Summer is around the corner. I can feel it on my skin. The hot, heavy air; the gentle sizzle you feel on your shoulders when you step outside.
If you’ve never experienced a summer in the concrete jungle, you’re in for a ride. Japanese street food is a vibrant and essential part of the country’s culinary culture, offering an array of delicious and unique treats. During the summer months of June through September, Japan comes alive with (夏祭り), or summer festivals, where street food takes center stage.
In this enchanting atmosphere, the cool, reserved demeanor often seen in Tokyo melts away, replaced by a shared joy in the festivities and, of course, in enjoying Japanese street food. As summer winds down, don’t worry—there are still plenty of places to enjoy Japanese street food beyond the festival season. In this article, we dive into the most common Japanese street foods and guide you on where to find the best street food in Tokyo.
Japanese street food vendors are known as and offer various traditional foods in Japan. Here are some savory classics: These are the choices your kids will probably beg you for: Tokyo and its surrounding areas host a multitude of summer festivals and fireworks from early July through September. Each festival features a unique array of street foods.
If you are new to Tokyo and have no way of knowing where the summer festivals are, just listen for the music and follow the paper lanterns. Or, check out our list of and . Popular tourist .