This note was originally shared in my weekly newsletter, Letters from Japan (and LA) — a slow and personal space where I write about Japan, culture, and life between two homes. 💌

Autumn is by far my favorite time of the year to visit Japan! Not only is the weather the best, the cozy fall vibes are immaculate. Think warm seasonal foods (soups, sweet potatoes, etc.), hot drinks, crisp autumn air, and vibrant red and yellow trees lining streets… 🤍 I love it so much!
I don’t know if it’s the cooler weather or the views out the window of the Japanese landscapes changing with the season that make long train rides feel extra cozy.
But either way, this season always pulls me towards the edges of the city to places where I can wander and be reminded that Japan is more than just neon lights and noise.
I recently shared my favorite fall day trips from Tokyo on my blog. The guide includes places where you can enjoy cozy fall vibes, vibrant fall foliage, and seasonal Japanese snacks.
➡️ Read: Favorite Fall Tokyo Day Trips
In it, I talk about where to get my favorite fall seasonal snack and how to take day trips out to Mount Fuji and Nikko. I also made sure to include notes about the best times to visit and travel tips for getting out to each area.
Cultural Nugget:
In Japan, autumn is often called “shokuyoku no aki” (食欲の秋), which means “the season of appetite.” It’s a time to savor seasonal foods like roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and persimmons. 🍠
What seasonal food do you enjoy most this time of year?
I hope you enjoyed this first Letter!
Until next time,
Remi
From Japan (and LA)
P.S. If you’d like to peek behind the scenes, I shared a cozy reflection about my own fall Japan bucket list over on Patreon.
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