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Autumn Picnics and the Magic of Japanese "Bento"

Hello everyone. The severe lingering summer heat has finally settled down, and we can now feel a pleasant, cool breeze. It is the perfect season to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Although we have been having a lot of rain lately, we should definitely make the most of our time outdoors on those rare sunny days.

Shokuyoku no Aki (The Autumn of Appetite) In Japan, we have a phrase called Shokuyoku no Aki (the autumn of appetite). The cool autumn climate naturally makes us crave delicious food. Dining at a fancy restaurant is wonderful, but how about enjoying a bento (lunch box) picnic under the autumn sky?

Japanese bentos are so beautifully and elaborately made that you don't even need to make one yourself. At popular local bento chains like "Hotto Motto," you can get unbelievably delicious, freshly made bentos at very reasonable prices. My personal favorites are the Toku Nori Taru Bento (seaweed bento with tartar sauce) and, especially this time of year, Tendon (tempura rice bowl). The rice is warm, the fried food is perfectly crispy, and it all tastes exceptionally good when eaten outside.

Buying your favorite warm bento and enjoying a peaceful lunch on a park bench while feeling the autumn breeze is a simple yet wonderful way to enjoy the season. If you are near the harbor (like here in Yokohama!), heading to a park with an ocean view is fantastic, as the fresh sea breeze feels amazing.

Unfortunately, it has been raining a lot this autumn, but on those precious sunny days, let's make sure to spend them pleasantly outdoors!