Tokyo summers are terribly hot and horribly humid. We seek refuge in kakigōri, shave ice, topped with toppings sweetened condensed milk, mattcha, azuki beans, and fruit preserves. The only problem with going out for kakigōri is that this time of year there are usually long lines, often outdoors. We beat the heat at home with a kakigōri machine so we can have shave ice any time.

Look for kakigōri machines at electronic shops like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera.

This machine came with two plastic cups for freezing water for ice. The recipe book also suggests freezing milk with sweetened condensed milk and strawberry jam that is then shaved. We have been fun playing around with the variations. My favorite so far is this rhubarb jam and sweetened condensed milk.

If you are visiting Japan, look for small flags with this kanji 氷 (kakigōri) in front of their shops.