Japanese-style ice cream is fundamentally different from traditional American ice cream. Instead of heavy cream and overwhelming sweetness.
Japanese frozen desserts focus on light texture, refined balance, seasonal flavors, and craftsmanship. Think airy soft-serve, snow-like kakigori, chewy mochi, earthy matcha, nutty black sesame, and delicate red bean.
This guide explores the 10 best Japanese-style ice cream spots in Florida, with in-depth explanations of the experience, flavors, authenticity, pricing, and why each location stands out.
1. Koko Kakigori Café — Orlando, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.8 / 5
💲 Average Price: $8–$12
Why It’s Special:
Koko Kakigori is widely regarded as the gold standard for Japanese shaved ice (kakigori) in Florida. Unlike Western shaved ice, kakigori uses ultra-fine ice that melts instantly on the tongue, creating a texture closer to freshly fallen snow.
Each dessert is carefully layered—not dumped—with house-made syrups, condensed milk, mochi, and cream toppings. The balance of sweetness and bitterness is precise, especially in their matcha-based options.
Best Flavors to Try:
Matcha Mountain, Ube Coconut, Black Sesame, Strawberry Milk
📍 Address:
12889 Waterford Lakes Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32828
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2. KŌRI Bakery & Dessert — Orlando, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5
💲 Average Price: $9–$14
Why It’s Special:
KŌRI specializes in Japanese-inspired snow ice, a dessert that bridges the gap between kakigori and ice cream. The ice is infused with flavor before freezing, resulting in a creamy texture without being heavy.
This spot excels in modern Japanese dessert presentation, making it popular with both dessert purists and first-time explorers.
Best Flavors to Try:
Matcha Latte Snow Ice, Mango Cheesecake, Tiramisu Snow Ice
📍 Address:
11701 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
3. Wafu Japanese Desserts — Orlando, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5
💲 Average Price: $6–$10
Why It’s Special:
Wafu is known for its taiyaki ice cream, a classic Japanese street dessert. Taiyaki is a warm, fish-shaped waffle traditionally filled with red bean paste—here, it’s paired with silky soft-serve.
The contrast of hot waffle and cold ice cream creates an addictive texture combination that keeps customers coming back.
Best Flavors to Try:
Matcha Soft-Serve Taiyaki, Vanilla with Red Bean
📍 Address:
504 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
4. Matcha Café Maiko — Orlando, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5
💲 Average Price: $6–$9
Why It’s Special:
Matcha Café Maiko is an internationally recognized Japanese brand known for its premium ceremonial-grade matcha imported directly from Japan.
Their soft-serve has a rich umami depth, slight bitterness, and zero artificial taste—making it one of the most authentic matcha ice creams in the United States.
Best Flavors to Try:
Matcha Soft-Serve, Matcha Parfait, Matcha Latte Float
📍 Address:
11951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
5. Sakura Japanese Ice Cream — Aventura, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5
💲 Average Price: $5–$8
Why It’s Special:
Sakura focuses on traditional Japanese ice cream flavors rarely found in mainstream dessert shops. The flavors are subtle, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in Japanese food culture.
This is a favorite among locals looking for authentic Japanese sweets in South Florida.
Best Flavors to Try:
Green Tea, Black Sesame, Red Bean Mochi
📍 Address:
19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180
6. Japow — Miami, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5
💲 Average Price: $7–$11
Why It’s Special:
Japow blends Japanese flavor inspiration with modern dessert trends. While less traditional, it excels in creative soft-serve combinations and visually striking desserts.
This is a great stop for anyone who enjoys Japanese-inspired desserts with a contemporary twist.
Best Flavors to Try:
Matcha Swirl, Ube Soft-Serve
📍 Address:
Multiple locations in Miami
7. Kichi Taiyaki — Brandon, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.8 / 5
💲 Average Price: $7–$12
Why It’s Special:
Kichi Taiyaki is a standout for its high-quality taiyaki cones paired with premium soft-serve. The batter is crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and never greasy.
Their menu also includes shaved ice and seasonal Japanese desserts.
Best Flavors to Try:
Matcha Taiyaki Soft-Serve, Strawberry Milk Ice
📍 Address:
113 E Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511
8. Honeymee – Orlando, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5
💲 Average Price: $6–$10
Experience:
Honeymee focuses on Japanese-style milk soft serve topped with premium raw honey and honeycomb. The texture is smooth, airy, and less sweet than traditional American soft serve.
Best to Order:
Milk Soft Serve with Honeycomb, Matcha Milk Swirl
📍 Address:
4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
9. Mochi Tea Café — Port St. Lucie, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5
💲 Average Price: $5–$9
Why It’s Special:
Mochi Tea Café combines Japanese mochi ice cream, milk teas, and casual café vibes. It’s approachable, affordable, and perfect for families or first-time visitors.
Best Flavors to Try:
Mango Mochi Ice Cream, Matcha Milk Tea
📍 Address:
1707 NW St Lucie West Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
10. JAC’s Ice Cream — Clearwater, FL
⭐ Rating: 4.4 / 5
💲 Average Price: $4–$8
Why It’s Special:
While not exclusively Japanese, JAC’s offers mochi ice cream and unique flavor profiles that appeal strongly to Japanese dessert enthusiasts.
Best Flavors to Try:
Mochi Ice Cream Sampler
📍 Address:
1100 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755
🍵 Final Thoughts: Why Japanese-Style Ice Cream Is Different
Japanese ice cream focuses on:
- Lighter texture
- Lower sugar
- Ingredient purity
- Flavor balance over richness
If you’re searching for the best Japanese ice cream in Florida, these 10 spots represent the most authentic, creative, and satisfying experiences available today.