Kondou Shoten — Local services in Shirakawa

I wanted to make sure my husband and I hit the high points of this impossibly picturesque village, but our time was limited by our pre-booked bus back to Hida-Takayama. I closely followed the recommendations made on the informative 'Japan by Food' YouTube channel, and this was a spot that looked enticing in the video clip. It was all about their signature soft-serve ice cream cone because it has sake in it.

Through a small takeout window, the owner served a ¥500 Doburoku-style vanilla soft-serve infused with just a touch of local sake and sprinkled with popped rice (much like Rice Krispies). It definitely had the sweet creaminess of Hokkaido milk but with a delicate kick. We sat on a bench to devour it little realizing there was a pub inside serving Hida beef and various sakes as well as a local souvenir shop. Oh well, maybe if we had more time.

ICE CREAM - 4 stars..a creamy delight, a subtle kick AMBIANCE - n/a...well, we didn't go inside SERVICE - 4 stars...he was quiet and efficient TOTAL - 4 stars...worth a stop on...

For visitors to Shirakawago, you will not miss this shop. This is quite a modern "traditional" provision shop with a cosy old-fashioned setup and layout in the area that sells a wide variety of merchandise and items, ranging from daily sundry necessities, fruits, tidbits, snacks etc. They also sell a limited range of local souvenirs like keychains, postcards and toys too.

But visitors must try when here is the selfmade ice cream! The ice creams were super thick and rice in taste and flavourful and it was as if you are drinking fresh milk directly from the cow. And one cone cost about 400-600yen (depending on what you order) but it's really worth it! We of us loved it so much, despite of the cold weather outside.

We were having our break from our walk in the surrounding areas earlier. After our very satisfying ice cream break, we continued exploring the place though it was not our...

We only purchased the doburoku ice cream, since it was highlighted as a special sweet treat you could get at Shirakawa-go. I was worried that the sake would be too strong for me because I don’t enjoy alcohol and can detect it even when others say it’s very weak, but I was pleasantly surprised by how mild it was. The puffed rice sprinkled on top added an enjoyable textural component alongside the smooth and velvety soft serve. However, as far as ice cream flavours go, chocolate is always number one for me. The doburoku was agreeable enough, but I find it hard to fairly judge ice cream because I’m terribly biased. Regardless, I’d recommend trying it if it’s...