TOKYO — Japan’s vibrant ice cream scene is about to get a major spotlight as the nation’s largest indie ice cream convention, Aipaku, returns to Tokyo. This year’s event marks its 10th anniversary and is rebranded as Aipaku Premium. Taking place from April 25 to May 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Square, the convention coincides with Golden Week, Japan’s peak holiday season.
Aipaku Premium will showcase over 180 unique ice cream varieties from 36 independent brands across Japan. Many of these treats are local specialties that are largely unknown outside their regions, offering attendees a rare chance to taste regional flavors that reflect Japan’s diverse ice cream culture.
Among the highlights is the silky Mint Soft Serve by Hakka’Do from Kitami in Hokkaido. Combining Japanese peppermint, Hokkaido sugar, and fresh milk from the region, this ice cream promises to be a refreshing experience. Also making an appearance is the Triple Taster from Million Dollar Ice Cream Parlor, a Yokosuka-based shop known for its American-inspired flavors like cookie dough and bacon. While the specific flavors for the sampler are still a mystery, the unique combinations are sure to excite adventurous eaters.
Caffe La Pesca from Yamanashi Prefecture will present its Lots of “Mo” gelato, made with peaches (momo), grown on the café’s own farm. These peaches, with their delicate skins that can be eaten along with the fruit, are blended into the gelato, adding a rich texture. Another offering from Yamanashi is the Kikyo Shingen Gelato Kiwami by Kikyoya, which pairs vanilla gelato with Kikyo Shingen Sticks, featuring kuromitsu sugar syrup and kinako roasted soybean powder. For an added treat, it’s topped with a Kikyo Shingen Mochi Manju, a snack cake filled with kuromitsu, mochi, and sweet red bean paste.
This year’s Aipaku will also feature a first-time Ice Cream Mini Museum, curated by Japan’s ice cream expert Iceman Fukutome. The exhibit will trace the history of ice cream in Japan, highlighting its evolution and the unique marketing strategies that have shaped its popularity. Rare and innovative products that have appeared throughout the years will also be on display.
For those who want to take their ice cream home, Aipaku will offer cooler bags and dry ice for sale, making it easier to transport frozen treats. Additionally, attendees can order their favorite ice creams directly from Aipaku’s online store, with deliveries available across Japan.
As the convention celebrates independent ice cream makers from across the country, Aipaku aims to raise awareness of the small-scale artisans who contribute to Japan’s rich and diverse ice cream culture. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply a fan of frozen treats, Aipaku Premium offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample some of Japan’s finest and most inventive ice creams.
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