Introducing Shirokuma, a colorful summer tradition｜Shirokuma in Kagoshima!

There are many reasonably priced and delicious foods in Kyushu compared to Tokyo, and I would highly recommend the Shirokuma of Kagoshima.

What is a shirokuma? Of course, it is not a polar bear of an animal.

Shirokuma is shaved ice, which is shaved ice topped with condensed milk and various fruits and agar toppings.

According to one theory, the name comes from its resemblance to a white bear.

Shirokuma is so popular as a summer tradition among Kagoshima people that in midsummer, famous stores are so popular that people line up in line to get a taste.

I had one myself when I went to Kagoshima on a school excursion in junior high school, and I remember being surprised at how gorgeous it looked and how voluminous it was.

So, in this article, I will explain about Shirokuma in Kagoshima, its history, points of attraction, recommended famous stores, and sightseeing spots in the area, while also sharing my own experiences.

Why the name “Shirokuma” in the first place?

There are various theories as to the origin of the name “Shirokuma,” but the most popular theory is that it was given because the shaved ice, topped with condensed milk and decorated with colorful fruits and agar, looks like a white bear.

Specifically, one theory is that the name was derived from the fact that the dried grapes resemble a white bear in appearance, and that the appearance of the arrangement of cherries, angelica (a green candy), and raisins topping it resembles a white bear’s face.

Another theory is that it was given the label of a white bear mark on a can of condensed milk.

How did Kagoshima’s Shirokuma come into being?

Shirokuma” was born in 1947, just after the end of the war.

It was invented by Takeshi Kubo, the founder of “Temmonkan Mujaki,” and was put on the market in 1949.

Initially, it was a simple shaved ice like mizure or mitsukake with white and red honey, but it was later improved and became a gorgeous style with colorful arrangements of three-color agar (an ingredient of mitsumame), diced off yokan, adzuki beans, canned fruits, dried grapes, and other ingredients.

Today, many people, especially in Kagoshima, enjoy this summer tradition in southern Kyushu.

Three Attractions of Shirokuma in Kagoshima

I have summarized some of the attractions of Shirokuma in Kagoshima.

Cute appearance and visual appeal

Kagoshima’s Shirokuma is a combination of various fruits arranged to look like a polar bear’s face.

This unique appearance pleases the eye even before eating.

Especially recently, at stores like “San Deco Coffee,” the realistic cuteness is agonizingly visual, with blueberry eyes and nose, pineapple ears, etc., very cute and very SNS-worthy.

Another attraction is that each store offers its own unique Shirokuma with its own originality and ingenuity, such as stores like the Math Café, which features a 3D Shirokuma.

The gorgeous appearance of these sweets makes them an unforgettable memory for tourists and a Kagoshima specialty that they want to photograph.

Abundant variations and evolving Shirokuma

Kagoshima’s Shirokuma has been developed in many variations while maintaining its traditional flavor.

In addition to the traditional white “Shirokuma,” variants such as the “Akaguma” made with dragon fruit from the company’s own farms and the “Kiguma” filled with mangoes that look as if they are about to spill out have been created.

In addition to the milk syrup-based “white bear,” stores such as “Sabo Kakashi” offer “black bears” with caramel syrup.

Such a wide variety of variations attracts repeat customers, as they can make new discoveries no matter how many times they visit.

Some stores offer a choice of syrups, such as “royal (condensed milk)” and “adult (chai-like condensed milk),” which is the reason why these bears are loved by a wide range of customers, from children to adults.

High-quality ingredients and unique manufacturing process for the best texture

Some stores have a reputation for “the ice is different!” For example, Yanagawa Ice House uses special ice made by freezing raw water from the Ojedani water source, a famous water source in Kagoshima, for six days.

This high quality ice, sweetened condensed milk-like syrup, and the perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors of fruit make Shirokuma so appealing.

Some stores use five to six kinds of seasonal fruits, and the refreshing sweetness of homemade condensed milk is also a distinctive feature.

The original “Temmonkan Mujaki” is known for its addictive fluffy texture with plenty of secret homemade milk.

As a premium shaved ice that is perfect for the hot Kagoshima weather and cools you down, it has become a specialty that attracts not only people from within the prefecture but also many tourists from outside the prefecture.

My recommendation for the best Shirokuma stores in Kagoshima

In this article, I will introduce my favorite shirokuma shops in Kagoshima and their recommended menus.

My recommendation for the best Shirokuma stores in Kagoshima

Column: Is it true that “Shirokuma” ice cream has no trademark?

The reason why “Shirokuma” ice cream has no trademark is because it was found to be a “common name” by the court.

The court found that “Shirokuma” is a common name for shaved ice in the Kyushu region, centering on Kagoshima Prefecture, because “in the Kyushu region, centering on Kagoshima Prefecture, shaved ice with condensed milk and fruit on top is widely and generally called ‘Shirokuma.

Interestingly, the court ruled that “common name” does not have to be common throughout Japan; it is sufficient if it is common in a certain region.

As a result of this legal decision, products using the name “Shirokuma” are now being sold by various companies, and are now manufactured and sold outside the prefecture as a summer tradition in southern Kyushu, and are sold nationwide, especially at major convenience store chains such as Seven-Eleven and Family Mart.

This is because “Shirokuma” ice cream has been given a common name, making it possible for any company to manufacture and sell it.

Recommended places to stop by in Kagoshima while dining

Here are three recommended places to stop by in Kagoshima during your meal.

✅ Sakurajima

Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, is a majestic island in Kinko Bay that continues to emit powerful volcanic fumes.

Not only can visitors enjoy the bounty produced by the volcanic ash, such as Sakurajima radish and Sakurajima tangerines, but they can also efficiently visit major spots on the Sakurajima Island View, a bus that tours around the tourist spots.

In particular, the Yunodaira Observatory, located at 373 meters above sea level at the fourth station of Mt!

The view of the rugged surface of Mt. Kitadake approaching before your eyes, the Taisho lava field spreading out below you, and the city of Kagoshima City to the west across Kinko Bay, offers a spectacular 360° view.

The Sakurajima Ferry runs 24 hours a day between Sakurajima and downtown Kagoshima, making it easy to take a short trip from downtown Kagoshima in about 45 minutes without a car.