As an Italian, there is no summer without dense and smooth gelato. In Tokyo and Japan there are some true Italian gelato shops to refresh ang get delighted with a sweet treat. Whether in the afternoon or after dinner, every time is perfect to slurp a gelato cup or cone.

Here is a list of some of the best shops in Tokyo where you can find authentic Italian gelato, that is different from ice cream, soft cream, shaved ice, sorbet or ice bar. Gelato differentiates itself because of the presence of milk ( but low fat milk), no added vegetable oils and low air amount in order to taste ingredients flavours better.

Disclaimer:

Always double check on the official website info such as opening hours and closing days as things might suddenly change.

1. Giolitti

With a store in Shibuya and one in Yurakucho, this is a historical Italian shop that became famous for a scene when Audry Hepburns eats one of their cones in the movie Roman Holidays. Before that the shop was already well known, Giuseppe Giolitti founded it in 1900 and at time even became purveyor of the Italian royal family. The first shop in Shinjuku is now closed but a new one in Shibuya just opened (August 2023) and then doubled in Yurakucho with a restaurant as well.

Opening hours	depends on shop ⚠️ On average open every day 11:00-20:00
Website	https://giolitti.jp/
Address	〒150-0043, Shibuya-ku, Dogenzaka, 2-25 -12 (Google maps) 〒100-0006, Chiyoda-ku, Yurakucho, 2-7-1 Marui 3F (Google maps)

2. Bonta Italia

Pinsa Romana is a relatively new dish originated in Rome and Bonta Italia is the shop that makes the best pinsa out there. It fits in this list however because they prepare daily home-made gelato, usually only two tastes that change depending on fresh ingredients. And it is really delicious. Located in a small street in the lively Daikayama it offers also few seats outsides.

Opening hours	Wednesday to Friday 11:00-20:00 Saturday and Saturday 11:00-21:00 Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Website	https://en.bontaitalia.co/
Address	〒150-0033, Shibuya-ku, Sarugakucho, 12-35  (Google maps)

3. Sincerita’

 As the name translates into sincerely, the effort of Sincerita is to transmit warmth and authenticity making great gelato. Great importance is given to ingredients as their seasonality and the close relationship with suppliers. One example is the use of honey and wasanbon, a traditional Japanese sugar, as sweeteners, in contrast with the refined usual white sugar.

Opening hours	open everyday 11:00-21:00 Closed two weeks in winter
Website	https://www.sincerita.jp/en/
Address	〒166-0001, Suginami-ku, Asagaya-kita, 1-43-7 (Google maps)

4. Venchi

You might know Venchi for its delicious chocolate. Now imagine its creaminess in a gelato version. This is exactly what to expect from the gelato that Venchi prepares in some selected shops. With carefully selected single-origin chocolate (originating in Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru), hazelnuts from Piedmont, and pistachios from Bronte, Sicily, Venchi’s gelato is really unique. One particularity is also the variety of delicious cones. 

Opening hours	depends on shop ⚠️On average open every day 10:00-20:00
Website	https://venchi.co.jp/
Address	Ginza –  〒1104-0061, Chuo-ku, Ginza, 4-3-2 (Google maps)  Shinjuku Takashimaya – 〒151-8580, Shibuya-ku, Sendagaya, 5 -24-2 , B1F (Google maps) Nihonbashi Takashimaya – 〒103-6101 Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi, 2−5−1, 1F (Google maps) Tobu Ikebukuro – 〒171-8512, Toshima-ku, Nishiikebukuro, 1−3−1-25, B1F (Google maps) Otemachi One – 〒100-0004, Chiyoda-ku, Ōtemachi, 1-2-1, 1F (Google maps)

Conclusion

There are several authentic gelato shops in Tokyo and around Japan. Many gelato maestro got international recognitions and studied in best schools. Unfortunately good shops such as Gelateria Marghera, Gelateria la Napoli and A Regà Pizza e Gelato are not in the list as they are sadly definitely closed.

Come back for part 2

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