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Exploring Japanese cuisine during winter offers Indonesian travelers a memorable experience. Alongside fresh sushi and Osaka takoyaki, warming dishes such as ramen, udon, and okonomiyaki are perfect after a day of sightseeing in the cold. You can also try tempura, wagyu, kaiseki, and mochi associated with Japanese New Year traditions. Here are some culinary favorites worth trying during the year-end holidays.
Japan is one of the favorite destinations for Indonesian travelers, including those planning a winter holiday. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), international visitor arrivals in Japan reached approximately 36.9 million in 2024, reflecting strong interest in the many experiences the country offers, including its cuisine.
During winter, exploring Japanese cuisine feels even more special. Cold temperatures make warming dishes such as ramen, udon, oden, and nabe especially appealing after a full day of sightseeing. Meanwhile, Japanese favorites enjoyed year-round, such as sushi, tempura, and wagashi, are still worth adding to your must-try list.
So, which Japanese foods should you try during winter? Explore the following recommendations to make your holiday even more memorable.
Although sushi is not specifically a winter dish, trying it in Japan is still a very different experience from enjoying it elsewhere. At markets such as Tsukiji or Toyosu, you can find fresh sushi prepared by skilled sushi chefs right before your eyes. Top recommendations include otoro (fatty tuna) and uni (sea urchin) for an authentic taste.
A steaming bowl of ramen is an excellent choice in cold weather. Each region of Japan has its own distinctive ramen style.
Many ramen restaurants use ticket vending machines for ordering, making the experience even more interesting.
Served hot, takoyaki is perfect for enjoying while exploring Osaka in winter. Osaka is known as a street food hub, and takoyaki is one of its most famous snacks. These batter balls filled with pieces of octopus are served with sweet-savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes (dried fish shavings). Be sure to try them along the streets of Dotonbori.
Freshly fried tempura is particularly enjoyable in cold weather. Try tempura at restaurants such as Tendon Tenya or Tsunahachi. This crispy fried seafood and vegetable dish is often served with rice or udon. What makes Japanese tempura distinctive is its light batter, which keeps it from tasting overly oily.
In winter, choose udon or soba served in hot broth to warm yourself up. Thick, chewy udon noodles and buckwheat-based soba are perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Small restaurants at train stations often serve authentic, budget-friendly udon and soba.
Served hot off the grill, okonomiyaki is ideal for cold weather. This savory Japanese pancake is especially popular in Hiroshima and Osaka. You can cook it yourself on a tabletop grill or ask the chef to prepare it. Fillings such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, combined with a signature sauce, make it a flavorful dish.
In cold weather, warming wagyu dishes such as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu are also worth trying. For meat lovers, wagyu and Kobe beef offer an extraordinary experience. Carefully prepared beef has a tender texture and delicious flavor. Try it at a steak restaurant in Kobe or Tokyo for an exceptional taste.
Mochi is also connected to Japanese New Year traditions, including ozoni, a soup containing mochi. Traditional Japanese sweets such as mochi, dorayaki, and wagashi offer delicate sweetness. Japanese green tea is often an ideal accompaniment. Look for fresh mochi in Kyoto for an authentic experience.
Kaiseki menus often highlight seasonal ingredients, including winter seafood and vegetables. For a formal dining experience, try kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that brings together different flavors and textures in one sitting. Kyoto is an excellent place to experience kaiseki, as many restaurants there have been operating for hundreds of years.
During a winter holiday, check shop opening hours, especially around New Year. In Kyoto, Nishiki Market offers a variety of authentic street foods, such as yakitori (chicken skewers), yatsuhashi (a triangular sweet snack), and dango (skewered mochi-like dumplings). The market is ideal for sampling small bites while exploring local culture.
If you want to try dishes more closely associated with winter, look for oden (assorted ingredients simmered in warm broth) or nabe (Japanese hot pot). Both are popular in cold weather and are great for sharing with family or friends.
Explore Street Food: Dress warmly and check operating hours during the New Year holiday. Traditional markets and areas such as Dotonbori in Osaka and Nishiki in Kyoto offer many local specialties.
Try Something New: Do not hesitate to sample unusual dishes, such as natto (fermented soybeans) or fugu (poisonous pufferfish that requires specialized preparation).
Consider Halal Options: Look for halal-certified restaurants or vegetarian menus if needed.
Learn Dining Etiquette: Use chopsticks properly and avoid sticking them upright into rice, as this is considered disrespectful.
In winter, Japanese cuisine is also a way to experience seasonal ingredients and traditions. Japan’s food culture reflects a harmony of flavors, aesthetics, and attention to detail. Every dish is a work of art designed to delight not only the palate but also the eyes and heart. Tasting food in Japan is both delicious and a way to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Exploring Japanese cuisine during winter is an experience not to be missed. Warming dishes such as ramen, udon, and okonomiyaki are perfect when temperatures drop. Meanwhile, sushi, takoyaki, tempura, wagyu, and the many street foods at Nishiki Market remain exciting additions to your culinary journey.
Beyond making a list of foods to try, it is important to prepare for your trip. Cold weather, changes to flight schedules, and the risk of lost baggage are among the things to anticipate during a holiday in Japan.
To help manage these risks, consider Japan Travel Insurance from Oona Insurance, which offers protection against various travel-related risks, including:
All coverage benefits are subject to the coverage scope, limits, terms, and exclusions stated in the policy.
With careful preparation and travel protection suited to your needs, you can enjoy Japan’s beauty and discover its winter cuisine with greater peace of mind.
Plan your year-end holiday and explore Oona Insurance’s Japan Travel Insurance options before you depart!
