is an incredible steal that delivers unparalleled taste for the money.

Accessibility

Getting there is very straightforward. It's just a short 6-minute walk from the Sembayashiomiya subway station.

Uniqueness

One of the things I love most about Kadoya is its incredible variety of kakigōri. The menu features a rotating selection of flavors that change with the seasons, ensuring there's always something new to try. You know it's a true local favorite when the shop is consistently packed, with over 80% of the customers being Japanese.

My Experience

Tucked away in a local Osaka neighborhood is Kadoya, a beloved mom-and-pop kakigōri shop that feels like a well-kept secret. Despite blending into its surroundings, its camouflage did little to deter the long line I found waiting after rush hour. The crowd was almost exclusively Japanese, which only confirmed its status as a genuine local favorite. As a huge fan of kakigōri, I can't think of a better summer treat to beat the heat. I ordered the strawberry kakigori, a popular menu item during the hot summer days. If you're not a fan of strawberry, they also have many other popular menu items, such as lychee and Shine Muscat. The flavors change throughout the seasons, and I'm sure that you'll find some interesting and unique flavors any time of the year! In fact, it was so good that I decided to give their other popular item a shot: the monaka. Imagine an ice cream sandwich where the wafers are replaced with light, crisp, cone-like shells. I chose the classic vanilla filling, and it was the perfect sweet note to end my day. I can't recommend Kadoya enough if you want to experience a truly authentic Japanese dessert. The amazing flavor is matched only by its affordability, making it an incredible place you won't want to miss during your trip to Osaka.