Shirokuma Shaved Ice

Shirokuma at Ichinisan

Shirokuma is a kind of shaved ice which originates in Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu Island (九州). Shirokuma (白熊、しろくま） is a Japanese word which means a polar bear.

With Shirokuma, shaved ice is flavored with condensed milk and and is topped with fruit and sweetened red beans. While many cafes in Kagoshima offer Shirokuma, it is very difficult to find a cafe that serves Shirokuma in the Tokyo area.

When exhibitions showcasing the food of Kagoshima prefecture take place, they usually offer Shirokuma. In Tokyo, the restaurant Ichinisan serves Shirokuma year round, while also offering other local foods primarily porks from Kagoshima.

Koguma, a smaller version of Shirokuma, is also available. Koguma means bear cub in Japanese.  Despite most restaurants and cafes in Tokyo not selling Shirokuma, most  grocery and convenience stores sell Shirokuma cups and bars.

Photos Taken at Ichinisan

Ichi Ni San means one two three.