From September to November, Japan’s autumn is full of charm! This season is perfect for enjoying delicious fruits like grapes and apples, as well as breathtaking fall foliage. Here’s your guide to making the most of this beautiful time of year.
Seasonal Foods
As autumn arrives, Japan’s culinary scene celebrates the harvest with a variety of seasonal delights:
Autumn vegetables and new rice: In Japan, some of the delights which are in season in fall include hearty dishes featuring sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and matsutake mushrooms, bringing rich, earthy flavors to the table. Enjoy roasted chestnuts and the year’s first harvest of rice, known as shinmai, prized for its fresh, slightly sweet taste.
Photo for illustrative purposes
Seasonal fruits and fruit picking: Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy fruits like grapes, persimmons, and apples. For a more hands-on experience, visit regions known for fruit-picking such as Yamanashi Prefecture for grapes, Aomori Prefecture for apples and Wakayama Prefecture for persimmons. These areas offer orchards where you can harvest fruits directly from the trees—whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, it’s a delightful experience.
Photo for illustrative purposes
Fall Foliage Viewing
The cool, crisp air of autumn makes it the perfect time to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Japan’s fall foliage. Here are some of the most renowned spots across the country:
Senjōjiki Cirque (Nagano Prefecture): Located in the Central Alps, this spot is famous for its golden autumn landscape that covers the entire mountainside and the scenic Komagatake Ropeway which takes you there. The foliage typically peaks from late September to early October.
Beautiful fall foliage at Senjojiki Cirque
Rurikō’in Temple (Kyoto Prefecture): This serene temple in Kyoto’s Sakyō Ward is renowned for its breathtaking autumn colors, especially the maples that reflect off the polished wooden floors. The foliage is at its best from mid-November to the first few days of December.
Tsutanuma (Aomori Prefecture): Known for its striking red foliage, Tsutanuma offers a stunning reflection of the autumn leaves on the lake’s surface. The peak season here is in the latter half of October.
Tsutanuma in fall
Rikugien Garden (Tokyo): A highlight of Tokyo’s autumn, Rikugien Garden offers a picturesque setting with its beautifully landscaped grounds, perfect for leisurely strolls among vibrant fall colors. Additionally, the garden usually hosts evening illuminations during peak foliage from late November to early December, where the vivid reds and oranges of the leaves are beautifully lit, creating a magical atmosphere.
Fall Festivals and Cultural Events
Autumn is also a time for lively festivals that capture the essence of the season across Japan .(Check with each festival for specific dates.):
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (September) – Osaka: One of Japan’s most famous festivals, featuring massive wooden floats pulled through the streets at high speeds, showcasing the skill and strength of the participants.
The 2023 Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (used with permission from Kishiwada City)
Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival (October) – Okinawa: This vibrant event in Naha features a massive tug-of-war that involves thousands of participants, celebrating Okinawan culture and unity.
Jidai Matsuri (October) – Kyoto: A historical festival where participants parade in traditional costumes representing various periods of Kyoto’s illustrious past.
Tokyo Yosakoi (October) – Tokyo: Head to Ikebukuro to watch energetic yosakoi dance performances from teams across Japan, a colorful and dynamic spectacle.
Tori no Ichi (November): This lively festival is celebrated at various Otori Shrines across Japan, including Tokyo’s Asakusa, Yokohama, and even as far as Kansai. At Tori no Ichi, you can purchase decorative kumade rakes for good fortune and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of traditional Japanese markets.
A kumade rake at a Tori no Ichi (photo for illustrative purposes)
Autumn in Japan is a season of beauty, flavor, and tradition. From savoring seasonal foods and exploring vibrant foliage to participating in local festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy fall across the country. Make sure to experience the unique charm of Japan during this magical time of year.
