Japan in Autumn
- Yuki sensei
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Holidays, Seasonal Foods, and Travel Tips
Autumn in Japan is one of the most beautiful and exciting times of the year. From colorful autumn leaves to unique national holidays and limited-time seasonal foods, fall offers countless reasons to visit. Whether you are planning a trip in September, October, or November, this guide will introduce you to Japanese autumn traditions, must-try foods, and practical travel tips.
Why Visit Japan in Autumn?
Japan’s autumn, typically from mid-September to late November, is loved by both locals and international travelers. The sweltering summer heat gives way to cooler, pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing. Mountains and temples become framed with red and gold maple leaves, and cultural festivals bring lively energy to towns and cities. If you want to experience Japan’s culture and nature at their best, autumn is the season to do it.
Japanese Autumn Holidays
1. Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi, 敬老の日)
Date: Third Monday of September
Meaning: A day to honor and celebrate the elderly, showing gratitude for their contributions to society. Families often visit grandparents, share meals, or send gifts.
Travel Note: Since this is a national holiday, expect domestic travel to be busier than usual.
2. Autumnal Equinox Day (Shubun no Hi, 秋分の日)
Date: Around September 22–23 (varies each year)
Meaning: A day when daytime and nighttime are equal in length. Traditionally, it’s a time to pay respects to ancestors and appreciate nature. Families often visit cemeteries and eat seasonal foods.
Travel Note: The equinox may coincide with Respect for the Aged Day, creating a long weekend known as Silver Week. Tourist spots can be very crowded.
3. Other Seasonal Events
Sports Day (October): Originally tied to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this day encourages health and physical activity.
Cultural Festivals: Throughout autumn, local festivals (matsuri) bring portable shrines, parades, and food stalls to many regions.
Seasonal Foods and sweets in Japan’s Autumn
One of the best parts of traveling in Japan in autumn is trying limited-time seasonal foods. Many restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores release special menus inspired by harvest flavors.
1. The Tsukimi Burger (月見バーガー)
Where: McDonald’s Japan
What it is: A burger topped with a fried egg, symbolizing the full moon. “Tsukimi” means “moon-viewing,” a traditional autumn activity in Japan.
Why try it: It is only available in September and has become a nostalgic seasonal tradition for many Japanese people.
2. Starbucks Japan Autumn Drinks
Examples: Sweet potato latte, chestnut frappuccino, pumpkin spice variations.
Tip: These drinks often sell out quickly, so check Starbucks Japan’s website or social media to see what’s available during your visit.
3. Convenience Store Autumn Desserts
Mont Blanc cakes, sweet potato tarts, pumpkin puddings, and limited-edition chocolates can be found at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.
4. Traditional Autumn Harvest Foods
Matsutake mushrooms ( 松茸 : Matsutake ) : Highly prized and expensive, often served in rice or soup.
Persimmons ( 柿 : kaki ): Sweet, orange-colored fruits that appear in markets from late September.
Japanese pears ( 梨：nashi ): Crisp and juicy, perfect for a refreshing snack.
Grapes ( 巨峰 : kyoho, shine muscat): Large, sweet varieties popular in autumn.
New rice ( 新米 : shinmai): Freshly harvested rice, softer and sweeter than stored rice.
Autumn Festivals and Events
1. Moon Viewing (Otsukimi, お月見)
When: September (15th day of the lunar calendar)
Tradition: People admire the full moon, decorate with pampas grass (susuki), and eat rice dumplings (tsukimi dango).
2. Autumn Matsuri (Festivals)
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (Osaka): Famous for massive wooden floats pulled at high speed.
Kawagoe Festival (Saitama): Beautiful Edo-period floats and lively street parades.
3. Halloween in Japan
Celebrated mainly in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Shibuya’s Halloween street party is world-famous, though heavily crowded. Theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan also host unique Halloween events.
Where to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
Japan’s autumn foliage season varies depending on the region:
Kyoto: Late November is peak season for temples like Kiyomizudera, Tofukuji, and Arashiyama.
Nikko (Tochigi): Famous for its shrines and surrounding mountains. Best in late October.
Hokkaido: Autumn comes earlier here, with peak foliage in late September to early October.
Tokyo: Parks like Rikugien Garden and Meiji Jingu Gaien offer beautiful autumn views from mid-November.
Tip: Many spots light up their autumn leaves at night, creating magical evening scenery. Famous autumn foliage spots differ depending on the region, and there are also many hidden gems that only locals know. If you’re curious, feel free to ask during class. I'll be happy to share personalized recommendations for your area!
Practical Travel Tips for Autumn in Japan
Clothing: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in October and November. Bring layers like a light jacket or cardigan.
Crowds: Public holidays in September can create busy travel seasons. Book accommodations and tickets early.
Food: Don’t miss limited-time menus at fast food chains, cafes, and convenience stores. They disappear quickly!
Transportation: Trains and buses may be crowded during Silver Week or festivals. Consider traveling slightly off-peak hours.
Conclusion
Japan in autumn is a season filled with beauty, culture, and flavor. From honoring the elderly on Respect for the Aged Day to celebrating the moon with a Tsukimi Burger, visitors can enjoy both modern and traditional aspects of Japanese life. Seasonal foods like persimmons, chestnuts, and Starbucks’ autumn drinks make the trip even more delicious. And of course, breathtaking autumn leaves across the country provide unforgettable memories.
If you are planning a trip to Japan, autumn is one of the best times to come. With careful planning around national holidays, you can enjoy everything from cultural festivals to quiet temple gardens surrounded by red maple leaves. Don’t miss the chance to experience Japan’s autumn magic!
What part of Japan’s autumn are you most interested in? At Yuki-sensei’s Japanese Classroom, I don’t just teach language. I also talk about Japanese culture, traditions, and even social systems. Each lesson is fully customized to your needs, helping you learn Japanese in a way that truly fits you.
See you in the next lesson!
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