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Seasonal foods are eagerly anticipated throughout the year in Japan. During the hot and humid summer, people often lose their appetite, experience fatigue more frequently, feel dizzy, and encounter other effects. Embrace the summer in Japan with these delectable treats that not only satisfy your palate but also help you stay cool during the hot and humid months.

1. Kakigori (Japanese Shaved Ice)

Kakigori is a popular refreshing delight often found at summer festivals. This refreshing treat consists of shaved ice topped with syrup, condensed milk and fruits. Kakigori comes in a variety of flavors, with traditional flavors including strawberry, matcha, melon, cherry, and lemon.

2. Hiyashi Chūka (Cold Chinese-style Noodles)

Hiyashi Chūka or cold Chinese-style noodles, is perfect for combating the heat and humidity of summer in Japan. Served chilled, these noodles are accompanied by fresh vegetables and toppings such as egg, tomato, cucumbers, ham, omelet, and ginger. They can be enjoyed with either soy sauce or sesame sauce for a refreshing meal.

3. Nagashi Somen

Nagashi somen offers a fun summer activity involving food. Somen noodles are placed on a bamboo slide with flowing water. Diners catch the somen noodles as they pass and dip them in a sauce called “tsuyu”, making it a delightful and interactive way to enjoy a meal during the summer months.

4. Rei-Shabu (Cold Pork Shabu Shabu)

Rei-shabu or cold pork shabu shabu provides a lighter alternative to the hot pot or shabu shabu traditionally enjoyed during winter. Made with thinly sliced pork and accompanied by fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, Rei-shabu is refreshing and can also be enjoyed with rice for a satisfying meal in the summer heat.

5. Hiyayakko Tofu (Japanese Cold Tofu)

Hiyayakko tofu or Japanese cold tofu is served as an appetizer or side dish. The silky-smooth tofu is topped with green onions, grated ginger and katsuoboshi (fish flakes).

6. Morioka Reimen

Originating from Iwate Prefecture, Morioka reimen is a renowned cold noodle dish. It is considered one of Morioka’s three great noodles. Featuring chewy noodles in a chilled broth, it comes with different toppings like sliced meat, cucumbers, egg, kimchi, and a slice of fruit.

7. Zaru Soba (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)

Zaru Soba is a traditional chilled noodle dish made from buckwheat flour. The name “zaru” derives from the bamboo baskets historically used to serve the noodles during the Edo period. This dish is typically dipped in a soy-based sauce called “tsuyu”.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon stands out as an ideal fruit for summer, offering refreshing hydration. Bringing a whole watermelon to the beach and engaging “suika-wari” (watermelon splitting) with family or friends adds to the enjoyment of the season.

9. Ayu (Japanese Sweetfish)

Known for its distinctive watermelon-like aroma, Ayu is considered the most flavorful fish in Japan, particularly during the summer months. It has become a staple at barbecues and festivals, typically enjoyed grilled and lightly salted—a preparation style known as “ayu no shioyaki”.

10. Unagi (Grilled Eel)

Alongside Ayu, another seafood delight for summer is Grilled Eel. Renowned for its nutritional richness, Unagi is considered an excellent choice during the hot season, providing ample vitamins and nutrients to sustain energy levels. It also enhances appetite.

11. Umeboshi (Salted Japanese Plum)

A traditional remedy for summer heat, Umeboshi is highly effective due to its high sodium content. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients from plums, it offers various health benefits, including potential diabetes prevention and blood pressure reduction. Umeboshi is also known to stimulate the appetite, especially useful when appetite tends to decrease in the summer.

12. Tokoroten

Tokoroten, a jelly-like dish resembling noodles made from red algae, was a popular summer snack during the Edo period. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, typically served with soy sauce, vinegar, and sometimes garnished with nori, hot pepper, or sesame seeds. In the Kansai Region, such as in Kobe, it is often served as a dessert with kuromitsu (Japanese sugar syrup).

Exploring Japan’s vibrant culinary traditions during the summer uncovers a variety of refreshing flavors and beneficial foods. These dishes not only make the taste buds dance, but also offer nourishment and relief from seasonal heat.

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