L'ibisco, a fresh gelato specialty shop famous for lines in Karuizawa and Ginza and recognized as a 'Tabelog 100 Best Restaurant' (Operated by Libisco Co., Ltd., based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo), and the Sotetsu Group, which has deep roots in Kanagawa Prefecture (based in Nishi-ku, Yokohama), will open a new joint brand store, 'MICIO', in Kamakura on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

'MICIO' is a gelato shop with an unprecedented concept, combining Libisco’s long-cultivated technique of maximizing ingredient flavor with the rich bounty of Kanagawa Prefecture provided by the Sotetsu Group network.

Challenging Conventions: Libisco’s 'All-Kanagawa' Ambition Libisco is synonymous with 'Obuse Milk' from Obuse-cho, Nagano Prefecture. However, 'MICIO' in Kamakura has deliberately sealed away that signature ingredient.

The goal is to provide a local taste available only in this place. The milk flavors use 100% milk from Kanagawa Prefecture. In addition to flavors using local pumpkin and tea leaves available at opening, the shop will continue to expand its use of local ingredients. Every flavor listed will contain at least one ingredient sourced from Kanagawa.

'Rediscovery for locals, and charm of Kanagawa for tourists.' MICIO’s artisans hand-craft only what is sold that day, delivering fresh, never-frozen gelato that captures the true aroma and juiciness of the ingredients.

Kanagawa’s Select Ingredients for 'MICIO' (Examples) Shonan Chigasaki MILK, Yokosuka Pumpkin, Hadano Hojicha

[Shonan Chigasaki MILK] A rich yet clean-finish milk squeezed from cows raised on farms in Chigasaki. Enhanced to its maximum potential using Libisco's techniques.

[Yokosuka Pumpkin] Uses fully ripened pumpkin from the prefecture. With minimal sugar, it emphasizes the vegetable's natural, powerful sweetness and fluffy texture.

[Hadano Hojicha & Sencha] Produced in the spring-water haven of Hadano. Features rich tea leaves grown in the deep fog of the prefecture's only basin. Carefully extracted at the perfect temperature to create a deep, harmonious balance of aroma and astringency when paired with milk.

Origin of the Name: 'MICIO' Meaning 'kitty' in Italian. Like a cat wandering freely through Kamakura’s back alleys, the store aims to be accessible and loved by the local community.

Store Overview Name: MICIO Opening Date: June 27, 2026 (Sat) Address: 1A Uoura Building, 2-10-20 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Access: 5-minute walk from Kamakura Station Hours: 11:00-18:00 Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gelato_micio_kamakura

Libisco’s Commitment: No Eggs, Low Sugar, Freshly Made Libisco’s gelato is made without eggs and with minimal sugar. It is manufactured in-store daily, only in the amount sold that day. No preservatives are used, emphasizing the fresh, seasonal character of the ingredients.

About the Operating Companies [Libisco Co., Ltd.] Operates a gelato specialty shop listed among Tabelog’s Top 100 with an average Google rating of 4.4. Mission: 'Sharing Japan’s food culture and regional charm with the world.' Developing products using ingredients from all 47 prefectures. URL: https://libisco.com/

[Sotetsu Station Retail Co., Ltd.] A part of the Sotetsu Group, which operates diverse businesses such as transportation (trains/buses), real estate, and retail based in Kanagawa. This project contributes to regional revitalization by promoting the appeal of local products along their rail lines and throughout the prefecture. URL: https://www.sotetsu.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product