The Japanese approach to summer that changes everything
It's hot outside, isn't it?
Undoubtedly, summer in Australia is no joke. That sticky, relentless heat that makes you rethink your lunch plans and wonder what sounds good when it’s 35 degrees. But here’s the thing: Japan gets hot too. Like, properly hot. We’re talking 35+ degrees with humidity so thick you could swim through it. In fact, Tokyo in July feels like being wrapped in a hot, wet blanket.
And yet, Japanese culture has developed some genuinely brilliant ways to not just survive summer, but to actually… enjoy it?
So, let’s talk about how summer works in Japan. Some of it might surprise you. Some of it you can try at home. Ultimately, all of it makes you appreciate how much thought goes into staying cool, comfortable, and fed when the mercury rises.
1. Cold Noodles Are a Thing (And They’re Genius)
First things first: when it’s scorching outside, summer menus in Japan don’t just feature salads. They feature cold noodles. Specifically, hiyashi chuka (cold ramen) and zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo mat).
These aren’t your sad, leftover-pasta-from-the-fridge situations. On the contrary, these are intentionally cold dishes, designed specifically for summer. The noodles are chilled, served with crisp vegetables, and accompanied by a light, tangy dipping sauce or dressing.
The result? Refreshing, satisfying, and substantial enough to actually be a meal. Japanese cuisine figured out ages ago that you don’t have to sacrifice flavour or satisfaction just because it’s hot. You just need to rethink the temperature.
2. Edamame Isn’t Just a Snack โ It’s a Summer Ritual
You know edamame. You’ve had it at Japanese restaurants, probably at Midori too. But in Japan, edamame in summer is almost ceremonial. It’s what you’ll find at beer gardens, at festivals, and at outdoor gatherings. Cold, salty, simple.
Why? Because it’s light, hydrating (soybeans have high water content), packed with protein, and doesn’t weigh you down. Plus, the act of popping the beans out of the pods is weirdly meditative. It slows you down and makes you present.
We serve both regular and smoked edamame at Midori, and there’s a reason it’s one of our most popular dishes year-round. But in summer, it just hits different. Cold from the fridge, lightly salted, maybe with a cold drink on the side. Simple. Perfect.
3. “Cooling Foods” Are Part of the Philosophy
Traditional Japanese food culture recognises certain foods as naturally “cooling” for the body. Not cold in temperature, but cooling in effect.
For instance, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes, and watermelon are all considered summer foods because they help regulate body temperature from the inside. You’ll see this reflected in summer menus across Japan: cucumber salads, chilled eggplant dishes, and tomato-based sides. It’s not just about what tastes good โ it’s about what helps your body cope.
Our Nasu Miso Den (miso eggplant) at Midori is one of those dishes. Eggplant is a summer vegetable in Japan, and when it’s prepared properly โ tender, glazed with that sweet miso sauce โ it’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Essentially, Japanese cuisine doesn’t fight summer with food. It works with it.
4. But Hot Food Still Has Its Place (Hear Us Out)
This is where it gets counterintuitive. Surprisingly, in Japan, people eat hot ramen in summer. Hot curry. Steaming bowls of udon. On purpose!
Why would anyone do this? Because eating hot food when it’s hot outside actually makes you sweat, which cools you down. It’s science. Your body heats up, you sweat, the sweat evaporates, and consequently, you cool off.
Plus, there’s something psychologically satisfying about a hot, comforting bowl of ramen even when it’s 35+ degrees. It’s like your body and brain both get what they need. At Midori, our Midori Ramen and Aka Ramen are year-round favourites for this exact reason. Even in summer, people crave that warmth, that comfort, that rich broth.
The trick is balance. Cold dishes when you need refreshment. Hot dishes when you need comfort. Not one or the other โ both, depending on what you’re feeling.
5. Festivals and Matsuri (Summer is for Celebrating)
In Japan, summer isn’t something to endure โ it’s something to celebrate.
There are summer festivals (matsuri) almost every weekend. Fireworks, street food, light summer kimonos, music, dancing. The whole community comes out. It’s a reminder that summer isn’t just about managing the heat. It’s about being outside, being together, enjoying the long days and warm nights.
We try to bring a bit of that energy to Midori. The izakaya spirit isn’t just about food โ it’s about gathering, sharing, and being present with the people around you. Summer or not, that’s what we’re here for.
6. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)
This one’s less about food and more about philosophy, but it’s too good not to mention.
Shinrin-yoku literally means “forest bathing” โ the practice of spending time in nature, specifically forests, to cool down and reset. It’s not hiking or exercising. It’s just… being. Walking slowly. Breathing. Letting the cooler air under the trees, the sound of leaves, and the shade work their magic.
There’s no shortage of beautiful natural spaces around here. If you’re feeling the heat, maybe take a page from this Japanese tradition. Find some shade. Slow down. Breathe.
7. Cold Tea โ The Ultimate Summer Companion
Finally, in Japan, summer means cold tea. Always.
It’s refreshing, hydrating, and pairs beautifully with food without being heavy or overly sweet. Families keep jugs of it in the fridge all summer long. At Midori, we’ve got a few cold tea options on our menu for exactly this reason. They’re perfect alongside a meal, or just on their own when you need something cooling that’s not just water. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes summer feel a bit easier.
What We Can Learn
Summer is intense wherever you are. However, Japanese culture offers something valuable: you don’t have to fight it.
You adapt. You find foods that help. You balance hot and cold. You celebrate the season instead of just waiting for it to pass. You slow down when you need to.
At Midori, we try to bring some of that philosophy to the table. Light dishes when you need them. Comforting bowls when you crave them. A space where summer feels a bit more manageable, a bit more enjoyable. We’re not trying to escape the season โ we’re trying to make the most of it.
Come Cool Down With Us
Next time the heat’s getting to you, pop in. Get some cold edamame. Sip on some cold tea…
We’ll feed you something that helps. Something that makes summer feel a little less overwhelming and a little more… well, summery.
Arigatou gozaimasu ๐
P.S. What’s your go-to strategy for surviving summer? Let us know on Instagram. We’re always looking for new ideas. @izakaya_midori
๐ฑ Mobile (Text or Call): +61 480 416 307