Beat the Heat with Japan’s Cool and Delicious Summer Eats!
Summer in Japan can be incredibly hot and humid—but Japanese people have long embraced the season with refreshing, flavorful foods made just for this time of year.
From chilled noodles to seasonal vegetables, traditional drinks to nostalgic sweets, summer in Japan is as much about taste as it is about temperature.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 11 must-try summer foods perfect for families traveling in Japan. Most are light, fun to eat, and easy for kids to enjoy. We’ve also included cultural tips and fun facts to make your foodie adventure even more meaningful!
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen)
A colorful and refreshing noodle dish that screams summer in Japan. Chilled ramen noodles are topped with sliced cucumber, ham, egg, and pickled ginger, then drizzled with a tangy soy-vinegar sauce.
You’ll find it in convenience stores and casual restaurants across Japan. Easy to eat, even for picky kids!
Somen (Thin Wheat Noodles)
These ultra-thin, slippery noodles are served cold with a light dipping sauce. Somen is a beloved home-style summer meal in Japan—and some places even offer nagashi somen, where noodles flow down a bamboo slide and you catch them with chopsticks. Kids love it!
Zaru Soba (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
Another refreshing noodle dish, zaru soba features chilled buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo tray with a dipping sauce. It’s healthy, satisfying, and especially good when your appetite is low due to the heat. You can find it at soba shops and even train station food courts.
Seasonal Vegetable Tempura
Crispy and light, vegetable tempura is a great way to enjoy Japan’s summer produce. Look for eggplant, pumpkin, okra, and sweet corn—lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. A pinch of salt is all you need!
Chilled Cucumber & Tomato Snacks
At summer festivals, it’s common to see whole chilled cucumbers or sliced tomatoes served on sticks or in cups. Sometimes they’re lightly pickled in dashi or salt. It’s a refreshing, healthy snack that feels uniquely Japanese—perfect for a quick cool-down on a hot day.
Unagi (Grilled Eel)
A popular stamina-boosting dish eaten during summer, especially around Doyo no Ushi no Hi (Midsummer Day of the Ox). Unagi is grilled with a sweet soy glaze and served over rice. It’s a bit of a luxury, but you can also find affordable versions in supermarkets and lunch boxes.
Edamame & Beer (for the grown-ups!)
These salty green soybeans are a summer favorite in Japanese homes and izakaya pubs. Kids love popping them out of their pods, and adults will love pairing them with a cold beer. A simple joy on a warm evening!
Mugicha (Barley Tea)
A staple in Japanese households during summer, mugicha is caffeine-free and served chilled. Its roasted flavor pairs well with any meal, and it’s safe for kids too. Pick up a bottle at any convenience store.
Ramune (Japanese Soda)
This classic Japanese soda comes in a glass bottle sealed with a marble—and opening it is part of the fun! It’s slightly sweet and super nostalgic, often found at summer festivals or souvenir shops. A must-try for kids!
Watermelon
Japanese watermelons are super juicy and often enjoyed in slices or as part of a summer picnic. You might even see the traditional game suikawari, where kids try to smash a watermelon while blindfolded—like a Japanese piñata!
Kakigori (Shaved Ice)
And finally, the king of Japanese summer sweets—kakigori! Fluffy shaved ice topped with colorful syrups, condensed milk, and fresh fruit. You’ll find classic versions at festivals, or luxurious “gourmet” kakigori in specialty cafes and wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops.
Make Summer in Japan Deliciously Memorable
Japan’s summer may be hot, but the seasonal foods make it a cool experience for the whole family.
From fun textures to nostalgic flavors, these treats offer more than just refreshment—they’re a taste of local life. So next time you spot one of these summer specials, don’t hesitate—try it, share it, and make it part of your Japan family adventure!