Autumn Paints Japan: A Story of Food, Nature, and Pottery

The Symphony of Colors and Scents

The first sign of autumn in Japan isn't just visual -- it's a feeling in the air. That subtle shift when the heavy summer humidity lifts, and a crisp breeze carries the promise of changing leaves.

The sweet, distinctive fragrance of kinmokusei (金木犀, osmanthus) flowers fills the air, their tiny golden blooms releasing a scent so captivating it's earned the name "thousand-mile fragrance" (千里香, senrikou).
These cute little colored flowers that look like sugar candy emit a sweet, nostalgic fragrance detectable from far away. The scent of kinmokusei suddenly makes you want to take a deep breath, signaling the definitive end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

 Kinmokuseki (金木関) in the streets of Kusatsu, Shiga prefecture.

Seasonal Cuisine and Traditional Pottery: Autumn Delicacies and Their Vessels

Matsutake Mushrooms (松茸)

A highly prized mushroom in Japan, matsutake is harvested in autumn and celebrated for its aromatic, earthy flavor.
Matsutake are a beloved ingredient in Dobin-mushi (土瓶蒸し), a traditional Japanese dish often served during the autumn and winter seasons, known for its delicate flavors and comforting warmth. The name "Dobin-mushi" comes from the type of earthenware teapot (Dobin, 土瓶) used to serve the dish.
The teapot is typically made of clay and is used to steam a variety of ingredients, usually including fish, seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables, in a light, savory broth.

Rustic vessels like Dobin and Donabe (土鍋 earthenware pot), don't just cook the mushrooms -- they enhance their forest-fresh aroma. The clay's natural properties help maintain the perfect temperature while allowing the delicate flavors to develop.



Sanma (秋刀魚) - Pacific Saury
Autumn's signature fish is served on specialized nagatezara (長手皿) -- long, narrow plates that often feature hand-carved wave patterns or delicate autumn leaf motifs.
The slightly textured surface of these handcrafted plates creates a beautiful contrast with the fish's sleek appearance while providing practical functionality for traditional condiments like grated daikon (大根) and sudachi citrus (酢橘). The slightly rough texture of hand-thrown pottery provides the perfect contrast to the fish's silvery skin.

Autumn Chestnuts - Kuri (栗)
Japanese chestnuts take center stage in both savory and sweet preparations:
- Kuri-gohan (栗ご飯): Rice steamed with chestnuts, capturing autumn's essence
- Kuri kinton (栗きんとん): A refined sweet paste made from chestnuts and sweet potato
- Mont blanc: A French-inspired dessert that's been perfectly adapted to Japanese tastes

Additional Autumn Delicacies
- Kabocha (南瓜 - かぼちゃ): Japanese pumpkin, often prepared in savory and sweet dishes or used in tempura
- Yaki Imo (焼き芋): Roasted sweet potatoes, a beloved autumn street food that brings nostalgic warmth to the season
- Hoshigaki (干し柿): Japanese dried persimmons, traditionally peeled and sun-dried in November.

Seasonal Sake and Tea Traditions

Akizake (秋酒) - Autumn Sake
This unique seasonal sake, available exclusively in autumn, is carefully aged through the hot summer months, a practice cherished since the Edo period. Traditionally served in guinomi (ぐい吞み) cups, each vessel captures the essence of autumn in every sip.

Robiraki (炉開き), The Autumn Tea Ceremony heart opening
As autumn progresses, the tea ceremony (茶道, sadō) takes on special significance with the ritual of opening the hearth (炉開き, robiraki). This November tradition symbolizes the shift to using the sunken hearth, creating a more intimate setting that aligns with the reflective nature of the season.

November holds indeed a particular importance for the tea ceremony, as it signifies the official opening of the hearth. During this ritual, a fire is kindled in the hearth, which remains closed from May through October, marking the formal arrival of winter. Known as "hearth opening" (炉開き, robiraki), this occasion is an opportunity to express gratitude for a peaceful year and to celebrate the transition into the new season. The day is both vibrant and ceremonious, and the crisp, wintry air brings a sense of calm in anticipation of the colder months ahead.

The Philosophy of Japanese Dining
Japanese cuisine reflects the heart of the Japanese people, delighting both the palate and the eyes (舌と目で楽しむ和食に見る日本人の心). This saying highlights how Japanese chefs focus not only on taste but also on creating beautifully delicate presentations. Their exceptional skills result in dishes that are a pleasure to both savor and admire.

Aligned with this philosophy, we can incorporate another sense—touch. We engage with our food through our hands, experiencing it through the pottery we hold. Each handcrafted piece contributes its own dimension to the dining experience, linking us to the season and to centuries of tradition.

Nature's Autumn Display

Momiji (紅葉) - The Art of Leaf Viewing
The changing color of leaves, especially maple trees, is one of the most cherished symbols of autumn in Japan. People enjoy viewing the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows during the Momiji-gari (紅葉狩り, leaf-viewing excursions), a practice that transforms simple walks into poetic adventures.
In Japan, three main species of maple trees come together to create a stunning symphony of colors, that both locals and tourists delight in admiring.
The Japanese Maple (イロハモミジ) showcases brilliant scarlet tones, while the Mountain Maple (山紅葉) and the Devil Maple (梶楓) deliver deep crimson and bright orange hues, respectively.

Momiji at Gero Onsen (下呂温泉), Gifu prefecture.

Susuki (薄) - Autumn's Silver Waves
Japanese pampas grass adds another dimension to the autumn landscape, its silver plumes swaying in the breeze like waves in the moonlight. This graceful grass plays a crucial role in both traditional décor and moon-viewing ceremonies.

Tsukimi (月見) - Celebrating the Autumn Moon
The traditional Japanese custom of moon-viewing during the Mid-Autumn Festival includes displaying pampas grass and eating tsukimi dango (月見団子, rice dumplings) to celebrate the full moon. Traditional pottery is carefully chosen to reflect moonlight during these celebrations.

Traditional Autumn Festivals (秋祭り)

Shichi-Go-San (七五三)
Celebrated on November 15, this Shinto festival marks a rite of passage for young children. Parents dress up their children in traditional attire and visit shrines to pray for their health and happiness.

Regional Autumn Matsuri
Many regions hold their own local autumn festivals, often with lively parades, traditional performances, and floats to give thanks for a good harvest. Notable examples include:
- Nagasaki Kunchi (長崎くんち)
- Takayama Autumn Festival (高山秋祭り)
-Danjiri Matsuri (だんじり祭り): An exciting autumn festival in the Kansai region, especially in Kishiwada, Osaka, featuring huge, elaborate wooden floats called danjiri (地車)paraded through the streets in exciting races.

Creating Your Own Japanese Autumn Sanctuary

Bringing Autumn Home
As the season progresses and the air grows colder, pottery pieces become more than just vessels -- they're carriers of autumn's warmth. Whether you're serving a full seasonal meal or just enjoying a quiet moment with tea, the right piece of pottery can transform an ordinary moment into something special.

The true beauty of Japanese autumn lies in its ability to engage all senses:
- Visual: The stunning color progression of changing leaves
- Tactile: The satisfying feel of handcrafted pottery
- Taste: Seasonal delicacies that capture autumn's essence
- Scent: Natural aromatics from seasonal flowers and foods
- Sound: The rustle of autumn leaves and gentle ceramic clicks during tea ceremonies
Building on the sensory experience of autumn, you can further immerse yourself in the season by transforming your space with thoughtful details.

Choose pottery and tableware that not only complement the flavors of seasonal foods but also bring a touch of autumn’s beauty to your table. Consider creating displays that blend traditional elements with modern simplicity, capturing the essence of the season in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.

To enhance the atmosphere, place your pottery where it can catch the natural light, allowing it to reflect the colors of the changing season. This small act of intentional placement creates peaceful, contemplative spaces that honor the warmth and tranquility of autumn.

Let your surroundings reflect the season’s beauty, and invite the senses to fully enjoy its presence.