Opening 2026 in Hyattsville, Maryland

Where Taste Meets Tradition

A modern Japanese dessert and tea shop where craftsmanship and culture meet in every flavor.

Snow Crane logo — Japanese-inspired dessert and ice cream brand Hyattsville Maryland

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. Our shop opens Spring 2026 in Hyattsville's Arts District. Until then, find us at pop-ups across the region.

  • matcha ice cream sundae. crafted with japanese matcha directly imported from japnan. topped with japanese favorite snacks. finished with a touch of 24k gold for elegance.
  • shiso granita with borage flower and shiso leaf served in green glass. spoon is made in okinawa.
  • Satsuma mandarin ice cream served in its peel. served on crushed ice.
  • hojicha ice cream with traditional geometric dusting of hojicha power served in traditional masu cup made with japanese cypress.
  • Sugar cube cantaloupe ice cream served in its shell, topped with borage flower, puffed rice wafer, shiso gelée and shiso flower — Snow Crane Hyattsville MD
  • White sesame ice cream coated in sesame from Yokkaichi, Mie — Snow Crane Japanese dessert pop-up Washington DC area
  • Sparkling mugicha topped with whipped sea salt cream and mandarin wedge — Snow Crane craft beverage Hyattsville MD

Find Us Around Town

What we’re making now

  • Genmaicha ice cream served in traditional cypress masu cup, garnished with puffed rice wafer and 24k gold — Snow Crane Japanese dessert DC

    Genmaicha

    Genmaicha Ice Cream, Puffed Rice Wafer with a Touch of Gold

  • Chestnut ice cream with white bean puree inspired by Mont Blanc and Japanese wagashi tea dessert tradition — Snow Crane Hyattsville MD

    Japanese Montblanc

    Chestnut Ice Cream with Japanese Sweetened White Beans

  • Snow Crane's signature kinako (toasted soy bean) ice cream drizzling with okinawan black sugar syrup. So nostalgic, classic, and authentically Japanese.

    kinako

    Kinako Ice Cream with Okinawan Black Sugar Syrup

Questions

  • 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.

  • now 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Snow Crane is planning to open its first brick-and-mortar shop in 2026 in Hyattsville's Arts District. Until then, find us at pop-ups and private events across the region. Join our newsletter to be the first to know when we open.

  • 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.

Takeshi Nishikawa preparing Snow Crane dessert service at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence, Washington DC — Japanese Emperor's Birthday celebration

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

Snow Crane featured in Hyattsville Life and Times — Japanese dessert shop opening Hyattsville Maryland
Snow Crane featured on Chefs Without Restaurants podcast — Takeshi Nishikawa
Snow Crane featured in Eater Washington DC — Japanese ice cream Hyattsville Maryland
Snow Crane featured on The Ice Cream Podcast — North American Ice Cream Association
Snow Crane featured in Washingtonian Magazine — Japanese dessert shop coming to Hyattsville
Snow Crane featured on Chef's PSA — Michelin chef Takeshi Nishikawa reinvents ice cream
Snow Crane featured in The Baltimore Sun — Japanese inspired ice cream Hyattsville Maryland