Autumn in Australia vs. Japan What’s Different? 🍁
Autumn has arrived in Gold Coast! While we enjoy the cooler breeze and golden afternoons, have you ever wondered what autumn is like in Japan? Over there, the season runs from September to November, bringing breathtaking scenery, seasonal flavours, and unique traditions.
If you’re curious about Japanese culture, here are some customs that make autumn in Japan so special.
🍁 Momijigari – The Tradition of Admiring Autumn Leaves
Autumn in Japan is famous for its stunning maple leaves, which turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The tradition of Momijigari—literally “maple leaf hunting”—is a popular activity where people visit temples, parks, and mountains to take in the breathtaking views. Many bring picnics to make the most of this seasonal spectacle.
🍠 Yakiimo – Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cooler days call for warm, comforting foods, and in Japan, Yakiimo is a seasonal favourite. These sweet potatoes are slowly roasted over hot stones, making them incredibly soft and naturally sweet. You’ll often hear street vendors calling out as they sell them from small trucks.
📚 Dokusho no Aki – Autumn is the Season for Reading
There’s a Japanese saying that autumn is the perfect time to read. With cooler weather and cosy evenings, it’s an ideal time to curl up with a good book and a warm drink.
🍂 Shokuyoku no Aki – The Season of Appetite
Autumn in Japan is all about seasonal food! Ingredients like matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, and freshly harvested rice are at their best. Many people look forward to enjoying warm, hearty dishes featuring these autumn delicacies.
🎑 Tsukimi – The Moon Viewing Festival
Tsukimi is a centuries-old tradition where people gather to admire the bright autumn full moon, which is considered the most beautiful of the year. Families and friends celebrate by eating Tsukimi dango, small rice dumplings offered to the moon.
🍂 Koyo Zensen – The Changing Colours of Autumn Leaves
Just like Japan has a cherry blossom forecast in spring (which is happening right now), autumn is tracked through the Koyo Zensen, a forecast that follows the changing colours of the leaves from the northern regions down to the south. It’s a much-anticipated seasonal event that attracts visitors from all over the country.
As we enjoy autumn here in Gold Coast, it’s fascinating to see how the season is celebrated in Japan. Which of these Japanese traditions would you love to experience? 🍁
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