The Fusion of Tradition: Exclusive Summer Shaved Ice from Tamanohikari Sake Brewery

A Unique Summer Delight: Shaved Ice at Tamanohikari Sake Brewery

This summer, an extraordinary collaboration emerges between two renowned “kura” or sake breweries in Japan, offering a refreshing take on the traditional Japanese dessert – shaved ice. Tamanohikari Sake Brewery, with a rich history of over 350 years in Fushimi, Kyoto, proudly announces the launch of its summer-exclusive shaved ice from July 7th, 2026, at its sake lees specialty store, Junmai Sakukasu Tamanohikari.

A Summer-Exclusive Experience

The shaved ice will be available for a limited period from July to September, showcasing a delightful combination of sake lees and sake, paired with the delicate texture of natural ice. Each serving promises a sophisticated and luxurious taste that is sure to cool off the summer heat.

The natural ice, sourced from the Southern Alps in Yamanashi Prefecture, is crafted solely through the winter's cold temperatures, resulting in a rare and pristine product from Kura Motohachigi. This natural ice boasts high transparency and minimal impurities, contributing to its remarkably fluffy texture. Such ice is becoming increasingly rare in Japan, making this dessert a truly special offering.

The development and supervision of this product have been led by Nagano’s Nakacho Ice Confectionery Store, renowned for its unique creations utilizing Kura Motohachigi natural ice. This popular shop, with locations in Matsumoto City and Yoyogi Uehara, has garnered a dedicated following across the nation for its delicious shaved ice crafted from carefully selected seasonal ingredients.

With the perfect fusion of sake lees born from the brewery’s fermentation techniques, high-quality natural ice, and the artistry of a popular dessert shop, we invite you to savor an exclusive icy treat this summer.

Featured Summer Shaved Ice Variants

1. Yukihime / Ripe Strawberry - Priced at 2,300 yen (tax included)
- A lavish serving featuring sake lees cream and fresh strawberries. Made with a strawberry sauce prepared from fresh fruits, this delightful dish balances the rich creaminess of sake lees with the vibrant tartness of strawberries, creating an experience akin to indulging in a whole ripe strawberry.

2. Sake Lees Tiramisu Brûlée - Priced at 2,300 yen (tax included)
- A treat for adults, this variant combines sake lees custard made from rice flour with coffee, featuring a caramelized top reminiscent of traditional tiramisu. The addition of passion fruit sauce adds a layer of tartness, enhancing the overall flavor and elevating the cooling experience akin to enjoying a frozen cake.

3. Green Plum Black Tea - Priced at 2,300 yen (tax included)
- Recommended by the 14th sake master, Yosuke Haba, this offering uses a decadent sauce made from green plums instead of the regular plum syrup, allowing the refreshing acidity and fruitiness of the plums to shine. The elegant aroma of black tea is amplified and finished with a spritz of sake, creating a refined and invigorating experience perfect for the hot Kyoto summer.

A Vision for Sake Culture

Yosuke Haba, 14th Sake Master of Tamanohikari:
When considering what sake breweries can offer in the summer, I wanted to present a fresh way to enjoy sake lees. Often, sake lees are associated with winter; however, they pair wonderfully with dairy products and tangy fruits. This shaved ice project aims to highlight the rich aroma and flavor we can enjoy in the lighter form perfect for summer.

Nagano, Owner of Nakacho Ice Confectionery:
Upon receiving the opportunity for this collaboration, I immediately recognized that there are shaved ice types unique to sake breweries. While sake lees have a distinctive aroma and depth of flavor, they risk becoming heavy if not balanced properly. Therefore, we focused on maintaining the delicate texture of the natural ice to create a harmonious experience throughout. Each variant—especially ‘Yukihime / Ripe Strawberry’—captures the perfect synergy of sake lees and fruit; ‘Sake Lees Tiramisu Brûlée’ conveys the depth of flavor in the sake lees, while ‘Green Plum Black Tea’ represents the unique enjoyment of sake in a refreshing manner.

We are excited to bring this natural ice shaved ice experience to life in the sake region of Fushimi, Kyoto. We hope this offering provides new discoveries for both shaved ice enthusiasts and sake lovers alike.

Bringing Sake Closer Through Shaved Ice

Junmai Sakukasu Tamanohikari aims to connect sake culture with the wider community, offering an innovative way to enjoy sake for both enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with the world of sake. This initiative seeks to suggest new possibilities for sake lees and sake by linking the sake industry with shaved ice fans nationwide. Join us this summer for a once-in-a-lifetime dessert adventure.