{"id":83554,"date":"2023-10-12T04:31:39","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T04:31:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=83554"},"modified":"2023-10-12T04:31:41","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T04:31:41","slug":"japanese-winter-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/japanese-winter-food\/","title":{"rendered":"23 Delicious Japanese Winter Foods You Need to Try"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Wondering what is the best Japanese winter food to try? We’ve got you!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan’s winter season brings with it a delightful array of comforting and hearty foods that are perfect for warming you up on a cold day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the temperature drops and frosty landscapes take over, the Japanese are well-prepared to battle the chill with their culinary expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about Japanese winter food, including must-try dishes, food festivals to include on your Japan winter itinerary<\/a>, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japanese winter food is unique and comforting, designed to warm the body and soul during the cold winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot pot dishes, such as nabe, are popular and consist of a simmering pot of broth, meat, seafood, and vegetables that are shared among diners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter ingredients such as root vegetables, mushrooms, and citrus fruits are used in stews, soups, and hot pot dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Comfort foods like ramen, udon noodles, and donburi are also popular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip! As always, I recommend Safety Wing<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> for great prices and coverage abroad. It starts at only $45 USD per month and will have you covered with everything you may need during your trip! Check them out here<\/a>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yakitori is a savory Japanese snack that you won’t regret trying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It consists of skewered pieces of chicken, which are usually marinated in a sweet and salty sauce called tare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These skewers are grilled to perfection, giving them a slightly smoky flavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can enjoy yakitori at izakayas, street food carts, and even upscale restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kabocha Nimono\u00a0is a flavorful Japanese pumpkin simmered in a delicious broth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The soft texture and subtle sweetness of the kabocha make this dish a staple during the winter season. Served as a side dish, it’s a tasty addition to any meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This rice porridge is typically made with just rice and water, making it an easily digestible meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to add ingredients like ginger or pickled plums for additional flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nikujaga\u00a0is the epitome of comfort food and one of the best Japanese winter foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made from tender meat (usually beef or pork) and potatoes, this hearty stew is sure to keep you warm and satisfied throughout the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chawanmushi is a savory egg custard dish that is often served as an appetizer and contains delightful surprises like vegetables, seafood, or chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its warm, delicate texture complements any meal during the colder months, making it one of the most popular Japanese winter foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nabe is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that’s perfect for the winter season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find it all over Japan during the winter season, and if you like it, it’s actually pretty easy to recreate at home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some popular nabe variations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sukiyaki is like a dream come true for meat lovers, with thinly-sliced beef taking center stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s typically cooked in a shallow iron pot at the table, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy it together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Named for the swishing sound the ingredients make as they cook in the hot pot, shabu shabu is a fun, interactive Japanese winter food you can enjoy with friends and family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shabu shabu is a deliciously light and fresh hot pot dish that provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oden is a traditional Japanese winter food, perfect for warming you up on cold winter days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a one-pot dish featuring various ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, tofu, and fish cakes, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful soy-based broth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might know Kare Raisu as curry rice, which is a delicious Japanese winter food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It consists of a rich curry sauce served over steamed rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The curry is usually made with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, and a choice of protein like beef, chicken, or pork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another comforting Japanese rice dish to try during the winter months is Oyakodon – a warm, hearty bowl of steamed rice topped with a delicious mix of chicken and eggs, all cooked together in a savory sauce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The name “Oyakodon” literally translates to “parent and child rice bowl”, referring to the chicken and egg used in the dish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter in Japan is the perfect time to try Udon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find these thick and chewy wheat noodles in piping hot broth that will warm you right up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several varieties of Udon for you to try, some of which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soba is another Japanese winter food favorite, made with buckwheat noodles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These noodles have a distinct earthy flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While they can be enjoyed year-round, winter is when you’ll find heartier Soba dishes, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With countless regional styles and variations available across Japan, there’s always a new bowl for you to taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ramen typically features thin wheat noodles in a rich broth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a quick look at some popular types of Ramen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While slurping up your noodles, don’t forget to enjoy the toppings like chashu (braised pork), bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mochi is a popular Japanese snack, especially during winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a soft and chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice, often filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, or dipped in soy sauce and wrapped in nori (seaweed). <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find these delights at convenience stores, supermarkets, or traditional mochi shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zenzai is a sweet red bean soup served with mochi (rice cakes) that makes for the perfect Japenese winter food for sweet tooths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made from azuki beans and sugar, it’s not only tasty but also provides energy to help you stay warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yakiimo\u00a0is a must-try roasted sweet potato treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find food vendors selling them on street corners and filling the air with their tempting aroma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These nutritious snacks are both filling and satisfying, making them perfect for combating the chilly weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for a unique fruit option, give\u00a0Hoshigaki\u00a0a try! These dried persimmons are a traditional winter snack in Japan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are naturally sweet and chewy, offering a pleasant contrast to fresh fruits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Hokkaido, you’ll find delicious comfort food to keep you warm during the chilly winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One must-try dish is Ishikari Nabe<\/em>, a miso-based hot pot loaded with fresh salmon and vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another popular choice is Ramen<\/em> \u2013 but with a twist! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Creamy, buttery broth, and corn as toppings make Hokkaido’s ramen a unique and hearty meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For seafood lovers, don’t skip the opportunity to try Kani Miso<\/em>, the flavorful crab innards served right in the shell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And of course, who could forget the sweet treat of chocolate-covered potato chips \u2013 a local specialty that hits the sweet and salty cravings just right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Nagano Prefecture, Oyaki<\/em> is the go-to Japanese winter food \u2013 a hot, steaming bun stuffed with various fillings like vegetables, sweet red bean paste, or even savory meat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This versatile delicacy is a perfect on-the-go snack, or you can enjoy it with a side of hot sake to warm up your body inside and out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kyushu’s winter food scene is bursting with flavor, and one of its star dishes is Motsunabe<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This rich, hearty hot pot features beef or pork offal, vegetables, and mouthwatering spices, usually accompanied by a bowl of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious broth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip! As always, I recommend Safety Wing<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> for great prices and coverage abroad. It starts at only $45 USD per month and will have you covered with everything you may need during your trip! Check them out here<\/a>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sapporo Snow Festival might be mostly known for its stunning snow and ice sculptures, but there’s plenty of delicious Japanese winter food to enjoy too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you wander around these gorgeous, wintery grounds in February, you’ll find street food stands offering local Hokkaido dishes such as ramen, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), and scallops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you love seafood, the Hiroshima (Miyajima) Oyster Festival is the place to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This oyster-centric event takes place in February and allows you to experience the freshness and taste of locally caught Miyajima oysters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can enjoy a variety of dishes such as raw oysters, grilled oysters, and fried oysters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, wash it all down at the Beers of Japan Festival. This festival showcases the country’s burgeoning craft beer scene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually held in February, the event features a wide variety of beers from local brewers and even breweries you may not have heard of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your winter food-filled adventure won’t be complete without some tasty brews to complement it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japanese winter food is a unique and comforting cuisine that offers warmth and nourishment during the cold winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From hot pot dishes to seasonal stews and soups, Japanese winter food features a range of delicious ingredients and flavors that are designed to warm the body and soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are enjoying a bowl of ramen or sharing a hot pot with friends and family, Japanese winter food is a beloved cuisine that brings people together and celebrates the joys of the season. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Wondering what is the best Japanese winter food to try? We’ve got you! Japan’s winter season brings with it a delightful array of comforting and hearty foods that are perfect for warming you up on a cold day. As the temperature drops and frosty landscapes take over, the Japanese are well-prepared to battle the chill…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":83761,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,203,207],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83554"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83554"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83770,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83554\/revisions\/83770"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What Makes Japanese Winter Food Unique?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Delicious Japanese Winter Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Yakitori<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Kabocha Nimono<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Okayu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Nikujaga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You may also like:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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5. Chawanmushi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Japanese Winter Food: Hot Pot Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Nabe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Sukiyaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Shabu Shabu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9. Oden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Japanese Winter Food: Rice Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Kare Raisu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11. Oyakodon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Japanese Winter Food: Noodle Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Udon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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13. Soba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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14. Ramen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Japanese Winter Food: Sweets and Snacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
15. Mochi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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16. Zenzai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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17. Yakiimo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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18. Hoshigaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Regional Winter Delicacies in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
19. Hokkaido: Ishikari Nabe<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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20. Hokkaido Ramen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21. Hokkaido Kani Miso<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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22. Nagano Oyaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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23. Kyushu Motsunabe<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Japanese Winter Food Festivals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Sapporo Snow Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Hiroshima (Miyajima) Oyster Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Beers of Japan Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Japanese Winter Food: Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n