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The return of oden to convenience stores in Japan is a signal that fall is coming, and for many this means relief from the oppressive heat and humidity that kills the appetite. In fact it’s rather good timing, as autumn foods are especially delicious; they even have an old adage for it: Shokuyoku no Aki, or “autumn is the season for eating”.
Most famous fall food in Japan is oden, the king of autumn dishes. Ingredients of this simmering hot pot vary throughout the country, but most commonly you will find daikon radishes, boiled eggs, konnyaku, tofu and processed fishcakes.
Other famous foods include matsutake mushroom, kaki (persimmon), kuri (chestnuts), yakiimo (roasted Japanese sweet potato).
There are many fantastic fall foods from which to choose, each with their distinct flavor and regional variation. The great thing about Japanese autumn food is the fact that, to reflect the still pleasant weather, it ranges from hearty and hot to fresh and delicate. Why not try some oden or roasted sweet potatoes from your closest supermarket or convenience store?

In all Japan, especially in Tokyo, hot summer days continue. Japanese summer is, first of all, famous Japanese summer festivals, or Matsuri. From small local festivals near residential areas, to big events that go on for several days. Beautiful paper lanterns, Mikoshi (people carrying portable shrines through the streets), delicious street food and fun games, Bon Odori dance that everyone can join – Japanese festivals are full of fascinating activities that you can only experience in summer. There’s always a lot of couples who enjoy the festivals dressed in yukata, traditional Japanese summer clothing.
When the night comes, most festivals have fireworks going off, and when they stop, festival is also coming to its end.
Seeing a young man shyly talking to a girl in yukata, who came to the festival alone, and smiling all the way home from this adorable summer moment.
It’s already august, and summer is soon coming to an end, but summer festivals are still being held all over Japan. If you’re in Japan, you should definitely try going to one of them, and create some more great summer memories for yourself too.