100 Japanese Matsuri Festival Foods to Try This Summer

1. Takoyaki

“Takoyaki” is a ball-shaped snack made from flour-based batter and octopus. They are freshly made on the spot, and you usually get a choice of toppings and sauces, with the most common options being a sticky brown sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed. Be careful when you first start eating, though, as they are usually piping hot!

2. Yakisoba

“Yakisoba” are noodles that are stir-fried atop a griddle with ingredients such as pork, cabbage, carrots, and onions. It is seasoned with a sweet and savory brown sauce.

3. Grilled Squid

“Ikayaki” is grilled whole squid, seasoned with soy sauce. It can be served whole or cut into rings, and it has a delightfully chewy texture. There is another popular version in Osaka where the squid is cooked in batter.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob

In Japan, “yaki tomorokoshi” (grilled corn on the cob) is usually seasoned with a soy sauce-based sauce. It is both sweet and salty, and the charred bits of corn add another level of flavor to this overall simple dish.

5. Okonomiyaki

“Okonomiyaki” are savory pancakes. Various ingredients such as meat, seafood, and cabbage are mixed and cooked atop a griddle and topped with a special sweet and salty sauce, mayonnaise, and dried green seaweed. There are two famous types of okonomiyaki: Osaka style and Hiroshima style. For Osaka-style, the ingredients are mixed into a flour-based batter and grilled. For okonomiyaki-style, the ingredients are stacked with a layer of grilled noodles.

6. Yakitori

“Yakitori” refers to skewered chicken, traditionally grilled over a charcoal fire. Thigh meat, breast with spring onion, and meatballs are just some of the common types of yakitori you see at festivals. They are usually flavored with either salt or a soy sauce-based sauce.

7. Candied Apples

“Ringo ame” (candied apples) are whole apples covered in syrup or hard candy, with a skewer inserted as a handle. 

8. Cotton Candy

“Wata-ame” (cotton candy) is super common at Japanese festivals. It is commonly sold in colorful bags with popular characters or cute designs on them.

9. Taiyaki

Directly translated, "taiyaki" means "grilled sea bream," but this is just a sea bream-shaped cake commonly filled with “anko” (sweet bean paste). They are usually made fresh, so it's still hot when you get them. You might see some other fillings, such as custard cream, matcha tea cream, and more. Sometimes, you can even find savory taiyaki.

10. Chocolate-Covered Bananas

Just as the name suggests, these are bananas that are covered in chocolate and have been embellished just a bit, such as with sprinkles, icing, or even brightly colored chocolate.

11. Crepes

Crepes are another common festival food in Japan. There is generally a wide variety of flavors available, and depending on the dexterity of the vendor, sometimes you can get some quite elaborate ones.

12. Tokyo Croquette

These are skewers of bite-sized potato croquettes covered in a sweet and savory sauce. Despite its name, it is actually from Osaka and is not seen much in Tokyo!

13. Donguri Ame

"Donguri ame" literally translates to "acorn candy," and they are relatively big, hard candies. At Japanese festivals, there are stalls that sell different flavors, so you can pick and mix as you want! They are more often seen in Osaka than in Tokyo.

14. Tornado Potato

A single potato sliced to look like the above photo, tornado potatoes are deep-fried and can be eaten with ketchup or other condiments.

15. Chicken Skin Dumplings

“Torikawa gyoza” are dumplings made with chicken skin instead of the usual gyoza wrapper. They can be filled with chicken or pork, depending on the stall.

16. Nikumaki Onigiri

These are “onigiri” (rice balls) wrapped in meat. Thin slices of pork seasoned with a soy sauce-based sauce are wrapped around the balls of rice and grilled. They may look more oblong rather than ball-shaped, and can be topped with condiments such as mayonnaise or cheese.

17. Shaved Ice

“Kakigori” (shaved ice) is a staple during the hot Japanese summers. Some common syrup flavors in Japan are strawberry, matcha, melon, and blue Hawaii.

18. Karaage

“Karaage” is deep-fried, bite-sized chicken. These crisp and juicy chicken pieces can be found at festivals all over the country.

19. Beef Skewers

Grilled “gyu-kushi” (beef skewers) are becoming more common at festivals all over Japan.

20. Baby Castella

Castella refers to Japanese sponge cake, and as the name suggests, baby castella are miniature versions of castella! They are ball-shaped, and are available at most matsuri. They're made on the spot, so they're usually warm when you get them!

21. Buttered Potato

Simple but comforting, sometimes “jaga butter” (steamed potatoes with butter) is just what you need.

22. Age-Mochi

Agemochi are deep-fried mochi (sticky rice cakes) that are usually flavored with soy sauce. You often find them dressed with seaweed for an extra hint of saltiness.

23. Grilled Sweetfish

The appearance of these whole salt-grilled “ayu” (sweetfish) on skewers may alarm you at first, but why not step out of your comfort zone and try something new?

24. Fried Monja

“Age monja” (fried monja) is a bit of a rare one. It is “monjayaki” (savory pancake similar to okonomiyaki, but more runny) that has been wrapped in a thin pastry and deep-fried. Why? Because it makes the outside deliciously crispy, while the inside remains nice and moist.

25. Amezaiku

A distinctly Japanese tradition of crafting candy into various shapes, “amezaiku” (candy craft) at festivals are usually shaped into things so cute that you might not want to eat them!

26. Anmaki (あん巻き)

Anmaki is made by taking sweet bean paste and wrapping it in a small pancake. You might find alternative fillings, such as chocolate.

27. Roasted Chestnuts

“Amaguri” (Roasted chestnuts) can be seen at many festivals in Japan. They have a nice, sweet flavor.

28. Deep-Fried Ice Cream

Ice cream covered in batter and deep-fried. What's not to like?!

29. Isobeyaki

This is a simple snack of grilled mochi flavored with soy sauce and wrapped in seaweed.

30. Ebiyaki

This is the shrimp version of takoyaki that was introduced earlier. It is more commonly found in the Kansai region.

31. Omusoba (オムソバ)

If yakisoba on its own is not quite enough for you, try “omusoba.” Yakisoba wrapped in egg, this version of an omelette is a delicious and filling festival food.

32. Karumeyaki

This is a traditional Japanese sweet that is often seen at matsuri. It is made by heating water, sugar, and baking soda until crispy, and has a texture similar to meringue or honeycomb.

33. Oyaki

Oyaki is a dumpling made from fermented buckwheat flour. Although it originated in Nagano, it can be found at matsuri in various parts of the country. The filling can be savory or sweet, so take your pick!

34. Konpeito

Konpeito is star-shaped sugar candy that comes in various colors and flavors.

35. Sata Andagi

These sweet, deep-fried, doughnut-like buns originate from Okinawa, but have been making an appearance at some Japanese festivals in other parts of the country recently.

36. Strawberry Daifuku

Strawberry “daifuku,” or “ichigo daifuku,” is mochi stuffed with sweet bean paste and a strawberry. It is more commonly seen at festivals in and around Kyoto than in other parts of the country.

37. Kachiwari

If you are at a festival in the west of Japan, keep an eye out for these. Kachiwari is essentially a bag filled with ice and syrup. You drink the contents through a straw as the ice melts. A refreshing treat at a summer festival!

38. Pickled Whole Cucumber

Cucumbers might not be something you expect to encounter at a food stall at a Japanese festival, but these pickled whole cucumbers (“kyuuri no ippon zuke”) are a surprisingly refreshing, not to mention healthy, treat during the summer.

39. Candle Boy

Even some Japanese people don’t know what these are, so make sure to try them if you’re lucky enough to come across them at a Japanese festival! More common in northern Japan, Candle Boys are skewered sausages wrapped in mochi, which is then deep-fried and served with a choice of various sauces.

40. Tamasen

Keep an eye out for “tamasen” if you're at a matsuri in Osaka or Nagoya. Sauce is spread on a shrimp-flavored cracker and topped with “tenkasu” (bits of crispy tempura coating), fried egg, and mayonnaise.

41. Taiyaki Parfait

Taiyaki parfaits are commonly seen at festivals in the west of Japan, around Kyoto and Osaka. The “taiyaki” pastry is filled with parfait ingredients like fresh cream, fruit, and ice cream instead of the usual sweet bean paste.

42. Mini Watermelon

Watermelon is a classic fruit of the summer season in Japan, and “kodama suika” are a smaller version of the regular watermelon. It is a rare item at Japanese festivals.

43. Ikatamayaki

This is basically okonomiyaki where the main ingredient is squid. It is mainly seen at festivals in the Kansai region, but is sometimes available in other parts of the country too.

44. Ebitama

“Ebitama,” also called “ebitamayaki” and “ebiyaki,” is like takoyaki, except with shrimp instead of octopus, and shaped like a big pancake rather than small balls. Bit of a rare item at a festival, you are more likely to find a food stall selling these at a matsuri in Hokkaido.

45. Osakayaki

Sort of like a small okonomiyaki, “osakayaki” is more cake-like in texture. The name varies depending on where in Japan you are, so if you see food stalls selling “ringuyaki,” “marumaruyaki,” or similar, it's the same thing.

46. Crispy Cheese

“Kari-kari cheese” (crispy cheese) is cheese wrapped in gyoza or spring roll skin and deep fried.

47. Ginkgo Seeds

Ginkgo seed (pronounced "ginnan" in Japanese) is a typical food of the fall season in Japan, so keep an eye out if you are attending a festival around that time of the year.

48. Motsuni

“Motsuni” is offal stew, filled with tender offal and vegetables. This is a must-try item, especially if you find yourself at a festival on a cool evening!

49. Sweet Potato Sticks

Sweet potato is another food of the autumn season in Japan. Sweet Potato Sticks (“satsuma stick”) sold by food stalls at matsuri are deep-fried and sprinkled with sugar, making it a delicious sweet snack.

50. Shiro Koro Horumon

Originally from Kanagawa Prefecture, this grilled offal dish is becoming more common at festivals in other parts of the country too.

51. Jelly Fry

Despite its name, jelly fry does not contain anything remotely jelly-like. It is a type of croquette made from “okara” (soy pulp), without any coating such as bread crumbs.

52. Churros

More and more churros food stalls have been popping up at festivals recently. With a crispy outside and fluffy inside, they’re classically delicious.

53. Chichibu Miso Potato

Originally from Chichibu, Saitama, you won't find this at most matsuri outside the prefecture, so make sure to try it if you come across it. It is skewered potato tempura, served with a sweet and spicy miso sauce.

54. Dondonyaki

This is another rare item, and is an okonomiyaki-like pancake containing fish meat sausage, "wakame" (seaweed), and other ingredients, which is cooked then wrapped around a stick and coated in a sauce. It is originally from Yamagata Prefecture, so you might have a better chance finding it at a festival around that area.

55. Bakudanyaki

Bakudanyaki is like a massive takoyaki, except instead of octopus, you can have a variety of different ingredients. The original version of Bakudanyaki contains quail eggs, sausages, clams, squid, mushrooms, and more!

56. Hashimaki

These are not seen often in the Kanto region, and are a classic festival food of Osaka. It is basically okonomiyaki wrapped around a pair of chopsticks and covered in sauce. A handy snack to have while walking around!

57. Chilled Pineapple

Keep an eye out for a food stall selling chilled pineapple (“hiyashi pineapple”) on a stick, as it can be a refreshing snack in between all the other festival foods!

58. Candied Grapes

There are various stalls selling candied fruit, with apples being the most common. Candied grapes (“budou ame”) are not often seen at festivals, so grab one if you get a chance!

59. Bacon Taiyaki

You might come across a stall selling bacon taiyaki in the Kansai region, especially around Kyoto. Filled with bacon, egg, and sometimes even cabbage, these make a nice snack if you're a bit peckish!

60. Poppoyaki

A famous food of Niigata, this is a sweet bread-like cake with a brown sugar flavor. It's not available at most festivals, so make sure to buy some if you see it!

61. Mizuame

“Mizuame” literally translates to "water candy," and is a thick, sticky liquid sweetener. If you see a mizuame stall at a Japanese festival, you will notice that what they are selling is usually fruits like apricots and mandarin orange segments covered in mizuame.

62. Warabimochi

“Warabimochi” is a traditional Japanese sweet made from bracken starch. The jelly-like warabimochi is usually covered in “kinako” (roasted soybean flour). Warabimochi stalls are a bit of a rarity at festivals, but do give it a try if you see one!

63. Candied Apricot

Another type of candied fruit, this one is known as "anzu ame" in Japanese.

64. Rainbow Ice Cream

You might have a hard time finding this at most festivals, but I'm sure you'd agree that it would be a hit on your Instagram!

65. Rakugaki Senbei

“Rakugaki” is Japanese for “doodling,” and at “rakugaki senbei” stalls, you can design your own senbei rice crackers! A fun activity, no matter how old you are!

66. Ramen Burger

A burger patty and typical ramen toppings sandwiched between "buns" made from noodles, this curious Japanese festival food originated in Fukuoka.

67. Tama Konnyaku

Originally from Yamagata Prefecture, this is skewered “konnyaku” stewed in a soy sauce-based soup.

68. Grilled Manju

“Yaki manju” are from Gunma, and are dumplings dipped in a miso sauce and grilled. They’re quite rare in other parts of the country, so make sure to try it if you come across it!

69. Potato Mochi

Made from potatoes and potato starch, potato mochi (“jagaimo mochi”) doesn't actually contain any mochi, but has a texture like it.

70. Hiroshimayaki

This is Hiroshima's version of okonomiyaki. As mentioned above, what makes it different is the noodle base rather than the flour-based pancake.

71. Mitarashi Dango

Made from mochi powder, “mitarashi dango” are sticky dumplings on skewers. They are covered in a sweet soy sauce glaze and are often seen at Japanese festivals.

72. Buta Tamayaki

Similar to okonomiyaki, this contains pork.

73. American Dog

Don't let the name confuse you. “American dogs” are what corn dogs are called in Japan. You can often find food stalls selling them at Japanese matsuri.

74. French Dog

A sweet version of American dogs, “French dogs” are served covered in sugar. You might find them at festivals in Hokkaido.

75. Stewed Squid

Simmering “ni-ika” with soy sauce and red food coloring gives this squid dish its bright red appearance. It is a local specialty of Ibaraki Prefecture, and a rare festival food.

76. Grilled Chicken Skin

This is exactly what the name suggests - grilled chicken skin. A nice snack to go with your beer!

77. Tonpeiyaki

A common festival food in Osaka, “tonpeiyaki” is a cross between okonomiyaki and an omelet.

78. Guru-Guru Sausage

"Guru-guru" means "winding around" in Japanese, and that's exactly what this is - a windy sausage!

79. Dakekimi Tempura

Found only in Aomori Prefecture, this is a tempura of a variety of corn called “Dakekimi.” It has a lovely sweet flavor.

80. Jumbo Oden

These stalls are also found primarily in Aomori. “Oden” is the ultimate comfort food of Japan in the winter, consisting of ingredients simmered in a light soy sauce-flavored soup over a long time.

81. Sauce Senbei

”Sauce senbei” is sweet senbei rice crackers served with a choice of sauce. It can often be found at Japanese matsuri.

82. Spin

This snack is not often seen at Japanese festivals anymore. They are salty snacks made from corn and other ingredients.

83. Crunchy Pasta

This is crunchy, fried spaghetti, usually flavored with salt and pepper.

84. Stick Waffle

Ordinary waffle that has been given a makeover. A perfect sweet treat at a matsuri!

85. Zuwaiten

This tempura of queen crab is not commonly seen at festivals. Give it a try if you happen to come across a stall selling these!

86. Sakura Stick

This is an approximately 1-meter-long sweet snack made from wheat gluten coated in melted sugar. It is given a “sakura” (cherry blossom) color to make it even more special!

87. Gohei Mochi

A local specialty of Nagano Prefecture, this is pounded rice wrapped around a skewer, grilled, and coated in miso. Try it if you see it at a festival in Japan!

88. Keiran Manju

Get one of these if you're craving something sweet! Mainly seen at festivals around Hyogo Prefecture, this is a traditional Japanese dessert dumpling filled with sweet bean paste.

89. Croissant Taiyaki

Rather than using the traditional pancake batter, croissant dough is used to make these “taiyaki.” Fillings can vary, from the traditional “anko” bean paste to custard and chocolate. A great sweet snack!

90. Kurobuta Oyaki

Similar to the oyaki introduced above, this one has a more Chinese-inspired flavor. Not commonly seen at festivals, this is definitely worth trying.

91. Kani-Jiru

This is not often found at Japanese festivals. It's a crab soup that is flavored differently depending on what part of the country you are in.

92. Seafood Dosankoyaki

Originally from Hokkaido, this is like a small okonomiyaki with seafood. You might find some stalls selling mixed seafood “dosankoyaki,” while others may have it with just scallops

93. Seafood Kushiyaki

This is grilled skewered seafood. A nice option if you want a change from meat!

94. Holland-Yaki

You probably won't find a stall selling this at Japanese festivals very often. It consists of ham and mayonnaise sandwiched between sweet pancakes.

95. Omelet Frankfurter

As you can probably guess, this is a Frankfurter wrapped in an omelet.

96. Candied Strawberries

Another one from Japan's repertoire of candy fruits, “ichigo ame” is made with strawberry. The perfect treat if you're looking for something sweet!

97. Thai Ramen

If you're looking for something a little different from the regular Japanese festival food, keep an eye out for a Thai food stall where you can get your hands on a bowl of spicy and sour noodles.

98. Soft Cornet

For anyone with a sweet tooth, this is like soft-serve ice cream, but with bread instead of a cone.

99. Buchimgae

Korean foods are becoming more and more popular at Japanese matsuri. Buchimgae is called "chijimi" in Japan. To explain simply, it is a Korean savory pancake.

100. Deep-Fried Bread

This is a sweet treat of deep-fried bread, usually covered in sugar. You might also see variations with cinnamon, roasted soybean flour, cocoa powder, and more!

Eat Your Way Through Japanese Matsuri

Did any of these Japanese festival foods stand out to you? With so many delicious options to choose from, it can certainly be hard to pick. You can never go wrong with sticking to your favorites, or you can challenge yourself and try to tick off all the matsuri foods on this list! Be sure to stop by a Japanese festival food stall when you’re at a matsuri to really help you get into the Japanese matsuri spirit!

Japanese festivals take place throughout the year, so you won't have to wait long to try all of these delicious foods. In fact, here are a couple of them that you can look out for:

Also, if you're not sure how to enjoy a Japanese matsuri, check out this handy dandy guide: