Times Of TIU

Writer: Rikio Y.
Editor: Natsumi K.
Translator: Manato I.

Summers in Japan can be brutal with temperatures above 35°C(95°F) and the humidity makes it even worse. This heat can lead to dehydration so make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. However, staying hydrated isnt the only way to stay cool, Japan offers a variety of refreshing summer foods that help cool the body and lift the spirit. These seasonal treats are not only delicious but also play a key role in cooling off in this hot, humid weather. Here are some places we recommend going to that are in the Ikebukuro area that not only taste delicious but are also refreshing. 

Shave Ice: 

Hya Torori
Address: 3 Chome-19-11 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021

A less than 5 minute walk from the station, Hya Torori is a shaved ice shop with a soft flakey snow texture. It is known for its beautifully presented shaved ice with a variety of flavors. If you are a big fan of condensed milk with fruits, I would highly recommend this spot 

Kyohayashiya Ikebukuroten

Address: 1 Chome−28−1 ヨドバシHD池袋ビル 8F Dining Park Ikebukuro, Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-8569

Connected to Ikebukuro station is this dessert cafe and one of its best sellers is its matcha-based shaved ice. They use high quality matcha and fresh fruits which tastes delightful and helps you cool off. 

Smoothies: 

Karin

Address: 3 Chome−1−2 Sunshine City Alpha 1F, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013

I am sure, many students walk past this smoothie shop located in Sunshine City that is located near Muji. If you have not tried it yet, you are missing out! They make all their smoothies with only fresh fruits which makes it naturally sweet. They also offer a seasonal menu that changes each season depending on what fruit is currently in season. 

Seattles Best Coffee Ikebukuro Sunshine 60 Shop

Address:  3 Chome−1 Sunshine City Sunshine 60 1F, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013

Although this place does not specialize in smoothies, it is a cafe located in Sunshine city that lots of students dont know about. It not only offers delicious coffee and tea, but they also offer a drink called a “Fruit Kula”. I personally have been to this store many times and always get the Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Kula, it is sweet, refreshing and tart. They also have other flavors such as mango, cookies and cream, coffee, and more. 

Ice Cream: 

Cafe Racines Farm to Park

Address: 2 Chome-21-1 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0022

Cafe Racines Farm to Park is a cafe that offers food, drinks, donuts, and ice cream. I highly recommend getting their donuts and ice cream because they offer flavors that you dont see everywhere else. such as Royal Milk tea, Valrhona Chocolate and more. They also offer seasonal flavors that change every now and then. Whenever I stop by here, I love to get the waffle with a scoop of ice cream on top. The combination of warm savory from the waffle and cold sweet from the ice cream is to die for. 

Whether you are craving soft and flakey shaved ice, or a naturally sweet smoothie, or the comfort of ice cream, the Ikebukuro area has anything you could possibly want that will help you survive the summer heat this season. They not only offer tasty treats that satisfy your sweet tooth but also as a great break from a long hard day at school or work. That being said though, no matter how delicious and tempting these are, the most important thing is to drink water and stay hydrated!