1. Salt-grilled Sanma – Autumn saury
In the fall, Sanma fish (Pacific saury) reaches its ideal fattiness. The Japanese just need to lightly salt it, grill it over charcoal, and eat it with grated radish and lemon to get the full flavor. Sanma fish is a typical representative Autumn Japanese cuisine – simple but sophisticated, respecting the original flavor.
2. Wagashi shaped like red leaves
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet whose shape often changes with the seasons. In autumn, cakes are shaped like maple leaves, ripe persimmons or chestnuts, bringing elegant beauty. The filling is usually red beans, white beans or ground chestnuts. Wagashi is not only a dish but also a Japanese art of living, an indispensable part of autumn Japanese cuisine.
3. Grilled Matsutake mushrooms – “King of mushrooms” in Japanese cuisine
Matsutake is a rare mushroom that only grows in early autumn, and is likened to a “Japanese truffle”. Japanese people often grill them whole or cook them with rice (matsutake gohan) to retain the gentle aroma. This dish is not only delicious but also shows the spirit of honoring nature Japanese autumn delicacies.
4. Yakiimo – Traditional grilled sweet potatoes
Every time it’s cold, the sound “yakiimo“Roasting sweet potato carts around the streets is reminiscent of autumn for Japanese people. Slow-roasting potatoes with hot stones gives a sweet, soft and smooth taste. A simple dish but rich in childhood memories and identity.autumn Japan.
5. Kabocha – Japanese pumpkin fried in tempura
Japanese pumpkin (kabocha) has orange-yellow flesh, a sweet taste and is very popular in the fall. The most common is kabocha fried in crispy tempura or cooked in warm miso soup. A rustic dish but very popular during family meals during the red leaf season.
6. Kiritanpo Nabe – Akita grilled rice hot pot
Kiritanpo hot pot is a cold season specialty of Akita prefecture, with grilled rice on skewers served with sweet chicken hot pot broth, mushrooms and autumn vegetables. Japanese hot pot doesn’t require fancy spices, but brings a cozy feeling, something that autumn Japanese cuisine always focuses on.
7. Kuri Yaki – Roasted chestnuts on the roadside
On the ancient streets of Kyoto or Asakusa, you will see carts selling fragrant roasted chestnuts. Japanese chestnuts have a sweet taste, thin skin that is easy to peel, and are very popular in the fall. This is one of the dishes that cannot be missed travel to Japan, especially when you walk around in cold weather.
8. Hot soba with autumn vegetables
Soba (buckwheat noodles) when eaten hot with mushrooms and seasonal vegetables becomes especially attractive in the fall. This dish is often served in small, warm restaurants and is a favorite choice of local people. Simple but filled with a “heartwarming” feeling in the cool weather, true to autumn Japanese cuisine.
9. Kaisen-don – Fresh autumn seafood rice
Fall is also the season for catching many types of seafood such as salmon, crab, squid… Seafood markets such as Toyosu (Tokyo) or Otaru (Hokkaido) are always bustling with bowls of kaisen-don – white rice covered with raw seafood. The freshness of the ingredients makes this dish always on the list of indispensable Japanese autumn delicacies.
10. Chestnut Mochi – Autumn dessert
Finally, we can’t help but mention chestnut mochi – a soft, chewy cake on the outside, with sweet chestnut filling on the inside. This dish often appears in autumn gift boxes or traditional bakeries. This is one of the dishes not to be missed when traveling to Japan, especially for those who love delicate sweet dishes.
Autumn in Japan Not only beautiful by the scenery but also rich by every flavor. Fall Japanese delicacies are not only a culinary experience, but also a door that leads you to better understand the spirit and culture here. If you are planning to visit the land of the rising sun, don’t just admire the red leaves, try the dishes that cannot be missed when traveling to Japan. Because Japanese autumn is not only for seeing, but also for enjoying, remembering and loving!
