Campervan Road Trip in Japan: What to Eat in Spring

A campervan road trip in Japan during spring is about more than scenery—it’s also about food. During this season, Japan offers fresh vegetables, light flavors, and seasonal dishes that locals look forward to each year.

Because you’re traveling by campervan, it’s easy to stop at roadside stations and local markets along the way. In fact, small towns are where spring food truly shines. While many regional dishes are hard to find in big cities, they are common in rural areas. For this reason, a campervan allows you to slow down and explore at your own pace. As a result, simple seasonal meals often become the most memorable part of the trip.

Below, you’ll find spring foods in Japan that are especially worth trying on a campervan road trip.

Sakura Shrimp

You’ll find sakura shrimp only in spring, especially near Japan’s coastal roads and local markets. Light, slightly sweet, and rich in umami, they turn a simple campervan stop into a memorable seasonal food experience.

Bamboo Shoots

Available for only a short time each spring, farmers harvest bamboo shoots young and serve them fresh across Japan. Their tender texture and subtle sweetness make them a seasonal favorite worth trying while traveling through the countryside.

Yomogi Mochi

People traditionally enjoy yomogi mochi in spring, when fresh mugwort grows in the countryside. Its natural green color and gentle herbal flavor make it a nostalgic seasonal sweet across Japan.

Firefly Squid

Fishermen harvest firefly squid for a short period each spring along Japan’s coasts and serve them at peak freshness. Their rich umami flavor and tender texture make them a seasonal delicacy worth trying while traveling through coastal towns.

Sakura Amazake

People enjoy sakura amazake only in spring, lightly sweetened with cherry blossoms and rice. Its gentle flavor and floral aroma make it a comforting seasonal drink during cherry blossom season.

Summary

Spring foods in Japan are seasonal, local, and only available for a short time. Traveling by campervan lets you enjoy these foods at their freshest. You can stop at coastal markets, roadside stations, or small countryside towns along the way. Because you can travel at your own pace, each meal becomes part of the journey. In the end, these simple spring flavors often become the best memories of a campervan road trip in Japan.

JAPAN ROAD TRIP offers campervan rentals in Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Osaka, making it easy to choose where to start your trip. We also offer several discounts, including the Sakura Campaign, free dispatch fee campaign, repeater discount, early bird discount, and long-term discount, so you can travel for less.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger. We’re happy to help you plan your trip.