Kadoya Kakigōri

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.