These days, the shaved ice craze is sweeping the streets. From innovative toppings to luxurious creations made with carefully selected ingredients, one of the joys for consumers is searching for a shaved ice that perfectly captures the unique flavors of each shop.

However, one shop that has defying this trend and continuing to preserve its traditional flavor is Oiwake Dango Honpo (3-1-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) in Shinjuku 3-chome. Located at Shinjuku Oiwake (now Shinjuku 3-chome intersection), where the Ome Kaido and Koshu Kaido highways intersect, this shop has been serving dango associated with Ota Dokan since its founding in 1945.

When dining at such a historic establishment, it's best to choose a dish that allows you to fully enjoy traditional Japanese ingredients.

With that in mind, I chose the Brown Sugar Soybean Flour and Red Bean Paste (1,048 yen).

Atop the soft ice is a heavy mountain of bean paste, topped with fragrant soybean flour! The bean paste is also used in the shop's prized dango, so it's both exquisite in appearance and taste. The bean paste retains the shape of the azuki beans, making it satisfying to eat.

What's more, interestingly, despite being a cold ice dessert, it pairs perfectly with the hot green tea that's served complimentary. The ice dessert and tea complement each other's strengths, creating a rich harmony like a violin and cello.

The ice melts smoothly in your mouth, creating a beautiful high-pitched sound, while the hot tea warms your throat with its rich, gentle tone.

Hmm... this is the beauty of Japan!

If you want to indulge in a midsummer daydream, head to Izayukan Shinjuku Oiwake!