Making the Most of Celebrating Autumn in Japan
As the season transitions from summer to autumn in Japan, the weather becomes more temperate making it ideal outdoor walks. Mid-November to early December brings the anticipation of the turn of trees and foliage to vibrant autumn hues of yellow, orange and red. Aside from nature’s beautiful colors, autumn in Japan and brings many festivities and events to look forward to. It’s a perfect time for students to take up a course in Tokyo. Most fall festivals are relevant to the harvest season as well as the autumn foliage. Aside from autumn festivals, there are so many other things to do during the autumn season in Japan, check them out!
Enjoy the autumn colors by visiting Japanese gardens
One of the best ways to experience fall in Japan is to visit Japanese gardens. Most of the gardens are located within cities and Tokyo is no exception. It’s a great way to relax after trekking the bustling city. Some of the gardens are open in the evening and are illuminated for the season. Some gardens to visit in Tokyo are Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, and the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Gorge on delicious autumn and winter seafood
With all the excitement comes delicious food. There are so many seasonal gastronomical delights to try and autumn and winter is no exception. Some of the delicious autumn and winter seafood to try while in Japan are katsuo (skipjack tuna), pufferfish (fugu), and sanma (pacific saury).
Appreciate nature with Shirin-yoku with fall colors
In Japan, there is a practice known as Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) literally meaning “forest bath” – a practice of “bathing” in nature with the purpose of receiving therapeutic benefits. It combines a range of activities in an outdoor environment such as horticultural therapy and garden therapy. Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy Shirin-yoku. Some of the best places to visit are Akigawa Valley, Meiji Shrine and Mt. Takao.
Revel in autumn festivals
Japanese festivals have always been popular tourist attractions. Most fall festivals are related to autumn foliage and harvest. Here are some of the most popular fall festivals in Japan. Some populat autumn festivals include Taiiku no Hi (体育の日) is a national holiday that commemorates the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and Jidai Matsuri ((時代祭り), the Festival of the Ages, is a great reflection of Japan’s colorful culture.
Honor the autumn moon with Tsukimi
Tsukimi (月見), or Otsukimi, is an event that honors the autumn moon in Japan. his tradition can be traced all the way to the Heian Period when the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival was introduced to Japan. It is still a popular event today that many Japanese look forward to celebrating. It is celebrated by decorating homes with pampas grass (susuki). A popular dish for this festive occasion is Tsukimi dango, rice dumplings signifying the moon’s beauty.
