Come spring, you can already feel the festive air! As the days get warmer, you are likely to come across various matsuri (festivals)—some large and famous, some local—but the energy and buzz in the air is always uplifting.
And when there is a matsuri, there is food! Most Japanese festivals take place near temples or shrines, where you will see yatai (food stalls) lining the lively adjacent streets. In 2026, these stalls remain the heart of the festival experience. Let’s check out some of the unique sweet treats you can savor at festivals in Japan!
1. Karumeyaki (かるめ焼き）
This is a nostalgic favorite that feels like a science experiment! It is essentially a honeycomb toffee made by heating brown sugar and water, then adding baking soda. Watching the mixture suddenly puff up into a light, crispy block is half the fun.
2. Choco Banana (チョコバナナ）
A festival staple that never goes out of style. A whole banana is dipped in chocolate and decorated with colorful sprinkles. In 2026, you’ll often find them designed to look like popular characters or even dipped in trendy strawberry or matcha-flavored chocolate.
3. Taiyaki（たい焼き）
These famous fish-shaped cakes are made from pancake-like batter. While the traditional filling is sweet red bean paste (anko), modern stalls offer custard, chocolate, and even savory options like cheese or ham!
4. Baby Castella（ベビーカステラ）
Originally inspired by sponge cakes brought by Portuguese merchants, these are bite-sized, fluffy golden balls. They are light, airy, and incredibly addictive—usually sold in bags so you can snack while you walk.
5. Ichigo, Mikan, Ringo Ame (リンゴ、イチゴ, みかんアメ）
Whole apples (Ringo-ame), strawberries (Ichigo-ame), or mandarin segments (Mikan-ame) are coated in a hard, crunchy sugar syrup. The contrast between the crispy shell and the juicy fruit inside is a festival classic.
6. Kakigori（かき氷）
Shaved ice is the ultimate Japanese summer tradition. While spring can still be a bit chilly, you will see these stalls everywhere as the temperature rises. In 2026, “shokkan” (texture) is everything—look for stalls offering “fluffy” natural ice with gourmet fruit purees!
7. Watame（綿あめ）
Cotton candy (or fairy floss) is often sold in large, colorful bags featuring the latest popular anime and manga characters. It is a must-buy if you are traveling with children!
