Hot Pots of Japan: 12 Local Winter Nabe Dishes You Must Try on Your Trip 🇯🇵🍲

Local Flavors That Warm Up Japan’s Winter

Winter in Japan isn’t just about snow-covered temples and hot springs — it’s also the season of nabe (hot pot).
Across the country, each region has its own unique hot pot, shaped by local ingredients, climate, and food culture.

From hearty seafood stews in the north to soul-warming miso pots in the countryside, Japanese hot pots tell the story of winter — one bowl at a time.

Let’s explore some of Japan’s most beloved local hot pots, categorized by ingredients.

🐟 Seafood Hot Pots

Ishikari Nabe

📍 Hokkaido
A rich miso-based hot pot filled with fresh salmon and seasonal vegetables.
Born along the Ishikari River, this dish perfectly captures Hokkaido’s cold winters and abundance of seafood.
❄️🐟

Kaki no Dotenabe

📍 Hiroshima
Plump oysters simmered in deep, umami-rich miso.
Hiroshima’s famous oysters shine in this indulgent winter specialty — creamy, savory, and incredibly comforting.
🦪🔥

Ankō Nabe (Monkfish Hot Pot)

📍 Ibaraki
A collagen-rich fisherman’s stew featuring monkfish and liver-infused miso broth.
Known as the “foie gras of the sea,” ankō delivers intense umami and luxurious texture.
🐟🍲

🥩 Meat-Based Hot Pots

Sukiyaki

📍 Kanagawa
Thin slices of premium beef gently simmered in sweet soy sauce with vegetables.
Elegant, rich, and often enjoyed on special occasions — a timeless Japanese classic.
🥩🍶

Motsu Nabe

📍 Fukuoka
Tender beef or pork offal cooked with garlic, chives, and chili in a savory broth.
Deeply satisfying and loved by locals as the ultimate winter soul food.
🧄🍲

Shabu-Shabu

📍 Kagoshima
Paper-thin pork slices briefly swished in light broth, then dipped in ponzu.
Simple, clean flavors that highlight ingredient quality — minimal yet elegant.
🐖🥢

🥬 Vegetable & Grain Hot Pots

Seri Nabe

📍 Miyagi
Crisp Japanese parsley (seri) and juicy chicken create a refreshing balance.
A lighter hot pot that reflects Miyagi’s subtle winter flavors.
🌿🍗

Kiritanpo Nabe

📍 Akita
Toasted rice sticks soaked in savory chicken broth with mushrooms and vegetables.
A nostalgic hometown dish that feels like a warm hug on a snowy day.
🍙🔥

Hōtō Nabe

📍 Yamanashi
Thick flat noodles simmered with pumpkin and vegetables in rich miso broth.
Rustic, filling, and deeply comforting — perfect after a cold mountain day.
🎃🍜

🍲 Unique & Traditional Hot Pots

Chanko Nabe

📍 Tokyo
A protein-packed hot pot loaded with meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Originally eaten by sumo wrestlers, it’s now enjoyed by everyone for its hearty nourishment.
💪🍲

Suppon Nabe (Soft-Shell Turtle Hot Pot)

📍 Shizuoka
A luxurious, collagen-rich stew prized for its deep umami and nourishing qualities.
An adventurous but traditional winter delicacy.
🐢✨

Mikan Nabe

📍 Yamaguchi
Fresh mandarin orange slices float atop a savory seafood broth.
Sweet citrus aroma meets comforting warmth — surprisingly delicious and unforgettable.
🍊🍲

🍲 Ready to Warm Up Your Japan Trip?

Japan’s winter hot pots aren’t just meals — they’re local stories, seasonal rituals, and cultural experiences.

If you want to:

• Try regional nabe dishes during your trip

• Discover local restaurants loved by locals

• Build a winter itinerary centered around food, culture, and hidden gems

👇

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✍️ Created by Japan Travel Itinerary (JTI)
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