In September 2022, "sameurara," a cafe serving shaved ice and coffee, will open in Nagoya City's Nishi-ku in full swing! The owner is the third apprentice of the famous shaved ice store "Chaya Akawani" in Gifu.

This time, we will introduce the charm of "sameurara" where you can enjoy the finest shaved ice.

*Information is current at the time of the interview.
Please check the latest information of each facility and store.

Relaxing space

“Sameurara” is about 15 minutes by car from Nagoya and about 20 minutes on foot from Kamiotai Station.

If you drive along a road with a lot of cars, you will see a shop with a refreshing light blue and natural wood exterior and a blue noren curtain.

The noren has a cute shark illustration and the word “ice”.

When you open the refreshing light blue door and enter the restaurant, you will feel as if you are visiting a beach house.

The restaurant is decorated with illustrations of surfboards, wetsuits, and sharks. The counter, tables, and chairs are made of warm wood, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The atmosphere of the store is warm to visit not only with family and friends, but also by yourself.

The concept is "the sea" and "Kujukuri-hama of memories"

From the left, the owner Masayuki Asano and his wife Midori Asano.

First, we interviewed the owner, Mr. Masayuki Asano.

– Please tell us about the concept of the store.

Mr. Asano: "I like surfing, so my basic theme is the ocean, and I also imagined the Kujukuri-hama of my memories from my visits to Kujukuri-hama in Chiba Prefecture. In the store, I have placed items that I remember from people I met when I visited Kujukuri-hama.

The store was built by my wife as a DIY project in cooperation with someone she knew. I was in Kujukuri-hama at the time, so I communicated my vision for the store from there."

Mr. Shigeaki Higashi and his son, a professional surfer who Mr. Asano admired, inspired him to visit Kujukuri-hama.

– What made you decide to visit Kujukuri-hama?

Mr. Asano:"I actually went to see Shigeaki Ichihigashi, a professional surfer whom I admire, because he was there. Shigeaki Ichihigashi runs a surf store 'Lazy Boy Skill' at Kujukuri-hama. As I listened to his story, I thought, 'I want to open a shaved ice store here', too."

– What made you decide to open a shaved ice shop in this town?

Mr. Asano: “Because it was close to my house. My wife also runs a salon, so I was looking for a store that could run on the first and second floors at the same time. Eventually, I would like to use the two-story store, with a dining space on the first floor, a relaxing space on the second floor, and a kitchen car in the parking space to hold an event like a market.”

Produced by the owner's technology
Profound shaved ice

From left to right, Mr. Asano with the owner of "Chaya Akawani", Mr. Asano's mentor.

-What was your first encounter with shaved ice?

Mr. Asano: "I came here 7 years ago after a friend told me about the famous shaved ice shop 'Chaya Akawani.' When I ate the shaved ice at 'Chaya Akawani,' I thought, 'Wow, this is amazing!' And when I saw my children and other customers eating shaved ice and smiling, I decided that I wanted to open a shaved ice shop.

A friend of mine knew the owner of "Chaya Akawani", so he introduced me. I became the third disciple and learned a lot from my master.

For the next six years or so, I started serving shaved ice only on Sundays in the summer, while working alongside my corporate job. Until I opened my current store, I collaborated with famous Thai restaurants and cafes and offered shaved ice on a temporary basis. Little by little, people got to know my shaved ice."

– Please tell us what you are particular about with ice.

Mr. Asano: "I purchase pure ice from a wholesaler in Kitanagoya City, my hometown. The temperature of the ice and the way it is shaved in the shaved ice machine are the key points. Even with the same shaved ice machine, the shaved ice will be completely different depending on the person shaving it. I also learned from my masters and by watching their techniques up close.

Even now, I shave every day while thinking about how to shave to make better shaved ice. This depth is what makes shaved ice interesting. ”

You can enjoy coffee roasted by Kenji Sakaguchi with a strong bitterness (550 yen each).

Coffee beans and drip packs can be purchased in the store.

– Tell us about the coffee you serve.

Mr. Asano: “Mr. Ichito introduced me to Mr. Kenji Sakaguchi, a coffee roaster in Chiba Prefecture, and I came across The Rising Sun Coffee.

After that, I received lectures and study sessions at The Rising Sun Coffee, and started serving coffee from December 31, 2022. Eventually, I hope to be able to provide baked goods and coffee with my daughter, who is currently attending confectionery school. ”

About The Rising Sun Coffee: A coffee brand roasted by actor (currently on hiatus from performing arts) Kenji Sakaguchi. He learned roasting techniques at seminars, and in 2018 he set up a roasting place in Kujukuri-cho, Chiba Prefecture, which he had visited for his surfing hobby. He is currently running three coffee stands. He has earned high praise for his high-quality beans and reliable roasting techniques.

Introducing the shaved ice menu recommended by the owner!

Next, we will introduce the shaved ice menu recommended by the owner. There is no doubt that once you try the fluffy and finely shaved ice, you will never forget it!

The signature dishes are blood orange and passion fruit. The rest of the menu changes with the seasons.

Blood orange and passion fruit

Blood orange and passion fruit (1,000 yen)

Blood Orange and Passion Fruit are the first items on the menu developed by the owner. The origin of the menu comes from the album name of an artist that the owner likes. It seems that he repeated trial and error while consulting with his master.

It is very popular with the customers, saying, "Sameurara-san is famous for 'Blood Orange and Passion'." It is a signboard menu that is offered all year round. A summery sauce that combines a refreshing sour blood orange and a rich, sweet and sour passion fruit sauce.

Royal Milk Tea Whip

Royal Milk Tea Whip (1,000 yen)

A menu developed with the desire to make the thick royal milk tea shaved ice offered at Chaya Akawani. This sauce was developed through repeated trial and error, while taking prototypes to the master many times and receiving advice.

If you eat it with thick whipped cream, it will have a richer taste.

Pistachio chocolate berry

Pistachio chocolate berry (1,300 yen)

The owner's favorite pistachio is used in this menu. It is finished with a red berry sauce that is Christmasy and pretty to look at. Depending on the season, pistachios are sometimes combined with caramel. The pistachio chocolate berry is topped with caramelized almonds. You can enjoy the crunchy texture.

In addition to the signature menu that is offered all year round, “sameurara” offers a variety of seasonal menus where you can enjoy shaved ice all year round. Please enjoy the profound shaved ice that you will never forget once you eat it.