Like most places in the world, iced coffee is available in Japan all year, but certainly shines brightest in the summer. Coffee connoisseurs will definitely want to visit one of the numerous specialty cafes you can find across Japan (especially in bigger cities). However, if you would rather have something more like a coffee-flavored sweet drink, Starbucks is always a solid choice. Or, maybe you fall into the category of individuals that want a caffeine kick in an affordable way. Then, convenience stores have got your back.
Beer is another year-round staple, but its popularity skyrockets during Japan’s hot summers. You can even find frozen beers, which are chilled to the point of being almost slushy. It’s a refreshing twist for beer lovers, and definitely worth trying.
Last but not least, shaved ice. Melon flavor is my personal favorite but you can get all kinds including mango and strawberry. Some versions even come topped with ice cream, making them extra indulgent. For a truly Japanese twist, try shaved ice with matcha ice cream, condensed milk, anko (sweet red bean paste), and shiratama mochi. It’s a must-try!
