Olive oil ice cream? Trying this local delicacy in Amanohashidate

At the docks of Miyazu Bay is a cafe that’s taking visitors of Amanohashidate by storm, offering its iconic olive oil ice cream cones!

Olive oil ice cream (or soft serve) is a flavor I’d never even considered. A hefty price of 700 yen per cone, my curiosity got the better of me and I simply had to try it before boarding the Miyazu Bay boat cruise.

A Match Made In Heaven!

One lick and I was hooked! The creaminess of vanilla soft serve melded brilliantly with the rich taste of extra virgin olive oil, creating a kind of sweet and savory dynamic. I would liken this combination to something like caramel popcorn, a treat that satisfies multiple cravings and flavor palettes at once!

Kick Back And Enjoy

The best way to enjoy this delicacy is by riding the calm waters of Miyazu Bay. Book yourself on a GetYourGuide tour that encompasses the iconic Amanohashidate chair lift and the Miyazu Bay boat cruise for the full experience at one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan or Nihon Sankei.

Watch Out For Eagles!

Watch out! This cruise is known for its eagles and seagulls that soar over cruise boats and swipe at people’s food. They’re quite harmless so you don’t need to worry too much, but if you’re anything like me, a surprise swoop will have you screaming like a girl!

Luckily, I ate all the olive oil ice cream before this traumatic event happened, and I’m sure the eagle enjoyed what was left of the scrumptious waffle cone, too. If you’re not visiting Kyoto any time soon, then why not have a crack at olive oil ice cream at home? (You know you want to!).


To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!

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