Japan's ancient capital Nara emerges as shaved ice hotspot

OSAKA - Nara, Japan's ancient capital, where ice production is said to have flourished for 1,600 years to serve the imperial court, has become a battleground for shaved ice businesses.

The number of shops in the western city and elsewhere in Nara Prefecture has increased more than ninefold over the last 10 years. Tourists have flocked to the city, where Housekibaco, a popular shaved ice shop, offers specially made ice that enables consumers to enjoy the dessert longer.