Sulbing Harajuku

Another summer is just around the corner, which means Tokyo's ongoing battle for kakigori supremacy should be heating up right about now. Taiwan's Ice Monster was last year's most discussed shaved ice purveyor, but Korean newcomer Sulbing is surely aiming to knock out the champion with this Harajuku outpost, the brand's first Japan branch. Since starting life in Busan back in 2013, Sulbing has expanded at breakneck pace and now operates over 500 locations in Korea, serving up milky, powder snow-like ice with topping combinations like soy powder, almonds and mochi, or fresh strawberries with strawberry paste. At the Harajuku branch, opened in June and found just a few steps from the station and Takeshita-dori, you'll also be treated to warm sweets like Injeolmi Toast (topped with honey and mochi) and red bean buns, plus a few Japan-only creations.