Japan Foodie Calendar: What to Eat Month by Month
- Zamhyrre Perral
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
by NextDestination Travel and Tours
🌸 January — Osechi Ryori
Traditional New Year’s dishes beautifully packed in lacquered boxes, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
Where to try: Department stores in Tokyo & Kyoto sell osechi sets in early January.
🍡 February — Strawberries (Ichigo)
Sweet Japanese strawberries peak in winter — often served in desserts like ichigo daifuku (mochi with strawberry inside).
Where to try: Fruit parlors in Tokyo or strawberry-picking farms in Tochigi.
🌸 March — Sakura Treats
Spring means cherry blossom everything: sakura mochi, sakura lattes, sakura ice cream. Limited-time only!
Where to try: Cafés and convenience stores all over Japan during hanami season.
🍵 April — Matcha Goodies
Kyoto comes alive with matcha-based desserts as tea leaves are harvested. Think parfaits, ice cream, and matcha cakes.
Where to try: Uji, Kyoto — the birthplace of matcha.
🐟 May — Koi-nobori & Kashiwa Mochi
For Children’s Day, families enjoy kashiwa mochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) as a symbol of growth and strength.
Where to try: Traditional wagashi shops in Tokyo & Osaka.
🍧 June — Kakigori (Shaved Ice)
Rainy season calls for refreshing treats! Shaved ice topped with matcha, condensed milk, or fruit syrup.
Where to try: Old-school cafés in Asakusa or Nara.
🎆 July — Festival Street Food
Summer matsuri (festivals) mean stalls selling yakisoba, takoyaki, yakitori, and taiyaki. A true cultural experience.
Where to try: Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or local summer festivals nationwide.
🍉 August — Watermelon & Cold Noodles
Japanese summer isn’t complete without suika (watermelon) and somen noodles chilled in ice water.
Where to try: Izakayas and summer food stalls.
🍇 September — Seasonal Grapes & Pears
Japan’s luxury fruit season shines in autumn with Shine Muscat grapes and nashi pears.
Where to try: Fruit markets in Yamanashi and Nagano.
🍄 October — Matsutake Mushrooms
The “truffle of Japan,” matsutake mushrooms are earthy and rare — a prized autumn delicacy.
Where to try: Traditional ryotei (Japanese fine dining) in Kyoto.
🍂 November — Sweet Potatoes (Yaki Imo)
Baked sweet potatoes sold from trucks — warm, sweet, and perfect for autumn nights.
Where to try: Street vendors across Japan.
🎄 December — Christmas Cake
Japan’s holiday tradition is strawberry shortcake, beautifully decorated with whipped cream and strawberries.
Where to try: Cake shops in Tokyo like Ginza Cozy Corner.
💼 NextDestinationTravel Tip
Traveling to Japan isn’t just about temples and cities — it’s about eating the seasons. With our help, you can time your trip to match the food experiences you crave, from sakura sweets in March to matsutake feasts in October.
📩 Message us today to start planning your foodie journey to Japan!
📍 Visit us at: 2566 Tejeron Sta. Ana, Manila
📞 Call or Viber: 0926 786 1703 / (02) 85341295
📧 Email: nextdestinationintltravel@gmail.com
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