Campervan Adventures: Top Japanese Cultural Experiences in September

Are you visiting Japan in September? If so, and you’re planning to rent a campervan, this blog is perfect for you! In this post, we’ll share fun and unique cultural activities that you can enjoy only in early autumn. With a campervan, you can travel freely and stop wherever you like. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the cool weather and the beautiful autumn scenery across different parts of Japan.

At JAPAN ROAD TRIP, we offer multiple rental locations across Japan. This makes it easy for you to plan your road trip and choose where you want to go. We also give discounts to customers who book early or rent long-term, so be sure to take advantage of these deals for a lower rental fee!

Now that you’re ready to hit the road, here are the top 5 Japanese cultural experiences you can enjoy in September!

Make Susuki (Pampas Gress) Arrengements

One traditional way to welcome autumn in Japan is by making Susuki (pampas grass) arrangements. These are often displayed during Tsukimi, the moon-viewing festival. The graceful grasses represent a good harvest and are used to decorate homes as a way to honor nature.

You can also try this tradition by joining a hands-on workshop. In the class, you’ll make your own moon-viewing arrangement using preserved flowers. It comes in a box, so it’s easy to keep and take home with you.

You can book the class using the link below. The price is 6,600 yen (tax included).

For more details, visit their website:

https://www.jalan.net/kankou/spt_guide000000185139/activity/l00000C88B/

Location:

Roast Sweet Potatoes

Yaki imo, or roasted sweet potatoes, are a classic Japanese autumn treat. They’re made by slow-roasting satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potatoes) over hot stones. As a result, this method enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a soft, fluffy texture. In fact, many people find yaki imo nostalgic and comforting, especially when sold from trucks that drive through neighborhoods during the cooler months.

In addition to food trucks, you can also find yaki imo at supermarkets, either raw or already cooked. Moreover, some farms across Japan offer sweet potato digging experiences, where you can harvest the potatoes yourself. This makes for a fun seasonal activity—especially when paired with camping—since you can then roast your freshly dug sweet potatoes over a fire and enjoy them right away.

Shine Muscat Picking

Shine Muscat is a high-quality type of seedless green grape from Japan. It is known for its crisp texture, sweet taste, and edible skin. Typically, the season runs from late August to October.

During this time, many farms in Japan offer Shine Muscat picking. Visitors can walk through the vineyards and learn about grape growing. Additionally, they can enjoy fresh grapes straight from the vine.

When you visit, you usually have two choices. First, you can eat as many grapes as you want within a set time. Alternatively, you can take home the grapes you picked. However, the option depends on the farm’s rules.

Check out the link below to discover recommended farms in Japan, where you can also make a reservation in advance for a smooth experience!

For more details, visit their website:

https://www.jalan.net/news/article/668995/#03

Try Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)

Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a traditional Japanese practice. It means spending time in the forest. You connect with nature using all your senses. Instead of hiking or exercising, you walk slowly and mindfully. You breathe deeply. You listen to birds and rustling leaves. You enjoy the fresh forest air.

Research shows that Shinrin-yoku reduces stress hormones. It also lowers blood pressure. In addition, it strengthens the immune system. It helps improve mood and mental clarity. This happens because it helps you relax and focus.

Many people in Japan visit forests and parks for this healing experience. They especially enjoy it during seasonal changes. The scenery is at its best then.

If you feel stressed or want a peaceful escape, Shinrin-yoku is a great choice. It is a simple way to boost your health. You do this by immersing yourself in the calm forest atmosphere.

Check the link below for places to visit to experience Shinrin-yoku in autumn.

For more details, visit their website:

https://www.jalan.net/news/article/724599/

Hataori experience

Hataori, or traditional Japanese weaving, is a skilled craft where artisans use hand-operated looms to create beautiful textiles. This ancient technique produces unique fabrics often used for kimonos and other traditional garments.

By experiencing hataori firsthand, you can truly appreciate the delicate process and rich cultural heritage behind every thread. Additionally, this experience lets you weave traditional silk fabrics on a high-grade takahata loom and tour the Tatsumura Koho Nishiki weaving workshop.

There, you’ll see restored textiles and learn more about Japan’s cultural heritage. While you can’t take the fabric home, you will have the chance to take a photo on the loom and receive an original postcard as a keepsake. Therefore, this rare opportunity is perfect for those interested in traditional crafts, culture, or educational trips. You can make a reservation in the link below.

For more details, visit their website:

https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/21847

Location:

Summary

There are many other places to visit and activities to try to enjoy the start of autumn in Japan. You can also check out our blog about the Top 5 September Campervan Destinations in Japan to find more ideas. If you have any questions or want to book with us, feel free to contact us by mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger!