Winter in Japan hits differently – crisp air, cozy cafés, and enough steaming cups to keep your hands (and soul) warm. Picture yourself wandering through a quiet street after a day of temple hopping, snowflakes melting on your scarf as the smell of roasted tea and sweet rice drifts by. From tangy yuzu tea to silky amazake, Japan takes “winter drinks” to another level. Whether you’re thawing out in an izakaya or sipping something sweet at home, here are a few of the best ways to drink your way through the chill.
Family drinking tea together – Photo Credit: Andrei Porzhezhinskii
Cultural Context
As the temperatures drop, Japan leans fully into the cozy season, and warm drinks become part of everyday life. Vending machines hum with cans of hot coffee, tea, and even corn soup, while cafés fill with the comforting scent of roasted matcha and sweet rice. At home, families sip on miso soup or yuzu tea to stay healthy through the cold months, and during winter festivals, it’s tradition to gather around steaming cups of amazake or hot sake. Around New Year’s, many households prepare ozōni, a hearty soup with mochi that symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead. More than just a way to stay warm, these drinks and soups are a seasonal ritual; tiny acts of comfort that reflect Japan’s deep appreciation for balance, mindfulness, and the quiet beauty of winter.
Fermented rice drink – Photo Credit: masa44
Japanese Winter Drinks to Try
Sweet Drinks
The winter season is the perfect excuse to indulge in sweet, comforting drinks. Amazake, a naturally sweet fermented rice drink, has a creamy texture that warms from the inside out, while yuzu tea, made with citrusy yuzu marmalade, offers a bright, soothing sweetness and a boost of vitamin C.
Kuzuyu drink – Photo Credit: Norikko
For something thick and cozy, kuzuyu blends kudzu starch and sugar into a gentle, velvety drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup. It is often enjoyed during the colder months since kudzu root is said to have soothing and healing properties, especially when you are feeling a bit run-down. The drink thickens as it warms, turning into a smooth, almost pudding-like consistency that makes it perfect for sipping slowly while watching the snow fall outside. For a touch of indulgence, warmed umeshu (or plum wine) adds a sweet, lightly boozy finish to any chilly evening. These drinks are not just about flavor; they are small moments of comfort that make the cold months feel a little cozier.
Warm hojicha latte – Photo Credit: Roselynne
Teas
For those who prefer something lighter but equally warming, Japan offers a variety of teas that are perfect for winter. Hot matcha, with its rich, slightly bitter flavor, can be sweetened or enjoyed on its own for a mindful moment of warmth. Genmaicha and hojicha, roasted rice and roasted green teas respectively, fill the air with nutty, toasty aromas that instantly make any chilly afternoon feel cozy. Meanwhile, ginger tea adds a spicy kick that warms the body from the inside out, making it a popular choice for combating winter chills and boosting circulation. Together, these teas show that staying warm can be both comforting and calming.
Hot sake – Photo Credit: Kazoka
Warm Alcoholic Drinks
When the chill calls for something a little stronger, there are plenty of warming alcoholic options to choose from. Hot sake (atsukan) is a classic favorite, gently heated to release its aroma and provide a comforting, full-bodied warmth that’s perfect after a long day in the cold.
Plum wine – Photo Credit: Olga Larionova
Hot shōchū, a distilled spirit often served with water or tea, offers a stronger kick while still keeping things cozy. For those who like a touch of sweetness with their spirits, warmed umeshu, or plum wine, doubles as a comforting winter treat. Whether enjoyed at home, in an izakaya, or during a festival, these drinks are as much about ritual and relaxation as they are about staying warm.
Miso soup – Photo Credit: Foxxy63
Soups and Heartier Options
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, and these options are perfect for warming up from the inside out. Miso soup is a timeless favorite, light yet comforting, and easily customized with seasonal vegetables or tofu. Tonjiru, a richer miso-based soup with pork and root vegetables, offers a heartier option that is perfect for filling up on a cold day.
Around New Year’s, many enjoy zōni, a traditional soup with mochi and vegetables that symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead. These soups are not just meals; they are little rituals of warmth, nourishment, and comfort that make the colder months feel cozier, one steaming bowl at a time.
Zōni soup – Photo Credit: Akiyoko
Whether you prefer something sweet, a soothing tea, a warming alcoholic drink, or a hearty soup, there is no shortage of ways to stay warm this winter in Japan. Each drink and soup is more than just a way to fend off the cold; they are little moments of comfort and tradition that make the season feel special. So the next time the temperature drops, grab a steaming cup or bowl, slow down, and savor the flavors that turn even the coldest days into something cozy and memorable.
Featured Photo Credit: lielos_photograph
