Carissa NgJapan might be famous for sushi, ramen, and its culinary delights, but did you know it’s also an ice cream wonderland? No other country rivals Japan when it comes to crafting unique and inventive ice cream flavours. From wasabi to sakura, the variety here is truly unmatched!
Get ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey when you visit Japan. We’ve come out with a list of the most bizarre and weird ice cream flavours you cannot miss. These one-of-a-kind creations promise to surprise and delight, offering a sensory experience that’s truly out of this world!
Also read: 32 Unique Kitkat Flavours You Must Hunt Down in Japan
Weird ice cream flavours in Japan
1. Chicken Wing
Image credit: Universe Japan
2 and 3. Shark’s Fin and Squid
Image credit: Istolethetv on Flickr
Ice cream lovers, prepare to be amazed! Namco Namja Town in Ikebukuro boasts an ice cream museum that serves up the most unusual and delicious flavours. If you’re up to try out seafood-infused concoctions, this is a must-visit for any ice cream enthusiast.
4, 5 and 6. Garlic, Beer and Snake
Image credit: Istolethetv on Flickr
The list of flavours just gets weirder and crazier. Yes, you heard it right, there’s garlic ice cream in Japan! You can find ice-cream flavours like garlic and beer available at Namja Town. The snake flavour is made from snake powder rather than real bits of snake, and hopefully, this bite of information will make you feel less afraid to try it out!
7. Horse Meat
Image credit: Atticus in Japan
While Japan is known for its unique and often adventurous culinary creations, some flavors might be a step too far. Horse meat ice cream is one such example, a combination that many find unsettling.
8. Indian Curry
Image credit: Daily News Dig
Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavours of Indian curry, but in ice cream form! This can probably satisfy your sweet and savoury cravings at once.
9. Caviar
Image credit: Universe Japan
For those who crave a touch of luxury, caviar ice cream offers a unique and indulgent experience. While it may not be the real thing, it’s certainly a fun way to satisfy your desire for something special.
10. Cactus
Image credit: Dramafever
If you ever end up stranded in a desert with nothing to eat but cactus… You know what to do. Dessert in the desert? Yes please.
11. Sakura/ Cherry Blossoms
Image credit: Japan Australia
As spring paints Japan in hues of pink, imagine yourself strolling through a cherry blossom-filled park, savouring the delicate flavour of sakura ice cream. This seasonal treat is a must-try for any visitor to Japan, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
12. Miso Ramen
Image credit: Irorio
Hardcore ramen lovers, try eating this miso ramen-flavoured ice cream as a dessert after slurping up a good bowl of ramen! Double the ramen, double the pleasure.
13. Lavender
Image credit: yongyuan via CanvaPro
Encompassing a fragrant, flowery scent, lavender ice cream delights your senses with a light, delectable taste. Find it at Farm Tomita in Furano, Hokkaido during summer!
14. Squid Ink
Image credit: Turkey Hill
We’ve seen squid ink in pastas, risottos, and pizzas… but in ice cream?! Dare to try it? Its colour may seem slightly gross to say the least, but it could turn out to be a pleasant surprise!
15. Rose
Image credit: General Mills
A perfect treat for your valentine — rose ice cream! This strawberry-based ice cream, topped with a layer of jelly, is a perplexing treat that has divided opinions. Some reviewers have likened its taste to shampoo or air freshener, making it a truly unique (and perhaps controversial) flavour experience.
16. Sweet Potato
Image credit: Islandbell
Look at that pretty, pastel purple colour! Available in places such as Okinawa and Kamakura, this velvety sweet potato ice cream will surely whet up your appetite for more!
17 and 18. Tomato Cherry and Carrot Orange
Image credit: Laughing Squid
I don’t know about you, but I would sure love to get my daily intake of fibre and vegetables in the form of delicious ice cream! Haagen Dazs Japan is constantly breaking down boundaries by constantly introducing creative and marvellous concoctions. Even the pickiest eaters might be tempted to try this healthier twist on a classic dessert!
19. Wasabi
Image credit: Alexander Pyatenko via CanvaPro
Get ready for a “pungent” surprise! Wasabi ice cream, a unique Japanese treat, offers a thrilling blend of creamy sweetness and fiery heat. Dare to indulge in this unconventional flavour sensation, only available in the mountains of Nagano.
20. Corn
Image credit: Asia Times
Co(r)ngratulations, corn lovers! Dominique Ansel Kitchen in Tokyo has lovingly crafted this innovative corn ice cream. This delectable dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
21. Natto (Fermented Soybeans)
Image credit: Kotaku
Notoriously known for its mushy, sticky texture and pungent smell, this ice cream flavour is definitely not for the weak-hearted.
22. Hotate (Scallops)
Image credit: RocketNews24
Available at the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center, the sweet and savoury taste of hotate (scallop) blends perfectly well with fresh milk, culminating in an astonishing flavour which will leave your tastebuds confused.
23. Tofu
Image credit: Essential Japan Guide
To be frank, tofu ice cream doesn’t sound that bad. Easily found around Kyoto, Tofu ice-cream tastes exactly like its counterpart – silky and smooth, but sweeter!
24. Soy Sauce
Image credit: Japan Travel
Available at the Soy Sauce Kingdom in Saitama, soy sauce ice cream tastes better than it sounds! It is light but salty, and you might love it so much that you start dipping your sushi in it.
25. Octopus
Image credit: Wilhelm Joys Anderson on Flickr
Who says you can’t have dessert with octopus? The chewy tentacle bits that come with every scoop of this octopus ice cream will certainly overwhelm your sensory system!
26. Miso
Image credit: Hikari Miso | Official Website
Who would have thought that miso soup could inspire such a unique dessert? This miso ice cream, made with white miso, offers a surprising blend of salty and sweet flavours. It’s a must-try for adventurous eaters!
BONUS: BEST OF EIGHT WORLDS
Image credit: DailyChico | Official X
That’s right! I saved the best for the last. This isn’t the Leaning Tower of Pisa guys – it’s a giant tower of eight amazing ice cream flavours! I don’t know about you, but this looks absolutely delectable! The eight flavours are: Strawberry, Coffee, Milk, Chocolate, Matcha, Banana, Grape and Ramune Soda, and it is available at Daily Chico in Nakano Broadway Shopping Centre, Tokyo! But be warned – share it with friends or family otherwise you might face a devastating ice-cream meltdown.
Also read: What Are The Best Times to Visit Japan: A Traveller’s Guide
Now, are you ready to go forth and conquer all these weird ice cream flavours in Japan? Let us know which one you would like to try on our Facebook or Instagram!
