Hello, I’m GOK from Daily Shinjuku, your local guide to all things Shinjuku.
Today, we visited SASAYAIORI+ Shinjuku Gyoen, a takeaway café located inside Shinjuku Gyoen’s central rest area, to try their popular matcha shaved ice treat.
Take a Break from the Heat with Shaved Ice in Shinjuku Gyoen
1. A Takeaway Café by Long-Established Kyoto Confectioner “Sasaya Iori”
SASAYAIORI+ is a takeaway café located in the central rest area of Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s operated by “Sasaya Iori,” a Kyoto-based wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) brand with over 300 years of history.
The café offers a wide range of Japanese desserts and drinks for takeaway, including matcha-based sweets, making it an ideal stop for a treat while strolling the park.
2. Inside the Café and Menu Highlights
Since SASAYAIORI+ is located inside a free rest space within the park, you’re allowed to bring in food and drinks from other locations as well.
Menu highlights include:
- Uji Kintoki Special Shaved Ice – ¥1,200
- Uji Kintoki Shaved Ice – ¥950
- Strawberry Milk Special Shaved Ice – ¥1,200
- Strawberry Milk Shaved Ice – ¥950
- Hojicha Dorayaki Special – ¥1,050
- Warabi Mochi – ¥750
- Kuzukiri – ¥750
- Mitarashi Dango – ¥700
- Grilled Rice Balls – ¥450
- Matcha & Seasonal Sweets Set – ¥1,370
The shaved ice comes in two main flavors (matcha and strawberry), with both standard and special versions available. A variety of other desserts like soft serve, cream anmitsu, and dorayaki are also on offer.
3. Trying the “Uji Kintoki Special” Shaved Ice
We ordered the “Uji Kintoki Special” (¥1,200), a rich matcha-flavored shaved ice topped with sweet red bean paste, white mochi balls, and matcha ice cream.
The intense matcha flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the toppings. The portion is just right, making it a refreshing treat after walking through the park on a hot day.
4. Enjoying the Treat Outdoors in Nature
One of the best parts about SASAYAIORI+ is that you can enjoy your treats outdoors. Eating shaved ice while sitting in the shade and feeling the breeze in Shinjuku Gyoen was incredibly refreshing.
We highly recommend checking out this hidden gem, especially during the hot summer months when you’re looking for a delicious way to cool down.
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👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/07/23/gyoen-sayaiori-plus-kakigoori/