Established in 1903, the long-established Western confectionery shop "Tamaya" has a lineage of "shaved ice." It is said to be a famous shaved ice shop in Imabari during the summer. Located on the basement floor of Tobu Plaza in Ikebukuro. It was previously a sweet potato dessert shop, and before that, it was the location of "Hawaiian Sweets Company," which is currently operating in the main building basement. I had planned to visit several times, but it was quite crowded, so I hesitated to go in alone. Even though it was September, it was still hot like midsummer. Fortunately, I made it in time. I ordered the "Uji Matcha Sweet Potato Milk" (1,000 yen) - as shown in the photo. The appearance is also nice. The ice is described as "soft, moist, and fluffy snow-like," delicate and gentle. The harmony of the homemade sweet bean paste and the richly selected matcha flavor is convincing. The greatness of this shaved ice lies in its consistent taste from start to finish. There are hardly any irregularities, and it is stable. It is smooth and has a fluffy snow-like texture, achieved by shaking and whipping the shaved ice like Tamaya's gelato. I believe that the process of shaking and whipping also contributes to the uniformity of the taste. It was a cooling and delicious treat. Thank you for the meal. Although I have written "Tamaya" or "玉屋," the most familiar name in the local area is likely "Tamaya Santonore." This is just my impression from browsing online information. (By Kyonatsu Shuusora, 2023.9.15)

Milkshake for 850 yen Got some sweets information from Anego! What's this? A new store from Ehime has opened in Ikebukuro Tobu B1F? It seems to be a shop with the concept of "fluffy, moist. But, shaved ice." Ikebukuro is a convenient station where you can transfer easily by going around for ramen! Let's go today! Woah woah woah woah... Woah woah woah woah... Woah woah woah woah... Me: Excuse me, I heard that there is a shaved ice shop called Tamaya on the basement floor. Guide: Ah, if it's Tamaya, it's not in this building. You need to leave here and go a little further... After a bit of a struggle, I finally arrived. It was around midday on a weekday, so the store was about half full. There are 4 counter seats and 2 small tables for 2 people. First, I ordered at the counter, paid in advance, received a number tag, waited, and when my number was called, I exchanged the tag for the item. When leaving, I threw away the cup and spoon in the trash by myself. I ordered the most popular item, the "Milkshake," and waited for a bit at a vacant seat. After about 3 minutes, my number was called, and I got the item! Now, let's try it... It was smooth and had a fluffy texture. It felt like a mix of gelato and shaved ice. Personally, if I didn't know, I would accept it as gelato. As for the taste, it was quite sweet. I prefer a stronger fresh milk flavor. Well, it was delicious though. Thank you for the meal. Since it was my first visit, I tried the recommended Milkshake, but I'm curious about combinations like Mascarpone or fruits... It's very easy to stop by due to its location, so a revisit is definitely possible!

Today I had work in Ikebukuro. The meeting went well, so I treated myself to some victory shaved ice! I went to Tamaya, which was recommended by my wife. The main store is located in Imabari City, but this one is in Tobu Ikebukuro Department Store B1, where the prices are a bit high, around 1,000 yen. The staff, especially the energetic girl, was very nice. There were many flavors to choose from, but I settled on milk coffee. Surprisingly, it was ready in 2-3 minutes. The milk coffee shaved ice was elegant and rich in Papiko coffee flavor, with a crunchy texture. Unlike traditional shaved ice where syrup is poured on top, here the flavors were evenly mixed. It felt like a luxurious Papiko experience! Perfect for resetting in hot weather. I wonder if the other flavors are just as good. I'm curious. Thank you for the meal.

This year, a new store called Tamaya, specializing in shaved ice, opened in Tobu Ikebukuro. The store comes from Imabari, Ehime, and offers a unique twist on shaved ice - the syrup is already mixed in! The shaved ice is not the typical fluffy texture, but rather more like a gourmet version of ice pops or ice cream bars. I tried the Shine Muscat flavor, and it was incredibly sweet and rich, with chunks of grapes. The dining area may be a bit plain, but the experience is definitely interesting, so it's worth trying at least once!

A small shaved ice shop located in Tobu Ikebukuro Store with a quite narrow space. It was featured in the Tabelog magazine recently. On a hot summer day in the crowded subway concourse, I wanted to cool off a bit so I hurried in. There were a few customers already inside, including a solo male customer. I chose the most popular item, the milkshake flavor. The ice was not fluffy but rather delicate and moist, melting quickly in the mouth. The slightly sweet milkshake flavor was nostalgic. I thought the cup was small, but it was packed full and satisfying. The price was still reasonable compared to the recent high-end shaved ice places. If it's not too crowded, I'd like to visit again to try a different flavor.

Now, Tobu Ikebukuro. After having lunch on a weekday during the Obon holiday, I decided to look for shaved ice before heading home because of the heat. I stumbled upon a poster at Tobu Department Store and decided to try it out. Since it came from Imabari, Ehime, it must be delicious. I ordered the seasonal limited edition Shine Muscat shaved ice, priced at 1000 yen, which is a bit high compared to others priced at 800-900 yen. Despite the hot weather, there was no wait for shaved ice and the store was empty. Perhaps it was because it was a weekday or maybe because of the Obon holiday? I was called in a few minutes with a number tag. As for the taste... the shaved ice itself was not fluffy but more like the old-fashioned kind, like sherbet. The muscat flavor was somewhat present, but it was overly sweet, probably due to the sugar syrup. With no line and no wait, it's clear why no one was there despite the hot weather. The cost performance is poor, and the taste is on par with convenience store quality. I can't really recommend it. No partitions.

Tamaya, known for its strawberry milk ice cream priced at 1,000 yen, is a popular spot that many travelers make a special trip to visit. The main store is located in Ehime, but there is also a branch in Tokyo, which is a common surprise for many. The reviewer first tried the milkshake flavor during a trip and found it to be decent but not outstanding. On a second visit to the branch in Ikebukuro Tobu, they tried the second most popular flavor, strawberry milk. The ice cream here is described as a cross between gelato and shaved ice. While the taste was not bad, the reviewer feels that there are better options available in Tokyo at a similar price point. The portion size is surprisingly large, and the air-conditioned environment can make it quite cold while eating. Some customers ended up not finishing their ice cream due to the cold temperature. The reviewer suggests visiting during warmer weather to enjoy the treat more comfortably.

A kakigori shop that started from a traditional Japanese sweets shop in Ehime Prefecture, with a history of 120 years, opened a store in Tobu Ikebukuro. I tried their most popular item, the "Milkshake". It had a fluffy texture like sherbet or a frappuccino, and was quite substantial. If asked whether it was kakigori, it might be, but the ice itself had flavor and I think it is made by shaving it. Although the shop was not busy, it took quite a while to be ready.

I visited a new shaved ice shop that recently opened. I tried the milkshake and strawberry milk shaved ice, but it felt more like a smoothie. It was like eating a smoothie with a spoon. It melts quite easily. Unlike traditional fluffy shaved ice, it gave me a headache.

#Ikebukuro gourmet#tamaya#kakigoriI couldn't help but be intrigued by the shaved ice at Tamaya, a historic kakigori shop from Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. I saw it on Instagram and made a detour to try it out. It was a bit of a challenge to find the shop in the vast underground of Tobu Department Store, but I was able to order quickly without waiting in line. The seating area is quite small, but since the kakigori sizes are also small, the turnover was fast and there were empty seats available. The most popular flavor is Milkshake for 850 yen. It's a dense shaved ice that resembles velvety snow or gelato, with a rich milk flavor that tastes like Peko-chan's Milky candy. I would love to try it again if I have the chance.★★★★★ Nowadays, shaved ice shops often offer large sizes at high prices, but Tamaya's shaved ice is freshly shaved and in a size that feels affordable, allowing you to enjoy the taste of a renowned shop from Ehime Prefecture.#Ikebukuro#GourmetInstagram#Dessert#Foodie#SoloGourmetAdventure#TodayIsForMyself#Detour#Milkshake#CaloriesDontMatter#FortySomething

When it gets hot, I always crave shaved ice... So, I headed to Tobu Ikebukuro for some. My favorite shaved ice flavors used to be strawberry, but now I prefer matcha. However, when I see a flavor that seems very fruity, I find myself going back to my roots – strawberry. The strawberry syrup here retains the texture of the fruit while being on the sweeter side. The ice is not fluffy, but rather moist and smooth, reminiscent of a granite served as a palate cleanser in a course meal. Honestly, it wasn't that impressive, but the simplicity is nice, so I might crave it occasionally.

Next to Tobu B1, there is a new shaved ice shop called Boulanjue. I went around 5 pm on a weekday and was able to sit down without waiting. I ordered the Mascarpone Blueberry flavor (1100 yen), which is not commonly seen. They serve self-serve lemon water as a complimentary drink. After paying upfront, they give you a number tag. I was called up to the counter in about 5-6 minutes. The shaved ice is quite large (smaller than traditional shaved ice), but it feels heavy when you hold it. When you put it in your mouth, it melts and spreads smoothly, disappearing in an instant. Depending on the flavor you choose, it tastes like frozen yogurt. It's a combination of shaved ice and ice cream, smooth and creamy, yet refreshing and easy to eat a lot, which can be dangerous (^^;). I'll probably visit again during the summer.

There is a small eat-in space in one corner of the department store basement, with a few seats, but the turnover is fast and it seems suitable for eating on the go. I had heard that it was a popular restaurant in Nagoya with long lines, but it was not impressive at all. It is not shaved ice, but more like gelato, although it doesn't quite live up to being gelato, so it ends up being watery and mushy. It was talked about and introduced on social media, but I was not impressed. If you want gelato, it's better to go to Venchi in Ginza. If you want shaved ice, there are plenty of other good shops to choose from.

A shaved ice shop from Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. They opened their first store at Tobu Department Store, in the direction of Lumine. There is a small eat-in area. You pay at the register and receive a number tag. They call out the numbers in order. They give you an idea of the wait time when you make a purchase. This time, I tried the limited edition melon flavor. It came in a cup similar to gelato, with a small portion. It was a bit pricey at 1000 yen. The melon flavor was strong, but the texture was more like shaved sherbet than shaved ice. Thank you for the meal.

Tamaya, which has recently opened its first location in Tokyo, was visited on a Sunday afternoon without any lines. It seems like they are not widely known yet. While it may not be considered traditional shaved ice, it is indeed delicious. It has a unique moist texture that sets it apart, with a moderate level of sweetness that allows you to keep enjoying it. Eating it reminded me of Tiger's Ice Cream Maker, a nostalgic product for those over 50. It was a device that allowed you to make ice cream at home by mixing milk, eggs, and condensed milk, freezing it, and then shaving it into flakes. My memories of childhood came flooding back as I ate, and I almost felt like crying.

Today was so hot that I thought I might get heatstroke, so when I transferred trains in Ikebukuro, I decided to try the shaved ice at Tamaya, located in the basement of the Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro. It's my first time having shaved ice this year. Tamaya is originally from Ehime and offers various flavors. I was torn between choices but ended up ordering their recommended "Milkshake" flavor. The shop seemed quite popular, with a line of people waiting. You order and pay first, then wait in line to receive your order. It took about 15 minutes for my turn. The shaved ice was smooth and creamy, not too crunchy. It was a unique texture, maybe because they shake and whip the shaved ice. I enjoyed it standing at the eat-in counter. I might try their mango or melon flavor next time in the peak of summer. Overall, it was a satisfying experience.

I visited a shaved ice shop that opened on June 1st. I had to wait for 30 minutes, but when I finished shopping, it was ready in just 15 minutes. I almost missed it melting. This time, I chose Ellie's strawberry flavor. The portion was just right. I plan to try other flavors next time.

I waited for about 30 minutes around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The shaved ice was like the Korean dessert called Patbingsu, where the ice melts softly in your mouth. I tried three different flavors, but if you like this kind of texture, I recommend the milkshake flavor the most. Although I felt the size was small, considering that shaved ice can cost around 1500 yen these days, I thought it was just right for 1000 yen.

It's been a while since I visited Tobu Ikebukuro. The Seibu Ikebukuro and Tobu Ikebukuro department stores at the terminal station boast a vast expanse. Since they are directly connected to the station, I often find myself peeking inside even when I have no particular reason to. Especially at Tobu's "Hanasan Terrace," I can't help but wonder what's new there. While exploring Tobu Ikebukuro, I stumbled upon this place: "Tamaya Tobu Ikebukuro Store." It's a shop I've never seen before, and it just opened on June 1st this year. This is the first Tokyo branch of "Tamaya," a long-established traditional Japanese confectionery shop from Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, founded in 1903. However, what they offer is not traditional Japanese sweets but shaved ice, with their signature item being the "Milkshake" shaved ice. There are sample posters and menus at the storefront, but... is this shaved ice? It looks more like gelato. The shop seems to be aware of this, as their catchphrase is "fluffy, moist, yet shaved ice." I see. Despite looking like gelato, they are emphasizing that it is shaved ice. Surprisingly, the Milkshake has been around since the 1950s, with its prototype already established back then. Hmm, while it may not be exactly like this, this is quite progressive for the 50s. The shop is quite small, but there is seating available. Since there was seating available, I decided to enjoy my treats there. Here's what I had: - Milkshake: The most popular item. The basic shaved ice. It looks like gelato, but it is indeed shaved ice. Served in a fairly generous, large cup, it is a bit pricey but satisfying in terms of portion size. It melts in your mouth, fizzy and fluffy, with a milk flavor. Oh, this is not gelato. Yet, it's not your typical shaved ice either. A unique texture that I have never experienced before. - Ellie's Strawberry Milk: Strawberry with milk sauce. Topped with freeze-dried strawberries. This one is closer to the typical shaved ice we imagine. Crispy and light ice. Sweet and sour strawberry flavor. The freeze-dried strawberries add a fun texture. With summer approaching, this effervescent and moist sensation seems like it will be a hit. With over 20 varieties available, I'd like to try another one next time. Thank you for the meal!

Tamaya-san @ Ikebukuro Celebrating the 120th anniversary of the founding of a long-established traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, I tried their milkshake shaved ice. It had a texture more like gelato than shaved ice, which was refreshing! It reminded me of a creamier version of shaved ice from the start to finish, with a nostalgic milkshake flavor throughout. I visited around noon on a Sunday based on information from Toshimaraifu-san, and there were no other customers, so I got the first ticket. The smoothness of the shaved ice was as advertised, indicating that it was carefully made, taking a little time to prepare. It may not be as trendy as luxury shaved ice, but the deliciousness and satisfaction are just as good, and the simple taste is unlikely to get boring. It's also conveniently located for a quick stop, so thank you for the meal! 🍧