About a month ago, I happened to come across a restaurant on Instagram and followed it out of curiosity. I found out that it was opening on May 29th, so I made a reservation and went on the opening day. I met up with a friend in Shinjuku, and when we went down to the basement floor via the elevator, we were amazed by how stylish the interior was. The combination of traditional Japanese and Western-style rooms gave a very clean and elegant vibe. We were guided to our seats by polite and charming staff, one of whom I had seen on social media before, which was a pleasant surprise. Although I knew this place was famous for its shaved ice, I couldn't resist ordering their parfait. I also ordered some baked goods. We ordered the following items: - Omiya Million Parfait: 1,650 yen - Assorted Matcha Baked Goods: 1,320 yen - Kanjo: Happiness Scent: 400 yen We arrived at 4:00 PM. The baked goods arrived in about 10 minutes, and the parfait arrived after 30 minutes. The assortment of matcha baked goods was like a wonderland of different treats all featuring matcha. Each treat had a unique flavor and texture, but all clearly showcased the essence of matcha. I particularly enjoyed the matcha terrine. Next up was the parfait, which was the ultimate version of what a parfait should be with a variety of textures to enjoy. Despite being sweet, it wasn't overwhelming. The surprise of the bracken rice cake caught me off guard, and the sesame senbei added a nice touch throughout. I left the restaurant feeling extremely satisfied. Another great thing about the place was that each table had an outlet, making it a great spot to relax and take a break. I can't wait to visit again!

I visited the tea house Okuman Hanare, located just a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station! This was my third visit to the tea house Okuman, which recently moved to this new location. The place is now even closer to the station, making it very convenient to access. Despite the rainy season approaching, it was a perfect day for shaved ice. The tea house Okuman Hanare has been receiving a lot of attention on social media, so I was excited to finally visit. The entrance is on the 2nd basement floor of a building next to a crepe shop. As you enter, you are greeted by a setting that feels like the Edo period, with exposed tiles on the walls and cute lanterns hanging with the tea house Okuman name. I used the electronic reservation system to wait for my turn, and I was quickly seated at the counter. The interior of the tea house is beautifully designed, with mirrors on the walls, sliding doors leading to a garden displayed on a monitor, and traditional Japanese elements mixed with modern touches. I ordered the Melon and Rose and the Okuman Matcha Parfait. The Melon and Rose shaved ice was a work of art, with fresh melon slices and rose cream creating a delightful combination. The Okuman Matcha Parfait was a green-themed masterpiece, with layers of agar, matcha jelly, cotton mochi, kinako ice cream, and various toppings. The parfait was like a journey through different textures and flavors of matcha. The attention to detail in the interior, as well as the delicious shaved ice and parfait, truly showcased the craftsmanship of the tea house. Most customers were enjoying the Apricot and Almond Milk flavors, which I look forward to trying on my next visit. It was a delightful experience, and I highly recommend it!

It's so popular that when I made an online reservation, there were 30 groups ahead of me. But I didn't have to wait on site, as they would notify me when my turn was approaching. It was great because I could do what I liked until then. The shop is located underground, but it looks like there are windows with a Kyoto-like atmosphere and soothing music playing. The shop is not very spacious... Many menu items were sold out, but I ordered the grilled corn shaved ice and the Tsuri-dono (roasted green tea). I was surprised by the appearance, but it was really delicious! Even though it's a dessert, the slight saltiness and corn sauce go well together... It's amazing to discover that. It wasn't very hot that day, so I felt a bit chilly while eating, but I finished with hot tea. I'm satisfied. The seating is limited to 1 hour, so you can't really take your time.

Today, there was no waiting in line so I decided to go quickly. I was able to enter right away without waiting! It seems like it's not too crowded before lunchtime on weekdays. The two shaved ice flavors I wanted to try were zunda and miso mascarpone, and amazake hebesu. Hmm, since you can also get "amazake hebesu" at Okunoshibuya, I decided on zunda!! I didn't have to think too much today (laughs). Here it is! It has a stronger milk flavor than zunda, so it would be even better if there was a bit more zunda flavor. (I wish they would put zunda inside, or make shaved ice with zunda mochi). The hidden sesame senbei inside is a really nice accent with a strong presence. The lump that came out from the bottom towards the end is probably miso bean paste, which is salty, so it seems like the best way to eat it is to let it melt. As a sweet and salty shaved ice, I personally really liked it. Thank you for the meal. I would like to go again when I can go quickly without waiting.

I visited Shinjuku Chara Ryo for the first time. I made a reservation through the reservation system site after jumping from Instagram. I was satisfied that there was no waiting area underground, which was convenient in the hot summer. The interior of the restaurant was clean and surprisingly small. I looked at the menu before sitting down or entering the restaurant. They told me it's time to leave as soon as I finished eating. That's why the turnover is fast. The shaved ice was delicious. The ice was fluffy and I could eat it quickly. It became a summer memory.

The entrance is a bit hard to find and the inside of the shop is usually crowded, but surprisingly you don't have to wait long to get in on weekdays or weekends. This place is known for its creative shaved ice. It would be better if the entrance area was a bit more organized. The ice might be a bit watery, but the service is quick and well-managed. The tables with tatami mats are lovely, and they also serve warm tea, which adds to the overall satisfaction. I tried the peach and Japanese black tea cheese tea, which was a limited-time item nearing its end, but it was a very high-quality shaved ice. Thank you for the meal!

I was immediately drawn to the menu item "Edamame and Miso Mascarpone Shaved Ice". Edamame, miso, mascarpone - this collaboration must work well together, no doubt about it! There were also shaved ice options with corn, grapes, regular hojicha milk, and Uji sweet potato, but I quickly decided on this one. The shaved ice that arrived was piled high, covered with plenty of milk. The creamy green of the edamame and the light brown of the miso looked very appetizing. The shaved ice had a slightly crunchy texture, but the copious amount of milk softened the edges, making it easy to eat. Inside, there was a sesame rice cracker, which added a nice touch. Oh, edamame and miso really go well with milk... The shaved ice was delicious, although it was slightly too sweet. Given the heavy ingredients, reducing the sweetness a bit might make it even better. The sesame rice cracker was a bit of a questionable combination. Sesame has a strong flavor, so it didn't quite match perfectly. Now, reservations, or rather, a numbered ticket, are required. It's convenient to get the ticket online. I was 30th in line, but I was called in about an hour. The restaurant is located on the B2F of an old mixed-use building. I wonder if there was no other available space... It was a bit strange, haha.

The peach and black tea cheese tea (1870 yen) we received this time did not seem worth the price. There were about 10 real peaches in it, which was good, but they were not very sweet. The cheese tea was different from what I had imagined, lacking in sweetness and richness overall. The lack of sweetness in general had a negative impact on the overall impression. The fresh strawberry at the beginning was delicious with plenty of strawberry sauce, but as it went on, the syrup ran out and there was no condensed milk, so the taste became very bland and hard to finish. I found out about the restaurant online and had high expectations because the menu advertised generous portions, but it fell short of my expectations.

It's so empty here, I wonder why it's so quiet. There are people inside, but you can easily enter without getting a ticket. The shaved ice is filled with plenty of fruits and sweet bean paste, so it's never boring. It's the type of shaved ice that fills you up, so it might be perfect for a lunch break during work. The only downside is having to walk down the stairs to leave, and there's a ramen shop on the way that smelled strongly of garlic...

Just outside the southeast exit of Shinjuku Station, you'll find Charyo Okuman Hanare. Originally from Shibamura in Mejiro (famous for their cliff-edge shaved ice), the owner was operating a pop-up shaved ice stand in a Shinjuku izakaya, but now they have a physical store called "Hanare". The location is on the basement floor 2 next to a building where Nagano Shokudo is located. It may seem shady being underground, but trust me, it's real. During peak summer season, they only accept reservations through their website. To get a spot, follow their Instagram for updates. When your turn approaches, you'll be called into the store, and you can browse the menu while waiting in the underground passageway. I knew their shaved ice had a Japanese twist, so I opted for the grilled corn shaved ice for 1650 yen. The grilled corn shaved ice looked exactly like a corn on the cob. The first spoonful felt like biting into a real corn, with a sweet corn-like taste that was perfect for summer. As you dig in, you'll find actual corn kernels packed inside, maintaining the corn flavor throughout. The addition of soy milk sauce and milk provided a nice balance of saltiness, keeping the taste interesting. Apart from their popular Uji Kin Toki and strawberry flavors, they offer a variety of seasonal and unique options. It's a hidden gem that may not stand out, but it's a popular spot for a reason, so don't expect to walk in without a wait.

▪️Shop Name: [Saryo Okuman Hanare] A renowned dessert shop by Mr. Yasumasa Era, who hails from the famous "Mejiro Shimura" in Tokyo, is now located in Shinjuku. I visited this place based on a recommendation from a follower. I reserved a ticket online around 9 AM and visited the shop at 10 AM, allowing me to enter immediately. - What I Ordered: Peach and Japanese Black Tea Cheese Tea (¥1870) The shaved ice arrived in about 9 minutes. It had a generous portion and a fine texture of ice fibers. The top was adorned with ripe peaches and green Japanese black tea syrup, creating a striking appearance. The peach flesh was thick, rich, and naturally sweet. The combination of cheese cream and sweet bean paste added a rich flavor, but the Japanese black tea milk tea syrup and peach jelly provided a refreshing touch to balance the taste. It is recommended to eat it quickly as the ice tends to melt, leaving a strong flavor of the white bean paste at the bottom. I ate it slowly, and some liquid remained, but it was delicious! I also became interested in the corn shaved ice and would like to revisit the shop. Thank you for the meal! ✂︎┈┈┈┈┈Shop Information┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ▪️Location: B2F Kirin Building, 3-36-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo ▪️Nearest Station: Approximately 1 minute walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit ▪️Business Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Last Order 18:30) ▪️Regular Holiday: Irregular

Reservation is required! When you register, you will be called at the scheduled time. The strawberry jam was delicious and the peaches were juicy and tasty. They were made to be delicious even when melted, but I couldn't finish them all... By the end, my body was completely chilled haha. I was interested in the corn shaved ice, so I want to try it next time. You can't linger at a shaved ice shop, so it's a quick eat and leave kind of vibe.

I visited a shaved ice shop I saw on Instagram that offers private rooms. I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting a spacious area. The counter near the entrance is in a tight spot, so it's better to wait for other seats to become available. The grilled corn flavored shaved ice was not very impressive as it was quite bland. The white bean paste part was sweet and delicious. The shop is located on the basement floor, down a steep staircase, which made it difficult to climb back up after finishing the shaved ice.

You can make reservations online. When I tried to make a reservation for Saturday at 1:00 PM, there were 100 people ahead of me! I couldn't tell how long it would take, so I called and asked how long it would take if there were 100 people ahead of me, and they said 4-5 hours... However, in reality, the wait was just a little over 2 hours. I ordered a corn shaved ice, and it was surprisingly delicious. I was impressed! ✨✨

Corn shaved ice?? That's what I thought when I visited! But trust me, it's delicious! You'll want to tell everyone about this shaved ice! You can make a reservation for the same day in the morning on Instagram, so you can reduce your wait time. It's currently the best shaved ice in Shinjuku!

This is a popular restaurant with a 2-3 hour wait on weekends. I obtained a pre-arranged ticket online and visited for the first time! On this day, I came for my favorite corn shaved ice. - Grilled Corn Corn Milk/Soy Milk Soy Sauce/Grilled Corn/Soy Sauce Cream Red Bean Paste The corn paste with a grainy texture goes well with the sweet and salty soy milk soy sauce. However, the milk runs out quickly, which is a bit disappointing. The ice is roughly shaved by a machine and melts easily. 20 minutes after serving, it had turned into water. There were also many chunks of plain ice, so I found it a bit expensive at 1,650 yen. - Fresh Strawberry Strawberry Confit/Strawberry Syrup/Milk Espuma/Milk/White Bean Paste The strawberry confit with plenty of sugar was very sweet. The white bean paste and espuma were also sweet, giving me a slight heartburn. Personally, I don't like artificial sweetness much, so it didn't really appeal to me. Sorry to those who like it! The way the ice was shaved was quite messy, causing an avalanche from the shaving stage. I wish they would do it a bit more properly. It's convenient to be able to get a ticket at home, which is a plus. Okunoshibuya in Yoyogi Park seems to have a better reputation, so maybe I'll try that next time? Looking at reviews, it seems like there are hits and misses, and this day might have been a miss. No repeat visit for me! Menu items tried on this day/Favorites: - Grilled Corn - 1,650 yen - Fresh Strawberry - 1,540 yen [From Tabelog] Rating: 3.08 Business Hours: 10:00-18:30 (last order) Closed: Irregular Reservation: Required Budget: 1,500 yen and up Address: Kirin Building B2F, 3-36-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Thank you for reading until the end. If you enjoyed the review, I would be happy if you could like and follow! I post gourmet content on Instagram every day, so I would be grateful if you could check it out. Instagram @mogu.gourmet

I had a shaved ice with apricot and almond milk, along with a blended coffee. The shaved ice was fluffy, with a perfect harmony of apricot's acidity, almond milk's richness, and caramel sauce's sweetness. It was delicious, and despite its large size, I finished it all. The customers seemed to be in their 20s to 30s, on the younger side. The shop was small, so it may not be a place to relax, but the taste is great for a date. Not really family-friendly.

I wanted to eat a summer-like dessert, so I looked up a shaved ice shop in the Shinjuku area and decided to visit on a whim. Good points: The taste is great. I never expected to find such delicious shaved ice at such a reasonable price, so I was impressed. The strawberry milk flavor had fresh strawberries with a perfect sweetness that wasn't artificial, but very natural and delicious. The ice was fluffy and tasty, similar to Taiwanese shaved ice, and the balance of syrup and milk was well thought out. Also, towards the end when the ice starts to melt and the flavor weakens, there was white bean paste at the bottom to maintain the sweetness and deliciousness until the very end. It was really well made and very delicious, so if you're just considering the taste, it's highly recommended. Bad points: It's located in the basement of a mixed-use building, and I had a bad feeling about it, but since the interior photos on Tabelog were very nice, I thought it would be okay. However, it was not great. It's not extremely dirty, but it's quite cramped, with seats close to the next table, and the tables and menu sheets, although wiped with a cloth, didn't give a very hygienic feeling. It's a popular shop with long wait times, and they try to turn over customers quickly, but there's no sense of cleanliness, calmness, or the soothing atmosphere you would expect in a cafe. I couldn't relax at all. After finishing my meal, I wanted to leave the restaurant as soon as possible. The taste is perfect, so it's hard to evaluate, but if we consider only the taste, I think a rating of 4.0 stars would be appropriate. Thank you for the meal.

The ticket system allows for tickets to be issued both in-store and online, but there have been cases where people couldn't make it on time due to cancellations or train delays, causing the order to come much sooner than the estimated wait time provided by the store. When the turn was approaching, a notification would be sent via LINE, but I didn't notice it right away and didn't know when it was sent, so I rushed to the store only to find out I was over an hour early. I tried to inquire about the situation, but a man who seemed like the manager treated me like a complainer. Feeling upset by his rude attitude, I hesitated to get a new ticket, but eventually did, and entered the store over 3 and a half hours later. I didn't see the rude man, but all the female staff were polite and efficient, which was nice. The shaved ice is served fairly quickly. It's not made from natural ice so it's very cold. The air conditioning gradually made it feel even colder, so lingering in the store wasn't an option. The most popular flavor seemed to be grilled corn, followed by the classic strawberry, but I chose pineapple and black sugar. It was delicious, and I wanted to try others, but it's hard to time it right! By the way, the shaving was done by a woman. (Isn't it the master's shave?)

・Peach and Japanese Red Tea Cheese Tea ¥1,870 including tax Located just a 2-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station South Exit, this shaved ice specialty shop is owned by a well-known figure in the shaved ice world. Originally located in Shinjuku, the shop has now opened here as "hanare". However, the location of this shop is really hard to find. Despite checking the location on an Instagram video, I ended up entering through the emergency exit and surprising the staff (lol). It's really hard to find, but the proper entrance is to take the elevator to B2, so be careful of the directions if you plan to visit. This popular shaved ice shop has been extensively talked about, so I won't go into details. I visited on a weekday afternoon and there was almost no wait. Upon entering the shop, you choose your menu and are then seated. Unlike the previous shop, there are no private rooms, but rather individual seats along the spacious walls and a few tables for groups. As for the shaved ice, there are about 3 regular menu items and 4 limited-time items. After much deliberation, I decided on the seasonal peach shaved ice. It was really delicious. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed. I ordered the Peach and Japanese Red Tea Cheese Tea. I apologize for the poor photo quality that doesn't do it justice. The actual dish is much more beautiful. The peach on top was incredibly sweet and tasty. Underneath was a rich mascarpone cheese that contrasted perfectly with the light and fluffy shaved ice. As you eat, you discover peach pieces within the shaved ice, along with a concentrated peach jelly that had a texture similar to water yokan. Towards the end, when the shaved ice starts to melt, you find white bean paste at the bottom, providing a sweet finish instead of just water. The shaved ice was well thought out until the very end. You might wonder what Japanese Red Tea is, but it had a unique aroma that wasn't quite red tea or green tea, complementing the peach without overwhelming it. Warm hojicha tea was also served, making for a nice hot finish. The young and shaved ice-loving staff provided good service. The only downside was the really hard-to-find location. I wish they would advertise more. Thank you for the meal.

I decided to go to this shop where they issue online queue tickets starting from 8 am, so I wouldn't have to wait in the scorching heat. I got my ticket before 9 am and was called around 2 pm, finally getting to eat around 3 pm. The shop was quite small and hot as it was underground. I ordered a peach and Japanese red tea cheese tea. It had a strong flavor and was delicious, but it melted quickly.

I made a reservation before noon and there were 90 groups ahead of me, but I was called in 4 hours. Corn ice. The corn kernels were still there, and you could really taste the corn, which was delicious. It was tasty, but there was only a little soy cream. I wish there was a bit more! It would be even better if there were additional toppings available.