Japan is known for its beautiful changing seasons, and autumn is a particularly magical time to explore the country. As the summer heat fades into a comfortable coolness, Japan’s landscapes turn into a mix of warm colours, creating a stunning backdrop for memorable experiences. In this blog post, we talk about how you can fully enjoy autumn in Japan and soak in the beauty of this special season.
The autumn season in Japan usually begins in September and slowly shifts into winter by late November or early December. During this time, the whole country goes through a breathtaking transformation, with leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Whether you’re walking through ancient temples surrounded by fiery leaves or hiking along scenic trails filled with autumn colours, Japan’s natural beauty is sure to leave you amazed.
Autumn in Japan also brings a feast of seasonal delights, with plenty of harvest festivals, delicious food, and traditional activities to enjoy. Indulge in the rich flavours of autumn, from hearty hot pots and chestnut treats to freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss the chance to try seasonal snacks like roasted sweet potatoes and fragrant chestnut treats, which are widely available at local markets and street vendors.
Moreover, autumn festivals, known as “matsuri,” are held all across Japan, offering a glimpse into the country’s lively culture and traditions. From lively street parades to beautiful lantern displays, these festivals provide a perfect mix of entertainment and cultural experiences. Be sure to join in the celebrations and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people during this festive season.
Whether you’re exploring busy cities like Tokyo and Kyoto or venturing into the peaceful countryside, autumn in Japan promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an autumn adventure that will leave you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan
1. View the Koyo, or the Changing of the Leaves
Watching the changing of the leaves, called koyo, is probably the most popular autumn activity in Japan. There are many different spots in Japan to enjoy the autumn leaves. You can see the leaves from hiking trails, mountaintops, parks, and more. Some famous places to view autumn leaves include Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, Eikando Temple in Kyoto, and Mt. Takao. Enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of nature as you take in the brightly coloured red, yellow, and orange leaves.
2. Visit the Kochia Carnival
Located at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Kochia Carnival is a must-see autumn event in Japan. Here, you can see the deep crimson Kochia (summer cypress) and beautiful blooming cosmos flowers. The view of the vibrant colours against the blue sky is breathtaking. The Kochia festival offers various activities and food for you to enjoy while viewing the kochias—make sure to try their special kochia ice cream, available only during the carnival, which runs from September to October.
3. Try Some Seasonal Autumn Food
In autumn, Japan offers many hearty and delicious dishes and autumn-specific foods. To keep warm in the chilly weather, try some roasted chestnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, or matsutake mushrooms, also known as pine mushrooms. Popular autumn Japanese dishes include oden—a dashi soup with ingredients like boiled eggs, Japanese radish, fish cakes, and tofu—and sanma, a grilled silver-skinned fish. These are just a few of the many autumn dishes available—the list goes on!
4. Experience Japan’s Autumn Festivals
Japan is also famous for its many autumn festivals. You can immerse yourself in Japanese culture, try delicious food, and enjoy the autumn atmosphere. One such festival is the Kichijoji Autumn Festival, held in Tokyo on the second weekend of September. At this festival, you can welcome autumn in full swing and watch people carry a mikoshi shrine through the city. Another popular autumn festival is Sapporo Autumn Fest, Hokkaido’s biggest food festival. It takes place in September and offers locally grown food, wine, and other interesting products.
5. Visit a Moon-Viewing Festival
Known as Otsukimi, moon-viewing festivals are a unique type of Japanese autumn festival dedicated to honouring the moon and wishing for a good harvest. Otsukimi festivals provide good, traditional food and other cultural activities. These festivals usually take place on the day of the Harvest Moon, sometime between September and October.
6. Destress at an Onsen
The cool weather of autumn is the perfect time to visit an onsen or hot spring. Onsens are known for using natural volcanic spring water, providing a unique and relaxing experience. Many onsens are located in Japan’s countryside or mountainous areas, and most onsen inns also offer overnight stays. You can relax in the hot water while watching the beautiful autumn leaves.
7. Celebrate Halloween Japan-Style
Although Halloween isn’t as popular in Japan as it is in the West, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the spooky season! Shibuya in Tokyo is a popular spot for young people to visit, dressed in costumes, on Halloween. You can see the different and creative costumes, dress up in your own costume, and enjoy some Halloween fun. Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios also offer places to get spooked and enjoy Halloween!
Discover the Magic of Autumn in Japan
There are so many places to visit and things to do during autumn in Japan! While many people think of Japan as a spring destination with its with cherry blossoms, autumn in Japan offers just as many beautiful scenes and ways to connect with nature. With all the autumn dishes to try and events to visit, you won’t get bored during Japan’s autumn season!
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