Cozab Gelato, a gelateria in Yamagata Prefecture, is the creation of Ishida Dai, an engineer from Saitama Prefecture who trained in gelato-making under Chef Manuele of Chicceria, one of Italy’s top 30 gelato shops. In 2017, Ishida moved to Yamagata Prefecture to craft his own gelato, showcasing the region’s abundant produce, earning it the nickname “Fruit Kingdom.”

The gelato is available at two dedicated locations and is also stocked in omiyage stores near the base of Yamadera. The shop offers a mix of permanent flavours alongside seasonal fruit sorbets. During our visit, the seasonal options included plum (sumomo) and Bartlett pear (seiyōnashi).

Sumomo (¥500)

This gelato is made from sumomo plums grown in Yamagata Prefecture. Its striking pink-red hue was accentuated by visible flecks of plum skin and flesh throughout. The flavour was vibrant and juicy, capturing the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess characteristic of ripe plums. The inclusion of plum skin and flesh added a textural dimension and aromatic bursts that elevated the overall taste. The tangy-sweet profile of this gelato was exceptional, making it a flavour worth revisiting. It also left us eager to explore the other offerings that highlight Yamagata’s renowned fruit.

Fermata by Cozab Gelato is located at 1F Fujita Bags Main Store, 1-2-27 Tokamachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0031, Japan.