[2019 Edition] 5 Recommended Convenience Store Ice Creams in Japan

1. Lumonde Ice

Lumonde is a super thin crepe cookie dipped in cocoa cream. It was first released 45 years ago in Japan, and it has been loved as one of the classic snacks ever since. Lumonde Ice is an ice cream consisting of miniature Lumonde covered in vanilla ice cream and surrounded by a wafer. You can enjoy the various textures of fluffy wafers, creamy vanilla ice cream, and crunchy Lumonde at once. Plain Lumonde is also sold at convenience stores and grocery stores, so it might be interesting to buy both and compare them with each other.
Price: 225 JPY (excl. tax)

2. Uji Gyokuro Iceno Almond Choco Bar (7-Eleven)

This ice cream looks very sweet because it is dipped in almond crunch and chocolate. However, you will enjoy the aroma of rich green tea from the first bite. It has an unexpectedly strong flavor of Uji Gyokuro, which makes it quite refreshing. The rich flavor is possible because they use one of the strongest flavors of Gyokuro (tea leaves grown in darkness) among the variety of tea leaves made in the tea-growing district of Uji, Kyoto. The bittersweet taste is perfect for this dessert, which is only available in 7-Eleven.
Price: 178 JPY (excl. tax)

3. White Nama Choco Mochi (7-Eleven)

Once you open the package, you see small mochi that are dusted with powdered sugar on top of a layer of white chocolate. It is recommended to wait a bit to eat mochi ice cream until the surface gets softened a bit, because the elasticity texture of mochi is enhanced and it tastes better when it is soft. As you scoop more, you can taste the rich flavored vanilla ice cream and burnt caramel sauce in the bottom. The rich and sweet white chocolate, flavorful vanilla ice cream, and the slightly bitter caramel sauce match perfectly! The texture of mochi also goes well with the milky and rich flavor of white chocolate. You can only purchase this ice cream in 7-Eleven.
Price: 208 JPY (excl. tax)

4. Mukan

The orange package of Mukan stands out from the other ice creams displayed at convenience stores. Inside the package is a frozen mikan (Mandarin orange), which is a familiar fruit to Japanese people. It is a healthy and simple dessert with a crisp and refreshingly sour sweetness. Mukan can be enjoyed without making your hands dirty because it comes with the skin peeled off and even includes hand wipes. The recommendation is to wait until it is thawed a bit before starting to eat for the best experience!
Price: 290 JPY (incl. tax)

5. Häagen-Dazs Decorations Matcha Cheese Cookie

Häagen-Dazs Decorations is a series that is different from other Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and it comes with the shiny golden lid. The toppings, texture, and flavors of the ice cream are as classy and luxury as the looks! Crispy matcha and cheese flavored cookies are on the top. Underneath is colorful mix of the refined sweetness and fragrance of matcha ice cream with with rich cream cheese ice cream. The combination of matcha and vanilla is nothing new, but the combination of matcha and cheese is rare and surprisingly compatible! Slightly salted creamy cheese and matcha are the delicious flavor combo you never knew you wanted!
Price: 300 JPY (excl. tax)

The world of convenience store ice cream consists of both classic ice creams that are always available as well as must-try seasonal ice creams that are always changing. You should be able to find new ice creams every time you visit Japan!