As the air turns crisp and the first snow begins to fall in parts of Japan, the season of warm drinks officially arrives. In winter, tea shops, cafés, and even convenience stores across the country start offering special drinks meant to bring comfort and warmth. Beyond the famous green tea, Japan has a wide variety of winter favorites — each with its own story, flavor, and tradition.
Hojicha – The Roasted Tea of Winter
With its gentle aroma and earthy taste, hojicha is one of Japan’s most comforting teas. Unlike matcha or sencha, it’s made by roasting green tea leaves at high temperature, giving it a toasty fragrance and reddish-brown color. Because it’s low in caffeine, it’s often enjoyed in the evening or after dinner. Many cafés serve hojicha lattes in winter — smooth, slightly smoky, and perfect for a quiet moment indoors.
Yuzu Tea – A Touch of Citrus Warmth
Yuzu cha (ゆず茶) is a Korean-inspired drink that has become very popular in Japan during winter. Made from yuzu — a fragrant Japanese citrus — mixed with honey, it’s both refreshing and soothing. The balance of sweet and tangy makes it an ideal remedy for cold weather and sore throats. You can find yuzu tea served in many teahouses and ryokan, often in elegant ceramic cups that enhance its aroma.
Amazake – A Traditional Sweet Drink for Cold Days
A true taste of Japanese winter, amazake (甘酒) is a lightly sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. It’s traditionally served at New Year’s festivals and shrines, where visitors warm their hands and hearts with a steaming cup. Rich in nutrients and natural sweetness, amazake has been enjoyed for centuries — a comforting symbol of warmth and good health during the cold season.
Matcha Latte – A Modern Favorite
Blending the deep flavor of matcha with the creamy texture of milk, the matcha latte has become a winter staple in Japan’s modern café culture. It’s a fusion of tradition and modern taste — you can enjoy it at popular chains like Nana’s Green Tea, or in specialty cafés in Kyoto and Tokyo that focus on ceremonial-grade matcha. Topped with foam or a sprinkle of matcha powder, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Hot Drinks and the Japanese Spirit of “Nukumori”
Beyond the drinks themselves, what stands out in Japan’s winter culture is the sense of nukumori (ぬくもり) — warmth, not just physical but emotional. Whether it’s sipping tea by the window, gathering around a kotatsu (heated table), or stopping for a hot drink from a vending machine, these small moments reflect how the Japanese appreciate comfort in simple, seasonal pleasures.
From traditional teas to modern creations, Japan’s winter drinks invite you to slow down, warm up, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the season.