Nara Royal Hotel Launches "Yakuzen Yojo-gori," an Experiential Shaved Ice Dish You Blend Like an Alchemist, Starting June 1

Nara Royal Hotel (Location: 254-1 Hokeji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture; Representative Director: Masanori Higashi) will sell "Yakuzen Yojo-gori" (Medicinal Herbal Shaved Ice), a dessert themed around Nara's history and wellness, from June 1 (Mon) to September 30 (Wed), 2026, at the "Restaurant Lounge Sentaki" on the 1st floor of the hotel.

The dessert uses "Yamato Himuro," pure ice from Nara, which is considered the birthplace of ice-eating culture in Japan. It is an experiential shaved ice dish where guests customize their own flavors by blending syrups and medicinal ingredients, much like an alchemist (Yakushi).

Background: A "Culinary Experience" from Nara, Home to the Ice Gods

Nara Prefecture is home to "Himuro Shrine," which enshrines the ice gods, and has a deep-rooted ice-eating culture. Leveraging this historical context, the hotel planned this product to offer more than just a dessert, allowing guests to experience the climate and wisdom of Nara. The ice used is "Yamato Himuro" from the prestigious "Hinode Seihyo" in Nara. Staff members, trained at the ice company, carefully shave the pure, impurity-free ice by hand for each serving.

Features: The Joy of "Blending" Like an Alchemist

The key feature of this product is that it is not pre-made. Instead, guests freely pour syrups and sauces to their liking. Like an alchemist preparing medicine, guests can choose their flavors based on their daily mood, creating their own unique bowl. The menu provides suggestions and information about the ingredients to help guests choose their preferred taste with confidence, even for first-timers.

Carefully Selected Ingredients (Excerpts)

- Hinode Seihyo "Yamato Himuro": Highly pure ice derived from traditional ice-making techniques utilizing Nara's winter cold. - Kagotaki Tofu Shop Douhua Sauce: Uses rich soy milk from a local, beloved tofu shop. - Nara Prefecture "Daiteppo" Kinako (Roasted Soybean Flour): Made from a rare, indigenous variety of soybean known for its rich flavor. - Nara Speciality Kuzumochi: Adds a signature texture accent. - Medicinal Essence: Goji berries, Ceylon cinnamon, moshio (seaweed salt), honey, and homemade fresh ginger syrup.

"Warming" After "Cooling" with Over 20 Free-Flow Drinks

After enjoying the shaved ice, guests can enjoy over 20 types of free-flowing drinks, including Japanese black tea from Nara Tsukigase Tatsumi Tea Farm and seasonal herbal teas. Guests can spend a luxurious time in the lounge where a waterfall flows, gently warming their bodies after the cooling dessert.