October
The autumn leaves are painting Japan in vibrant colors!
October brings cooler weather and the start of autumn foliage. Traditional fall festivals take place, and Halloween has become increasingly popular. It’s an ideal time for scenic walks and travel to admire Japan’s stunning autumn colors.
The autumn leaves are painting Japan in vibrant colors!
Mikoshi festival
The mikoshi festivals in September and October are different from the large-scale nationwide festivals typically held in July. These events mainly involve the participation of local residents. The mikoshi, a portable shrine used when the deity departs from the shrine to tour the community, symbolizes the local deity watching over the town and bringing good fortune to various places. This tradition is also an occasion for praying for a good harvest and for wishes to be heard. While there are professional mikoshi bearers, the events are primarily led by locals.
School festival
As the temperature drops and autumn deepens, October becomes a season of crisp air and clear skies, making it the perfect time for outdoor events like sports festivals, autumn celebrations, and regional fairs.
In Japan, school festivals are significant events, often referred to as "Gakkousai" (学校祭) or "Gakuensai" (学園祭), depending on the scale. Many people may recall organizing class performances or presenting the results of club activities during these events.
Harvest time
October marks the harvest season in Japan, a time filled with the joy of reaping the rewards of the year's hard work. In the rice fields, golden stalks of rice sway in the cool autumn breeze, ready to be harvested. This scene of farmers gathering their rice is one of the iconic images of autumn in Japan. Alongside rice, a variety of vegetables and fruits are also harvested, including sweet potatoes, persimmons, and apples, which begin to appear in markets at their peak freshness.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are must-try autumn delicacy in Japan. Popular varieties include the brands of Beni Haruka, Naruto Kintoki, and Anno Imo. Beni Haruka is known for its rich sweetness and fluffy texture, while Naruto Kintoki offers a firm sweetness with a satisfying bite. Anno Imo, on the other hand, becomes creamy and almost caramel-like when roasted.
Pacific Saury
Autumn is the best season for Pacific Saury, and in Japan, you’ll find mainly three varieties: those from Sanriku, Hokkaido, and the Atlantic. Sanriku Pacific Saury is particularly well-known, and from September to November, it becomes rich in fat, offering a deeper flavor than in other seasons. Pacific Saury is typically grilled with salt, but it’s also popular in dishes like braised Pacific Saury or served as sashimi.
Persimmons
Another iconic autumn fruit is the persimmon. In early October, the Hiratanenashi persimmon, which is seedless and easy to eat, becomes widely available. By mid-October, Jiro persimmons, known for their firm texture and rich sweetness, start appearing.
