Autumn in Japan is a season of vivid colors, crisp air, and—above all—a bounty of delicious seasonal foods.
As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, the Japanese dining table transforms as well, reflecting the rich harvests and deep culinary traditions of the season.
In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the most iconic and mouthwatering dishes Japan has to offer in the fall.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply curious about its seasonal delicacies, these must-try autumn foods are a perfect way to experience the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Let yourself be immersed in the flavors of a Japanese autumn.
- Matsutake – Japan’s Autumn Jewel
- Sanma (Pacific Saury) – A Simple Yet Savory Autumn Delight
- Kuri (Chestnuts) – The Sweet Taste of Japanese Autumn
- Kaki (Persimmons) – Japan’s Autumn Fruit
- Sweet Potatoes: A Unique Autumn Treat in Japan
- A Smarter Way to Bring Home Items You Can Only Buy in Japan
- Traveler’s Tip: Use Amazon for a More Comfortable Trip
- Important Points to Remember
- Experience the Best of Japan’s Autumn Flavors
Matsutake – Japan’s Autumn Jewel
日本の伝統的な秋の料理、松茸とすだち
Matsutake mushrooms are one of Japan’s most prized autumn delicacies. Known for their distinct aroma and robust flavor, these mushrooms are often grilled, steamed, or incorporated into dishes like matsutake gohan (matsutake rice) and dobin mushi (steamed matsutake in a teapot).
Matsutake Dobin Mushi, a luxurious Japanese dish that maximizes the rich flavor of Matsutake mushrooms, served in a traditional teapot.
Matsutake season is short, typically running from September to November, making it a coveted ingredient among chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
If you’re in Japan during autumn, enjoying fresh matsutake in Kyoto or Nagano is an experience not to be missed.
Sanma (Pacific Saury) – A Simple Yet Savory Autumn Delight
Fresh Sanma on the left, known for its rich, savory flavor, and Matsutake mushrooms on the right, displayed on a bamboo tray, capturing the essence of Japanese autumn cuisine.
Sanma, also known as Pacific Saury, is a quintessential autumn fish in Japan. Grilled sanma, served with a side of grated daikon and soy sauce, is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish.
The fish’s natural oils are at their peak during the autumn season, giving it a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.
Grilled Sanma topped with freshly grated daikon radish and soy sauce offers an irresistible flavor.
Whether you’re dining at a local izakaya or a high-end restaurant, sanma is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Japan in the fall.
Kuri (Chestnuts) – The Sweet Taste of Japanese Autumn
Freshly harvested Japanese chestnuts, some still nestled in their spiky husks, displayed on a woven bamboo tray with leaves.
Chestnuts, or kuri in Japanese, are another beloved autumn treat.
You’ll find them roasted, boiled, and even sweetened in a variety of Japanese desserts.
Steaming Japanese chestnut okowa（sticky rice）, a traditional sticky rice dish made with chestnuts, served in a bamboo steamer. It is filled with a delicious aroma.
Kuri gohan (chestnut rice) is a popular autumn dish, combining the sweet, nutty flavor of chestnuts with the savory taste of Japanese rice.
Kurikinton and chestnut yokan, both exquisite Japanese sweets highlighting the rich flavor of chestnuts, beautifully presented on a ceramic plate.
In Kyoto, you can find chestnut sweets like kuri kinton and kuri yōkan, which are enjoyed during tea ceremonies and as seasonal gifts.
Kaki (Persimmons) – Japan’s Autumn Fruit
Japanese persimmons, a sweet and juicy autumn fruit, beautifully arranged on a wooden plate.
Kaki, or persimmons, are a symbol of autumn in Japan.
Dried persimmons, or Hoshigaki, hanging in rows under the eaves of a traditional Japanese house. This time-honored method of maximizing the sweetness of persimmons and preserving them is a testament to the wisdom of the ancestors and a quintessential part of Japanese autumn.
This sweet, orange fruit is often enjoyed fresh, but it’s also commonly dried to make hoshigaki (dried persimmons), which are chewy and intensely sweet.
Japanese dried persimmons are a naturally sweet and healthy wagashi, representing the flavors of autumn.
Persimmons are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious snack. In Nara and Gifu, you can find persimmons in various forms, from fresh fruit to elaborate desserts.
Check out dried persimmon and chestnut sweets on Amazon.
Sweet Potatoes: A Unique Autumn Treat in Japan
Japanese sweet potatoes, known for their rich sweetness and creamy texture, freshly roasted and served in a bamboo basket. These delicious autumn treats are a staple of Japanese seasonal snacks.
Sweet potatoes (Satumaimo in Japanese) are a quintessential autumn delicacy in Japan, celebrated for their natural sweetness and versatility.
Daigaku Imo is a Japanese sweet made with caramelized sugar syrup and black sesame seeds, offering an irresistible sweet and crunchy taste.
From roasted sweet potatoes and candied “daigaku imo” to sweet potato tarts, this beloved root vegetable is featured in many traditional dishes found in Japanese households and dining establishments alike. Harvested in the fall, sweet potatoes are an essential ingredient in seasonal Japanese cuisine.
タリーズ、GODIVAから芋系ドリンクが出ると言うことはスタバもそろそろ芋か栗の季節だなあ！！！！ pic.twitter.com/SiiYm9cBEi
— からしてゃ🍮 (@karaikarashi__) August 22, 2024
In recent years, sweet potatoes have become a fashionable ingredient in Japan’s café culture. Popular chains like Tully’s, Godiva, and Starbucks have all embraced this trend, launching new sweet potato-flavored products that have quickly gone viral on social media.
食後のデザートにスタバの焼き芋ブリュレフラペチーノ
甘すぎず、芋の甘味があって美味しい！#焼き芋ブリュレフラペチーノ #スタバなう pic.twitter.com/GhJi10yc6A— タロ氏 (@Rookiemans) October 8, 2022
This phenomenon underscores the deep affection Japanese people have for sweet potatoes, with creative and innovative sweet potato products being introduced each autumn, much to the joy of consumers.
A Smarter Way to Bring Home Items You Can Only Buy in Japan
During your travels in Japan, you will discover special items that are full of the country’s unique charm. For example, there are limited-edition anime figures, local goods found only at their “sacred sites,” exquisite items of traditional craftsmanship, and delicious, uniquely Japanese foods prepared with time and care.
It’s only natural to want to bring a taste of its culture and flavors home with you, whether as the perfect gift for your loved ones, or a special memento for yourself.
However, there is always one challenge: your luggage.
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“I found the perfect souvenir at a place I visited, but I hesitate because it’s difficult to carry it around all day while sightseeing.”
“I’d love to collect specialties from all over Japan, but considering the travel time and expense, it’s just not feasible. If only I could have everything delivered to my hotel…?”
It’s a shame to give up on these great finds for such reasons.
But there is a solution that many travelers to Japan are already using:
It’s a method of ordering items from online shops like Amazon and arranging for direct delivery to your hotel.
Traveler’s Tip: Use Amazon for a More Comfortable Trip
This method offers significant advantages for any traveler.
- Sightsee Hands-Free: Enjoy your day to the fullest without being weighed down by heavy shopping bags.
- Use your existing Amazon account or create a new one.
- Clear Delivery Dates: You can check the estimated delivery date when you order, allowing you to coordinate with your stay.
- Ship Directly to Your Hotel: Simply add your hotel as a new shipping address. This makes packing for your return flight incredibly easy.
- Unbeatable Selection: From local crafts and foods to everyday necessities, you can find an endless array of products from all over Japan.
Important Points to Remember
- Check the Estimated Arrival Date: When ordering, always confirm the “estimated delivery date.” Only use this method if you have plenty of time to receive the package during your stay.
- Confirm with Your Hotel First: Before you order, it is essential to ask your hotel if they are willing to accept packages for guests. Most major hotels are happy to do so, but confirming in advance is a mandatory courtesy.
- At Your Own Discretion: Please remember that arranging this is your own responsibility and is done at your own risk.
Order on Amazon, deliver to your accommodation. It’s the simple travel hack for a comfortable, luggage-free journey.
Experience the Best of Japan’s Autumn Flavors
松茸、さんま、栗、サツマイモ、そして色とりどりの旬のフルーツなど、日本の秋の食材が豊富に揃います。
Autumn in Japan is truly a season that delights all five senses. From the earthy fragrance of matsutake mushrooms to the sweet taste of freshly picked persimmons, this time of year offers a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect Japan’s deep connection with nature and the changing of the seasons.
松茸ご飯、天ぷら、土瓶蒸しなど、季節の珍味を堪能できる楽しい日本の秋のごちそう。
Whether you are traveling in Japan or exploring its culinary traditions from afar, these autumn dishes offer a delicious way to experience the very essence of Japanese food culture. What’s your favorite Japanese autumn food? In my next article, I’ll be sharing more mouthwatering stories—so stay tuned and don’t miss it!
