Akafuku Gōri

　Akafuku Gōri (shaved Ice) is one of the hallmarks of summer in Ise. Akafuku is a traditional Japanese sweet consisting of soft mochi wrapped in smooth, strained red bean paste, and is a speciality of Ise Grand Shrine. The three stripes on the bean paste represent the clear waters of the Isuzu River, which flows past Ise Grand Shrine, whilst the white mochi symbolises the pebbles on the riverbed. 

　Although it bears the name ‘Akafuku Gōri’, it does not actually feature Akafuku sweets on top of the ice. It consists of shaved ice topped with matcha syrup, served with red bean paste and mochi on the side; the mochi is made firmer so that it remains tasty even when chilled. Whilst it is available from early spring, the best time to enjoy it is from late June onwards, when the weather becomes hot and humid.

　You can enjoy it at Akafuku branches around Ise Grand Shrine, but the Gekū-mae branch is the one to aim for. Although it’s situated along the approach to the Outer Shrine, it tends to feel relatively less crowded.