#Japan #Tokyo #Tottori Watermelon #KATO'S DINING #Nikkou Natural Ice

A Refreshing Taste of Summer at Hotel New Otani

As summer approaches, the luxurious flavor of seasonal delights arrives. Hotel New Otani in Tokyo presents the new Edosuki-style Kakigori featuring the rare Tottori watermelon and Nikkou natural ice, available at KATO'S DINING & BAR until late July 2026.

On June 7, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the onset of the rainy season in the Kanto and Tokai regions. With high temperatures recorded since May, a mix of humidity and heat is expected to make the days feel even more uncomfortable. In response, KATO'S DINING & BAR is serving delightful kakigori made with traditional Nikkou natural ice, allowing you to cool down and savor the essence of summer. Following the successful launch after Golden Week, a new flavor featuring the premium Tottori watermelon will be introduced on June 8.

The Secret Behind the Shaved Ice's Irresistible Taste

The star of the new Edosuki-style kakigori is the fluffy Nikkou natural ice, considered a gift from nature. This ice is created through a traditional method where spring water from a mountainous region is allowed to freeze naturally without any interference, then wrapped in sawdust and stored until summer. This meticulous process results in crystal-clear ice that, when shaved, has an incredibly light texture, resembling cotton candy. The smooth mouthfeel of this ice ensures that you won’t experience the dreaded “brain freeze,” allowing you to enjoy the delightful sweetness throughout.

A Breathtaking Contrast of Flavors and Textures

The new Edosuki-style Kakigori with Watermelon, launched on June 8, is a vibrant treat designed to stamp out the summer heat. Fluffy natural ice serves as a base for marinated watermelon in elderflower syrup, topped with generous slices of juicy watermelon, allowing you to experience a refreshing taste and crunchy texture. The hint of basil adds a refreshing twist, bringing a crisp finish to this summer delight. Finally, it is drizzled with a watermelon starch syrup to amplify the deliciousness of fresh watermelon in every bite.

Notably, the watermelon is sourced carefully, showcasing two varieties throughout the summer. In June, Tomari Bijin from the central Tottori region will be served, a rare breed cultivated by only six producers, known for its delicate sweetness and fresh aftertaste. In July, the spotlight will switch to Daiwa Watermelon, boasting over a century of cultivation history, with its pleasantly crunchy texture and rich sweetness. These expertly crafted watermelons, combined with the gentle Nikkou natural ice, create a mesmerizing kakigori experience.

Classic Flavors Alongside New Innovations

In addition to watermelon, you can also savor the traditional flavor of Matcha at KATO'S DINING & BAR. The Edosuki-style Kakigori with Matcha features a delightful azuki jelly and fluffy Nikkou natural ice layered with chewy small dango, topped off with fragrant matcha starch syrup and matcha powder, making it a great dessert option after any meal.

Furthermore, the Edosuki-style Kakigori with Mango showcases the richness of tropical fruits, featuring luxurious mango flesh and mango jelly. A drizzling of mango starch syrup enhances the vibrant presentation, ensuring each bite bursts with freshness and flavor, beautifully blending traditional Japanese elements with tropical delight.

Enjoy Seasonal Delights and More

KATO'S DINING & BAR offers not just kakigori, but a wide variety of dishes that celebrate the changing seasons, including an exquisite selection of eel dishes from skilled chef Yu Miya, perfect for the summer months. Come and experience full-bodied seasonal flavors paired with fine sake in a casual setting.

Visit Details

The Edosuki-style Kakigori is available until late July 2026, and the matcha and mango flavors are planned to be offered until late September, although they may conclude earlier due to weather conditions.

• - Operating Hours:

- Weekdays: Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM), Dinner 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:00 PM)
- Weekends: Cafe 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Last Order 4:30 PM)

• - Prices:

- Kakigori with Watermelon: ¥3,025
- Kakigori with Matcha / Mango: ¥2,800

For reservations, call 03-3221-2857 (direct line to KATO'S DINING & BAR). Experience the true essence of summer at Hotel New Otani, and delve into the refreshing world of traditional Japanese kakigori.