While planning for my Japan trip, one of the must-try items on my list was shaved ice (kakigori). I had seen much of it on Instagram and was determined to satisfy my curiosity as it was something I didn’t try in my previous trip.

With much research, I decided on Sebastian because of their unique cake-shaped shaved ice. Everyone loves something unique. Right, right? =p But also because it was recommended by instagrammer @little_meg_siu_meg.

Armed with Google map in my handphone, it was relatively straight forward in locating Sebastian. And upon entry, the staff gestured to me the empty (high) table where I could sit.

I wasn’t able to order from the menu as it was written in Japanese. Instead, I ordered by showing pictures from Instagram! Hee:-

1) Kakigori #1, ¥950 (above) – To properly appreciate the shaved ice, I highly recommend ordering the traditional mountain-shaped one. I was able to taste how light and fluffy the ice was, which was achievable because it was shaved very finely. Think needle-shaped ice! The larger surface area meant every mouthful was a delight as the shaved ice dissolved immediately in the mouth. And every mouthful was guaranteed with intense flavour as the shaved ice was made by alternating between ice and generous amount of sauce! This was seriously huge too, by the way.

2) Kakigori #2, ¥1200 (above) – Was intrigued when I saw this on every table. One of his signature dishes? How can I leave without trying! And this was a pure master piece. Called the ‘creme brulee’, the topmost layer of meringue frosting was torched such that I was greeted with a delightful cracking sound as I ‘broke’ the top with the spoon. And it remained crispy throughout the 12 to 15 minutes which I took to finish my dessert. Amazing! Although I did wish there was more strawberry jam in my strawberry-lemon flavoured ‘creme brulee’ shaved ice.

3) Kakigori #3, ¥1200 (above) – As mentioned, it was the cake-shaped shaved ice that I specially came to Sebastian for. And it was really interesting watching him put everything together. But because of the smaller shape, one gets more cream to shaved ice.

If one wishes to try shaved ice (kakigori), I highly recommend making a trip down to Sebastian! So while the shop seems pretty far from the main tourist attractions on the map, it’s only a 8 to 10 minutes walk from Yoyogikoen metro station. One could totally hop over after visiting Meiji Shrine or Yoyogi Park.

I would also recommend dropping by on weekdays. My first visit was on Friday. There was a constant stream of customers but orders were manageable as the shaved ice were all personally made by the kakigori master himself. My second visit was on a Saturday and the place was noticeably busier with people queuing outside. Yes, customers would wait patiently outside the shop for a table instead of standing inside the shop.

And it was during my second visit that I noticed not all orders went through the kakigori master. There were 2 other staff, and the young lady was handling half of the incoming orders. But I was fortunate to have my orders handled by him. Keke!

The only con about Sebastian was their varying operating hours. One has to check their Twitter the night before. On the 2 days I visited, his operating hours started at 11.30am and 2pm, and closed at 5pm on both days.

Will definitely make a trip to Sebastian when I’m next back in Japan to try the other flavours which changes with the seasons.