Life in Japan: How to Enjoy Autumn

Autumn in Japan is a cool and pleasant season.
It is a season of fun, with beautiful autumn leaves and delicious seasonal foods.
 
This article introduces some of the best ways to enjoy autumn in Japan and the events that take place during this season.

Joy of Autumun in Japan

紅葉　Autumn Foliage

The leaves of trees usually change color from late October to late November. This is called "autumn foliage" or MOMIJI（ 紅葉）.
Watching the leaves gradually change their colors is one of the pleasures of autumn.
Although you can view autumn foliage near your home, it is also recommended to go out to famous autumn foliage viewing spots.
The term "Momijigari" (autumn foliage viewing) is sometimes used to describe going out to see the autumn leaves.

秋祭り　Fall Festival

Autumn is a time for traditional festivals such as "Omikoshi" (portable shrines) in various regions.
 
▼お神輿　Omikoshi (portable shrine)

The mikoshi is the vehicle used to transport the gods of Japan. During festivals, the mikoshi carries the gods at shrines around the city.

Sporting Events

The cool fall weather is perfect for sports, so much so that the phrase " Autumn for Sports" is used to describe the season.
Sporting events will be held throughout the country.

Art Events

Some people call it " Autumn of the Arts". Autumn is the season where art flourishes and thrives.
There are not only exhibitions at museums, but also various events such as music and movies.
Traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki, Noh and Kyogen are also recommended. This is your chance to enjoy Japanese culture.

Japanese Food in Autumn

Autumn is also known as the " Autumn of Appetite. There are many delicious foods in the season.

新米　Shinmai (Rice harvested this year )

Autumn is the season for "Shinmai" (newly harvested rice).
New rice is rice that has just been harvested in the same year.
This new rice has a firm grain and a strong sweetness and aroma.
New rice is sold in the supermarkets as well. It is written on the bag, "New rice for the year 20xx".
Rice cooked with new rice tastes especially good.
It is delicious eaten as is but can also be enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as rice balls and sushi.

栗　Kuri (chestnut)

Chestnuts are not only used in cooking, such as "chestnut rice," but are also popular in sweets using chestnuts, such as "chestnut kinton" and "Mont Blanc cake.

In addition to eating, a chestnut harvesting event called "chestnut picking" is also popular.

さつまいも  Satsumaimo (sweet potatoes)

Sweet and flaky sweet potatoes are popular both in cooking and as a sweet treat.
A recommended way to enjoy sweet potatoes is to roast them whole and make them into yaki-imo (baked sweet potato). A hot baked sweet potato eaten with the cool autumn air is fantastic.

秋刀魚 Autumn swordfish (sanma)

Sanma (literally, "swordfish") is the fish of the fall season. When eaten grilled with salt, you can enjoy its oily and flavorful taste.

Autumn Holidays

In September, we have Silver Week. Silver Week is a period in September when there are many holidays.
 
▼Calendar for September 2024

[Holidays]
・敬老の日”Respect-for-Senior-Citizens Day”:
　Third Monday in September every year
・秋分の日"Autumnal equinox”
　September 22 or 23
 
If you are off on weekends and holidays...
There will be two 3-day weekends from Saturday, 14th to Monday, 16th, and Saturday, 21st to Monday, 23rd.
 
There are three other holidays during Autumn.
October 13: Sports Day
November 3 Culture Day
November 23rd - Labor Thanksgiving Day

秋におすすめの場所

秋を感じられるおすすめの場所を紹介します。

北海道

北海道は広大な自然と美味しい旬の食べ物を楽しめます。
旭岳ならロープウェイに乗って空から紅葉を楽しめます。美瑛町では、有名な青い池と紅葉を一度に楽しめます。
海鮮が好きな人は、北海道で「鮭」や「ししゃも」など旬を楽しむのもおすすめです。
 
出典：北海道公式観光サイト「HOKKAIDO LOVE!」

東京

新宿御苑や六義園の紅葉が人気です。
夜にライトアップイベントもあります。ライトアップされた紅葉を見るのはとてもロマンチックです。

Best places to go in the Autumn

Here are some of the best places to experience autumn.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido offers a vast expanse of nature and delicious seasonal food.
At Asahidake, you can enjoy the autumn leaves from the sky by taking the ropeway. In Biei-cho, you can enjoy the famous blue pond and autumn leaves at the same time.
For those who love seafood, we recommend enjoying the season in Hokkaido, such as "Salmon" and "Shishamo (Japanese smelt)".
 
Source: 北海道公式観光サイト「HOKKAIDO LOVE!」

Tokyo

Autumn foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien are very popular.
There are also light-up events at night. It is very romantic to see the autumn leaves illuminated at night.

Kyoto

Kyoto is very famous for its autumn foliage. The autumn leaves of Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are especially magnificent.
You can also enjoy the autumn leaves at various temples other than Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
For more information: 嵐山エリア観光情報、清水寺公式Webサイト

Nara

Nara Park, famous for its large number of deer, is also a great place to enjoy the autumn leaves.
Combined with the temples and the traditional townscape, you can fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere.

Okinawa

While other parts of Japan are getting cooler, Okinawa has many warm days even in autumn, so marine sports can be enjoyed.
Since the temperature is cooler than in summer, activities to enjoy Okinawa's nature such as kayaking and hiking are also recommended.

Lastly

Autumn in Japan also offers many fun things to do.
You can see the autumn leaves, eat delicious seasonal foods, and participate in a variety of events.
In addition, there are holidays in the Autumn, so you can travel or just relax and enjoy yourself at home.
 
We hope you will enjoy the autumn in Japan.