As the winter chill sets in, Japan transforms. The air gets crisp, illuminations light up the cities, and everyone looks for the best way to stay warm. While grabbing a hot coffee from a vending machine is a quick fix, the real secret to beating the cold is to eat and drink like a local. From steaming hot pots to sweet, traditional beverages, here is a guide to Japan’s best winter comfort foods.
Savory dishes to warm you from the inside out
Japanese chicken hot pot – Photo Credit: Nishihama
Nabe (Japanese hot pot)
If winter in Japan had an official meal, it would be nabe. It is a communal hot pot where friends and family gather around a simmering pot of broth placed on a portable stove at the table. You cook a variety of ingredients right there, and you can easily find or make versions with chicken, seafood, or just vegetables. Popular types include sukiyaki (a sweet soy-based broth) and shabu-shabu. Nabe is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy social experience.
Japanese oden – Photo Credit: Nishihama
Oden
Walk into any convenience store during the colder months, and you will be greeted by the warm, savory aroma of oden. This classic comfort food consists of various ingredients simmered in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth. You can pick and choose what you want, from daikon radish and boiled eggs to fish cakes and tofu pouches. It’s cheap, delicious, and the perfect way to warm up on a cold evening.
Miso ramen – Photo Credit: Basico
Winter Ramen
Ramen is a year-round superstar, but it hits differently in winter. A rich and creamy tori paitan (chicken broth) ramen or a hearty miso ramen feels incredibly satisfying when it’s cold outside. Many shops also offer delicious shio (salt) or shoyu (soy sauce) based broths made with chicken or vegetable stock. The steam rising from the bowl and the warmth of the noodles make it the ultimate soul food for a chilly day.
Roasted sweet potato – Photo Credit: Basico
Yakiimo (roasted sweet potatoes)
The true sound of winter in Japan is the nostalgic call of the yakiimo truck. These vendors slowly drive through neighborhoods, selling stone-roasted sweet potatoes. The potatoes are incredibly sweet, fluffy, and so hot they double as hand warmers. It is a simple, rustic snack that feels like a warm hug.
Red bean taiyaki – Photo Credit: MoustacheGirl
Winter Street Foods
Japanese winter festivals and markets are filled with delicious warm snacks. Try takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste), or steamed buns like anman or pizza-man. These treats are often served piping hot, perfect for eating as you walk through glowing winter illuminations.
Japanese rice soup – Photo Credit: Kamadon
Seasonal Soups and Rice Dishes
If you visit a local restaurant, look for miso soup with winter vegetables or zōsui, a rice soup made from leftover nabe broth. These dishes are simple yet deeply satisfying, the kind of comfort food that reminds you of home, even if you’re far away.
Sweet fermented rice drink (amazake) – Photo Credit: Chiristsumo
Heartwarming winter drinks
Amazake
Often enjoyed during New Year’s shrine visits, amazake is a traditional, sweet fermented rice drink. It has a thick, creamy texture and is typically non-alcoholic (or has a very low alcohol content, so be sure to check). It’s a gentle and comforting drink that warms your entire body.
Arrowroot tea (kuzuyu) – Photo Credit: Norikko
Kuzuyu (arrowroot tea)
For a truly traditional remedy against the cold, look no further than kuzuyu. This is a unique, thick tea made from kuzu (arrowroot) powder. When mixed with hot water and a sweetener like honey or sugar, it forms a soothing, almost gel-like consistency. It’s caffeine-free and is believed to aid digestion and help fight off colds. Often flavored with a pinch of ginger, kuzuyu is the kind of drink a Japanese grandmother would make for you to feel better.
Yuzu tea with two yuzu in the background – Photo Credit: Karinrin
Yuzu-cha (yuzu tea)
If you want something soothing and citrusy, try yuzu-cha. Made from the fragrant yuzu fruit, this sweet, marmalade-like tea is dissolved in hot water. It’s packed with vitamin C and is a popular home remedy for staving off winter colds while tasting absolutely delicious.
Pouring Japanese hot sake into a cup – Photo Credit: Sky-and-sun
Atsukan (hot sake)
For those who consume alcohol, another staple of the Japanese winter is atsukan, or hot sake. This is a traditional alcoholic beverage where Japanese rice wine (sake) is gently warmed to a specific temperature before being served. The warming process is said to soften the flavor and enhance the aroma, creating a drink that provides a deep, radiating warmth.
You will often see atsukan served in small ceramic flasks called tokkuri alongside tiny cups called ochoko. It is a common feature on the menu at izakaya (Japanese pubs) and traditional restaurants, frequently enjoyed alongside savory winter dishes like nabe or oden. It’s a significant part of Japan’s winter dining culture.
Warming the soul in winter
Japanese winters are cold, but the food makes it the coziest time of the year to visit. Whether you’re sharing a nabe meal with friends, sipping amazake at a shrine, or enjoying roasted yakiimo from a street vendor, each experience brings a touch of warmth and tradition. So bundle up, eat well, and warm up like a local this winter.
Featured Photo Credit: 真悟 平田
