Food is something that gives us happiness and we're pretty sure that’s something we can all agree on. Every foodie likes to experience a new flavor on trips they take, and of course when traveling to other countries one thing that we really have to experience are the local foods. So what better way to experience a collection of local foods than at a food festival🎉! You can find many of these festivals across Japan any time of the year. Japan always serves up the best food festivals that showcase a vast variety of food, and surely will fulfill your desire to taste many different kinds of food in one place.

Imagine having people from all across Japan, or even the globe, gather in one place only to eat food… You can meet so many people with the same love and passion for food! Japan has so many food festivals that you have to visit when you go there. If you have any plans to go to Japan, make sure to brush up on our top 5 food festivals. Proceed with caution if reading on an empty stomach!

1. Miyajima Oyster Festival

Did you know that January through to March is the oyster season in Japan? On the first weekend of February you will find the Oyster festival in Miyajima starting up. They serve only the freshest oysters cooked in so many different ways. If you are a fan of oysters then this festival has to be on your list!

2. Japan Local (Furusato) Food Festival (Tokyo)

The Furusato Food Festival is where you can find every Japanese local food in one place! The festival is held on the second week of January and guess where it's held? Tokyo Dome! You can already imagine how big the scale is, right? If you're not sure what local food you should look for in this festival, we got you! Read our best festival food recommendation here and thank us later 😜! 

3. Sake Spring Kyoto

Japan is well known for sake! And for those who love to enjoy this particular drink, this festival will be the perfect excuse for you to enjoy a few glasses. Just don’t forget to drink responsibly! Usually held at Kyoto International Conference Center in April, this festival will serve you with the best sake from across the country. You can also find food stalls as well, so you don't have to worry about drinking on an empty stomach!

4. Ramen Expo (Osaka)

If you love ramen, this festival is the best for you! This 2-day ramen festival is held at the Expo Commemoration Park in December where they serve you with different ramen dishes from all over Japan. FYI: there are many different ways to prepare ramen in Japan depending on the part of the country it’s from and you can taste ALL of them in this festival!

5. Mochitsuki (All over Japan)

Chewy team let's gather up! Mochitsuki is a New Year's tradition in Japan. While this isn't a specific festival like the others on this list, this time honored tradition is too good to pass up. You can easily find locals pounding that mochi at shrines all across Japan on New Year’s. It's something you can't miss if you spend New Year's in Japan. Both adults and children alike get together to pound their mochi. . If you are not sure where to find the place just ask a local to point you the right way! Interesting, right?

Every food festival has its own charm and uniqueness. Make it easier to find specific foods that suit your taste by checking out the top 10 foods you need to try when visiting Japan. Don't forget to bring your loved one to make the experience more unforgettable. One tip; you should bring your camera and wear comfortable clothes as you will eat many kinds of food and take a picture of it to reminisce on back in your country. Also you’ll be hard pressed to find any festival in Japan that is credit card friendly, so be sure to bring plenty of cash and spare change. 

What's the best food festival on the list? Which one is the most interesting festival that you should visit right now? Let us know in the comments below!

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