Visiting Japan during its winter months will show you how beautiful and magical Japan is with its powdery snow, twinkling lights, and steaming onsen baths. Despite the drop in temperature, Japan is still guaranteed to bring warmth and coziness to visitors during these cold months–especially through their must-try winter dishes.
Embrace the chill by checking out which dishes in Japan rank up in popularity during the winter season. Let Jetpac take you on a journey to some of the coziest foodie spots in Japan! From hot soups to regional delicacies, this season’s culinary delights promise to warm your heart.
Hot Pot Dishes To Warm You Up
Nabe (Japanese Hot Pot)
A classic dish Japanese people look for when it’s cold outside is nabe (鍋, なべ), or Japanese hot pot made up of meat and vegetables that are simmered in a savory broth. What makes nabe a crowd favorite is how it’s eaten, served in a large pot meant to be shared by everyone around the table.
Photo Credit: Kikkoman
Traditionally, Japanese homes featured sunken fireplaces at their center. These were called irori, and they would function as communal cooking spaces where families gathered to prepare meals.
Through time, when electricity and gas became more accessible to the Japanese, the irori began to disappear and was replaced with portable braziers. Thus, Japanese families would simmer their broth in large iron pots which laid the foundation for Japan’s hot pot culture.
Photo Credit: Recipe Cart
Without a doubt, nabe is the best dish to eat during winter because nothing beats a good bowl of hot soup to warm you up during these cold months. Additionally, nabe is very versatile, allowing you to put lots of different ingredients. Some popular variations of nabe include Curry Nabe, Yosenabe, and Kimchi Nabe.
Where to Eat Nabe
For a good pot of nabe, we recommend Asakusa Ichimon located at 3 Chome-12-6 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan.
Oden (Japanese Fish Cake Stew)
Oden (おでん) is another classic Japanese soup dish, enjoyed for its comforting warmth and rich flavors. Just like nabe, oden is served in a big pot for sharing. However, the main difference between the two is that oden consists of an assortment of fish cakes simmered in a soy sauce-based dashi broth.
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Historically, oden originated in the 14th century, during the Muromachi period. Originally, the dish was called “dengaku” inspired by professional dancers who used sticks to perform. Eventually, the name was shortened to “den,” adding the honorific “o,” thus forming the “oden” name.
Before, oden consisted of just skewered grilled tofu topped with miso sauce. Later on, oden’s ingredients began to diversify thanks to the rise of popularity of fish paste products post-Edo period.
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Besides fish cakes, common ingredients in oden include fish balls (nerimono), daikon radish, konnyaku, boiled eggs, and knotted kombu. Sometimes, other ingredients such as potatoes and meat are added to oden, depending on the region. It perfectly represents the best wintertime food in Japan!
Where to Eat Oden
Seek oden warmth and goodness by visiting Samon located at 3 Chome-5-31 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan.
Japanese Stew Dishes
Hayashi Rice (Hashed Beef Stew)
Hayashi rice (ハヤシライス) is a popular Japanese dish that combines a rich, demi-glace-based sauce with tender slices of beef and onions, served over steamed white rice. It’s a hearty and satisfying stew with Western-style influences, often associated with yoshoku cuisine, which refers to Japanese adaptations of Western dishes.
Photo Credit: No Recipes
The origins of hayashi rice are unclear, but some people believe that the dish was invented by Yuteki Hayashi, the founder of book publishing company Maruzen-Yushodo. Fascinated by Western culture, Mr. Hayashi delved into creating yoshoku dishes and invited friends to his home to try them out. It’s believed that one of the dishes he’d serve was a precursor to today’s hayashi rice.
Photo Credit: Just One Cookbook
Hayashi rice is well-loved by many Japanese people as it is described as a comfort food that has found a special place in the hearts of many. Because of its unique blend flavors, textures, and Western influences – it has become a staple during family gatherings and on cold winter nights.
Where To Eat Hayashi Rice
You can easily make your own hayashi rice by buying hayashi rice sauce mix packs found in groceries and convenience stores in Japan. If you want to skip the cooking and go straight to eating, Hayashi-ya in Shinjuku specializes in serving only the best Hayashi rice! They can be found at 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−22−12 新宿サンパーク 三平本館 5階.
Nikujaga (Japanese Beef Stew)
Photo Credit: Emi Cooks
Nikujaga, translating to “meat and potatoes,” is a quintessential Japanese simmered dish (nimono) that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food. This hearty stew features thinly sliced beef or pork, potatoes, and onions gently simmered in a savory-sweet broth of soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin, often accompanied by shirataki noodles and colourful vegetables like carrots and snow peas.
The origins of Nikujaga trace back to the late 19th century within the Imperial Japanese Navy. Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, inspired by the beef stews he encountered during his studies in England, requested the naval chefs to recreate the dish. Lacking Western ingredients like demi-glace, the chefs crafted a Japanese adaptation using familiar seasonings, resulting in the beloved Nikujaga.
In Japan, Nikujaga is cherished as a symbol of “ofukuro no aji,” or “mother’s taste,” reflecting its deep roots in family kitchens. Its simplicity and heartwarming flavors make it a staple during family gatherings and a go-to comfort food, especially on chilly evenings.
Where To Eat Nikujaga (Soul Food of the North)
While Nikujaga is a cherished dish in Japanese households, visitors to Japan can savor authentic versions at traditional eateries and izakayas across the country. One standout location to experience Nikujaga is Nakayoshi Hanare, a cozy, authentic Japanese eatery located at Nakayoshi Hanare – Google Maps.
Known for its homely atmosphere and expertly prepared dishes, Nakayoshi Hanare offers visitors the chance to taste Nikujaga in a setting reminiscent of a traditional Japanese home.
Street Food Favorites During Winter Season
Yakiimo (Roasted Sweet Potato)
Yakiimo (焼き芋) are baked Japanese sweet potatoes slow-roasted to perfection over a hot stone. Traditionally, they are sold from small trucks equipped with stone oven pots, with vendors yelling “Ishiyakiimo… oimo! (Stone-roasted potatoes… Potatoes!) to passersby who may want to eat something warm on the cold streets of Japan.
Photo Credit: Academic
These sweet potatoes are served as it is, no need to add any salt or butter! Yakiimo is that delicious. The skin is cooked until crisp and lightly browned at the edges, while the inside turns creamy with a touch of caramelized sweetness. Although you can buy yakiimo in local Japanese grocery stores, it’s recommended to buy them on the streets to fully experience what it’s like to eat hot and yummy street food during winter in Japan.
Photo Credit: Ed-ish
Where to Eat Yakiimo
Yakiimo are often sold by street vendors located nearby Senso-Ji Temple in the Asakusa District. The exact address of the district is 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan.
Nikuman (Fluffy Steamed Bun)
Nikuman (肉まん) is a popular Japanese street food snack that consists of a soft, fluffy steamed bun filled with a savory meat mixture. The name “nikuman” translates to “meat bun,” with niku meaning “meat” and man being short for manjū, a type of steamed bun. These hot and fluffy buns fresh out of the steamer basket will definitely warm you up!
Photo Credit: Create Eat Happy
Nikuman fillings typically include ground pork, onions, shiitake mushrooms, and a blend of seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. The mixture is encased in a slightly sweet, pillowy dough made from wheat flour, then steamed until hot and tender. Its portable size, comforting warmth, and savory flavor make it a beloved treat for those seeking a quick and satisfying bite on chilly days.
Photo Credit: tasteatlas
Where to Eat Nikuman
Although nikuman is commonly sold on the streets, restaurants like Roshoki sell them too! Visit them at 2 Chome-1-14 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022, Japan.
Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup)
Although this dish is considered a soup, it’s not like nabe or oden, which consist of savory broths. Zenzai (ぜんざい) is a traditional Japanese dessert made from sweet red bean soup served with mochi, known for its gentle sweetness and warmth guaranteed to soothe your soul when it’s chilly outside.
Photo Credit: tasteatlas
The dish typically features anko, also known as sweet red bean paste made from azuki beans. Cooked with sugar and water, the dish begins to form a thick and stew-like consistency, though some regions prefer zenzai to be lighter and more “soupy.” Of course, it’s not zenzai without adding toasted mochi! Enjoy this dessert on a cold winter day.
Image Credit: Plant-Based Matters
Where To Eat Zenzai
Craving for zenzai? Mochisho Shizuku serves some of the best zenzai bowls in Japan! Find them at 1 Chome-17-17 Shinmachi, Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0013, Japan.
Yummy Treats to Sweeten The Chilly Season
Kurisumasu Keki (Christmas Cake)
Although Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Japan, Japanese people still take this opportunity to celebrate by spending time with loved ones and eating festive food. In fact, it has become a modern tradition in Japan to have cake on Christmas, usually serving a light sponge cake adorned with strawberries and whipped cream.
Image Credit: Cake JP
The Japanese Christmas cake is a symbol of joy, prosperity, and the spirit of celebration. It is meant to be shared with family and friends, with different shapes and styles sold across a countless number of confectionary stores in Japan.
Besides strawberries and whipped cream, some Japanese Christmas cakes are decorated with popular Christmas symbols like Santa Clause and Christmas trees! Colors of red, white, green, and gold are common on a Japanese Christmas cake too.
Image Credit: Hatena Blog
If you want to celebrate Christmas in Japan, you better hurry up and buy a Japanese Christmas Cake before the long lines get to you!
Where to Eat Japanese Christmas Cake
You can buy them at convenience stores, but we recommend the Ginza Cozy Corner Cake Shop located in 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 1 Chome−8−1 池田園ビル for superior cake quality.
Wagashi (Japanese Confections)
If you’re a sweet tooth, you definitely need to explore the enticing world of wagashi (和菓子) – traditional Japanese confections beautifully crafted from various types of rice or wheat flour, sugar, nuts, beans and starches. Wagashi is an integral part of Japanese culture, often associated with tea ceremonies, celebrations, holidays, and special occasions.
Image Credit: daisuki-nippon
The seasons of Japan are well-reflected through wagashi by using seasonal ingredients and motifs on these tiny sweets. You could imagine wagashi served during winter are designed with Christmas themes, like Santa Claus or snowmen! Additionally, they are served during this season to symbolize warmth and festivity, just in time for the New Year celebrations.
Photo Credit: Propose Magazine
Where To Eat Wagashi
Winter wagashi includes Hanabira (flower petal) mochi, Nerikiri, and Saka-manju (sweet bun) – which you can all find at Kagurazaka Isuzu! You can visit them at 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 5 Chome−３４−34 五十鈴.
Japan’s Winter Regional Specialties
Hokkaido: Sapporo Ramen
Certainly, what is Japanese winter if not enjoying a hot bowl of ramen? There are many different kinds of ramen served across Japan, but one remains superior–Sapporo Ramen. Hailing from Hokkaido’s capital city, what makes this ramen dish popular is its thick miso-based broth intertwined with springy egg noodles.
Photo Credit: TAKA’s Kitchen
Sapporo ramen first appeared after World War II at a small food stand in Sapporo City. Initially seasoned with soy sauce, customers later requested the noodles be served in miso soup. Leading to the creation of miso-based ramen, which quickly became a popular street food in Sapporo.
Photo Credit: Smithsonian Magazine
Sapporo ramen is usually topped with a slice of chashu (pork belly), soft-boiled egg, green onions, bean sprouts, local corn, and a dollop of Hokkaido butter. All these ingredients combined create the perfect harmony of umami and sweetness, perfect to drive out the winter blues away.
Where to Eat Sapporo Ramen
For Sapporo ramen (and other types of ramen!), Menya Nanabe is one of your best bets. They are located at Japan, 〒064-0806 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 6 Jonishi, 4, Popurabld, 1F.
Kyoto: Yudofu (Silken Tofu)
If you’re looking for a winter dish that’s simple and delicate, then you must need to try out Yudofu (湯豆腐) or silken tofu simmered in a pot of kombu (kelp) dashi. In Kyoto, yudofu is particularly popular in the colder months, providing warmth and comfort through the softness of warm tofu.
Photo Credit: Japanese Cooking 101
Additionally, yudofu is usually accompanied by a sauce, which can be either soy sauce, ponzu (citrus-based sauce), or gomadare (sesame sauce). Grated ginger, scallions, or shichimi togarashi (a seven-spice blend) can be added to the dish for extra flavor. Certainly, yudofu is the perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal during winter.
Photo Credit: bon appetit
Where to Eat Yudofu
At Shimizu Junsho Okabeya, they serve their special yudofu that brings out an even deeper taste of silken tofu. Visit them at 2 Chome-239 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan.
Nagano: Oyaki (Stuffed Dumplings)
Oyaki (おやき) is a traditional dish from the Nagano Prefecture in Japan, consisting of a stuffed dumpling made from a dough typically made of wheat or buckwheat flour. These savory dumplings are popular as a local snack or meal and are especially beloved in rural areas of Nagano.
Photo Credit: o8Experience
Oyaki is generally filled with local vegetables like mushrooms, beans, or pickles with miso or soy sauce. To cook these dumplings, you can either steam, pan-fry, or deep-fry them. Once cooked, these dumplings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The chewiness and flavorfulness of oyaki is often enjoyed warm, and pairs wonderfully with a hot drink.
Photo Credit: Kuniya
Where to Eat Oyaki
When visiting Nagano, you can find high-quality oyaki and other Nagano delicacies at Ogawanosho, located at 53 Nagano, 380-0841, Japan.
Kyushu: Motsunabe (Traditional Hot Pot)
As mentioned earlier, nabe is a popular hot pot dish in Japan with many different variations around the country. One of these variations is motsunabe (もつ鍋) – Kyushu’s well-loved hot pot dish, originating from Fukuoka shortly after the end of World War II. Motsunabe features a rich broth, motsu (offal), and a variety of vegetables.
Photo Credit: HIS
Motsunabe, often served in winter, is a communal dish enjoyed with a group and paired with cold beer or sake. Additionally, most locals eat motsunabe for its health benefits as it is high in protein, full of collagen, and rich in nutrients. Fukuoka people often say that if you eat it, “there is no need for a doctor!”
Photo Credit: Savor Japan
Where to Eat Motsunabe
For the authentic motsunabe experience, check out Hakata Showraku at 1-1, Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-0012.
Stay Warm and Connected in Japan’s Winter with the Jetpac e-SIM!
People often overlook the beauty of winter in Japan, missing out on some of Japan’s best dishes enjoyed during this chilly season. Plus, the best part of Japan’s winter cuisine is that it goes beyond just Tokyo, but other regions like Nagano and Kyushu! Immerse yourself in these regional winter specialties, experiencing Japan’s endless variety of flavors to savor, even in these cold months!
When traveling around Japan during winter, it’s important to have reliable data connection so that you can share your food adventures, navigate through cities, and communicate with your loved ones with ease. The Jetpac Japan e-SIM offers a variety of data plans for any kind of traveler in Japan, so do check out the perks here!
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