This week my local shrine, Ishikiri Jinja (a destination for pilgrims seeking the healing of various unwanted growths), hosted its annual fireworks-filled summer festival. The pilgrim road was lined for several kilometers with stalls selling the usual summer-fair wares and, of course, the traditional seasonal foods and sweets.

Kakigori with poached apricot

At most fairs, among the culinary delights, such as grilled shoyu-basted corn on the cob and chocolate-dipped bananas, you will find colorful banners advertising the freezing-cold snack, kakigori. Shaved, syrup-flavored ice, kakigori is the Japanese version of what Americans call a snow cone.