Halloween Choco Pumpkin Fries at McDonald’s Japan

McDonald’s Japan has joined the Halloween party by introducing some pumpkin flavoured treats to celebrate the scary season. The “Halloween Choco Potato” released to mark its 45th anniversary in Japan features golden McDonald’s French fries covered in a pumpkin and chocolate sauce.

This isn’t the first time McDonald’s have released chocolate covered fries in Japan. Earlier in the year, they created some huge media buzz with their “McChoco Potato”, French fries covered in a double chocolate sauce of milk chocolate and white chocolate. While they were only available for a limited time, the concept is now back for Halloween, with an all new addition of pumpkin added to the chocolate mix.

The Taste Test 

We at Japan Australia are always game to try something new, so headed to our local McDonald’s to test them out. How were they? Surprisingly very good! The flavour combination of sweet & savoury work really well together and the fries tasted really good. It wasn’t too sweet with the mild and subtle sweetness from the chocolate combining well with the saltiness of the fries, which was balanced nicely with the savoury fruity pumpkin sauce. A real winner in our books!

The Halloween Choco Pumpkin Fries come in a cute Halloween box

The sauce is served separately in a plastic snap pack sachet

When squeezed the two sauces drizzle out together

The colours and flavours of Halloween

The Halloween Choco Pumpkin Fries are available for a limited time until Halloween at McDonald’s restaurants across Japan and cost 330 yen (USD$3.28). You can also purchase them for an additional 60 yen as part of any set deal. Hurry before they vanish like a ghost from the menu forever.

Recent Unique Menu Items from McDonald’s Japan

Tsukimi Burger (Moon Viewing Burger) 2016

McChoco Potato Chocolate Fries 

McDonald’s Japan Website

Kinro Kansha no Hi

Kinro Kansha no Hi (勤労感謝の日) or Labour Thanksgiving Day is a Japanese National Holiday that is held annually on November 23. The purpose of the holiday is to commemorate labour and production, as well as for giving one another thanks.

Special events on Kinro Kansha no Hi are held throughout Japan, which encourage thinking about the environment, peace and human rights.

It is also a great time to head out doors to enjoy the koyo (autumn leaves) season with beautiful mild weather and clear blue skies.

History of Kinro kansha no Hi 

Kinro Kansha no Hi was first held in 1948 to mark some of the changes of the post-war constitution of Japan, including fundamental human rights and the expansion of worker’s rights.

Kinro Kansha no Hi is the modern name for an ancient harvest festival known as Niiname-sai (新嘗祭). The festival in written account can trace its roots back to Emperor Temmu (667-686) and traditionally celebrated the year’s hard work in harvesting grains. In this ancient Shinto ritual, the Emperor, on behalf of the nation would make the season’s first offering of freshly harvested rice to the kami (gods), and give thanks for the harvest.

Niiname-sai was first held on November 23 during the reign of the Meiji Emperor (1868-1912) and was a nationally celebrated event.

The modern holiday was established after World War II in 1948 as a day to mark the fact that fundamental human rights were guaranteed and the rights of workers were greatly expanded under the new post-war constitution. Today, Niiname-sai is celebrated privately by the Imperial Family of Japan, while Kinro Kansha no Hi has become a national holiday.

How is Kinro Kansha no Hi Celebrated? 

Kinro Kansha no Hi is a day to encourage thinking about the environment, peace and human rights. Many special events are held throughout Japan including the Nagano Labour Festival, which local labour organizations sponsor to encourage people to think about issues affecting modern Japan. It is a day for Japanese citizens to express gratitude to one another for the hard work done throughout the year and to celebrate the fruits of those labours.

Some early grade elementary students create drawings or handicrafts for the holiday and give them as gifts to local koban (police boxes), or police stations to show their thanks and appreciation for looking after their safety.

Festivals and Events for November in Japan

 

Bunka no Hi

Bunka no Hi (文化の日) or Culture Day is a Japanese National Holiday that is held annually on November 3. The purpose of the holiday is to promote Japanese culture, the arts and academic endeavour in Japan.

Typical events on Bunka no Hi include culture festivals, art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.

November 3 is typically blessed with fine autumn weather with beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures.

History of Bunka no Hi 

Bunka no Hi was first held in 1948 to commemorate the announcement of the new post-war Japanese constitution on November 3, 1946.

November 3 was first celebrated as a national holiday in 1868, when it was called Tenchō-setsu (天長節), a holiday held in honour of the birthday of the reigning Emperor Meiji. It ceased to be a holiday following Meiji’s death in 1912, but was brought back again in 1927, when his birthday was given its own specific holiday, known as Meiji-setsu (明治節). Meiji-setsu was discontinued as a holiday with the announcement of Culture Day in 1948.

How is Bunka no Hi Celebrated? 

Bunka no Hi is a day to promote Japanese culture, the arts and various fields of academic endeavour. Festivities on the day include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.

Local and prefectural governments typically choose this day to hold art exhibitions, culture festivals and parades. For example, the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade takes place on this day every year on November 3. It is a spectacular autumn festival held at Yumoto Onsen in Hakone, west of Tokyo. The festival commemorates the journey of Japan’s daimyo, or feudal lords from the capital Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to the provinces during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The festival exhibits Edo Period clothing and historical costumes.

Elementary and Junior High schools often have a ‘Culture Festival’ on or near this day and it is common for universities to present new research and projects on Culture Day.

The prestigious ‘Order of Culture’ has been held on this day since 1936 with a special award ceremony at the Imperial Palace. The Emperor presents those who have significantly advanced science, the arts or culture with an award and it is one of the highest honours bestowed by the Imperial Family.

While this award usually goes to Japanese citizens, foreigners have been recipients in the past, most notably the Apollo 11 astronauts upon their successful return from the moon, and the literary Scholar Donald Keene.

Festivals and Events for November in Japan

Halloween Donuts at Mister Donut

October is the time for delicious autumn food in Japan with seasonal favourites such as pumpkin, sweet potato and chestnuts. Mister Donut Japan has joined the party with a new range of Halloween Donuts that feature pumpkin and sweet potato.

The new special limited edition Halloween range of donuts include Pon de Shu Donuts, which are cream-filled and are fun to eat as well as two types of Jack-o-Lantern donuts and a Pon de Ring Pumpkin.

The Halloween donuts went on sale in early October and will be available for a limited time in Japan. Here is a brief description of each donut for your enjoyment.

Pon de Shu Donut Murasaki Imo and Cookies & Cream 

The Pon de Shu Donut Murasaki Imo and Cookies & Cream features a murasaki imo (purple sweet potato) cream filled donut as well as a crunchy cookies & cream donut. 

Pon de Shu Donut Pumpkin and Cookies & Cream 

The Pon de Shu Donut Pumpkin and Cookies & Cream features a pumpkin cream filled donut as well as a crunchy cookies and cream donut.

Pon de Shu Donut Custard and Cookies & Cream 

The Pon de Shu Donut Custard and Cookie & Cream features a whipped custard cream filled donut as well as a crunchy cookies & cream donut.

Misudo Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Yellow 

The Misudo Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Yellow donut is made with cookie dough, which gives it a light and crunchy pastry texture. It is coated in a pumpkin glaze and perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween.

Misudo Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Chocolate 

The Misudo Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Chocolate donut is also made with cookie dough and features both a white and milk chocolate coating giving it the appearance of a mask.

Pon de Pumpkin 

The Pon de Pumpkin donut is a limited edition Pon de Ring just for Halloween that has a pumpkin glaze and pumpkin seed topping.

The donuts come in a cute Halloween box, which is a great idea. Here are a few pictures from my recent taste test. I hope you enjoy them and Happy Halloween from Japan!

 
Mister Donut Japan Website 

Taiku no Hi

Taiku no Hi (体育の日) or Health and Sports Day is a Japanese National Holiday that is held annually on the second Monday of October. This year Taiku no Hi will be on Monday, October 12.

Taiku no Hi commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games on October 10, 1964, and is a day to promote both sports and an active lifestyle.

History of Taiku no Hi 

 

Taiku no Hi first started as a national holiday on October 10, 1966, just two years after the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. October was chosen as the unusually late time for the Olympics due to its beautiful weather and in order to avoid the Japanese rainy season.

In 2000, Taiku no Hi was moved to the second Monday in October as a result of the Happy Monday system to promote more long weekends in Japan.

How is Taiku no Hi Celebrated? 

Health and Sports Day is a day to promote sport and physical and mental health. A lot of schools in Japan hold their sports festivals (運動会) on this day, which is similar to a mini Olympics with a variety of physical activities ranging from traditional track-and-field events to fun games like tug of war and sack races.

Sports Festival in Gifu

 How will you celebrate Taiku no Hi this year? 

Festivals and Events for October in Japan

Shubun no Hi

Autumn Equinox Day or “Shubun no Hi” (秋分の日) in Japanese is an annual Japanese National Holiday that usually occurs on September 22 or 23. This year Shubun no Hi will be on September 23.

Shubun no Hi marks the changing of the seasons in Japan and commemorates the autumnal equinox, which is a 24-hour period when day and night are the same length. From this day on, days begin getting shorter than nights in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be seen as the official start of autumn in Japan and a sign that cooler days are to come.

It is part of the ‘Silver Week’ holiday period in Japan and follows on from Keiro no Hi which is held on the third Monday of September.

History of Shubun no Hi 

Shubun no Hi first started as a national holiday in 1948. It is a day to mark the changing of the seasons in Japan as well as a day to pay our respects to our deceased ancestors.

In the past, the autumnal equinox was called Shuki-koureisai (the autumn festival of the Emperor’s spirits), and was a day where the emperor worshipped his deceased ancestors.

How is Shubun no Hi Celebrated? 

Many memorial services take place at temples around Japan. People also visit the graves of their ancestors to offer rice cakes called ohagi, clean the tombstone, and offer incense and flowers. It is a time to pray to our deceased ancestors to comfort their spirits.

Image Source

Keiro no Hi

Respect for the Aged Day or “Keiro no Hi” (敬老の日) in Japanese is an annual Japanese National Holiday held on the third Monday of September.

This year Keiro no Hi will be on September 21st and is part of the 'Silver Week' holiday period in Japan.

Keiro no Hi was established as a day to honour elderly citizens and celebrate longevity in Japan. 

History of Keiro no Hi 

Keiro no Hi first started as a national holiday in 1966, but can trace its origins back to 1947 when Taka-cho in Hyogo Prefecture declared September 15, “Old Folks Day”, highlighting its elderly citizens and celebrating longevity. Its popularity soon spread nationwide and it became an official national holiday in 1966. It was originally held every September 15th, but changed in 2003 when the Happy Monday System kicked in, moving it to the third Monday of September.

How is Keiro no Hi Celebrated?

To honour their elders, many Japanese communities throw parties and offer special gifts to bring even more longevity to their lives. Young school children in Japan are encouraged to present their grandparents with presents or handmade gifts to celebrate the occasion and show their respect and appreciation.

Image Source

Japanese media take the opportunity of ‘Respect for the Aged Day’ to feature the elderly by reporting on the population and highlighting the oldest people in the country. Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world with men on average living to 80 and women 87 (WHO 2015).

Japanese citizens who became 100 years old in the 12 months before Keiro no Hi receive a silver sake dish on Respect for the Aged Day.

Top 5 Autumn Colour Spots in Gifu

Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan is a great spot to enjoy the colourful Autumn leaves in Japan. We are lucky to be surrounded by mountains in Gifu which means lots of trees, especially beautiful Japanese maple trees. This is a post we shared on the fantastic website, Cheapo Japan, a guide to getting the most out of Japan on a budget.

The best time to view the fall foliage is typically early November to early December. Here are my top 5 spots to see the Autumn leaves in Gifu.

Gujo Hachiman Castle 

Gujo Hachiman Castle perched atop Mount Hachiman in Gujo Hachiman is worth a visit just alone for its beautiful castle, but the colourful Autumn leaves make this experience even more enjoyable. Every Autumn the surrounding grounds of the castle come alive with ablaze of colours. The Autumn leaves contrast beautifully against the white walls of the castle. You can also enjoy the foliage at night when the trees are illuminated from sunset to 9pm.

Address: 659 Hachiman-cho, Yanagimachi, Gujo, Gifu Prefecture 501-4212
Best Time: Early to Late November
Admission: FREE to the surrounding area, 310 yen to enter the castle

Autumn Colours at Gujo Hachiman Castle

Yoro Park 

Yoro Park on the western edge of Gifu Prefecture near Mie Prefecture is a picturesque place situated between the stunning Yoro Mountains and Ibigawa River. The main attraction of the park is the famous Yoro Falls, ranked among the top 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The park and surrounding area has an impressive collection of Japanese maple trees which make it a breathtaking spot to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Address: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro-cho, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Late November to early December
Admission: FREE to Yoro Park

Autumn Colours at Yoro Park

Oyada Maple Valley 

The Oyada Maple Valley in Mino City is considered one of the best locations in Gifu to appreciate the autumn leaves. The valley which includes Oyada Shrine is surrounded by around 3,000 Japanese maple trees, some more than 1,000 years old. The contrast of the vermilion reds, apricot oranges and golden yellows of the trees against the traditional carvings of the shrine is magnificent. It is a sight not to be missed in Autumn.

Address: Oyada, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Mid November to early December
Admission: FREE to the shrine and surrounding valley

Autumn Colours at Oyada Maple Valley

Ena Valley 

The Ena Valley in Ena City is a must see location in Autumn. The red and yellow of the beautiful maple leaves create a mesmerizing reflection in the emerald-green water of the river. The best spot to enjoy this breath-taking sight is from a sightseeing boat on the water. Make sure to take a soak in the hot spring bath to continue the fabulous view. I recommend the early evening to see the sun setting in all its glory.

Address: Okudo, Oi-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Early to Mid November
Admission: FREE to the valley

Gifu Park 

Gifu Park located right under Mount Kinka in Gifu City is where samurai warlord, Oda Nobunaga made his famous palace and home. The park is stunning in Autumn with the whole park coming alive in brilliant red and yellow colours. Gifu Castle at the summit of Mount Kinka is also spectacular when surrounded by Autumn colours. There is a Chrysanthemum Flower Show held every year from late October to late November.

Address: Omiya-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Mid to Late November
Admission: FREE to the Gifu Park (Gifu Park picture)

Autumn Colours at Gifu Park

Autumn Colours Forecast 2014 in Japan

Top 5 Autumn Colour Spots in Tokyo and Kanto

Tokyo has an almost endless number of spots for viewing autumn leaves, from quiet neighbourhood parks to large Japanese gardens. Even after living in the country for over 5 years I am still coming across new spots, and hope to find even more this year. Plus it’s not just central Tokyo, as the mountains in west Tokyo and nearby Saitama have a large number of easy to access spots.

Here are my top 5 spots in and around Tokyo. 

Mount Takao 

Mount Takao is one of the most well known mountains near central Tokyo, and is the best mountain to go for autumn leaves. This mountain, as well as many of the surrounding ones, is covered in golden and red leaves. I had a great time hiking up to the top, then coming halfway down to enjoy a beer and all-you-can-eat food in the beer garden. There is a large selection of routes, so it’s good for any age or type of hiker. There is also a cable car that can take visitors half way up.

Access: Take the Keio line to Takaoguchi station.
Best Time: November
Admission: FREE

Mount Takao

Takahata-Fudoson Temple 

While this place seems to be reasonably well known to local tourists, it didn’t have any foreign tourists. The whole complex, with its stunning pagoda surrounded by autumn trees and hill forest covered in golden and red leaves, is well worth the journey. There are also some great shops for souvenirs, stalls selling traditional Japanese sweets such as Taiyaki and lots of little temple buildings and gardens to explore.

Address: 733 Takahata, Hino-shi, Tokyo 191-0031
Best Time: November to early December
Admission: FREE

Takahata Fudoson Temple

Inokashira Park 

A great place to see how the Japanese crowds like to enjoy autumn colours. This famous park gets full of all kinds of performers, dancers and artists, as well as stalls trying to sell all kinds of trendy souvenirs. Inokashira Park is therefore a great place to see beautiful red and golden leaves in a casual, but fun atmosphere.

Address: Kichijoji, Tokyo
Best Time: November to early December
Admission: FREE

Showa Kinen Park 

This former military base was turned into a massive park during the boom years, and the amount of money really shows. I have been here many times, both for autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, and always run out of time! It really is one of the biggest parks I have ever been to, but could better be described as a ‘park of parks’. There is a traditional Japanese garden, a few forests, modern gardens and much more. All these sections, as well as the outside promenade, are filled with stunning autumn colours.

Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0014
Best Time: November to early December
Admission: Adults 410 yen, Children 80 yen

Showa Kinen Park

Heirin Temple 

This place really took me my surprise! This temple is not well known outside Japan, but it should be. Get away from the tourist buses and explore a real temple during the autumn colour season at Heirin Temple. There are lots of little temple buildings and mini Japanese gardens, plus a large forest to enjoy. All the areas are full of golden and red leaves, with different varieties of trees, so you will have a good chance of seeing something good.

Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Nobitome, Niiza, Saitama 352-0011
Best Time: November to early December
Admission: FREE

Heirin Temple

Matthew Baxter 

Matthew is a blogger and website designer who has lived and travelled in Japan for over 5 years. He writes the Japan budget travel guide Cheapo Japan, a website dedicated to showing tourists how to enjoy Japan without burning all their money away. Please check out http://www.cheapojapan.com/ for lots of super useful tips and guides.

Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park

Yoro Park (養老公園) is regarded as one of the best spots in Gifu Prefecture for the beautiful Autumn Leaves. Yoro lies at the western edge of Gifu Prefecture close to Mie Prefecture. It is beautifully situated between the Yoro Mountains and the Ibigawa River. The main attraction of Yoro Park is the spectacular Yoro Falls, which is ranked among the top 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. In Japanese it is called Yoro no Taki (養老の滝). The waterfall is about 32 meters high and 4 meters wide. The water from the falls is top quality and is also ranked one of the top 100 best spring water in Japan. The water is said to not only give silky smooth, clear skin but cure all diseases as well. It is believed the water can returned lost hair and restore failing eyesight. It is basically a Japanese Fountain of Youth! Well, that is according to Empress Gensho, who ruled Japan during the Nara Period from 715-724. She was so impressed with Yoro Falls that she even named her era after Yoro in 717.

Yoro no Taki (Yoro Falls)

There is also a famous legend surrounding the power of Yoro Falls “Kokogenjonai”. According to the legend, in the 8th century, a poor woodcutter and his father lived in the area. One day, the woodcutter went into the woods to find firewood and discovered the water of the spring had turned to sake. He filled a gourd with the spring water/sake as this was his father’s favourite drink, and as they were so poor they couldn’t afford to buy it. The woodcutter brought the water/sake to his elderly father who was very sick. The father drunk the sake and was instantly returned to good health. The transformation of the water to sake was believed to be the gods rewarding the son for his dedication to his father.

Spring Water at Yoro Falls

The water today is not sake but tasty water and the locals make a carbonated drink from it called “Yoro-sanroku Cider”. It is a must try when at Yoro Falls. The water of Yoro Falls is naturally filtered through the mountain of chalk that is Mount Yoro, producing water rich in minerals and natural gases.

Yoro-sanroku Cider

Yoro Park has around 3000 cherry trees the bloom during the spring, as well as many Japanese maple trees that turn the park into ablaze of yellow, orange and red during the Autumn. The mountains surrounding the waterfall and park are stunning this time of the year and many people visit the park to see the changing leaves or Koyo (紅葉) in Japanese.

Beautiful Autumn Colours at Yoro Park

The park is also home to the Site of Reversible Destiny (養老天命反転地). A conceptual art project that opened in 1995. According to their website, it is an “experience park” conceived on the theme of encountering the unexpected. By guiding visitors through various unexpected experiences as they walk through its component areas, the site offers them opportunities to rethink their physical and spiritual orientation to the world. The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and entry costs 710 yen (USD$7.10).

More Pictures of Yoro Park

Starting Point at Yoro Park

Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park

The Beautiful Path to Yoro Falls

Lantern Shaped Light at Yoro Park

The Famous Yoro Falls

Red Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park

Yoro Park Manhole Cover

Yoro Park Information 

Location: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro-cho, Gifu Prefecture
Closed: Mondays & from December 29 to January 3
Admission: FREE to Yoro Park but entrance fees apply for the Site of Reversible Destiny
Access: Yoro Park can be reached by car with parking available. Public Transportation is also available with trains running from Ogaki to Yoro Station. From Nagoya take the JR Tokaido Line to Ogaki Station and then change to the Kintetsu Yoro Line. The park is a short 10 minute walk from Yoro Station.

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