If you really thought mint chocolate chip or cookie dough was daring, wait until you hear about Japanese ice cream flavors like squid ink, soy sauce, and even horse meat. Yes, you read that right. Japan has taken ice cream to a whole different level over the years, combining bold flavors, local ingredients, and a whole lot of creativity — or chaos into every scoop. Some are surprisingly good, others not so much. But one thing is for certain: you will never find them boring.
Whether you are planning a trip in the near future or just curious about the wild side of Japanese dessert, here are 40 of the weirdest ice cream flavors you’ll only find in Japan.
What is Ice Cream in Japanese?
In Japanese, “ice cream” is written as アイスクリーム (aisu kuriimu), a Japanese loanword taken directly from English. In everyday conversation, it’s often shortened to アイス (aisu), which can refer to various frozen desserts, including popsicles and soft-serve.
For example, someone might sayアイスクリームを食べたい(aiisukuriimu o tabetai) to mean “I want to eat ice cream,” or simply “このアイス、おいしい!” (kono aisu, oishii!) to say “This ice cream is delicious!”
Let’s Dive In
Japan not only pushes the boundaries of fashion and anime, but it also reinvents dessert, too. Ice cream in Japan isn’t limited to your usual chocolate or vanilla. Instead, it dives deep into flavor territory that ranges from nostalgic and local to downright bizarre.
Because 40 is a lot (we know), we’ve categorized these Japanese ice creams based on some peculiar categories, too. Don’t hate it until you try it!
Local Japanese Ice Cream Flavor
Japan’s pantry is full of unique ingredients you will not find in a typical Western kitchen, and many of them have somehow found their way into ice cream. From the nutty richness of kinako to the fizzy pop of ramune, these flavors offer a crash course in Japanese culinary culture with a sweet (and oftentimes fermented) finish.
1. Purple Sweet Potato
Purple sweet potato, or ube (more accurately, purple yam), is a common flavor in the Asian region, with a more earthy and nutty flavor. Naturally vibrant and sweet, this Okinawan favorite is both pretty and satisfying. It is starchy, smooth, and perfect for fall.
You can find ube-flavored ice cream in a popular Japanese ice cream chain called Blue Seal Ice Cream, which is headquartered in Okinawa but has several chains in Tokyo.
Read More: Things to Do in Okinawa
2. Ramune
Inspired by the fizzy blue soda, Ramune ice cream is tangy, sweet, and full of childhood nostalgia. A must-try on a hot summer day in Tokyo.
3. Sakura
Lightly floral and pastel pink, sakura ice cream is a seasonal delight during spring. It is subtle, elegant, and deeply connected to Japanese culture. The ice cream flavor is usually popular during the spring season.
Check out: Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
4. Soy sauce
Salty, sweet, and surprisingly rich, soy sauce is a staple in the Japanese kitchen, used in everything from crispy karaage to thick, glossy teriyaki sauce. But did you know that, yes, soy sauce can be incorporated into ice cream? It is a umami-laced treat with a traditional twist.
Where to find soy sauce-flavored ice cream in Japan: If you visit a soy sauce brewery during your trip to Japan, you might get the chance to try this unique flavor.
5. Kinako
Toasted soybean flour adds a nutty, warm flavor reminiscent of peanut butter. This nostalgic scoop is often enjoyed with mochi.
Wondering how to describe kinako’s earthy flavor, or cherry blossom’s unique sweetness? Check out how to describe food in Japanese.
6. Miso
Miso, another fermented staple in Japan, can also be incorporated into ice cream. The dessert blends the fermented depth of traditional Japanese miso with smooth, creamy sweetness. The result is a complex and balanced flavor that is both comforting and unexpectedly rich
7. Natto
You either love or hate natto — there’s rarely an in-between. But if you love ice cream and hate natto, you might just be in the middle.
Sticky and pungent, natto ice cream is reserved for the brave. It is an acquired taste with a cult following.
Cafe au Lait Tokyo offered coffee-flavored ice cream with Japan’s famously pungent fermented soybeans, mixed in soy sauce, and finished with whipped cream, nuts, and kuromitsu. In recent years, some adventurous foodies have discovered a konbini (convenience store) hack: pairing store-bought vanilla ice cream with a pack of natto for a DIY sweet-and-savory treat.
8. Azuki (Red Bean)
Mildly sweet and packed with texture, red bean ice cream is a staple in Japan. It is a perfect pairing with matcha or as part of a traditional dessert.
You can find an azuki ice cream bar in convenience stores.
9. Kurogoma (Black Sesame)
If other countries have Nutella and peanut butter, Japan has azuki (red bean) and kurogoma, or black sesame. Intensely nutty and rich, black sesame ice cream tastes like roasted seeds in creamy form. It is deeply satisfying and visually striking.
10. Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
Herbal and slightly bitter, yomogi gives this ice cream a tea-like quality. It is particularly loved in springtime desserts. You can find this ice cream flavor at a konbini. Search for Yamaochi Ice Cream — a green ice cream cup — and enjoy a mugwort ice cream with yomogi-flavored mochi, red bean paste and kinako (roasted soybean flour).
11. Ume (Japanese plum).
Tangy and floral, ume ice cream is bright and refreshing. It is a go-to flavor for the warmer months. The ice cream typically has a pink hue
12. Sake
Delicately boozy and smooth, sake ice cream brings a hint of Japan’s iconic rice wine to dessert. It is subtle but sophisticated. SAKEICE in Tokyo has perfected the ice cream that uses plenty of sake in collaboration with sake breweries all over Japan. The alcohol content of the ice cream can reach 4.5%!
13. Yuba (Tofu skin)
Yuba — the delicate “skin” that forms on top of soy milk when it’s boiled — is a specialty of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. It has a pleasantly mild taste, like a creamier version of soy milk. It might not be a common ice cream in Tokyo, but if you drive by Nikko, you’ll find local shops with tofu ice cream.
14. Charcoal
Pitch black and mildly flavored, charcoal ice cream adds a detox trend to your dessert. It is visually dramatic and Instagram-worthy.
15. Lavender ice cream
Lavender season peaks in mid to late July. Not only can you see them, but taste them, too. Thankfully, you don’t need to head north to Hokkaido to enjoy this floral treat. You can savor creamy, lavender ice cream at lavender farms in Kawaguchiko, Aichi Prefecture, and Gunma Prefecture.
16. Hibiscus
Bright, tart, and refreshingly floral, hibiscus ice cream is a perfect pick for a hot summer day. It often comes in a stunning pink or red hue. One of the easiest ways to try this unique flavor is by visiting a Blue Seal store, where it’s sometimes featured among their seasonal offerings.
17. Royal milk tea
Royal milk tea is a beloved classic across Asia. If you’re a fan, you’ll want to try its ice cream counterpart. Häagen-Dazs launched a limited-edition Caramel Royal Milk Tea flavor. It is bitter, richly aromatic, and — perhaps the highest praise for any Asian dessert — not too sweet.
18. Milk
Milk might seem ordinary, but in Japan — especially in Hokkaido —it’s something special. Known for its high-quality dairy, Hokkaido produces some of the country’s most beloved milk-based ice cream. Some popular brands include Cremia and MOW.
Unique Ice Cream Flavor in Japan
Who would need chocolate when you can have tulips, garlic, and eggplant? These veggie-forward flavors may seem odd, but they are rooted in Japanese farming culture and have a lot of creative flair. Whether earthy, floral, or just plain wild, they prove that plants can be just as fun in a cone.
Read More: Guide to Plant-based and Vegan Food in Japan
19. Soba
With nutty undertones and a hearty feel, soba-flavored ice cream in Japan is surprisingly grounded. It is a great balance of rustic and refreshing.
During the summer, you might find a unique soba dish where the buckwheat noodle is topped with the popular Coolish ice cream by Lotte.
20. Tulips
This floral flavor is made from real tulip petals, offering a light and perfumed taste. Best enjoyed during seasonal flower festivals, it is as elegant as it is unusual.
21. Potato
Creamy and starchy with subtle sweetness, potato ice cream is surprisingly comforting. A Hokkaido favorite, it manages to turn a simple ingredient into a cold treat.
22. Garlic
Roasted garlic lends warmth and umami to this daring dessert. Its caramelized edge makes it more palatable than you would expect.
Head to Aomori Prefecture, Japan’s top garlic-producing region, for a surprisingly tasty twist on dessert. In Takko Town, one of the country’s leading garlic producers, you’ll find garlic ice cream served at the local Garlic Center. Make sure to bring some mints!
23. Wasabi
A sharp kick of heat meets the coolness of sweet cream in this surprising flavor. The nose-tingling finish keeps your taste buds on alert. Wasabi, or Japanese horseradish, might belong to sushi, but it is surprisingly delicious when incorporated into ice cream.
You can find wasabi ice cream in wasabi farms across Japan, particularly Nagano (check out Daio Wasabi Farm for that).
24. Shiso
Bright and herbaceous, shiso ice cream tastes somewhere between mint and basil. It is light, refreshing, and beautifully green.
25. Eggplant
Aki City, Japan’s top producer of spring and winter eggplant, takes this humble vegetable to the next level at the Aki Group Farm shop. There, you can try their award-winning grilled eggplant ice cream, made with vegetables roasted over charcoal.
Earthy and mellow, eggplant brings a soft and smooth texture to the Japanese ice cream base. It is subtle but so satisfying with a savory undertone.
26. Pumpkin
Japanese pumpkin, or kabocha, is a popular fall flavor in Japan. Nutty and rich in flavor with hints of cinnamon, you’ll know it’s here when you see popular coffee chains like Starbucks or Tully’s featuring the vegetable. The scoop is especially popular during the Halloween season.
27. Melon Bread
Inspired by the iconic sweet bun, which is similar to the Mexican concha, this Japanese ice cream blends creamy vanilla with a doughy, sugary flavor. It is a comforting bakery-meets-dessert experience.
28. Basil
Fresh and fragrant, basil ice cream adds a garden-fresh twist to your dessert. It is especially good when paired with fruit.
29. Ginger
Ginger’s zing cuts through the creaminess, making this palate-awakening treat. It is both spicy and refreshing.
30. Olive
With the popularity of olive oil ice cream, this flavor might no longer be controversial. Rich and slightly bitter, olive ice cream offers a complex, savory note. It is a refined option for those who like their desserts less sweet.
You can find olive ice cream in Shodoshima, an island in Kagawa that is known to be Japan’s top olive oil producer. Head to Shodoshima Olive Park to grab an ice cream.
Seafood-flavored Japanese Ice Cream
Japan’s deep connection to the sea has never been a secret, but to go as far as turning seafood into dessert? That is a whole new wave of creativity. These next flavors take inspiration from sushi counters and fishing boats, blending ocean umami and creamy goodness. You might raise an eyebrow at eel or octopus ice cream, but don’t knock it until you try it!
31. Whitebait
This Japanese fish ice cream is made of tiny, translucent fish called shirasu frozen right into the cream, giving this ice cream a crunchy texture and salty depth. It is a regional delicacy that blends both sweet and savory into one unforgettable bite.
32. Whale meat
It sounds like a gimmick, but a farmers’ market in Chiba tops its ice cream with, yes, raw whale meat. With cream infused with small bits of cooked whale meat, this dessert is chewy, rich, and layered with an earthy flavor. It is rare and controversial but often sought out by culinary thrill-seekers.
33. Octopus
Chunks of octopus tentacles are mixed with a surprisingly smooth dairy base. Briny and chewy, it is a seafood lover’s wildest frozen dream…or nightmare.
If you are lucky, you might find them hidden in the frozen aisle. Search for タコアイス (takoaisu, literally translates to “octopus ice cream”) or タコメシアイス (takomeshiaisu).
34. Crab
This buttery, ocean-scented ice cream has the delicious mouthfeel of a seafood bisque. It is particularly popular in coastal towns with strong fishing traditions.
Creab ice cream is available at Kani Doraku, a seafood restaurant in Osaka’s Dotonbori area. You will know the place once you see the iconic, large robotic crab sign.
35. Squid Ink
Squid ink might not be a controversial ice cream flavor now with the popularity of squid ink pasta, but it is definitely still unique. With its jet-black color and savory flavor, squid ink ice cream offers a bold flavor profile with subtle saltiness. It is both eye-catching and unexpectedly refined.
36. Eel
Inspired by grilled unagi, this ice cream features smoky undertones and a soy-sugar glaze flavor. It is a chilled homage to a beloved Japanese dish, though it might be an acquired taste. You can look for unagi-flavored ice cream online.
37. Katsuobushi
Smoked fish flakes are blended with dairy in this umami-rich ice cream. It is aromatic, complex, and reminiscent of dashi broth but in frozen form.
Meat-flavored Japanese Ice Cream
If you have ever wished your BBQ came with a side of ice cream — or was the ice cream — Japan’s always got your back. From chicken to beef tongue, these meat-inspired scoops are not for the faint of heart. They are savory, surprising, and totally unforgettable.
38. Chicken
Smoky notes of yakitori meet creamy sweetness in this highly unusual scoop. It is surprisingly balanced, like a barbecue with a dessert twist.
39. Beef tongue
With a texture that is firm and chewy, beef tongue ice cream is a specialty of Sendai. Being rich and meaty, it is more of a savory snack than a dessert.
40. Horse Meat
Also known as basashi, this ice cream incorporates raw horse meat in a mildly sweet vanilla base. It is lean, slightly metallic in taste, and an adventurous option.
Where to Find Unique Ice Cream in Japan
It is important to note that you won’t find all of these Japanese ice cream flavors at your average 7-Eleven. Many of them are region-specific or sold at tourist spots known for celebrating local specialties. Here are places where you can begin your chilly adventure:
Namjatown (Tokyo): This indoor theme park in Ikebukuro is famous for its “Ice Cream City,” featuring dozens of regional and bizarre flavors all in one place.
Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture): This traditional village isn’t just famous for its beautiful thatched-roof houses. It is also known for unique local flavors like wasabi and soba ice cream.
Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum: This museum sounds quite unrelated as they specialize in Cup Noodles, but the gift shop often stocks novelty flavors like soy sauce and miso ice cream.
Hokkaido: Although it is known for its dairy, Hokkaido also offers some strange flavors like melon, squid ink, and even sea urchin ice cream at local farms and tourist stops.
Kamakura & Enoshima: These locations are popular with day-trippers from Tokyo. These seaside towns offer whitebait and octopus ice cream near the beachside snack shops.
Kumamoto: The place to go if you are in search of horse meat ice cream, typically found at local souvenir shops or unusual cafés.
Kanazawa: This city is mainly known for its love of gold-leaf-topped ice cream, another Japanese delicacy, but also offers kinako, kurogoma, and sweet potato flavors.
Japan’s Ice Cream Adventure Awaits
Japan is not afraid to take chances with its desserts, blending local ingredients, culinary history, and seasonal traditions into flavors that are anything but boring. Some of these ice creams are only available in limited regions or seasons, so if you spot them, do not miss your chance!
From sweet to savory, floral to fishy, there’s something for every adventurous taste. Just remember: weird doesn’t mean bad, it might just mean your new favorite.
Exploring Tokyo? Learn the Language as You Go
Excited to explore Japan and all of its weird ice cream flavors? The best way to truly enjoy the country is by immersing yourself in the local culture, and that starts with the language.
Coto Academy offers flexible, short-term Japanese courses designed specifically for travelers. Whether you are here for a few weeks or staying long-term, our lessons help you connect with locals, navigate confidently, and enjoy every surprising scoop Japan throws your way.
Learn more with Coto School Finder to pick the best course and campus for you!
FAQ
What are popular Japanese ice cream flavors?
Some popular ice cream flavors include matcha, Kurugoma, Miso, and Sweet potato but you can find less unusual ones such as Yuzu, Melon, and Sakura.
Where can I try weird ice cream flavors in Japan?
Places such as Namjatown or local cafes and markets may have the ice cream flavors you are looking for. Do not expect to find them at your usual grocery store or 7/11 as they tend to be niche products.
Why does Japan have so many unique ice cream flavors?
Japan has so many unique ice cream flavors because people embrace seasonal, regional, and novelty-based marketing. Japan tends to embrace all parts of the culture and twist it into delicious and amazing products.
Is it safe to eat raw meat or seafood ice cream?
Generally, yes, the shops in Japan are held to a certain standard to ensure the health of the consumers. To be safe, always read the reviews of the shop you are visiting as well as their health rating online.
Can I find vegan or dairy-free weird ice cream flavors in Japan?
The majority of ice creams will still contain dairy, although they may be marketed as soy milk/ almond milk products. It is possible to find great vegan options, though, as they are becoming more popular in Japan. It is important to note that although it is possible to find vegan and dairy-free products, it remains more challenging.