What is “Shirokuma” (Polar Bear)? Kagoshima’s famous big and sweet shaved ice

Shirokuma (白熊, 白くま) is a frozen dessert born in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It’s a massive serving of shaved ice topped with fruit and drizzled with special milk, surprising all who see it.

The origin shop is Mujyaki in Tenmonkan, Kagoshima City, but nowadays there are many places across Kagoshima that serve it besides the original Mujyaki. Let’s explore the charm of Shirokuma.

What is Shirokuma (Polar Bear)?

Depending on the shop, the name may be written as “白熊” or “白くま,” but at “Tenmonkan Mujyaki,” where Shirokuma originated, the kanji form “白熊” is used.

Shirokuma was born right after the end of the war in 1947. It was invented by Take Kubo, the founder of “Tenmonkan Mujyaki,” and first sold in 1949.
At the time, it was simple, but the milk was later improved and fruits were added as toppings.

The name “Shirokuma” comes from the fact that when viewed from above, the arrangement of angelica, cherries, and raisins resembles the face of a polar bear.

The birthplace of Shirokuma: “Tenmonkan Mujyaki”

You can’t talk about Kagoshima’s Shirokuma without mentioning the original.
As shown in the photo above on the left, “Tenmonkan Mujyaki” has its main store in Tenmonkan, Kagoshima’s busiest entertainment district.

On the first floor of the Tenmonkan main store is “Shirokuma Kahi shirokuma cafe,” and on the second floor is “Casual Restaurant Mujyaki.”
While the atmosphere and menu differ between the two, Shirokuma can be enjoyed at both.

▼ Great satisfaction with the voluminous Shirokuma (Polar Bear)

Shirokuma comes in two sizes: “Regular” and “Baby Size.” Because of how big it is, many people are satisfied even with the smaller Baby Size.

There’s also a wide variety, including matcha-flavored “Uji Kintoki” and “Special Shirokuma” with lots of fruit. Sharing a few and comparing flavors can be fun too.

▼ Mujyaki also has a branch in the basement of Amu Plaza Kagoshima

“Tenmonkan Mujyaki” has a branch in the basement of Amu Plaza Kagoshima at Kagoshima-Chuo Station. You can only enjoy freshly shaved original Shirokuma here and at the main store.

In addition to Shirokuma, they also serve teppanyaki, and they are particular about not using any store-bought products, from yakisoba noodles to okonomiyaki sauce.

After warming up with teppanyaki, cooling down with Shirokuma is also recommended.

Famous Shirokuma shop: “Cafe Kanojo no Ie”

Besides Mujyaki, Shirokuma has been adapted and loved throughout Kagoshima.

At “Cafe Kanojo no Ie,” a renowned Shirokuma specialty shop that opened in 1982, you can enjoy the “Kuma” variation called “Koguma” (Yellow Bear) topped generously with mango and mango sauce.
Its volume will surely exceed your expectations and leave you satisfied.

Other popular menu items include parfaits and waffles.

Famous Shirokuma Shop: “Resort Restaurant Il Mole”

At “Resort Restaurant Il Mole,” in addition to the classic “Shirokuma,” there is also “Aka Kuma” (Red Bear). This “Aka Kuma” is characterized by its unique flavor with dragon fruit on top.

“Resort Restaurant Il Mole” is an upscale Western-style restaurant that is also used for weddings, located within a facility called “Amami no Sato.”
Here, you can enjoy views of a splendid Japanese garden created by Tokie Mon Fuji, who wished to preserve the original scenery of Amami.

Famous Shirokuma Shop: “Kamifusen”

This is a shop in Tenmonkan where you can eat Shirokuma from 8 a.m. In a calm atmosphere, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or coffee to energize your day.

Shirokuma here offers the perfect match of slightly sweet milk with refreshing fruit and ice.
For those who find the regular size too big, there’s a mini-size version called “Koguma,” which is also popular with children.

For breakfast, you can choose between “Toast” and “Hot Sandwich.”

Famous Shirokuma Shop: “Yamakataya Shokudo”

At “Yamakataya Shokudo,” located inside the Kagoshima department store “Yamakataya,” you can also enjoy Shirokuma.
They offer both a modern-style Shirokuma and a “Retro Shirokuma.” The “Retro Shirokuma” is notable for the way the fruits are arranged, and as you eat, fruits and sweet red bean paste gradually appear from inside the ice.

Incidentally, Yamakataya Shokudo is also famous for its yakisoba, which has a different flavor from Nagasaki’s sara udon.

Special Edition Famous Shirokuma Shop: “Airport Yamakataya Shokudo”

There is also a shop inside Kagoshima Airport where you can enjoy Shirokuma.

The “Airport Yamakataya Shokudo,” a branch of the aforementioned “Yamakataya Shokudo,” operates on the 2nd floor of the domestic terminal.
The way it’s served makes it look like a polar bear’s face, doesn’t it?

Of course, they also offer Yamakataya’s famous yakisoba. Shirokuma alone is enough to fill you up, making it convenient while waiting for connecting flights from places like the Amami Islands to Tokyo.

◎ Shirokuma Summary

Born at “Mujyaki” in Tenmonkan and loved for over 70 years, Shirokuma is served at more than 80 stores in Kagoshima, so we couldn’t introduce them all.
However, your favorite is surely out there somewhere.

When you visit Kagoshima, be sure to try Kagoshima’s coolest and most refreshing treat—Shirokuma, the city’s hottest cold dessert right now.

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