Just an hour from Tokyo, Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area blends futuristic skylines with deep history. Nestled on the waterfront is Zou-no-Hana Terrace, a tranquil art space and cafe famous for its signature elephant-shaped treats.
All around you will see cute blue elephants. The cafe also has elephant-inspired items that you can buy as souvenirs.
Signature Treats & 2026 Menu Updates
The cafe is famous for its “artist-inspired” menu. Please note that prices have been updated for the 2026 season:
Zou-no-Hana Soft Cream: The iconic elephant ice cream (with waffle-chip ears) is now ¥480.
Naan Pizzas: A popular lunch choice, featuring flavors like Bacon, Fresh Tomato & Egg or Teriyaki Chicken for ¥700.
Classy Atmosphere: Despite the cute mascot, the interior designed by Akira Minagawa feels sophisticated and artistic, with giant elephant sculptures and large windows overlooking the harbor.
The Legend of the Elephant’s Trunk
Although known for its cute ice cream, the store has a classy feel. You might think the inspiration behind this shape is simple but actually it has a deeper meaning.
Yokohama was one of the first trading ports that opened in Japan in 1859 under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan. The influence of this port city on Japanese culture is immense. Aspects of Western culture seeped into Japan through ports; the port of Yokohama was one of the most important ones along with those in Nagasaki.
The East Wharf was constructed in 1867 and resembled a bow-shape. It came to be called “Zou-no-Hana” meaning elephant’s trunk in Japanese.
On reading this handwritten sign inside the store, we also realized that the wharf was damaged and rebuilt several times. With the expansion of imports and exports, the port also expanded. After the Kanto earthquake in 1923, the East Wharf was rebuilt in a linear shape but over the years, the curved shape was restored.
If you sit outdoors, you can enjoy a cool breeze as you enjoy the delicious creamy soft serve in the summer heat. How about adding this to your itinerary when you visit Yokohama?
Details
Address: 1-1 Kaigan-dori, Naka-ku, Yokahama, Kanagawa
Business hours: 10:00－18:00
Official Website: http://www.zounohana.com/
