When Japan heats up in July and August, locals turn to their favorite cool, refreshing dishes to beat the humidity. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Tokyo or relaxing in a Kyoto café, summer is a delicious time to explore the country’s seasonal flavors.
In this guide, we’re highlighting six iconic Japanese summer foods—from icy sweets to chilled noodles—and sharing where to try them across Tokyo, Kyoto, and the Mt. Fuji region. If you’re traveling in comfort with a private driver, you can even design a custom food tour around these mouthwatering stops!
6 Must Try Japanese Summer Foods
1. Kakigori – Shaved Ice with a Japanese Twist
Kakigori is Japan’s answer to summer heat: finely shaved ice piled high and drizzled with syrups like matcha, yuzu, or strawberry. Some modern versions are served with condensed milk, mochi, or even fresh fruit, making them both a treat and a photo-worthy experience.
Where to Try It
- Tokyo: Azuki to Kōri (Meguro) – Chic spot known for handmade syrups and ultra-fluffy kakigori with seasonal flavors
- Kyoto: Gion NITI – A serene tea house with artisan-style kakigori
2. Somen – Slippery Chilled Noodles
These thin white noodles are served cold in a light dipping sauce called mentsuyu. Somen is all about simplicity and refreshment. It’s often served with thinly sliced cucumber, ginger, and scallions on the side.
Where to Try It
- Tokyo: Kanda Matsuya – Traditional soba shop that also serves summer somen
- Kyoto: Somen Nagashi Hirobun (Kibune) – Experience flowing somen in bamboo flumes by the riverside (early summer, check availability)
- Mt. Fuji: Local ryokan cafés often feature somen on their seasonal menus
3. Zaru Soba/Udon – Chilled Buckwheat or Wheat Noodles
Zaru soba (buckwheat) and zaru udon (wheat) are served on bamboo trays with a chilled soy-based dipping sauce. It’s the ultimate light and satisfying dish for a hot day—especially when enjoyed outdoors in a garden café or traditional teahouse.
Where to Try It
- Tokyo: Teuchisoba Narutomi – Hand-cut soba with a seasonal touch
- Kyoto: Omen Ginkakuji – Elegant zaru udon with seasonal side dishes
- Mt. Fuji: Hoto Fudou – While famous for hot noodles, their cold seasonal zaru dishes are also worth a try in summer
4. Matcha – Cold Green Tea Treats
Matcha isn’t just for hot tea—during summer, you’ll find it served cold as lattes, ice cream, jelly, and shaved ice. Its slightly bitter taste pairs perfectly with sweet accompaniments, making it a refreshing yet rich seasonal flavor.
Where to Try It
- Tokyo: Suzukien Asakusa – Home to the world’s richest matcha gelato
- Kyoto: Tsujiri Gion – Iconic matcha desserts in Kyoto’s historic tea district
- Mt. Fuji: Shizuoka tea cafés – Enjoy matcha made from fresh, local tea leaves
5. Wagashi – Mizu-Yokan & Warabimochi
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, and in summer, the stars are mizu-yokan (a chilled, jelly-like red bean sweet) and warabimochi (soft, chewy mochi dusted in kinako soybean flour). Light, delicate, and usually served cold, they’re perfect afternoon snacks.
Where to Try It
- Tokyo: Toraya – Historic wagashi shop with seasonal offerings
- Kyoto: Kagizen Yoshifusa – Elegant tea house serving warabimochi
- Mt. Fuji: Kawaguchiko Herb Hall Café – Sweet snacks and tea with lake views
6. Candied Summer Fruit on a Stick
Found at festivals and temple fairs, candied fruit is a fun and photogenic treat. Strawberries, grapes, and even tangerines are dipped in a thin sugar syrup that hardens into a glossy shell. It’s a quick, refreshing bite that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Where to Try It
- Tokyo: Ameya Yokocho (Ueno) – Colorful stalls with fruit skewers
- Kyoto: Nishiki Market – Try seasonal fruit sweets from small vendors
- Mt. Fuji: Oshino Hakkai – Snack stalls often carry locally grown fruit treats
Cool Down with a Private Tour with Hire Taxi Japan
Many of these refreshing summer dishes are best enjoyed on a relaxed itinerary that skips the hot, crowded trains. With a private car tour, you can:
- Cool off between stops in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Visit multiple regions in one day
- Customize your stops to your food preferences and dietary needs
Whether you’re a dessert lover, tea enthusiast, or just looking to eat like a local, Hire Taxi Japan can help craft a summer food journey that’s as comfortable as it is delicious.
Ready to eat your way through Japan’s summer?
Book a private transfer or full-day tour with us and let the seasonal flavors guide your adventure!
