Christmas Food in Japan — 10 Winter Dishes To Try
Unwrap Japan’s festive flavors this season
Delicious soup curry, local delicacy of Hokkaido.
Sushi may be Japan’s culinary icon, but when winter hits, the nation’s kitchens transform into havens of hearty, soul-warming dishes that go far beyond raw fish. Winter in Japan is a season of comfort food, where regional specialties and centuries-old recipes come together to fight off the chill. It’s the perfect time of year to savor the earthy steam rising from bowls of soba, the smoky tang of miso caramelizing on magnolia leaves, and the rich, umami depth of duck stews that warm you to your core.
Christmas Day is an eclectic mix of modern traditions and local favorites, from (Kentucky) fried chicken feasts to warming hot pots and delicacies that feel like a hug on a cold day. For travelers, Christmas food in Japan offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s culinary diversity at its most magical. Whether you’re craving robust flavors or curious to try something completely new, the festive season is the perfect time to indulge. If you’re planning a trip this holiday season, tuck into this guide to Japan’s winter delicacies.
KFC, cake, and Japan’s Christmas quirks
Christmas in Japan doesn’t come with carol services or stockings by the fire—it’s a celebration of togetherness, often revolving around one surprising staple: KFC. The tradition dates back to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, where “Kentucky for Christmas” became the go-to feast for families and friends. Today, pre-ordering a “Party Barrel,” complete with golden fried chicken, sides, and even a cake, is as much a part of the holiday routine as unwrapping presents.
Speaking of cake, no Japanese Christmas is complete without strawberry shortcake—a fluffy, cream-laden dessert topped with ruby-red strawberries. The bright, festive colors make it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy gathering. While Christmas isn’t a religious holiday in Japan, the season is all about connection and joy. These seemingly unconventional traditions—both imported and local—reflect a modern, playful twist on the spirit of the holiday, with food taking center stage.
10 winter dishes to try in Japan
Winter in Japan is an excuse to slow down and gather around meals that feel like they were made for cold nights. These regional winter dishes bring together tradition, flavor, and warmth, proving there’s so much more to Japanese cuisine than sushi.
1. Jibuni (Ishikawa), Kanazawa’s cozy classic
Rich, warming, and surprisingly soothing, Jibuni is the dish Kanazawa locals turn to when the temperature drops. Duck slices simmer in a soy-based broth alongside wheat gluten, mushrooms, and root vegetables, creating a stew that feels like it was made to fight winter’s bite.
Jibuni, a classic from Kanazawa
Every spoonful carries a depth of flavor you only get with slow cooking—and if you’ve never thought of duck as comfort food, this dish might just change your mind.
2. Hoba Miso (Gifu), smokey and satisfying
Take a magnolia leaf, pile on sweet miso paste, mushrooms, and green onions, then grill it all until the miso starts to caramelize and fill the air with a smoky aroma. That’s Hoba Miso—a dish that feels as rustic as it does refined.
Hoba Miso with marbled Japanese beef, with fluffy Japanese rice.
Eaten with freshly steamed rice, it’s the kind of thing that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring each bite while the world outside gets a little colder.
3. Shinshu Soba (Nagano), noodles for the season
Shinshu soba is the ultimate winter warmer. Served steaming in a broth with seasonal vegetables and crispy tempura on the side, this Nagano specialty brings together simplicity and depth.
The nutty, earthy flavor of buckwheat noodles pairs beautifully with the sweetness of slow-cooked root vegetables, while the crunch of tempura adds just the right contrast. It’s humble, substantial, and exactly what you want after a day exploring Nagano’s snowy landscapes.
4. Hegisoba (Niigata), seaweed-infused noodle perfection
Hegisoba is soba, but elevated. Infused with funori seaweed, these noodles have a smooth, slightly chewy texture that sets them apart from the rest. Served neatly in portions on wooden boards, the presentation alone feels ceremonial.
Pair it with Niigata’s crisp winter air and locally brewed sake, and you’ve got a meal that celebrates the essence of the season. Every bite reflects Niigata’s rich culinary tradition, making it a must-try for noodle lovers.
5. Imoni (Yamagata), a heartwarming community stew
Imoni isn’t just a dish—it’s a full-blown event. This taro-and-beef stew, often cooked outdoors in massive pots, is a cornerstone of Yamagata’s winter gatherings. Sweet soy sauce and sugar create a broth that’s rich and warming, while taro’s creamy texture adds heartiness to every bite.
Imoni a taro-and-beef stew, often cooked outdoors in massive pots. We can arrange a imoni cooking session for your family and friends!
Share Imoni with family or a crowd of new friends, Imoni is all about togetherness, offering a taste of rural Japan that’s as authentic as it gets.
6. Kawara Soba (Yamaguchi), a dish with a twist
Kawara soba is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Green tea-infused soba noodles sizzle on a heated roof tile, a nod to the region’s inventive spirit. Topped with thinly sliced beef, shredded egg, seaweed, and a zesty hit of lemon, this dish is the perfect mix of tradition and playfulness.
Kawara-soba, Green tea-infused soba noodles sizzle on a heated roof tile topped with thinly sliced beef, shredded egg, seaweed, and a zesty hit of lemon.
The aroma of the sizzling noodles draws you in, while each bite offers a combination of savory and fresh flavors that feel both unexpected and familiar.
7. Kenchinjiru (Saitama), a vegetarian’s delight
Kenchinjiru is the definition of wholesome comfort. This simple yet satisfying vegetable soup is brimming with tofu, root vegetables, and a light miso or soy-based broth. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—nourishing, subtle, and grounding.
Rooted in Buddhist temple cuisine, Kenchinjiru embodies the ethos of simplicity and mindfulness, making it a perfect choice for those craving something hearty without being heavy.
8. Oden (Kanagawa), a winter hot pot classic
Oden is winter on a plate—or rather, in a simmering pot. Ingredients like tender daikon, fish cakes, boiled eggs, and tofu soak up the light, savory dashi broth, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Found everywhere from convenience stores to street stalls, this Kanagawa favorite is as versatile as it is beloved.
No matter if you enjoy it on the go at a street market or shared with friends around a festive table, oden’s warmth and variety make it the ultimate winter comfort food.
9. Nabeyaki Udon, rich noodles in a pot
Nabeyaki udon is the epitome of cozy winter dining. Thick, chewy udon noodles are served straight from the pot, locking in heat and flavor until the very last bite. Each bowl is a personal treasure trove of toppings such as crispy tempura, tender chicken, or a perfectly runny egg.
The steaming broth, enriched with seasonal vegetables, fills the air with a savory aroma that’s impossible to resist. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes cold days feel like an invitation to indulge.
10. Ankou Nabe (Ibaraki), an Anglerfish hot pot
Ankou nabe is winter decadence in a bowl. This hot pot stars the rich, gelatinous meat of the anglerfish, prized for its bold, umami-packed flavor. Simmered with vegetables in a miso or soy-based broth, each bite is a balance of comforting and nourishing.
Enjoy Foie Gras of the sea — Ankou nabe, winter decadence in a bowl.
Known as the "foie gras of the sea," anglerfish liver adds an extra layer of indulgence to the dish. In Ibaraki, ankou nabe is a celebration of the season, offering warmth and sustenance on even the coldest days.
Warm up with Japan’s seasonal delights
Winter in Japan invites you to explore flavors steeped in tradition, from duck stews that comfort the soul to soba noodles served with seasonal flair. But uncovering these experiences—the places locals swear by, the dishes that define a region—takes more than a guidebook.
At TokudAw, we do the legwork. Get comfy in a plush seat at a countryside inn, where a bowl of steaming Nabeyaki Udon arrives just as the chill settles outside. Or share a quiet moment over a pot of Ankou Nabe, freshly prepared in Ibaraki’s heartland. Our tour guides will get you there, with every detail handled.
Along with securing reservations at hard-to-book locations, we’ll accommodate your dietary needs (which as you can imagine, is tricky in foreign land). Transportation? Sit back and relax as our expert drivers take you from one culinary delight to the next, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment.
Savor Christmas food in Japan without the logistical hassles, just pure indulgence. Get in touch with TokudAw to curate your festive feast!
