Autumn in Japan is a season of vibrant colors, crisp air, and, most importantly, an abundance of delicious seasonal foods. As the leaves change, so too does Japan’s culinary landscape, with a rich harvest bringing a variety of flavors to the table.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most iconic and delectable dishes that Japan has to offer during the fall season.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just curious about its seasonal delicacies, these must-try foods will give you a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Let’s dive into the flavors of Japanese autumn!
Matsutake Mushrooms – The Jewel of Japanese Autumn
Matsutake mushrooms with Sudachi citrus, a traditional Japanese autumn dish
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.
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.
Experience the Best of Japan’s Autumn Flavors
A bountiful display of Japanese autumn foods, featuring Matsutake mushrooms, Sanma fish, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and a colorful assortment of seasonal fruits.
Autumn in Japan is truly a feast for the senses. From the earthy aroma of matsutake mushrooms to the sweet taste of freshly harvested persimmons, the season offers a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the country’s deep connection to nature and the changing seasons.
A delightful Japanese autumn feast, showcasing seasonal delicacies like Matsutake rice, tempura, and Dobin Mushi.
Whether you’re traveling to Japan or simply exploring its culinary culture from afar, these autumn dishes provide a delicious insight into the heart of Japanese food traditions.
What’s your favorite Japanese autumn food?
In our next article, We’ll bring you more delicious topics in our next article. Stay tuned! Don’t miss it.
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