Autumn is just around the corner, and with this changing of the seasons comes an abundance of seasonal Japanese autumn dishes and fresh ingredients.

In fact, in Japanese, the phrase 「食欲の秋」(shokuyoku no aki) literally translates to “autumn appetite.” From sweet potatoes and chestnuts to mushrooms and fish, the season is bursting with flavors to awaken your appetite after a long, sweltering summer. Here are six must-try Japanese autumn dishes to enjoy during your next visit to Japan.

6 Essential Japanese Autumn Dishes:

Japanese Sweet Potatoes

In Japan, sweet potatoes are one of the most beloved autumn treats. One way to know the season is changing is by the sound of the yaki imo, or roasted sweet potato truck, Japan's version of an ice cream truck, playing it's jingle to sell freshly roasted Japanese sweet potatoes.

You can also try sweet potatoes dried into chewy hoshi imo snacks, or, my personal favorite, fried and glazed with sweet syrup and black sesame seeds as daigaku imo. You can't miss them in the supermarket either: appearing in seasonal snacks like Calbee’s Osatsu chips.

Sweet potatoes were introduced to Japan in the 17th century and quickly became popular due to their nutritional value and their ability to grow in poor soil. Nowadays, sweet potatoes are an integral part of the Japanese culinary scene and are often used in various treats and desserts, especially during the autumn season.

Keep your eyes peeled for sweet potato flavored ice cream, parfaits, drinks and more if you come to Japan in autumn.

Chestnuts & Autumn Sweets

Chestnuts, or kuri, are another traditional Japanese autumn food. Their naturally sweet, nutty flavor makes them a great addition to both savory dishes and desserts.

A classic Japanese autumn dish using chestnuts is kuri-gohan (chestnut rice). You’ll also find kuri mochi, kuri mont blancs, and other chestnut-based sweets. These sweets can be found at autumn festivals, and chestnut cakes are often served at local cafés.

For many Japanese people, chestnuts are a nostalgic symbol of autumn. They’ve been cultivated in Japan for more than 5,500 years, making them one of the country’s oldest staples. Chestnuts also appear in art and literature as seasonal motifs.

If this rich cultural history alone is not enough to convince you, just try eating a chestnut dessert like a chestnut mont blanc and you'll understand why chestnuts are considered a true highlight among Japanese autumn dishes.

Grilled Sanma (Pike Mackerel)

Another true taste of autumn in Japan is sanma (Pacific saury or pike mackerel). The kanji characters used for it—秋刀魚—is even autumn-worthy: it literally means “autumn sword fish,” thanks to the fish’s long, slender shape and abundance in fall.

This seasonal fish is typically enjoyed simply - salted and grilled whole, often served with grated daikon radish with a splash of soy sauce. Its rich, oily flavor makes it especially satisfying and the sight and smell of freshly grilled sanma is a nostalgic marker of autumn for many Japanese households. It’s one of the most iconic fall dishes in Japan and a must-try for seafood lovers.

Tsukimi Full Moon Festival Treats

In honor of the autumn moon, Japan celebrates Tsukimi—the moon-viewing festival—each year from mid-September to early October. Families and friends gather to admire the moon and give thanks for a successful harvest, enjoying symbolic snacks and sweets.

Tsukimi Dango

Dango are round-shaped rice dumplings made with pounded rice flour and topped or filled with things like sweet soy sauce, red bean paste, and even sweetened edamame paste (zunda).

While dango are often skewered on a stick, Tsukimi Dango are different. Tsukimi dango consists of 15 dumplings stacked on top of each other in the shape of a pyramid. The dumplings are also not glazed with any topping but eaten plain.

The round, white Tsukimi Dango are meant to represent the shape of the full moon.

Usagi Mochi

Another traditional Tsukimi treat is Usagi Mochi, mochi shaped like rabbits to honor the Japanese “moon rabbit” folklore. According to the tale, a selfless rabbit tried to help a starving man but had nothing to offer. In desperation, it leapt into a fire, intending to sacrifice itself. The man revealed himself to be Sakra, ruler of the gods, and instead of letting the rabbit die, he placed its image on the moon as thanks for its kindness.

Since then, rabbits have been linked with the Tsukimi full moon holiday, and Japanese people believe that you can see the shape of a rabbit pounding mochi hiding in the craters of the moon.

Momiji Manju: A Miyajima Specialty

Momiji Manju is a maple-leaf shaped pastry and a popular souvenir from Miyajima Island in Hiroshima. Made with a soft, castella-style cake batter filled with anything from the traditional red bean paste or matcha to the more modern custard, chocolate, or cheese.

You can also try, Age Momiji, which is Momiji Manju deep fried on a skewer - an iconic street food in Miyajima. Momiji Manju is a delicious symbol of autumn and the iconic Japanese maple leaf filled fall foliage in Hiroshima.

Final Thoughts

Besides sampling a wide array of autumn treats, there’s so much more to experience in Japan during this season. Admire the vibrant foliage, wander through local festivals, and let your stomach lead the way through delicious seasonal dishes and snacks.

Thinking of visiting Japan this autumn? Check out our Autumn Food Tours - the perfect way to taste the very best seasonal dishes the country has to offer.