Warm Zenzai and Oshiruko Red Bean Soup

Zenzai is a classic Japanese dessert served hot. It features a thick soup made from azuki beans. This dish is very popular during the 2026 winter season. You will often find it at traditional tea houses. The beans are boiled until they are soft and sweet.

Oshiruko is a similar dish but has a smoother texture. Both versions usually include a piece of grilled mochi. The rice cake becomes stretchy and charred in the heat. This provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet soup. It is a staple for anyone visiting Central Japan.

Most shops in the Osu Kannon district serve this treat. You can expect to pay around 500 to 800 yen. It is often served with salty pickles on the side. These pickles help balance the sweetness of the beans. Many people enjoy this after visiting local temples.

If you want a deeper experience, join Nagoya food tours for winter travelers 2026. These tours often stop at historic dessert shops. You will learn about the history of red beans. It is a great way to stay warm while walking. The guides know the best hidden spots in the city.

Iconic Nagoya Ogura Toast for Winter

Ogura toast is the most famous snack in Nagoya. It consists of thick bread topped with sweet beans. In winter, cafes serve it with plenty of melted butter. The combination of salt and sugar is perfect. It is a very filling dessert or breakfast.

The bread is usually toasted until it is golden brown. This creates a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Most cafes use high-quality local butter for extra richness. You can find this at the famous Komeda's Coffee chain. They have many locations across the city center.

• Thick-cut Japanese milk bread
• Sweetened red bean paste (Ogura)
• Salted butter or whipped cream
• Served with hot coffee or tea

During winter, some shops add seasonal toppings to the toast. You might find roasted chestnuts or sweet potato paste. These additions make the dish even more comforting. It is a must-try for any food lover. The warmth of the toast is great for cold mornings.

Fresh Seasonal Strawberry Daifuku Treats

Winter marks the start of strawberry season in Japan. You will see many hearty Nagoya winter street food to try near stations. Strawberry daifuku is a highlight of this cold season. It features a whole fresh berry inside mochi. The fruit is usually wrapped in sweet bean paste.

The contrast between the tart berry and sweet paste is lovely. The mochi skin is soft, white, and very fresh. These are best eaten on the day they are made. You can find them in the basement of Nagoya Station. Many department stores have specialized wagashi shops there.

Expect to pay about 300 yen per piece for these. They are often packaged beautifully for gifts or snacks. The strawberries used are usually large and very juicy. They represent the coming of spring during the dark winter. Kids and adults both love this seasonal treat.

Traditional Hot Amazake Winter Drinks

Amazake is a traditional sweet drink made from fermented rice. It is thick, creamy, and served steaming hot. Many people consider it a liquid dessert during winter. You can find it at many Nagoya winter events 2026. Shrines often serve it during the New Year period.

There are two main types of hot amazake available. One is made from rice koji and is non-alcoholic. The other uses sake lees and has trace amounts of alcohol. Both are delicious and very healthy for your body. They contain many vitamins and natural enzymes.

Drinking this while watching winter illuminations is a local tradition. It warms your hands and your stomach at once. You can find canned versions in vending machines too. However, the fresh version at festivals tastes much better. It usually has a hint of grated ginger inside.

Seasonal Winter Desserts to Find in Nagoya

Uirō is a chewy, steamed cake made of rice flour. It is a signature souvenir from the Nagoya region. In winter, manufacturers release special seasonal flavors for travelers. You should look for chestnut or dark brown sugar varieties. These flavors feel much richer during the colder months.

The texture is similar to mochi but slightly more firm. It is not too sweet, which many people prefer. You can find these at shops like Aoyagi Uirō. They have been making these sweets for over a century. It is a true taste of Nagoya's history.

You can also find steamed buns filled with sweet cream. These are sold hot at many convenience stores. The custard or chocolate fillings are very popular in 2026. They are cheap, quick, and very satisfying to eat. Look for them near the checkout counters in winter.

For more travel tips, check the Japan National Tourism Organization website. They offer great advice for winter trips to Nagoya. You can find maps and festival dates there. Planning ahead will help you find the best sweets. Enjoy your delicious winter journey in Japan!