Cool and Smooth! 3 Refreshing Summer Sweets to Beat the Heat!

Hello! I’m Nishimura, an official writer for SUNNY DAYS.

With the scorching sun and sticky humidity, we’re all on the verge of melting…

At the end of the day, many of you probably find yourselves reaching for ice cream, jelly, or other smooth sweets. I’m no exception—I keep stopping by convenience stores and supermarkets. On my days off, I’m always planning to treat myself to something special.

This time, we’ve selected 3 recommended items from the refreshing summer sweets promoted by SUNNY SIDE UP. Each one offers a visual escape from the heat. Why not cool down with these sweets? 🍨

TREE by NAKED yoyogi park “TREE Shaved Ice with Homemade Syrup”

This art restaurant is located in Yoyogi Park. Created by NAKED, the creative company known for projection mapping at Tokyo Station, it offers seasonal menus that reflect the changing seasons. Until mid-September, three varieties of shaved ice with homemade syrup are available. They’re visually stunning—truly artistic shaved ice.

The editorial team’s top pick is the “Kiwi Fruit Vegan Shaved Ice,” which has made a comeback due to popular demand from last year. The handmade syrup is based on coconut water, known for its high nutritional value, and features green kiwi, pineapple, and yerba buena, a type of mint. With no added sugar, the flavors of the fruit and mint shine through in a refreshing finish. 🌿

If you’re not strictly vegan, we also recommend adding a topping of cream made with Italian mascarpone cheese for a richer variation. Other options include the perennial favorite “Fruit Tomato Vegan Shaved Ice” and “Mango and Passion Fruit Shaved Ice with Mascarpone,” which features generous chunks of fruit.

168 Dim Sum & Medicinal Hot Pot Shibuya Hikarie Store “Tofu Pudding”

Gozenbo, a renowned medicinal cuisine restaurant with locations in Roppongi and Ginza, has opened its first Shibuya location where you can casually enjoy dim sum and medicinal mushroom hot pot. High-quality dishes prepared by Chinese chefs at great value are drawing crowds to the gourmet floor of Shibuya Hikarie! 🔥 The recommended limited-time dessert is “Tofu Pudding (Douhua).”

While tofu pudding often has a simple image, this restaurant transforms it into a gorgeous dish topped with seasonal fruits, red beans, nuts, and various other ingredients. The gentle, smooth texture of soy milk paired with sweet syrup makes it easy to enjoy, with a refreshing aftertaste. It’s also made with soybeans, so it’s healthy and guilt-free!

Tofu pudding can also be written as douhua, and while it seems simple, each restaurant’s unique take is fascinating. The syrups and toppings vary so much that comparing different shops has become a hobby of mine. Please visit 168 Dim Sum & Medicinal Hot Pot and experience the difference for yourself!

Kamakura Goro Honten “Mizu Anmitsu”

Kamakura Goro Honten is a Japanese sweets brand located on Komachi Street in Kamakura. The summer-limited “Mizu Anmitsu” continues to attract attention 22 years after its initial release. The editorial team has been saying, “We absolutely must try this someday!” These enchanting, jiggly water spheres make a perfect gift.

The greatest appeal is the refreshing quality that seems to dissolve into water with each bite. Made with Unsui water drawn from 180 meters underground in Yamamiya, Fujinomiya City at the foot of Mount Fuji, it achieves a clear, delicate appearance and taste. Sold intentionally as large water spheres, the melting texture is preserved inside.

Resist the urge to eat it immediately after purchase and first chill it in the refrigerator. Enjoy it with the included Hokkaido red bean paste and brown sugar syrup made from Okinawan brown sugar. Serve it in a glass dish for an even more refreshing presentation. Yet it won’t chill your body too much—it gently soothes your heated body.

“Mizu Anmitsu” is available at Kamakura Goro Honten Komachi Street Main Store, as well as Daimaru Tokyo Store, Seibu Ikebukuro Store, Paku to Mogu Odakyu Machida Store, select sister stores, and transportation facilities. Being able to pick it up on the way home from work is too wonderful!

We’ve introduced three sweets that look wonderful and help you cool down. Let’s enjoy summer while incorporating delicious sweets to stay healthy in the heat. 🌞 We’ll continue to introduce seasonal food recommendations, so stay tuned.