'Harvest season' in Japan

Autumn has arrived! The golden and red leaves, the wonderful weather, and the many unique festivals make Japan a fantastic travel destination.

Japan has many unique festivals held in the autumn. (Source: Kyodo News)

Autumn is not only considered the most beautiful season in Japan, but it is also the ideal time for tourists to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.

The cool autumn days, with their golden sunshine and deep blue skies, become a top choice for travelers worldwide . This is also considered the time to enjoy tranquil nature, as maple forests change from green to red. In the gentle air and soft sunlight, the trees gradually change color, creating a vibrant and eye-catching natural landscape with bright orange, red, and yellow foliage.

Bright and lively

With its gentle and romantic scenery in the cool weather, visitors can visit a hot spring resort called Onsen.

Onsen resorts are renowned for their high-class, sophisticated service, utilizing natural hot springs to provide relaxation for visitors after a long day of hiking and sightseeing. Many are located in rural or mountainous areas, and most offer overnight stays for guests.

Autumn in Japan is also harvest season. In the countryside, the golden rice fields are harvested early, and the rice stalks are neatly tied up or hung in rows. During this time, the Japanese hold many autumn festivals, sporting competitions, and recreational activities throughout the country. Many lively activities offer exciting experiences for tourists.

Spectacular festivals

People often mention several unique festivals and cultural events that are sure to leave unforgettable impressions when traveling to Japan in the autumn.

Sumo wrestling is considered a distinctive cultural feature and a traditional sport, with many special, solemn, and colorful rituals. Sumo matches take place on a clay arena covered with sand. Sumo wrestlers, with their imposing physiques, are the pride of Japanese sports. Each year, Japan holds six major sumo tournaments: three in Tokyo, one in Osaka, one in Nagoya, and one in Fukuoka. Each tournament begins on a Sunday and lasts 15 days. The Autumn Sumo Tournament is held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, in mid-September each year. This is one of the most attractive and worthwhile autumn events, drawing many tourists. If you have the opportunity to travel to Japan, don't miss the chance to participate in this event.

Yabusame, or horseback archery, is a ritual rooted in martial arts, established in this country hundreds of years ago. It was a horseback archery competition organized by feudal lords to test the skill and strength of samurai warriors.

Today, Yabusame is not just a sporting event, but also a religious ceremony. Yabusame is held throughout the country. In Tokyo, in late autumn, people flock to Meiji Jingu Shrine, the venue for the most famous Yabusame performance in the Land of the Rising Sun, deeply rooted in Shintoism, the national religion of Japan.

The Sapporo Autumn Festival, held annually from September 6th to 29th, is a major culinary event taking place in Odori Park in downtown Sapporo. The festival offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to savor the culinary delights of Hokkaido.

This food festival welcomes you with a variety of tempting dishes, from fresh seafood to delicious meats and renowned Hokkaido dairy products. Treat yourself to a fantastic feast and meet like-minded foodies here!

Besides the activities mentioned above, there are countless other scenic spots and activities to experience.

"Many people say that you should visit Japan in the spring to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but personally, I think that autumn in Japan also offers visitors the opportunity to admire countless breathtaking landscapes," shared Hoang Khanh Van, a high school student from Hanoi who traveled to Japan in the autumn last year.

Autumn is also the season for simple yet delicious dishes, such as roasted sweet potatoes, roasted chestnuts, or the famously expensive Matsutake pine mushrooms. Some popular traditional Japanese dishes during this season include ramen noodles, tempura, sanma fish, mushroom soup, and more. These are just a few of the countless other tempting culinary delights that visitors should try at least once in their lifetime if they have the chance to visit Japan.

Shuso Imada, Director-General of the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center, said, "We are always ready to welcome foreign visitors."

In fact, the tourism industry is becoming an indispensable part and a priority in Japan's economic growth strategy. According to Reuters, the 17.78 million visitors in June 2024 set a new record for the past six months and is on track to break the previous annual record of 31.9 million in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, autumn is also a "harvest season" that the country's tourism industry is looking forward to.

During your travels in Japan, the subway is a popular and convenient mode of transportation in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. With precise schedules and frequent service, the subway makes it easy for tourists to reach many attractions.

Shinkansen bullet trains are also an indispensable mode of transportation when talking about Japan. These trains connect cities and rural areas at extremely high speeds, saving travel time while still ensuring quality service and a comfortable and convenient environment.

For those who want to explore the countryside and natural landscapes, buses are a suitable option. This mode of transport not only takes visitors to attractions that are difficult to access by other means, but also provides a more authentic experience of local life.

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