Best Autumn / Fall Foods in Japan: Prefectures and their Specialty Dishes
We have listed some of our favorite prefectures in Japan and their iconic seasonal food specialties:
Autumn is a time of harvest in Japan, featuring dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, chestnuts, and freshly caught fish. This list showcases the best of Japan’s autumn harvest, offering hearty, fragrant, and earthy dishes that perfectly match the crisp weather.
Hokkaido
- Sanma (Pacific Saury): Grilled fresh autumn fish served with grated daikon.
- Potato Dishes: Harvested potatoes used in warm stews and gratins.
Aomori
- Tsugaru Apples: Perfectly ripe and enjoyed fresh or in desserts.
- Grilled Scallops: A popular seasonal dish at autumn festivals.
Iwate
- Matsutake Gohan: Rice steamed with fragrant matsutake mushrooms.
- Chestnut Sweets: Desserts made with local chestnuts harvested in fall.
Miyagi
- Sanma Shioyaki: Grilled salted Pacific saury, a fall specialty.
- Kaki Furai: Breaded and fried oysters as they come into season.
Akita
- Kiritanpo (Autumn Version): Grilled rice skewers served with seasonal vegetables.
- Inaniwa Udon: Served hot with mushroom-based sauces.
Yamagata
- Imoni: A taro and beef stew traditionally enjoyed at autumn gatherings.
- Yamagata Pears: Juicy and sweet, perfect for snacking or desserts.
Fukushima
- Persimmons (Kaki): Sweet, fresh persimmons are a seasonal highlight.
- Aizu Ramen: Warm noodles with hearty fall toppings.
Niigata
- Shinmai (New Rice): Freshly harvested rice, celebrated for its unique aroma and flavor.
- Salmon Dishes: Grilled or in hotpots with autumn vegetables.
Nagano
- Shinshu Mushrooms: Locally harvested mushrooms featured in soups and stir-fries.
- Kuri Kinton: Sweetened chestnut paste, a traditional autumn treat.
Ishikawa
- Kanburi (Autumn Yellowtail): A slightly leaner but delicious catch before winter.
- Autumn Kaga Vegetables: Highlighted in regional Kaga cuisine.
Gifu
- Hida Chestnuts: Used in sweets or roasted fresh.
- River Fish (Ayu): Autumn ayu are fatter and richer in flavor, perfect for grilling.
Kyoto
- Yakiimo (Roasted Sweet Potatoes): A popular street food in fall.
- Autumn Kaiseki: Seasonal multi-course meals featuring chestnuts, mushrooms, and fish.
Osaka
- Takoyaki with Seasonal Ingredients: Fall-inspired toppings like mushrooms and sweet potatoes.
- Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu with Autumn Toppings): Topped with grated ginger and soy sauce.
Hyogo
- Autumn Kobe Beef: Often served with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables.
- Matsutake Sukiyaki: Thinly sliced beef and fragrant matsutake mushrooms in a sweet broth.
Hiroshima
- Oysters: Early fall marks the start of the oyster season.
- Momiji Manju: Maple leaf-shaped sweets filled with red bean or seasonal flavors like chestnut.
Fukuoka
- Chawanmushi (Steamed Egg Custard): Made with autumn mushrooms and seafood.
- Fukuoka Grapes: Juicy, sweet varieties harvested in autumn.
Kagoshima
- Sweet Potatoes (Satsumaimo): Used in desserts like candied sweet potato or roasted fresh.
- Kurobuta Pork Dishes: Often paired with fall vegetables.
Okinawa
- Shikuwasa Citrus: Early fall harvest used in refreshing drinks and dressings.
- Taco Rice with Seasonal Vegetables: A twist on the Okinawan classic with autumn produce.
