Tasty Summer Food Guide for RV Travelers in Japan
#food-recipes
Traveling by RV in Japan this summer? We’ve put together a list of tasty and fun summer foods to try while enjoying the flavors of Japan.
Summer in Japan can be very hot and humid, which might make you lose your appetite. However, don’t worry—many cool and refreshing foods can help bring it back. In addition, these dishes will keep you feeling refreshed and energized as you explore. Check out our list of summer foods to enjoy on your trip!
First of all, let me introduce JAPAN ROAD TRIP. We have rental locations across Japan, so you can choose the most convenient branch to start your journey.
We also offer special discounts, such as early bird and long-term deals. Be sure to check them out and rent an RV at a more affordable price!
So, here’s our list of summer foods you should try during your visit to Japan!
Unagi
Unagi, or freshwater eel, is a traditional Japanese dish often enjoyed in the summer. Typically, chefs grill unagi and serve it over a bed of warm rice, glazing it with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce.
Moreover, unagi is rich in protein and believed to boost energy and stamina, making it perfect for helping you get through Japan’s hot and humid summer days.
Sōmen
Sōmen is a traditional Japanese noodle made from wheat flour, known for its thin, delicate texture. Moreover, people often enjoy it with a dipping sauce called tsuyu.
The noodles are usually white; however, they can sometimes come in a variety of colors, depending on the ingredients used. Additionally, chefs frequently serve sōmen with fresh herbs, sliced vegetables, or a protein, making it a refreshing and light meal that is perfect for warm weather.
Hiyashi Chuka
Hiyashi Chuka is a popular Japanese dish typically enjoyed during the summer months. It features cold ramen noodles topped with a variety of colorful ingredients, such as shredded chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, egg, and ham.
Furthermore, chefs drizzle the dish with a tangy and savory dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. As a result, this refreshing cold noodle dish helps beat the heat, offering a light and satisfying meal.
Ayu
Ayu, or sweetfish, is a seasonal fish found in rivers across Japan, especially popular in the summer for its delicate, sweet flavor. Typically, chefs grill it with a light salt seasoning, though they can also serve it in soups or as sashimi.
The tender flesh contrasts with the crispy skin, making it a favorite for many. People often pair it with seasonal vegetables or a cold beverage, making ayu the perfect dish to enjoy during Japan’s hot summer days.
Ika-yaki
Ika-yaki is a popular Japanese street food made from whole squid grilled on a skewer. Vendors brush the squid with a sweet soy-based sauce, giving it a savory, smoky flavor.
People often serve it at festivals, where it offers a satisfying combination of tender seafood and a crispy, charred exterior. Typically, vendors add a slice of lemon or seasonings, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking. Ika-yaki provides a fun and delicious way to enjoy squid at Japan’s summer events.
Kakigōri
Kakigori is a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert, perfect for hot summer days. It features finely shaved ice topped with sweet syrups, condensed milk, or toppings like fruit, red bean paste, or matcha.
Moreover, it comes in various flavors, such as strawberry, melon, and green tea, offering a light, refreshing treat to cool down during Japan’s humid summer months.
Hamo
Hamo, or Japanese conger eel, is a prized fish known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. It becomes particularly popular in Kyoto during the summer months. Typically, chefs grill or prepare hamo in soups, often using a flavorful dashi broth.
The fish offers a subtle, sweet taste, and its tender, white flesh contrasts nicely with its slightly crispy skin when grilled. Additionally, skilled chefs carefully remove its many small bones, making it a delightful and easy-to-eat dish. Overall, enjoying hamo provides a true taste of summer in Japan.
Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a classic Japanese summer dessert. It offers a fun mix of textures and flavors. The dish includes kanten jelly, sweet azuki beans, boiled peas, and fresh fruits like melon or peach. Many people also add ice cream or shiratama dango on top.
Finally, they pour kuromitsu syrup over everything for extra sweetness. Anmitsu is light, colorful, and perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day in Japan.
Shirasu-don
Shirasu-don is a simple yet flavorful Japanese rice bowl topped with young whitebait fish called shirasu. Depending on the region and freshness, chefs either boil the fish or serve them raw.
They usually place the shirasu over a bowl of warm rice and add toppings like grated daikon, green onions, and soy sauce. Some also crack a raw egg on top or add a splash of citrus for extra flavor. Light, healthy, and full of umami, shirasu-don makes a perfect meal for a hot summer day.
Warabi Mochi
Warabi Mochi is a soft, jelly-like Japanese dessert made from bracken starch. Unlike regular mochi made from rice, this version has a lighter, more delicate texture. People usually cut it into bite-sized pieces and coat it with roasted soybean flour (kinako) for a nutty flavor.
Sometimes, they drizzle sweet black syrup (kuromitsu) on top for added richness. Cool and chewy, warabi mochi is a popular summer treat that helps you stay refreshed in Japan’s heat.
Summary
This blog introduces a variety of traditional and refreshing Japanese dishes perfect for hot, humid days. Whether you’re looking for savory meals or light desserts, these dishes will keep you refreshed and energized on your road trip.
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