Top 7 Seasonal Foods To Try This Summer in Japan

This makes a lot of sense. as just the thought of a steaming pot of sukiyaki during these summer months may be enough to get you sweating. But don’t worry, since there are a ton of seasonal foods that can keep you cool and help beat the blazing summer heat! In this article, GoEMON will introduce you to our top 7 seasonal foods that you definitely should not miss out on this summer in Japan. Let’s jump right in, shall we? 

1. Kakigori - Japanese Shaved Ice 

Source: Tatler Asia 

When it comes to summer in Japan, one cannot miss out on kakigori. Refreshing, cool, and delicious, it’s only obvious that kakigori is regarded by many as a staple of Japanese summers. The dessert is also known as traditional Japanese shaved ice, which comprises of a fluffy mountain of shaved ice drizzled with a hefty amount of syrup and a wide range of additional toppings such as condensed milk, seasonal fruits, and mochi. 

This sweet treat is also an indispensable part of summer festivals and fireworks festivals in Japan as you can easily spot many kakigori stalls and attendees strolling around with cups filled with shaved ice in their hands. 

2. Kuzumochi

Source: Taste Atlas

Deserts are indeed delightful, but they can get a bit overbearing during the sweltering hot summer months. This is all the more true with deserts that are more on the sweet and creamy side. In that case, kuzumochi is exactly what you are looking for! 

Made from either starch of the kuzu plant or wheat flour, kuzumochi is a type of rice cake that is slightly sticky and has a texture similar to that of firm jelly. It is often eaten with soybean powder and a drizzle of black honey for some added sweetness; very light, but not too sweet, making it the perfect dessert during the summertime. 

3. Warabimochi 

Source: Atelierlaune

Another perfect option for dessert during the summer in Japan is warabimochi. Warabimochi is made from the simple combination of warabiko (bracken starch), sugar, and water, and then cut into small pieces, coated in kinako (soybean powder), and drizzled with some back sugar syrup on top for an additional hint of sweetness. The combination of chewy and soft mochi, nutty soybean powder, and slightly sweet syrup creates an amazingly refreshing taste. 

This dessert is often enjoyed along with a cup of matcha or houjicha tea. 

4. Somen (Nagashi Soumen)

Source: Japanbyjapan

When it comes to Japanese noodles, household names like ramen, udon, or soba are ones that are often mentioned. But have you ever heard of somen? 

Somen is a white Japanese noodle that is extremely thin and often served as a cold dish, which makes it perfect for the summertime. On days when the weather is so hot that you lose all appetite, we recommend having a cold bowl of somen: it can help you cool down while also boosting your energy. 

Additionally, if you have the time, we also recommend trying out Nagashi Somen. This is an interesting traditional Japanese dish where the small bunches of soumen noodles will flow down long bamboo shoots that are filled with running water. Customers will have to catch these noodles using their chopsticks and dip them in a concentrated sauce called tsuyu. 

5. Hiyashi Chuka - Cold Chinese Noodles

Source: SBS Food 

Another noodle dish that is perfect for the summer is Hiyashi Chuka. This dish is a Chinese-style Japanese noodle dish that is often eaten during the hot summer days in Japan, for reasons that you can probably tell from its name of cold Chinese noodles. Hiyashi Chuka contains chewy ramen noodles and topped with a variety of delicious toppings such as thinly sliced egg, ham, sausages, cucumbers, and slices of tomatoes, sprinkled with some sesame seeds, and drizzled all over with some sesame oil and a tare sauce as a finishing touch. Its light and refreshing taste is sure to increase your appetite even during the hottest days. 

6. Cold Tanuki Udon

Source: Sylviawakana 

Most people are familiar with the image of a steaming hot udon noodle dish, but did you know that it is also often eaten cold? In fact, cold udon is super popular in Japan, especially during the sweltering hot summer days. Made from wheat, udon noodles are plump, chewy, and much thicker than soumen and ramen noodles. One summer version of udon that is often eaten during the summer is called cold tanuki udon, which is udon served with cucumber, tenkasu (tempura flakes), wakame seaweed, and various types of chopped-up vegetables. 

7. Grilled Ayu sweetfish

Source: Warecipe 

The last popular Japanese summer dish that we would like to introduce is grilled Ayu sweetfish. The fish is famous for its slightly sweet taste and clean aroma that is said to be similar to that of melon and cucumber. If you are not a fan of the strong fishy smell and taste of normal fish, definitely give this dish a try! 

In the summer, many Japanese people would grill these fish with some salt. The harmony between the sweetness of the fish and the slight saltiness of the salt is sure to impress you! This is also a popular treat for summer festivals and fireworks festivals here in Japan. During these events, it is not hard to find people walking by with a skewer of salt-grilled Ayu sweetfish in their hands or sights of people lining up at food stalls to buy them. 

What do you think of our selection of seasonal foods for the summer in Japan? How many of these dishes have you tried before? Let us know in the comments down below!

Don’t forget to follow GoEMON Global for the latest updates on life in Japan!