G.ELM: Gelato From Local Farm Milk and Awaji Fruit

G.ELM (Ｇ．エルム) is a small gelato shop in Fukura, on the southern tip of Awaji Island, a few steps from the pier for the Uzushio whirlpool cruises. Everything is made in house from southern Awaji produce. The signature fresh-milk gelato (shiboritate gyūnyū) uses raw milk delivered from Tsutsumi Farm in nearby Kashū, and the fruit flavours draw on local berries, citrus and purple sweet potato from contracted growers. The bright room is built from old wood. Tabelog selected the shop for its ice cream and gelato Tabelog 100 list in 2023 and 2026.

Nearly every reviewer orders the fresh milk, and the verdict is consistent: rich but light, with a clean finish. The mikan (mandarin) and sudachi (a tart local citrus) sherbets draw frequent praise. So do black sesame and the summer tomato-strawberry (tomato-ichigo), the shop's most unusual flavour. Scoops are generous. Reviewers, particularly foreign visitors, often mention the staff, who carry cups to tables, fetch a chair for a child and serve late arrivals kindly.

The main complaint is availability. By mid-afternoon half or more of the flavours can be sold out, and crowds build when ferries and cruise boats come in. A few flavours were judged thin: chestnut and purple potato (once each), plain matcha, and a yellow peach that tasted canned. The gelato also melts quickly, so it is best eaten straight away.

In 2024–2026, reviewers paid around ¥350–380 for a single scoop and ¥400–430 for a double, in a cup or cone. Monaka (wafer sandwich) and coffee are also sold, but reviewers quoted no prices for them. G.ELM is a daytime shop with no dinner service, and a visit comes to well under ¥1,000 per person. Reviewers call the value exceptional and compare it with ¥600–900 gelato in Tokyo or Osaka.

• Getting there: near the Awaji Kotsu Fukura bus terminal and Michi-no-Eki Fukura. By car, take the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway and National Route 28 towards Fukura harbour.
• Parking: none at the shop.
• Booking: reservations are not accepted, so just walk in. Expect a queue when ferries and cruises arrive.
• Hours: 10:00–17:00, closed Wednesday and Thursday. The shop closes early once everything sells out, and reviewers in 2026 reported closing around 16:30. Hours can change, so check before visiting, and go early for the full range of flavours.
• Payment: cash or PayPay. Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted.
• Seating: 16 seats (4 at the counter, 12 at tables), plus benches outside the shop. No private rooms. Take-out is available.
• Smoking: non-smoking.
• Children: welcome.