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The unique characteristics of each season's landscape are transformed into motifs in paintings or carvings, and the seasonal ingredients sold in markets contribute to the vibrancy and joy of daily life. Therefore, seasonal cuisine should be enjoyed with all the senses – not just taste, but also sight. Below are some noteworthy seasonal dishes in Japan.
Spring
It's no coincidence that the word "spring" is always paired with the verb "to open." In Japan, spring is the season of a new school year, a new business cycle, and the blooming of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms hold an extremely important place in the hearts of the Japanese people, so cherry blossom viewing festivals are an indispensable activity in spring. People participating in the festival often bring homemade bento boxes or buy them ready-made from the basements of shopping malls.
Although the dishes are pre-made, you won't be disappointed because the ingredients are mostly made from spring-specific ingredients such as chrysanthemums, bamboo shoots, rapeseed flowers, fatsia sprouts, spring cabbage, and fresh onions. In addition, asari gohan (clam rice) is also very popular during spring. For dessert, strawberry or sakura (cherry blossom) themed dishes are very popular because they are not only typical spring foods but also display beautiful shades of pink, fitting the atmosphere of the cherry blossom festival.
Summer
Japanese summers are known for their hot weather, vibrant festivals, and dazzling fireworks displays. People wear yukata and flock to local festivals to enjoy the magical atmosphere and delicious food served at the stalls. After the June rains, temperatures begin to rise, and the humid heat makes people crave refreshing dishes. Somen is one of them: extremely thin noodles served cold, accompanied by ginger fish sauce and a side of salad.
Another popular dish is hiyashi-chuka, or cold ramen, in which chilled noodles are served with vegetables, kinshi tamago (thin omelet), and ham. These dishes share the common characteristic of providing a satisfying meal during the sweltering summer heat. Besides somen and cold ramen, grilled eel is also a very popular choice as it quickly replenishes energy lost in the heat.
And there's no arguing about the undisputed dominance of shaved ice with syrup at festivals, where it's always the most consumed treat.
Autumn
Autumn is perhaps the most pleasant season in Japan, when cool breezes and gentle sunshine replace the scorching summer days. The colors of the leaves begin to change, an event known as koyo.
The Japanese not only love watching cherry blossoms bloom, but they also enjoy observing the changing colors of the leaves. Just like in spring, people rarely go outdoors without bento boxes filled with seasonal foods. Some typical autumn ingredients include chestnuts, Pacific mackerel, and matsutake mushrooms.
Chestnuts are often cooked with rice or used in cakes and candies; mackerel is usually grilled or marinated and dried, served with grated daikon radish; and matsutake mushrooms are considered a luxurious delicacy due to their rarity.
Winter
Finally, winter arrives with significantly colder temperatures and snow in some parts of Japan. People generally prefer to enjoy the warmth of their homes and be more restrained in their daily activities to avoid the cold weather. Traditionally, families gather around their kotatsu, a low table with a heating element underneath and covered with a blanket to keep warm.
It is precisely because of that warm, cozy atmosphere that nabe (hot pot) has become a popular winter dish. Not only that, nabe is also easy to make because almost any ingredients can be used, such as vegetables, meat, and seafood. Oden is another popular hot pot dish, and it includes several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon, konnyaku, and fish cakes simmered in broth. Oden is even available at convenience stores nationwide for a quick hot meal. Buri, or yellowtail fish, is a type of fish that can be cooked teriyaki or stewed with daikon radish. And nothing beats the sweet flavor of Wenzhou sweet oranges to nibble on after a meal, or at midday for an energy boost.
Where you can find seasonal foods.
Simply visiting a local supermarket makes it easy to see which ingredients are currently in season, as they are prominently displayed and often offered for sale. Many Japanese families always use seasonal ingredients to enjoy their best flavors. In high-end Japanese restaurants, chefs meticulously prepare artistic dishes that reflect the unique characteristics of each season.
The key to this culinary style is to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient in every dish, meaning that seasonal foods are always featured on the menu. Traditional confectionery shops also closely follow the seasons, creating exquisite handcrafted works of art that represent the beauty of nature.
Finally, at many cafes and convenience stores across the country, seasonal creations like sweets or snacks are only available for a limited time, making them even more desirable.
