Japan Rankings
If you’re traveling to Japan and want to experience something uniquely delicious, don’t miss Japanese soft serve ice cream—called “soft cream” (ソフトクリーム) locally. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a cultural experience that combines Japan’s love for seasonal ingredients, regional pride, and visual presentation.
From lavender fields in Hokkaido to black sesame in Kyoto, Japanese soft serve offers a journey of flavor across all 47 prefectures. Here’s why this chilled treat is such a hit—and 30 amazing local flavors (ご当地ソフトクリーム) you should absolutely add to your foodie bucket list.
While soft serve exists in many countries, Japanese soft cream stands out for a few reasons:
Whether you’re into floral notes, bold savory twists, or sweet seasonal fruits, there’s a Japanese soft cream for you.
Lavender Soft Cream (ラベンダーソフト) – Furano, Hokkaido
Light floral aroma and pastel purple color from Furano’s famous lavender fields.
Milk Soft Cream (ミルクソフト) – All over Hokkaido
Rich, fresh-from-the-farm taste using Hokkaido’s top-quality dairy.
Cheesecake Soft Cream (チーズソフト) – Otaru, Hokkaido
Creamy and tangy, often served by LeTAO, a famous dessert shop.
Squid Ink Soft Cream (イカ墨ソフト) – Hakodate, Hokkaido
Black in color, surprisingly mild in flavor—Instagram gold!
Cherry Soft Cream (さくらんぼソフト) – Yamagata
Fruity and refreshing, using locally grown cherries.
Apple Soft Cream (りんごソフト) – Aomori
A sweet-and-tart tribute to Japan’s apple capital.
Matcha Soft Cream (抹茶ソフト) – Tokyo & Kyoto
Earthy, slightly bitter green tea flavor—perfect for tea lovers.
Whitebait Soft Cream (しらすソフト) – Shonan, Kanagawa
A salty-sweet novelty with tiny fish (yes, really).
Wasabi Soft Cream (わさびソフト) – Shizuoka
Cool cream meets a subtle wasabi kick—surprisingly addictive.
Kyoho Grape Soft Cream (巨峰ソフト) – Yamanashi
Bold grape flavor using premium Kyoho grapes.
Soba Soft Cream (そばソフト) – Nagano
Nutty and mellow, made with buckwheat flour for a unique Japanese twist.
Red Miso Soft Cream (八丁味噌ソフト) – Nagoya
Umami-packed and surprisingly sweet-savory.
Pearl Salt Soft Cream (真珠塩ソフト) – Ise, Mie
Delicate salt from the sea adds a gentle contrast to the sweetness.
Hōjicha Soft Cream (ほうじ茶ソフト) – Kyoto
Roasted green tea creates a deep, smoky flavor.
Persimmon Soft Cream (柿ソフト) – Nara
Smooth, sweet, and packed with seasonal fruitiness.
Takoyaki Flavor Soft Cream (たこ焼きソフト) – Osaka (Dotonbori)
A wild, savory experience—best for the adventurous.
Pear Soft Cream (梨ソフト) – Tottori
Crisp and juicy flavor from Japan’s best-known pear region.
Soba Soft Cream (出雲そばソフト) – Shimane
Another soba variation, earthy and satisfying.
Olive Soft Cream (オリーブソフト) – Kagawa
Creamy and herbal, made with local olive oil.
Yuzu Soft Cream (ゆずソフト) – Kochi
Zesty and refreshing, made with citrus from Shikoku.
Amaou Strawberry Soft Cream (あまおうソフト) – Fukuoka
Made with ultra-sweet Amaou strawberries—pure luxury.
Watermelon Soft Cream (スイカソフト) – Kumamoto
Light and hydrating—perfect for hot summers.
Brown Sugar Soft Cream (黒糖ソフト) – Kagoshima
Deep caramel-like sweetness from Okinawan brown sugar.
Purple Sweet Potato Soft Cream (紅いもソフト) – Okinawa
Vibrant purple color and earthy flavor make it a tropical favorite.
Many of these are available at:
Tip: Try asking locals or staff about their “イチオシ (ichioshi)” flavor—aka their #1 recommendation!
Japanese soft serve ice cream is more than a treat—it's a flavorful way to explore Japan's regions, seasons, and creativity. Whether you’re craving something fruity, floral, or fantastically weird, you’ll find a “soft cream” adventure unlike anywhere else in the world.
So grab your camera (and a spoon), and start tasting Japan one swirl at a time.
