How Many Types of Ice Cream Are There in Japan? A Complete Guide to Popular Convenience Store Ice Cream and Factory Tours

When it comes to summer, "ice cream" is a must. Not only does it help you beat the heat, but Japan's ice cream is packed with charm—limited-time seasonal flavors, unique textures, and affordable prices have made it a favorite among international travelers visiting Japan.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from the types of ice cream available in Japan, to popular convenience store selections, and even factory tours perfect for families.

There Are Four Types of Ice Cream in Japan

In Japan, ice cream is classified into four categories based on the amount of dairy content, according to the "Ministerial Ordinance on Milk and Dairy Products Standards" and the "Standards for Food and Food Additives." Let's take a look at each type.

Ice Cream

This type contains the highest amount of dairy, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. To qualify, it must contain at least 15% non-fat milk solids and 8% milk fat, and the addition of vegetable oils is prohibited. It has a premium feel and is perfect for those who want to fully enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients.

• Popular brands: Häagen-Dazs, MOW (Morinaga Milk Industry)

Ice Milk

This has a slightly lighter texture than ice cream, and must contain at least 10% non-fat milk solids and 3% milk fat. It strikes a good balance between richness and refreshment, making it ideal for those who want something satisfying but not too heavy.

• Popular brands: Giant Cone (Glico), Nangoku Shirokuma Bar (Seika Foods)

Lacto Ice

This type contains less dairy and instead uses vegetable oils and other ingredients to create a smooth texture. It must contain at least 3% non-fat milk solids. With a wide variety of flavors and affordable prices, it's easy to find in convenience stores and supermarkets.

• Popular brands: Sou Vanilla (Lotte), Essel Super Cup (Meiji)

Frozen Dessert (Ice Confection)

This category contains less than 3% dairy, or none at all, and mainly includes fruity and sherbet-style treats. Known for their refreshing and quick-melting texture, they’re low in calories and perfect for hot summer days.

• Popular brands: Azuki Bar (Imuraya), Papico (Ezaki Glico)

Top 5 Convenience Store Ice Creams Popular Among Foreign Visitors

Japanese convenience stores sell a wide variety of ice cream, from classic staples to seasonal specials and store-brand exclusives. They’re available any time of day, and most are priced between ¥100 and ¥300, making them both accessible and affordable. Many international visitors have praised Japanese convenience stores as "truly a treasure trove." Here, we’ll introduce five convenience store ice creams selected by our editor from Taiwan that have become especially popular among foreign tourists.

Yukimi Daifuku (Lotte)

A long-selling favorite, this treat wraps cold vanilla ice cream in a soft and chewy mochi shell. Its biggest feature is its unique texture—the mochi stays tender even when frozen, blending perfectly with the smooth ice cream for an incredibly satisfying bite. It comes with a small fork, so you don’t need to worry about getting your hands messy. Loved by many, it’s an ice cream you can enjoy even during the colder months.

Coolish (Lotte)

Coolish is a pouch-style ice cream that introduced a new "drinkable ice cream" concept. You can enjoy it with one hand, making it perfect for cooling down while walking or commuting without getting sticky. It features a pleasant crunchy texture from finely shaved ice, and by squeezing the pouch a bit before drinking, you can adjust the softness to your liking. The frozen ice cream melts gently in your mouth, offering a rich flavor with a clean aftertaste.

Choco Monaka Jumbo (Morinaga)

This generously sized ice cream sandwich consists of vanilla ice cream and a crisp chocolate bar encased in a monaka (wafer shell). The contrast in textures, rich chocolate, and the aromatic crispness of the wafer come together in a satisfying combination. The chocolate coating on both sides of the ice cream prevents moisture from softening the monaka, keeping it crunchy even after some time. Thanks to its large size and satisfying feel, it offers great value and is loved by people of all ages.

Ice no Mi (Ezaki Glico)

These round, bite-sized ice treats pack the deliciousness of real fruit into a fun, poppable shape. Each piece has two layers: a thin icy glaze on the outside and a rich, smooth gelato-like center. The texture melts smoothly in your mouth, and the juicy flavor tastes just like eating fresh fruit. Grape is the classic flavor, but new seasonal varieties appear throughout the year, so you’ll never get bored. They're also perfect for sharing with friends.

Gari Gari Kun (Akagi Nyugyo)

This stick-style ice treat is known for its crunchy shaved ice texture. The soda flavor is a longtime favorite, offering a blast of refreshment that’s perfect for Japan’s sweltering summers. Priced under ¥100, it's budget-friendly, and if you're lucky, the stick may reveal a winning message for a free bar—adding a fun surprise element. Occasionally, quirky limited-edition flavors like corn potage or Neapolitan pasta are released, which keeps fans coming back for more.

Don’t Miss Private Brand Ice Creams at Convenience Stores!

When talking about convenience store ice cream, we can’t ignore PB (private brand) products developed by each store chain. These are often created in collaboration with well-known manufacturers or produced with lower distribution costs, allowing high-quality ice cream to be sold at affordable prices. Many are made with premium ingredients or follow the latest food trends, and some can only be found at a specific convenience store—adding a touch of exclusivity.

Free Admission! Ice Cream Factory Tours the Whole Family Can Enjoy

If you love ice cream, a factory tour where you can see how it's made is a must-visit experience. These tours have become increasingly popular in recent years, as learning about the production process helps deepen appreciation for the product.

【Chiba Prefecture】Glicopia CHIBA

This facility offers a guided tour of Glico’s ice cream factory. Reservations are required, and you can watch the production process of popular Glico treats like "Papico" up close. Other highlights include a theater room explaining the history of Glico, the "Glico Kitchen" where you can try making ice cream yourself (requires a separate fee), and interactive exhibits like a photo spot where you can take pictures with the iconic "Goal-in Mark." It's a great choice for families.

【Saitama Prefecture】Akagi Nyugyo Honjo Senbonzakura '5S' Factory

This facility is run by Akagi Nyugyo, famous for "Gari Gari Kun." The name "5S" comes from the Japanese words for Sort, Set in order, Shine, Sanitize, and Sustain discipline. Entry is granted through a monthly lottery. Visitors can watch a video introduction and then observe the actual ice cream production process. You can also purchase original Gari Gari Kun goods and receive exclusive novelty items as a souvenir. Whether you're a fan of Gari Gari Kun or not, this tour is sure to be a hit.

• Reservations: Apply online

• Tour hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday only)
• Access: About 20 minutes by taxi from Takahomoto Station / About 15 minutes by taxi from Honjo-Waseda Station
• Official Website: https://www.akagi.com/factory/index.html

【Other】Can't Make It in Person? Experience a Virtual Factory Tour!

If you'd love to visit an ice cream factory but can't travel that far or find a reservation, try a "virtual factory tour." From your home computer or smartphone, you can take a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite ice creams are made.

Yawamochi Ice – Virtual Factory Tour (Imuraya)

The production steps for "Yawamochi Ice Vanilla" are explained, with videos provided for each stage. Even without visiting in person, you can learn how the product is made. Be sure to try the quiz at the bottom of the page too.

• Official Website: https://www.imuraya.co.jp/imuraya_factory/yawamochi/

ICE CREAM FACTORY TOUR – Häagen-Dazs

Sold in over 100 countries and regions worldwide, Häagen-Dazs is only produced in three countries—and one of those factories is located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan! Through the "Ice Cream Factory Tour," you can get a peek into the production process and uncover the secrets behind Häagen-Dazs' delicious taste.

• Official Website: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/brand/special/hd-factory/

Virtual Factory Tour – How Ice Cream Is Made (Morinaga Seika)

This tour explains the process of making the beloved long-selling "Choco Monaka Jumbo" ice cream bar through videos. The website also includes a national map of Morinaga's factories, details on ingredients, and photos. Guided by cute characters, the virtual tour is a fun experience for all ages.

• Official Website: https://www.morinaga.co.jp/factory/virtual/reika.html

Whether it's a short break during your trip, a quick stop at a convenience store, or part of a family factory tour, Japanese ice cream always adds a splash of color to our daily lives. This summer, why not take the time to fully enjoy Japan's one-of-a-kind ice cream culture?