Traditional Japanese shaved ice at Toraya

Everybody would agree that "Toraya (とらや)" is one of the long-established and representative Japanese confectionery makers. Surprisingly, Toraya has continued its business for about 480 years since the Muromachi era in the 14th century. Their main product is "yokan", bean jelly. As the price is not inexpensive,  Toraya also means "posh" Japanese sweets. You can find Toraya in department store and hotel.   

Toraya in the Imperial Hotel

Chic interior

Shaved ice with bean jam and ｇreen tea

In a very hot day, I and sister evacuated to the Imperial Hotel (帝国ホテル) in Hibiya (日比谷) and tasted traditional Japanese shaved ice at Toraya there. It was...wonderful! I could identify clear difference between ordinary ones and Toraya's one. First, the taste of bean jam is very sophisticated. And second, green tea syrup is also elegant. Flavorful, a little bit bitter but sweet.  The balance was perfect. Third, the grain of ice is small, but ice was not easily melted which we can enjoy long.

Shaved ice is available from JPY1,500 at Toraya. If you order smaller size, it costs JPY900 (for me, small size was enough). Considering the location and the taste, it is not so expensive and worth for trying. My rating is 4 out of 5. Gochiso-samadeshita!

Toraya (とらや) http://www.toraya-group.co.jp/