Spring of 2026 is going to be an exciting time for ice cream aficionados and diners with a taste for adventure. Acclaimed chef Takeshi Nishikawa has turned his capable eye towards everyone’s favorite frozen treat and is preparing to explore a whole new ice cream horizon with his upcoming concept Snow Crane, reports local media outlet wtopnews.
Nishikawa will be changing the way DMV diners think about ice cream in a storefront located at 5334-9 Baltimore Avenue. Nishikawa’s frozen treats will reflect central Japan, where he spent his childhood. He explains his vision, saying: “I try to wrap Central Japan around my concept and really present it so every piece that I’m handling at least has some kind of a story.”
Nishikawa believes that Hyattsville is on the verge of becoming one of the next great culinary hotspots-a distinction Snow Crane is certain to help the neighborhood achieve. He states: “There’s a lot of vibrant small business … that are on fire. We’re in the next front. And I do see Hyattsville or Prince George’s County becoming a next front as the Metro line extends, as all these food scenes are coming up.”
Snow Crane will allow the delicious and distinctive flavors of Japan to reach a new audience. Nishikawa previously explained the What Now DC: “It will create cultural exposure. It adds more diversity to the neighborhood and I get to showcase Japanese food. I think this could be the new wave of Japanese sweets in the DMV region.”
While flavors like kinako, black sesame, and Okinawan sweet potato may not immediately conjure ice cream notions in future customers, Snow Crane is poised to turn them into new favorites. Nishikawa is ambitious with his plans for the concept, saying: “The intention is to really turn Snow Crane into what people think of when they think of frozen dessert. I think we are really redefining what ice cream is and can be.”
Nishikawa tell What Now DC that Snow Crane is on track to open between March and June of 2026. In the meantime, Nishikawa will be bringing his delectable treats to pop-ups across the DMV. The ice cream shop promises to become an essential part of the local food scene, thanks to its commitment to ensuring: “Each scoop honors Japanese ingredients while making them accessible.”
