Koyo refers to the changing autumn colors. When the lush green leaves of deciduous trees show-of red, yellow, or brown foliage, summer is over, and thus signify the start of fall.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons. Aside from the fair weather, the sceneries are equally beautiful in comparison with spring, that's why autumn is always referred to as second spring time.
Apart from leaf-peeping and pumpkins, here are the popular autumn activities to watch out in Japan.
1. Making momiji tempura
Maple leaves or in "momiji" in Japan could be eaten after being saltened or sweetened with batter and deep fried.
2. Wearing kimono with maple leaf patterns
When you happen to attend formal occasions, it is best to complement the season by wearing kimono with fabric designed with maple leaf patterns. The less-formal Yukata can also be worn when you visit a shrine or a temple.
3. Harvesting chestnuts
Autumn is also means harvesting chestnuts. If in Western countries, chestnuts roasting on an open fire is for Christmas, in Japan, it's best to eat kuri in autumn. Visitors can also join festivals related to chestnuts.
4. Grilling sanma
Sanma or mackerel pike is a seasonal fish in Japan. During winter, they are perfect, grilled in an open flame.
5. Spend extra bucks for rare mushroom
Matsutake mushroom is a rare mushroom known for its distinct spicy-aromatic odor, sold for extravagant price. Splurge and spend a little to taste this one.
6. Helping out to harvest rice
Some of the Japanese in the cities return to rice fields to help harvest rice grains. In the rural areas, they offer the first fruits to gods. They also celebrate festivals to thank for bountiful harvests.
7. Camp before winter comes
While the hibernating season hasn't come yet, and the summer humid is over, people take the opportunity to camp out.
8. Go out and play or read book
Since the National Sports Day falls in autumn, and the season doesn't give too much warm nor cold air, it is the perfect season to play outside or read books, under the fiery maple tree.
9. Make a pilgrimage in temples and shrines
Japan, especially in Kyoto, you can well appreciate the season more by visiting the placid temples and shrines. The temples' gardens are perfect place to unwind and release stress.
10. Eat sweet potato
Sweet potato is a popular autumn food in Japan, as it is plentiful in this season. The varied colors of these sweet tubers also go well with the season. Autumn wouldn't be complete without sweet potato soup or pie, isn't it?
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