Autumn in Japan: Seasonal Foods You Need To Try Now

Japan’s autumn means crisp weather, cosy vibes and feasting your way through a foodie paradise. Beyond the iconic red and gold foliage, autumn in Japan is famously known as the season of appetite – and trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

When is Japan’s autumn?

Japan’s autumn generally runs from mid-September to early December, with temperatures dropping to around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, depending on the region. Expect cool breezes, clear skies and perfect sweater weather – a refreshing change from Singapore’s eternal summer (cues sigh of relief). It’s also harvest season, meaning ultra-fresh produce and seasonal menus everywhere you go.

Autumn is the “season of appetite” in Japan

In Japan, autumn is described as shokuyoku no aki, meaning the “season of appetite.” As temperatures cool, your body naturally craves more hearty, comforting food, and Japanese culture leans right into it. Japan’s autumn also brings an abundance of seasonal harvests, making it the ultimate foodie season.

Must-try autumn ingredients in Japan

1. Sweet potato (Satsumaimo)

If you’ve been to Don Don Donki, you’ll know how good these purple sweet potatoes smell, or even taste – yeah, we know it’s hard to resist. Look out for a variety called beniharuka, which is sweet, creamy and addictively caramel-like when roasted. Autumn is when you’ll see cafes and restaurants in Japan serving seasonal-limited sweet potato dishes, from sweet potato tarts to sweet potato soft serve.

2. Chestnut (Kuri)

Chestnut season is huge in Japan during autumn. Another ingredient dominating Japanese restaurants’ seasonal menu, you may find kuri rice, kuri manju (bun), mont blanc cakes, and limited-edition chestnut snacks.

3. Japanese pear (Nashi)

Extra crisp, ultra-juicy and refreshing. Grab one fresh from the supermarket or hunt down nashi fruit parfaits in dessert shops. Better yet, head to Chiba, the “pear prefecture” of Japan, and pick your own!

4. Pacific saury (Sanma)

Autumn is when sanma is at peak flavour and fattiness. If you love fatty fish like saba (mackerel), you’ll love sanma, although it may not be as rich in taste. A simple but unforgettable way to enjoy it is by grilling with salt (shioyaki), served with grated daikon (radish).

5. Matsutake mushrooms

The truffle of Japan, matsutake is known for its distinct aroma and rich flavour. If you’re splurging, go for matsutake rice or matsutake broth. On a budget? Regular mushrooms are also in season, and they are equally incredible in hotpots and soba during Japan’s autumn.

6. Grapes (Budou)

Japan’s grapes, especially the large, yellow-green shine muscat, are famous for being sweet, seedless and perfectly crisp. Find them in fruit boutiques, parfaits, and limited-edition desserts.

7. Persimmon (Kaki)

A classic autumn fruit in Japan. Enjoy it fresh, dried (hoshigaki) or in seasonal pastries. Sweet, mellow and super photogenic, the autumn fruit season is paradise for your stomach and your Instagram story.

Foodie tips for enjoying Japan’s autumn

My personal favourite is to check out convenience stores for autumn snacks and drinks. You’ll never know what you’ll find because the confectioners up their game each year by producing something new. Dessert shops and depachika (department store food halls) are also great haunts for seasonal pastries, bentos, and omiyage (souvenirs).

With perfect weather, stunning scenery and the most delicious seasonal eats, autumn is the ultimate travel season in Japan. Pack a cosy jacket, bring an empty stomach (and maybe a huge suitcase for snacks), and get ready to fall into the most delicious season Japan has to offer.