Jan 25, 2026
Warm up with Chinese Steamed Buns
Today, and January 25th annually, is Chinese Steamed Bun day and Ashikawa Bun Day. Both were inspired by the coldest day on record in Japan, which is also commemorated today. (And you will find a post about it on City-cost). In fact, Ashikawa Bun Day is named after the area (Ashikawa in Hokkaido) where the coldest temperatures were recorded.
You will find many special offers on Chinese Steamed Buns on this day as well as limited edition steamed bun flavors. In my own prefecture (Saitama), there is a Chinese Steamed Bun Fair annually for ten days around the Chinese Steamed Bun anniversary. It is on right now in Laketown outlet in Koshigaya City. My prefecture also has a free steamed bun factory tour cum museum. At the time of opening, it was the only factory museum of its kind in Japan. I don't know if that is still the case.
At this time of year you can get hot chinese steamed buns fresh at various places, including convenience stores. I think "nikuman" in particular is very popular. Do you like Chinese Steam Buns? Will you one today for Chinese Steamed Bun Day!?
Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
2 Comments
TonetoEdo
9 hours ago
I got hooked on these buns in my native Vancouver, Canada. In Chinese, they're called baozi, in multicultural Canada, bao buns. I love the man variations in Japan. I've tried pizza, something like a pasty with meat and potatoes, and bean paste.
BigfamJapan
3 hours ago
@TonetoEdo I have to admit, I haven't explored them much. Although, I have had a pizza flavor one before. Most often I go for nikuman, always a safe bet.