--- title: Must Try Autumnal Japanese Food date: 2024-10-28T01:00:00+09:00 author: Gwen Magdamit canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/must-try-autumnal-japanese-food-2" section: News --- [Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# Must Try Autumnal Japanese Food Oct 28, 2024 - [ ](mailto:?subject=Must%20Try%20Autumnal%20Japanese%20Food%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fmust-try-autumnal-japanese-food-2 "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fmust-try-autumnal-japanese-food-2&title=Must%20Try%20Autumnal%20Japanese%20Food&description=Discover%20some%20must-try%20Japanese%20delights%20this%20autumn%20for%20your%20next%20food%20adventure%21&caption=Uchi) ![What to eat in Autumn Japanese food oden 1024x576](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/What-to-eat-in-Autumn-Japanese-food-oden-1024x576.jpg)As Japan moves through picturesque red and yellow foliage, it also transitions to the comforting smell of roasted sweet potatoes and chestnut-themed cafes. Various seasonal delicacies await you, which you can try from the supermarket or any nearby restaurant! Discover some must-try Japanese delights this autumn for your next food adventure. ***Matsutake mushrooms*** Pine mushrooms, or *matsutake*, boast an earthy aroma unlike any other. When roasted, their rich and meaty texture and nut flavour offers a unique tasting experience in Japanese dishes. They are often cooked with rice, a soup called *dashi* broth, and *chawanmushi*, an egg custard with *matsutake*, for an enriching flavour. ***Sanma*** Pacific saury, or *sanma, is a* Japanese dish featuring a migratory fish that travels to Japan’s waters during autumn. Due to its tender flesh and crispy skin, it is best served grilled in salt with *daikon* radish and lemon. ***Chestnuts*** Also known as *kuri*, chestnuts symbolise autumn and are a popular ingredient in Japanese dishes. They are often found in the famous *kuri-gohan* and the cake-like dumpling called *kuri-manju*. Their nuttiness perfectly complements savoury and sweet delicacies. ***Ginnan*** Apart from chestnuts, ginkgo nuts are yellowish-green, chewy, and bitter. Toasted and salted *ginkgo nuts* are a popular autumn-drinking snack in most izakayas. They are also perfectly blended with *chawanmushi* (egg custard) or steamed rice, adding a crunchy taste. ***Budou*** In Yamanashi and Nagano, grapes or *budou are* a seasonal delicacy with outstanding taste. Various varieties are available, including *Kyoho* (large and sweet flavour) and *Shine Muscat* (crispy and juicy texture). ***Kaki*** Persimmons or *kaki* are abundant in Japanese food during autumn, with their vibrant orange colour growing across the country. They feature a sweet and unique texture, and there are two varieties: *Fuyu* (crispy and often eaten raw) and *Kaki* (jelly-like and sweet flavour). ***Nashi Pears*** Nashi pears are crispy and juicy fruits often added to various delicacies, including salads and desserts, for an enriching flavour. ***Yaki-Imo*** *Yaki-imo*, with its comforting taste and sweet aroma, is found in many traditional Japanese sweets. Its colour varies, including rusty orange and golden. ***Nabe*** This Japanese hot pot dish is a common comfort food that starts in autumn and brings family and friends together. There are numerous variations, including the most popular *sukiyaki* and *yosenabe*. *Sukiyaki* combines thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu with a sweet and savoury soy-based broth. On the other hand, *yosonabe* is a mix of chicken, seafood, and vegetables. ***Shinmai*** *Shinmai,* or ‘new rice,’ is enjoyed in its simplest form with its softer and moist texture. You can create a bowl of sweetness to enjoy with ginkgo nuts, chestnuts, or *matsutake* mushrooms. ***Oden*** Oden is a simmering broth or *dashi* (savoury fish with seaweed stock) with various ingredients that may vary by region and personal preferences. It is a beloved Japanese dish that offers comfort during autumn. ***Sake*** Japan’s rice wine is typical this season as breweries provide a particular type of sake called *hiyaoroshi*, brewed in the spring and aged in the summer. It’s a mild and smoother sake that is famous for autumn gatherings. [ Discover your dream home in Japan this autumn! ](https://uchijapan.com/properties)Source: [Fall in Japan: 12 Best Japan Fall Foods You Can’t Miss](https://www.byfood.com/blog/best-fall-foods-japan-p-535), [Fall in Japan: 12 Best Japan Fall Foods You Can’t Miss](https://www.byfood.com/blog/best-fall-foods-japan-p-535)