Must-Try Japanese Foods in Fall Road Trips

Are you traveling to Japan this fall? If you’re a foodie, it’s the perfect time!

Fall in Japan is called「食欲の秋 (shokuyoku no aki)」—the season of appetite— because seasonal foods reach their peak flavor during this time.

In this blog, we’ll introduce must-try Japanese foods that you can enjoy while exploring the country on a campervan road trip.

During fall in Japan, you can rent a campervan to fit your itinerary, as JAPAN ROAD TRIP has branches all across the country. This makes planning a road trip effortless and flexible.

You can also take advantage of special campaigns, such as early bird discounts and long-term rental discounts, to save even more on your trip. Right now, there’s also an autumn campaign offering 25% off the basic rental fee, giving you an extra chance to travel for less.

Once you have your campervan, you can explore the roads of Japan at your own pace, enjoying fall scenery and tasting seasonal foods wherever your journey takes you.

Matsutake Mushrooms

One of the must-try foods in Japan during fall is Matsutake mushrooms (松茸). Known for their distinctive earthy aroma and firm texture, these mushrooms are considered a true symbol of autumn. You can enjoy them in matsutake gohan (rice cooked with mushrooms), dobin mushi (steamed teapot soup), or simply grilled to perfection, letting their natural flavor shine.

Pacific Saury

Another autumn favorite in Japan is Sanma (Pacific Saury / 秋刀魚). This long, slender fish is at its peak in fall, packed with rich, oily flavor. The classic way to enjoy it is grilled with salt (shioyaki), served with grated daikon and a squeeze of citrus. Simple, yet bursting with umami, sanma embodies the taste of Japanese autumn and is a must-try for any foodie visiting during the season.

Japanese Pumpkin

Kabocha (Japanese Pumpkin / かぼちゃ) is a beloved autumn ingredient in Japan. Its naturally sweet, creamy flesh makes it perfect for a variety of dishes, from tempura and soups to simmered dishes (nimono). In fall, you’ll often find kabocha featured in seasonal meals, showcasing the comforting flavors of Japanese home cooking. Whether roasted, steamed, or fried, kabocha is a must-try for anyone exploring Japan’s autumn cuisine.

New Harvest Rice

Shinmai (新米 / New Harvest Rice) is one of the highlights of Japanese autumn. Harvested freshly in fall, this rice is extra fragrant, slightly sweet, and has a wonderfully soft texture. Many locals and travelers alike enjoy it simply steamed, letting its natural flavor shine, or as a base for matsutake gohan, onigiri, or sushi. Experiencing shinmai is a delicious way to taste the very essence of Japan’s fall season.

Persimmons

Persimmons (柿 / Kaki) are a quintessential taste of Japanese autumn. Their bright orange color and natural sweetness make them both visually stunning and delicious. You can enjoy them fresh, dried (hoshigaki), or even in desserts, and they’re often sold at roadside stands during fall, making them perfect for a campervan road trip snack. Biting into a perfectly ripe persimmon is a simple pleasure that truly captures the flavors of autumn in Japan.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes (さつまいも / Satsumaimo) are one of Japan’s most beloved autumn treats. Roasted sweet potatoes (yaki-imo) are a popular street snack, sold from trucks or stands that fill the air with a warm, sweet aroma. Beyond roasting, satsumaimo is also used in tempura, desserts, and traditional wagashi, making it a versatile seasonal ingredient. Enjoying a sweet potato in fall is a simple, comforting way to taste the season while traveling through Japan.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts (栗 / Kuri) are a classic symbol of Japanese autumn. Their naturally sweet and nutty flavor makes them a favorite for both savory and sweet dishes. In fall, you can enjoy chestnuts roasted as snacks, cooked into kuri gohan (chestnut rice), or used in seasonal desserts like cakes and wagashi. Tasting fresh chestnuts while exploring Japan’s countryside or local markets is a delightful way to experience the flavors of the season.

Oden

Oden (おでん) is a comforting Japanese hotpot dish that’s perfect for chilly autumn days. It consists of daikon radish, boiled eggs, konnyaku, and various fish cakes simmered slowly in a flavorful dashi broth. Each ingredient soaks up the savory soup, creating a warm, hearty meal. Enjoying a steaming bowl of oden from a street stall or convenience store while exploring Japan in fall is a classic seasonal experience that truly warms both the body and soul.

Nabe

Nabe (鍋料理 / Hotpot Dishes) is a quintessential comfort food in Japan, especially during the crisp fall season. Various ingredients like seasonal vegetables, tofu, seafood, and thinly sliced meats are cooked together in a simmering broth, creating a hearty, communal meal. Whether enjoyed in a cozy restaurant, a traditional inn, or even cooked in your campervan’s portable stove, nabe lets you taste the warmth and flavors of Japanese autumn wherever you are on the road.

Seasonal Wagashi

Seasonal Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese sweets that beautifully reflect the flavors and aesthetics of autumn. Often shaped like maple leaves, chestnuts, or chrysanthemums, these delicate confections are made from ingredients such as red bean paste, rice flour, and sweet chestnuts. Paired with a cup of matcha, wagashi provides not only a taste of the season but also a glimpse into Japan’s rich culinary artistry. Enjoying seasonal wagashi during a fall campervan journey adds a sweet and culturally immersive experience to your trip.

Summary

Whether you’re stopping at local markets, roadside stalls, or cooking in your campervan, experiencing these seasonal foods is a delicious way to immerse yourself in Japan’s fall culture.

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