Konohana

One visitor to Konohana, near the south gate of Kitano Tenmangu, remembered the shaved ice for its wonderfully light texture from the very first spoonful. They chose peach, and found sauce both on top and further down in the bowl; extra sauce served on the side let them add more sweetness as they ate. Other fruit flavours on the menu include kiwi, mango, blueberry and strawberry. Another diner who tried the peach added shiratama (soft rice-flour dumplings), which they said went well with the juicy peach syrup.

For something less fruity, classic shaved-ice flavours include Uji, kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and mizore, as well as a two-tone Uji and kuromitsu, and kuromitsu with kinako (roasted soybean flour). One visitor who ordered matcha shaved ice with kintoki (sweet red bean paste) and shiratama remarked on its generous portion and the syrup that remained as they ate. Shiratama and condensed milk are also listed as toppings, so you can add an extra touch to suit your taste.

There is warm zenzai for colder days, too. The menu describes it as a sweet red bean soup made with brown-rice mochi; one visitor recalled two piping-hot grilled rice cakes in a rich bean paste. Other sweet options include chilled cream zenzai with matcha ice cream and mitsumame, a dish of agar jelly served with seasonal fruit. The choice spans warm and chilled desserts, with different additions to choose from.

For a meal, the menu includes set meals with yudofu (hot-pot tofu), seasoned mixed rice and udon. Whether you want a more substantial meal before or after visiting Kitano Tenmangu, or a sweet treat and a pause, Konohana offers options to match the occasion.