Savoring Local Jigoku Mushi Snacks

Jigoku Mushi is a famous cooking method using natural volcanic steam from the ground. Vendors at winter festivals serve delicious steamed buns filled with savory and juicy pork. These hot snacks provide instant warmth for your body on a chilly winter evening. You will easily find them near the main entrance gates of the festival grounds.

Many stalls also offer a variety of steamed vegetables and fresh local chicken eggs. The natural steam adds a subtle and unique mineral flavor to every single bite. You should expect to pay around 300 to 500 yen for each individual food item. This is a must-try experience for any food lover visiting the Oita prefecture.

You can learn more about trying Jigoku Mushi steam cooking during your next vacation. Most festival vendors provide small and cozy seating areas right near their food stalls. The thick steam creates a magical and mysterious atmosphere in the cold night air. It is both a delicious meal and a fascinating show for all the visitors.

Visit the historic Kannawa district for the most authentic and traditional street food experience. Many festival stalls source their ingredients from local hot spring kitchens in the area. The quality of the food is exceptionally high and the flavors are very rich. Your taste buds will certainly thank you for trying this healthy and hot treat.

Classic Grilled Street Food Favorites

Yakitori is a popular staple at every Japanese winter festival held in the city. Chefs grill skewers of tender chicken over hot charcoal for a deep smoky taste. The delicious smell of roasting soy sauce fills the air around the festival grounds. Each individual skewer costs roughly 150 to 200 yen at most local food stalls.

Look for stalls selling roasted sweet potatoes which are locally known as yaki-imo. These are naturally sweet and very filling for hungry travelers on a budget. You can find roasted sweet potatoes in Beppu easily during the month of December. They serve as a perfect hand warmer while you walk through the festival lights.

Grilled corn with melting butter and soy sauce is another popular and tasty choice. The golden kernels are juicy and offer a very satisfying crunch with every bite. Most food stalls operate from 5:00 PM until late at night during the festivals. Be sure to carry small cash for these quick and easy street food purchases.

• Bring Cash: Most vendors only accept small yen coins and bills.
• Stay Warm: Wear layers as lines for popular stalls can be long.
• Trash Rules: Look for designated bins to dispose of your food containers.

Takoyaki is another classic festival favorite that you must try while in Beppu. These octopus-filled batter balls are served piping hot with savory sauce and mayo. Watch the skilled vendors flip the balls with amazing speed and great precision. A tray of six pieces usually costs about 500 yen at the night markets.

Warm Winter Drinks and Sweet Treats

Zenzai is a traditional sweet red bean soup that is always served very hot. It often contains chewy mochi rice cakes which add a great texture to the soup. This sweet dessert is a favorite during the cold and dark winter festival nights. It usually costs about 400 yen per bowl at most of the outdoor stalls.

Hot amazake is a sweet and low-alcohol rice drink perfect for the winter weather. It has a thick consistency and keeps you warm while walking between the stalls. Many local shrines serve this comforting drink during the busy festival night events. It is a healthy and very traditional beverage choice for travelers of all ages.

For those seeking something stronger, local sake is widely available at the winter markets. You can enjoy warm sake served in traditional cups for a truly local experience. Check the Beppu sake tasting events for premium and high-quality local varieties. Always remember to drink responsibly while you are exploring the crowded festival grounds.

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet custard or rich dark chocolate. It is a big hit with both children and adults during the festival season. The crispy exterior and warm filling are perfect for those cold and windy nights. You can find these sweet treats at almost every major winter market stall.

Seasonal Seafood and Coastal Specialties

Beppu is very famous for its fresh seafood caught from the nearby local bay. Winter festivals often feature grilled oysters and succulent crab legs for all visitors. These premium seafood items are slightly more expensive but they are worth the price. Freshness is always guaranteed by the hard work of the local fishermen's cooperatives.

Fried fish cakes, or satsuma-age, are great for eating while you are on the go. They come in various flavors such as spicy ginger or fresh green onion bits. You can find many varieties of seasonal winter seafood at the colorful stalls. Most food portions are designed for easy and quick snacking while you explore.

Blowfish, which is known as fugu, is a famous local specialty in Oita prefecture. Some festival stalls offer hot fugu soup to keep the visitors warm and happy. This delicate fish is safe and delicious when it is prepared by licensed experts. It offers a unique and luxury taste of the beautiful Kyushu coastal region.

1. Try the grilled oysters for a salty and fresh taste.
2. Sample the fugu soup if you want a luxury experience.
3. Order the toriten chicken for a filling and crispy meal.

Toriten is a famous local dish of tempura-style fried chicken from the Oita area. It is light and crispy and served with a tangy and refreshing ponzu sauce. You will find this dish at many popular food stalls throughout the Beppu city. It is the perfect savory snack for a long walk through the winter festivals.