Korekaki Kore ga Kakigori, hereafter called Korekaki, is a shaved ice and snow cone specialty cafe in the tourist and historic town of Kawagoe. Shaved ice is very popular in Japan, commonly served from a food van between the months of April and September. You could also get it as a dessert in several restaurants. However, a few years ago, cafes dedicated to serving the frozen treat all year round opened up around Japan.
Korekaki is still relatively new at almost two years old. It wasn't the first shaved ice cafe to open in Kawagoe, but it soon became the most popular. During the summer months, it is not uncommon to see long lines form outside the cafe. The cafe isn't particularly large, but they have a selection of eleven flavors at any given time, with at least one "limited edition" flavor, too.
They are not cheap with prices starting from 900 yen. A snow cone in a family restaurant or food van will cost half that. But Korekaki's portions are very generous. I personally couldn't finish one myself and usually share with one of my children. Korekaki uses real fruit pieces for the toppings and natural ice that is especially prepared for the cafe. The most popular flavor is mango, though strawberry cream is my personal favorite.
The cafe is quite small, so the vast majority of people take out. There is a small seating area outside or you can walk and eat as many people do in the Kawagoe tourist area. If you are dining in, the tatami seating area is a good spot. It has a view of the small garden.The cafe is located on one route that links Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine to the main tourist district with the old storehouses. It is a great spot to stop for a rest and cool down while touring Kawagoe in the summer months.
And wow, that's gourmet kakigori. I've had kakigori, but this is another level.