In Japan, autumn is more than just a season. It is a time to enjoy many things — good food, books, art, nature, and festivals.
There is a special phrase that Japanese people love:
“___ no Aki”, or “Autumn of ___.”
You can fill in the blank with anything you enjoy — food, sports, art, even photography. It’s a fun and personal way to enjoy the season.
Let’s look at some of the most popular ways people in Japan celebrate autumn. Maybe you will find your own favorite too!
What Is “___ no Aki”? – A Japanese Way to Enjoy Autumn
In Japan, people often say “___ no Aki”, which means “Autumn of ___.”
It’s a fun way to enjoy the season by filling in the blank with something you love — like food, sports, art, or reading.
For example:
・Shokuyoku no Aki = Autumn of Appetite (enjoying lots of good food)
・Geijutsu no Aki = Autumn of Art (enjoying culture and creativity)
・Sports no Aki = Autumn of Sports (a great time to move your body)
・Dokusho no Aki = Autumn of Reading (a perfect time to enjoy books)
Why do Japanese people use this phrase?
Because autumn in Japan is a very special season.
The weather is cool and pleasant. The air is fresh. The leaves turn red and gold. Many fruits and vegetables are in season, and there are many cultural events and festivals.
That’s why Japanese people think autumn is the best time to enjoy many different things — and they created this unique way of saying it.
So, let’s explore the many ways to enjoy autumn in Japan.
Maybe you will find your own “Autumn of ___.”
How Japanese People Enjoy Autumn
In Japan, there are many ways to enjoy the autumn season. People love to eat, move, create, and relax during this cool and colorful time of year.
One unique way Japanese people describe this is with the phrase “_ no Aki,” or “Autumn of _.”
Let’s take a closer look at four popular types of “_ no Aki” and how they show the many joys of autumn in Japan.
Shokuyoku no Aki – Autumn of Good Appetite
In Japan, autumn is often called “Shokuyoku no Aki”, which means “Autumn of Appetite.” But this is not just a feeling — there are real reasons why people feel hungrier in autumn.
When summer ends, the air becomes cooler. Your body needs more energy to stay warm. So your metabolism becomes more active, and this naturally increases your appetite.
Also, many people lose their appetite in the hot summer. But in autumn, the cooler weather helps your body recover, and you start to feel hungry again.
This season also brings many delicious foods.
New rice, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, chestnuts, grapes, and pears — these are all at their best in autumn. Their smells and flavors make your mouth water!
Some scientists even say that humans still have a natural instinct to eat more in autumn, to prepare for the cold winter ahead.
So, it’s not just in your head. Many things — weather, body, food, and even instinct — work together to make autumn the best time to eat!
When you visit Japan in autumn, try some seasonal dishes like:
You’ll understand why Japanese people say, “Autumn is the season of good food.”
Geijutsu no Aki – Autumn of Art and Culture
In Japan, autumn is often called “Geijutsu no Aki,” or the “Autumn of Art.”
This idea became popular in 1918, when a famous Japanese magazine called Shincho used the words “Autumn of Fine Arts.” From that time, many people began to enjoy art during this season.
But why autumn?
First, the weather becomes cool and comfortable after the hot summer. You can walk outside without getting too hot or too cold. This makes people feel relaxed and calm. It’s a great time to enjoy quiet things like art, music, or writing.
Second, autumn is full of beautiful colors. Red and gold leaves, bright skies, and clear air can give people inspiration.
Many artists and photographers love this season because of the natural beauty. It’s also a popular time to visit gardens, temples, or museums.
If you visit Japan in autumn, here are some ideas to enjoy Geijutsu no Aki:
・See a special art exhibition at a museum like the Tokyo National Museum or Kyoto National Museum
・Try a hands-on activity like calligraphy, tea ceremony, or making Japanese sweets
・Visit a temple during a light-up event with music or traditional dance
・Take photos of colorful leaves and seasonal flowers
Autumn in Japan is not only a season to look — it’s a season to feel and create.
Let your heart be inspired by the calm weather, beautiful nature, and rich culture. That is what Geijutsu no Aki is all about.
Dokusho no Aki – Autumn of Reading and Relaxation
Autumn in Japan is also called “Dokusho no Aki,” or the “Autumn of Reading.” This idea has both a long history and a natural reason.
Long ago, in the 8th century, a Chinese poet named Han Yu wrote a famous line:
“Reading under the lamp in autumn feels calm and close.”
He meant that cool nights and soft lights made reading more peaceful and enjoyable.
This poem came to Japan, and in 1908, the famous Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki used it in his novel Sanshirō. From that time, many people began to think that autumn is a good time to enjoy books.
Later, in 1947, Japan started Reading Week at the end of October. This also helped the idea of “Autumn of Reading” become more popular.
But even today, people still feel the same. Why?
Because autumn is quiet and cool.
The hot and humid summer is gone. The air is fresh. The nights are longer, and it feels nice to stay inside with a warm drink and a good book.
If you visit Japan in autumn, you can enjoy this peaceful feeling too:
Autumn gives your mind space to slow down.
That’s why many people in Japan enjoy reading during this special season.
Sports no Aki – Autumn of Moving Your Body
In Japan, autumn is often called “Sports no Aki”, or the “Autumn of Sports.”
One reason for this comes from history. In 1964, the Tokyo Olympics were held on October 10.
This date was chosen because it usually has good weather. Later, this day became a national holiday called “Health and Sports Day.”
From that time, many schools and towns started having sports events in October.
Even though the holiday date has changed now, October is still a season full of sports. Many schools have sports festivals, and people enjoy hiking, jogging, or playing outside.
Why is autumn such a good time for movement?
Because the air is cool and dry.
The hot summer is over, but the cold winter hasn’t come yet. It’s not too hot, not too cold — just right for outdoor activities. There are also fewer rainy days, so it’s easier to plan events.
In old Japan, people in farming villages used to be busy in summer.
But when autumn came, they had more free time. So they often enjoyed physical activities together, like carrying festival floats or dancing at harvest events.
Today, people in Japan still enjoy moving their bodies in the fresh autumn air.
If you’re in Japan during this season, why not try:
・Walking or hiking in the mountains with colorful leaves
・Renting a bike and exploring the countryside
・Joining a fun run or outdoor fitness event
・Just stretching in a quiet park and feeling the cool breeze
Autumn gives your body and mind new energy.
That’s what “Sports no Aki” is all about.
Experience Japanese Autumn Events
Autumn in Japan is full of exciting events.
You can enjoy beautiful nature, traditional festivals, sports, and even modern culture — all in one season!
Let’s take a look at some popular autumn events across Japan.
Momijigari – Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Japan
One of the best things about autumn in Japan is the changing leaves.
The trees turn red, yellow, and orange. This beautiful tradition is called “Momijigari,” or “hunting for autumn leaves.”
The colors start to change when the weather gets cooler.
So, the season begins in the north and in the mountains. Then, the colors slowly move south and to lower areas.
For example:
・In Hokkaido, the leaves start turning in mid-September
・In mountain areas like Tohoku and Nagano, colors peak in October
・In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, the best time is from mid-November to early December
Even in the same area, the timing changes by height. This means some places can enjoy fall colors for over a month!
Two of the most popular places for leaf viewing are Nikkō in Tochigi and Kyoto.
Nikkō is famous for its bright colors and beautiful nature. The best time there is from late September to mid-November.
Kyoto has many old temples and gardens. The red leaves make a beautiful match with the historic buildings, especially from mid-November to early December.
Some places also have night light-up events, where the colorful trees glow in the dark. It’s a peaceful and magical way to enjoy Japanese autumn.
Autumn Festivals – A Taste of Tradition
Japan has many local festivals in autumn. These events often include music, food, and dancing. Some are hundreds of years old!
Here are a few famous ones:
These festivals are great ways to feel the heart of Japanese culture.
How Halloween Became a Fun Part of Autumn in Japan
Halloween has become a big autumn event in Japan since the 2000s.
Unlike in the West, it’s not about religion or harvest. Instead, it’s all about costumes, street fun, and sharing the moment.
In cities like Shibuya (Tokyo) and Amerikamura (Osaka), many people dress up in anime or spooky costumes and gather to take photos and enjoy the night.
It’s popular with both kids and adults, and the atmosphere is friendly and open — even strangers enjoy taking pictures together.
Because of the crowds, local areas now set rules and safety plans.
Shibuya has traffic control and peaceful events.
At the same time, big theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan offer special Halloween shows, parades, and goods from September to October.
In Japan, Halloween is a time when everyone can become the star for a day.
It’s fun, colorful, and full of surprises!
What’s Your Perfect Autumn in Japan?
So, what’s the best way to enjoy autumn in Japan?
That’s easy — make it your own!
Love food? Go for a Shokuyoku no Aki — a season of tasty bites.
Enjoy art or taking photos? Try Geijutsu no Aki — the artistic side of fall.
Need quiet time? Relax into a Dokusho no Aki with a good book.
Feeling active? Move your body with a fun Sports no Aki!
In Japan, people use the phrase “___ no Aki” to show how they enjoy this beautiful season. You can do the same — just fill in the blank!
Maybe this year is your “Tabi no Aki” — a season of travel. Or maybe it’s a “Hakken no Aki” — a season of discovery. The choice is yours.
Take a deep breath…
Look around…
And find your own “___ no Aki” in Japan.
Your autumn adventure is waiting.
✨ Want to enjoy Japanese autumn in style?
Wearing a kimono is a beautiful way to connect with tradition while exploring temples, gardens, or fall festivals.
👉 Check out our guide to Kimono Rental in Japan
Learn how to try it, what it means, and where to start — even as a first-timer!
