Japan's Largest Ice Cream Event 'Aipaku®', Attracting 4.5 Million Visitors, Comes to Ogino Sanspark—First-Ever Yamaguchi Debut!

During summer vacation, families and friends are increasingly seeking destinations where they can enjoy a full day out.

A place to shop, savor delicious food, and create lasting memories for both children and adults—

This is exactly the kind of 'day-long shopping destination' that Ogino Sanspark, a commercial facility in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, continues to evolve into. From Friday, July 17, 2026, to Tuesday, July 28, the facility will host 'Aipaku® YAMAGUCHI 2026,' Japan's largest ice cream event, for 12 days.

Bringing together over 100 varieties of local ice cream from 30 brands nationwide, this popular event—having attracted more than 4.5 million visitors cumulatively—will make its debut in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

This summer's biggest food event is made possible by Ogino Sanspark's 2026 renovation year.

Aiming to Become the 'Most Desirable Place to Spend Time in the Region'

Ogino Sanspark is a community-focused shopping center attracting visitors not only from Shunan City but also from Ube, Mine, and Shimonoseki cities.

Beyond daily shopping, it offers a wide range of stores including gourmet dining, fashion, household goods, and amusement, serving customers of all generations.

In 2026, under the banner 'Re:NEW 2026,' the facility is undergoing phased renovations. New and renovated stores, including '3COINS+plus' and 'Standard Products,' will open one after another in July, and a sports specialty store is scheduled to open this autumn—enhancing the entire facility with fresh appeal.

Over 100 Local Ice Creams from 30 Brands Nationwide—A Special 12-Day Journey Through Japan via Ice Cream

'Aipaku®' is Japan's largest ice cream event, organized by the Japan Ice Mania Association, a general incorporated association.

Since its first launch in Harajuku, Tokyo, in 2015, the event has been held across Japan, surpassing 4.5 million cumulative visitors. With many fans eagerly awaiting its annual return, it has grown into a household name for ice cream events.

The event is produced by ice critic and 'Ice Man' Mr. Fukudome, who tastes over 1,000 ice cream varieties annually, and the Japan Ice Mania Association, comprising over 13,500 ice cream enthusiasts nationwide. One key reason for 'Aipaku®'s nationwide popularity is its strict curation—only featuring ice creams that are truly worth recommending, discovered through nationwide travels.

For the first time in Yamaguchi, 'Aipaku® YAMAGUCHI 2026' will bring together over 100 varieties of local ice cream from 30 brands across Japan. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy popular and trending sweets unique to each region—from Hokkaido to Kyushu—all in one place.

The Joy of Discovering 'Flavors You Can Only Taste Here'

The venue will feature renowned brands rarely found in Yamaguchi, such as rich soft serve from Hokkaido farms, premium soft serve from the originator of raw chocolate, and innovative desserts from high-end custard specialists.

Additionally, unique products reflecting regional food culture will appear—such as a Japanese-style soft serve inspired by Yamanashi's famous 'Kikkou-Shingen-Mochi' and raw chocolate soft serve generously made with Shizuoka-grown Crown Melon. With ice creams showcasing regional characteristics gathered in one place, visitors can feel the charm of each area through 'food.'

Limited-edition and quantity-limited products will also be sold, ensuring new discoveries with every visit. Whether searching for your favorite flavor or enjoying taste comparisons with family and friends, everyone can enjoy 'Aipaku®' in their own way.

More Than Just Ice Cream—A 'Travel-Like Dining Experience' in Yamaguchi

The reason 'Aipaku®' attracts so many people is that it is not merely an ice cream sales event.

Each product embodies the region's unique nature and climate, the producers' passion, and long-traditional craftsmanship and dedication to ingredients.

By tasting ice creams from Hokkaido's dairy culture, Shizuoka's premium melons, and Yamanashi's famous confections, you can vividly imagine the culture and scenery of each region.

This sensation of touring Japan while sampling local gourmet treats is the unique charm of 'Aipaku®.'

Rediscover the charm of regions across Japan alongside refreshing summer sweets. This 'travel-through-ice-cream' experience will come to life at Ogino Sanspark.

[Event Overview] ■ Ice Cream Expo 'Aipaku® YAMAGUCHI 2026' at Ogino Sanspark

Period July 17 (Fri), 2026 – July 28 (Tue), 2026 [12 days]

Hours 10:00–19:00 *On the final day (July 28), until 15:00

Venue Ogino Sanspark Central Court, 1F Main Building · Sunfesta Plaza, 1F West Building

Admission Free

Take-Home Options At the venue, 'Aipaku® Original Insulated Bags' with dry ice (600 JPY including tax) will be sold. If you bring your own insulated bag, you may purchase dry ice only (180 JPY including tax).

Special Programs to Enhance Your Event Experience

For 'Aipaku® YAMAGUCHI 2026,' we have prepared special programs beyond just enjoying local ice creams from across Japan—designed to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Please experience the unique 'fun' available only at Ogino Sanspark, going beyond just tasting ice cream.

'Gachapon Lottery'—Enjoy Shopping Twice

During the event period, we will host a 'Gachapon Lottery' to make shopping and dining at Ogino Sanspark even more fun.

During the event, present a receipt for purchases of 1,000 JPY or more (tax included) at Ogino Sanspark, along with following Aipaku on Instagram and adding Ogino Sanspark as a LINE friend, to participate in the Gachapon Lottery.

Prizes include 5,000 JPY shopping vouchers redeemable at Ogino Sanspark, 500 JPY shopping vouchers, and 100 JPY vouchers usable at Aipaku. Enjoy shopping and dining in the mall even more affordably after enjoying the ice cream event.

This unique Ogino Sanspark program is designed to encourage visitors to explore the mall, discovering newly opened stores and favorite shops.

A Full Day Experience—Only Possible at Ogino Sanspark

Morning: Shopping at newly opened stores.

After lunch: Ice cream tasting tour across Japan at 'Aipaku®.'

Afternoon: Leisurely strolling around the mall.

Ogino Sanspark proposes this new way to spend your summer vacation.

The charm of hosting the event at a shopping center lies in enjoying not just the event space, but the entire facility.

Hosting a nationally popular event in Yamaguchi for the first time does more than deliver new experiences to local residents. This summer vacation timing also offers families