10 Must Eat Convenience Store Ice Creams In Latest Version

Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, are a treasure trove of unique and delicious ice cream treats that cater to a wide range of tastes. Here are 10 must-try convenience store ice creams that you should not miss during your visit to Japan.

1. Yukimi Daifuku

Yukimi Daifuku is the original mochi ice cream, consisting of vanilla ice cream wrapped in gyuhi, a soft Japanese confection made from sticky rice flour and sugar. This treat is shaped like the traditional Japanese sweet, daifuku, and is available year-round. The chewy texture of the gyuhi is enhanced when soft, so it's best to wait a bit after purchasing before biting into it.

2. Gari-Gari Kun

Gari-Gari Kun, a summer staple in Japan since 1981, is known for its crunchy ice texture and refreshing soda flavor. This ice cream bar features various seasonal flavors, allowing you to enjoy unique tastes throughout the year. Its popularity stems from its ability to provide a cooling and satisfying snack during hot weather.

3. Azuki Bar

The Azuki Bar is a perennial favorite made using traditional preparation methods with no added scents, coloring, or other additives. This ice cream bar is packed with azuki beans that are not too sweet and have a light aftertaste. However, be careful not to damage your teeth as the bar is quite hard.

4. Pino

Pino, released in 1976, is a small, bite-sized ice cream coated in a layer of chocolate. Its compact size makes it easy to enjoy on the go, and it's a favorite among both locals and tourists.

5. Suika Bar

The Suika Bar is a cute and refreshing treat that looks like a piece of watermelon, complete with puff chocolate seeds and a green edge to represent the skin. This watermelon-flavored ice cream is available only during the spring and summer months and is sold exclusively at Seven-Eleven.

6. Tsujiri Matcha Ice Cream

For those who love matcha, Tsujiri’s matcha ice cream bar is a must-try. It offers an elegant sweetness balanced with the slight bitterness of matcha, making it a popular choice among both locals and foreigners.

7. Ice no Mi

Ice no Mi, released in 1986, are bite-sized fruit ice creams that come in flavors like mango and grape. These ice creams offer a refreshing fruit taste and are available in various seasonal flavors, making them a great choice for any time of the year.

8. Soft Serve Type

Soft serve-type ice creams sold at konbini and supermarkets are also highly popular. These products often feature a rich milk flavor, making them particularly desirable during hot seasons. One notable example is the soft serve ice cream from Ministop.

9. Jumbo

Jumbo is a classic ice cream sandwich that doesn't compromise on taste or design. It features a soft wafer shell, a layer of crisp milk chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and another slab of chocolate at its center. This treat is satisfying and can be enjoyed in chunks or as a whole.

10. Mix Berry Macaron Ice

The Mix Berry Macaron Ice is a unique treat with the distinct texture of macarons, even when frozen. It comes in three gradients of pink—the blueberry macaron, strawberry ice cream, and raspberry macaron. The flaky yet moist texture and fresh berry flavors make it a sweet that seems to belong in a high-end confectionery.

Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream at Japanese Konbini

• Check Seasonal Products: Japanese konbini often introduce seasonal ice creams that match the current season, such as cherry blossom in spring or watermelon in summer.
• Try New Products: Japanese konbini are famous for frequently launching new products, so there's always something new to try.
• Check Prices: Japanese konbini ice creams are reasonably priced, ranging from about 100 yen to high-end options. Choose according to your budget.
• Look for Regional Limited Ice Creams: Some ice creams are only available in specific regions, making them exclusive and fun to discover during your travels.