From Shaved Ice to Chilled Ramen: Staying Cool in the Summer Heat
The Japanese summer can be brutally hot, not only because of the high temperatures but also because of the humidity. During these dog days, it can be hard to not lose your appetite, but with the right selection of dishes, you’ll stay cool and also enjoy an amazing gourmet experience! To help out those suffering under the rising temperatures, we’ve compiled a list of places serving Japan’s favorite summer foods, from chilled ramen to shaved ice.
1. Snacking through Shinjuku: Inexpensive and Relaxing
Especially during hot summer evenings, there’s nothing like enjoying an ice-cold beer – or really any ice-cold beverage of your choice. And the best place to enjoy them is, of course, at an izakaya, the traditional Japanese pub. Shinjuku, known as one of Tokyo’s major nightlife hubs, has a huge selection of different izakaya but we’ve handpicked the top ten that are reasonably priced and offer an amazing menu. Dig in!
Banban
1-16-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0021
Uoshin
3-35-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0022
BERG
https://gurunavi.com/en/g030072/rst/
Baruboraya
1-1-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0021
Oonoya
7-15-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0023
Kabuto
1-2-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0023
Gifuya
1-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0023
Zuienbekkan
https://gurunavi.com/en/p386001/rst/
Yakitori Yoshino
2-6-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0022
Yanbaru
https://gurunavi.com/en/p653700/rst/
2. Crowning the Ramen King: The Best Chilled Ramen in Tokyo
Whether you eat it early in the morning or in the middle of the night, ramen is always delicious. During summer, however, hot broth can be a bit too much to stomach. Thankfully, Japan’s favorite noodle soup does have a chilled version as well and these cold ramen come in all different flavors, shapes, and colors. Whether you like it classic or want something more unique, or even something with an entirely different taste from what you’re used to, our selection ranges from standard to extravagant. Why not taste your way through cold goodness?
Menya Musashi
7-2-6 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 160-0023
Noodle Kitchen Miraie
2-59-20 Shimo, Kita-ku, Tokyo-to 115-0042
Nidaime NyagaNyaga-tei
3-61-6 Arakawa, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo-to 116-0002
Sanji
3-25-12 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to 110-0015
Chiranai Sakura
5-10-14 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to 110-0005
Tsukemen TETSU
5-10-14 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to 110-0005
Hakata Tonkotsu Takakura
4-3-14 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo-to 103-0022
3. Nara, the Holy Land of Shaved Ice
Kakigori, shaved ice, is one of Japan’s absolute summer favorites and comes in all kinds of different flavors. One city has gained a particular reputation for its many cafés and restaurants serving the traditional dish: Nara. From truly Japanese flavors such as green tea and red beans to more modern creations, there is much and more to discover in the world of kakigori.
Ochanoko
35-2 Konishicho, Nara-shi. Nara-ken 630-8226
Hosekibako
12 Mochiidonocho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken 630-8222
Hiraso
1-8-40 Horyuji, Ikarugamachi, Ikoma-gun, Nara-ken 636-0100
4. A Must-try for Sweets Lovers: Fruits and Whipped Cream Burger
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, a Hawaiian café & diner, graces us with a unique hamburger creation: The Mega Sweets Burger. This delicious dessert incorporates all kinds of different fruits in a coat of whipped cream, generously stuffed between two burger buns. This burger has gained a rather large following thanks to its several appearances on TV. Why not try the famous creation for yourself?
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
6-28-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to 150-0001
5. The Very Best Ramen in all of Yamaguchi Prefecture
Hardcore ramen fans don’t really care about the temperature outside when the opportunity to try a gourmet bowl of noodle soup arises. Such high-class gems are particularly plentiful in Yamaguchi, where classic as well as creative ramen creations are prepared on high levels. We can guarantee that you’ve never tried anything like it before.
Chukasoba Koran
1-5-10 Ekiminami, Kudamatsu-shi, Yamaguchi-ken 744-0007
Suta Shokudo
1-22 Sumizakicho, Shunan-shi, Yamaguchi-ken 745-0026
Tachibanaya Shokudo
1-1 Nishiagenosho, Suooshima-cho, Oshima-gun, Yamaguchi-ken 742-2806
Menichi
2-10-5 Shimata, Hikari-shi, Yamaguchi-ken 743-0063
Suehiro
1688-1 Hashirano, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi-ken 741-0073
6. Kujira Ice Cream – What Does a Whale have to do with Ice Cream?
Tsukiji, Japan’s largest fish market and popular sightseeing area, keeps bringing forth many curious culinary creations – and this time around, it’s whale ice cream. This fancy name should be taken rather literally, as this mysterious dessert literally is a white soft serve sprinkled with balenine powder, made from whale meat. This certainly qualifies as an “only in Japan” ice cream experience!
Kujira no Tomisui
https://gurunavi.com/en/gbzf700/rst/
