Where Taste Meets
Tradition
A modern Japanese dessert and tea shop where craftsmanship and culture meet in every flavor.
Beyond Matcha. Beyond Dessert.
Snow Crane reimagines ice cream through the lens of Japanese tradition, drawing from the flavors and techniques of Central Japan. Created by Chef Takeshi Nishikawa after 20+ years in Michelin-starred kitchens, we craft flavors like kinako, black sesame, and Okinawan sweet potato alongside artisanal tea drinks you won't find anywhere else in the DMV. Each scoop honors Japanese ingredients while making them accessible. Find us at pop-ups and public events across the DMV or bring us to yours.
Find Us Around Town
What we’re making now
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Genmaicha
Genmaicha Ice Cream, Puffed Rice Wafer with a Touch of Gold
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Japanese Montblanc
Chestnut Ice Cream with Japanese Sweetened White Beans
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kinako
Kinako Ice Cream with Okinawan Black Sugar Syrup
Questions
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Snow Crane operates as a pop-up and private events brand based in Hyattsville, Maryland. We appear regularly at farmers markets, curated pop-up events, and private gatherings throughout the DC metro area. Follow us on Instagram or join our newsletter to stay updated on where we'll be next.
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Snow Crane is available for private dinners, corporate events, wedding receptions, and intimate celebrations throughout Washington DC and Maryland. Each experience is tailored to your event. To inquire about availability, fill out the booking form on our website or reach out directly through our contact page.
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Snow Crane is focused on perfecting our core menu first — but due to popular demand, we've launched one completely vegan and dairy-free flavor made with tofu. Quantities are limited at our pop-ups, so send us a DM on Instagram to check availability before our next event. Gluten and nuts are generally omittable across our menu.
For private events, we have much more flexibility to accommodate a wider range of dietary needs and allergies. Just let us know when you inquire and we'll do our best to make it work for your guests.
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Snow Crane was created by Chef Takeshi Nishikawa after 20+ years in Michelin-starred kitchens. Every flavor draws from the ingredients, techniques, and inspirations of Central Japan — kinako, black sesame, genmaicha, Okinawan sweet potato — executed with fine dining precision. You won't find this level of Japanese craft dessert anywhere else in the DMV.
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A permanent location is part of the vision for Snow Crane. We're not ready to announce a timeline yet, but you can follow along on Instagram or join our newsletter to hear it first when we do. In the meantime, find us at pop-ups and public and private events across the DMV.
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The best way is to join our newsletter — a monthly note from founder Takeshi Nishikawa on what’s happening, new flavors, upcoming events, and the thinking behind Snow Crane. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates.
Book Snow Crane for Your Event
Snow Crane is available for private events, corporate gatherings, wedding receptions, and intimate celebrations throughout the Washington DC area and Maryland. We bring a Michelin-level Japanese dessert experience directly to your venue — handcrafted ice cream, craft tea beverages, and tableside service that becomes the centerpiece of your event. To inquire about availability and pricing, fill out the form below or email us directly.
in the press
