Seasonal Food to Try in Tokyo in October 2026 |Tokyo Guide

October is one of the best times to visit Tokyo—not only for its cooler weather and beautiful autumn atmosphere, but also for its delicious seasonal food.

Japanese cuisine celebrates eating ingredients when they are at their best. In this Tokyo Guide in October, here are some seasonal favorites to look out for.

The undisputed king of autumn seafood, **Sanma** - Photo credit: The Japanese Food Lab

Sweet Potatoes — Yakiimo

Warm, naturally sweet, and comforting, yakiimo (roasted sweet potato) is an autumn favorite. You’ll also find sweet potato-flavored soft serve, cakes, and other seasonal desserts.

Chestnuts — Kuri

October is peak season for chestnuts. Look for Mont Blanc, chestnut cakes, wagashi, and chestnut rice. Their rich, nutty flavor is perfect for autumn.

Mushrooms — Kinoko

Maitake, shimeji, shiitake, and other mushrooms feature heavily in autumn dishes. Try them grilled, in hot pots, or cooked with rice.

**Matsutake mushrooms** being grilled over charcoal - Photo credit: FUN! JAPAN

Sanma — Pacific Saury

Sanma is one of Japan's classic autumn fish. Usually grilled and served simply with grated daikon and citrus, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

Grilled **Sanma** with citrus and shredded daikon on the side - Photo credit: Nippon.com

Persimmons — Kaki

Bright orange and naturally sweet, kaki (persimmons) are another classic autumn fruit. Enjoy them fresh or look for them in seasonal desserts.

Matcha & Autumn Sweets

Don't forget dessert! Look for seasonal wagashi and matcha sweets featuring chestnut, sweet potato, pumpkin, and autumn fruits.

Different shapes of **Wagashi** - Photo credit: resobox

Taste Tokyo This Autumn

From traditional Japanese dishes to limited-time desserts, October is a wonderful month to discover how the changing season influences Tokyo's food culture.

Looking for more Tokyo things to do? Explore local neighborhoods, discover seasonal food spots, and ask a local Tokyo guide about the specialties worth trying during your visit.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to Japan, tasting seasonal food is a delicious way to experience Tokyo beyond the usual sightseeing.

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