When visiting Kagoshima, you have to try the adorable signature dessert, Shirokuma shaved ice. Fluffy, finely shaved white ice is drizzled with sweet condensed milk, then cleverly decorated with dried fruit and red beans to resemble a polar bear's face. It has a rich milky flavor and a light, refreshing sweetness.
If you don't want to wait in line, besides the popular original shop in downtown Tenmonkan, there's also a surprisingly good hidden version of Shirokuma at Sengan-en! Sit down at the garden's teahouse restaurant and leisurely enjoy this classic dessert while looking out over magnificent Kinko Bay and Sakurajima, which occasionally sends up plumes of white smoke. With each cool bite and stunning view, you can take in Kagoshima's unique nature and flavors at the same time. It offers a relaxing experience completely different from an ordinary dessert shop and is highly recommended.
