In Japan, autumn is celebrated in many different ways, often described as ‘the season of XX’. It can be 'the season of sports (運動の秋)', when the cooler air makes exercise enjoyable; 'the season of reading (読書の秋)', a time to curl up with books; or 'the season of the arts (芸術の秋)', when people turn their attention to creativity and culture.
But perhaps the most beloved expression is shokuyoku no aki (食欲の秋) – ‘autumn, the season of appetite.’ After the intense summer heat, appetites return, harvests are plentiful, and food takes centre stage. Last year, we explored the season of the arts; this year, let us celebrate ‘the season of appetite’ and discover how Japanese dining traditions can inspire the way we enjoy food here in the UK.
Autumn Flavours in Japan
Japanese autumn is celebrated through seasonal ingredients that each carry their own cultural meaning:
• Matsutake mushrooms – Rare and aromatic, grilled or steamed with rice to highlight their delicate flavour.
• Kuri (chestnuts) – Roasted, mixed into rice, or made into wagashi (traditional sweets).
• Fruits of the season – From kaki (persimmons) and nashi (Japanese pears) to freshly harvested grapes and even the first apples, autumn fruits are enjoyed fresh, dried, or as elegant gifts to celebrate the season.
• Sanma (Pacific saury) – A long slender fish similar to sardine with rich, oily flesh and a strong, savoury flavour. Simply salted and grilled whole, a dish that embodies the taste of the season.
• Satsumaimo (sweet potatoes) – A beloved autumn snack, often roasted whole (yaki-imo) and sold from street stalls, their natural sweetness and warmth are the taste of crisp autumn days.
• Shinmai (new rice) – The year’s freshly harvested rice, treasured for its sweetness and aroma.
Even a warm cup of green tea or genmaicha (roasted rice tea) becomes a seasonal pleasure, offering comfort as the evenings draw in.
Autumn Flavours in the UK
While the ingredients are different, the spirit of autumn dining is shared in Britain. Here too, people look forward to seasonal foods that bring warmth and nostalgia:
• Apples and pears – Baked into crumbles, pies, or enjoyed fresh from orchards.
• Pumpkins and squash – Used in comforting soups or roasted for hearty meals.
• Wild mushrooms – Foraged and cooked into risottos, stews, or creamy sauces.
• Chestnuts – Roasted on open fires or enjoyed at Christmas markets, echoing Japan’s kuri.
• Root vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and beets that shine in stews and roasts.
• Blackberries and plums – Turned into jams, puddings, or enjoyed in crumbles.
Just as Japanese people delight in matsutake, persimmons, and new rice, people in the UK look forward to their own autumn harvest: apples, blackberries, and chestnuts that taste all the sweeter because they belong to this season.
Dining as an Art
In Japan, dining is never only about eating; it is about presentation and atmosphere. Bowls, plates, chopsticks, and trays are chosen to reflect the season. Autumn settings often feature earthy glazes, rustic ceramics, or motifs inspired by fallen leaves and grasses.
This attention to detail transforms a meal into a mindful experience. A simple bowl of rice, a serving of fruit, or a cup of tea feels special when presented with care. It’s a philosophy that can easily be brought into your homes too!
Bringing Autumn Dining Into Your Home
Japanese tableware isn’t only for Japanese cuisine, its beauty and versatility make it perfect for the seasonal foods we enjoy here in the UK as well. By blending the best of both traditions, you can create a table that feels both familiar and inspiring.
• Apple Crumble or Blackberry Plum Pudding
Serve in a deep ceramic dessert bowl with a rustic glaze. The earthy tones highlight the golden crumble topping and rich autumn fruit. Why not try one of our chawanmushi pot?
(Shibuki Ceramic Japanese Chawanmushi Pot)
• Pumpkin or Root Vegetable Soup
A large bowl is perfect for generous servings of warming soup. Pair with a lacquer tray or side plate to carry bread or rolls alongside. We offer a gorgeous blue bowl that complements the autumn colours and a convenient size tray.
(Blue Chrysanthemum Ramen Bowl) ( Small Brown Wood Effect Tray)
• Nashi Pears or British Pears
Slice and arrange elegantly on a lacquer tray or serve in small dessert bowls. Their delicate sweetness pairs beautifully with Japanese tableware that enhances their simplicity and freshness. This stunning blue plate will showcase the white flesh pear beautifully.
(Premium Solid Blue Japanese Round Wooden Plate)
• Roasted Chestnuts
Present them in a wide, shallow serving platter or bowl, making them easy to share at the table. The natural textures of Japanese ceramics echo the seasonal feel of this nostalgic treat. This large rustic plate is great for sharing too!
(Sapporo Large Ceramic Japanese Platter)
• Mushroom Risotto or Stew
Use ceramic bowls for individual servings. Their weight and shape keep dishes warm longer, ideal for chilly autumn evenings. Why not experience the creamy risotto in one of our versatile ceramic bowls?
(Shima Japanese Ramen Noodle Bowl)
• Mulled Apple Juice or Spiced Tea
Swap mugs for Japanese teacups — smaller, elegant, and designed to warm the hands as you sip. Pair with a matching teapot for a cosy, authentic feel. Why not discover our chic teapot set perfect for brewing your favourite hot beverages?
(Black Nanban Traditional Japanese Tea Pot Set)
Whether it’s a comforting British classic or a traditional Japanese dish, the right tableware adds a sense of care and beauty to every meal.
Celebrate the Season of Appetite
Wherever you are in the world, autumn is a time to pause, give thanks for the harvest, and enjoy meals that comfort the soul. In Japan, it is the season of appetite; in the UK, it is the season of crumbles, roasts, and fireside feasts.
By adding touches of Japanese tableware and tradition to your home, you can make this autumn’s meals not just nourishing but beautiful.
Discover our collection of Japanese tableware, teacups, and dining accessories and let every autumn meal become a celebration of both flavour and season!