日本の秋を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、日本の秋に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 日本の秋の基本知識
- 9月〜11月にかけての季節で、四季の中でも特に人気
- 紅葉：赤や黄色に色づく木々、観賞する文化を「紅葉狩り」という
- 気候：涼しくて空気が澄み、観光や屋外活動に最適
- 旬の食べ物：さつまいも、栗、松茸、新米、秋刀魚など、季節限定の味覚が豊富
- 文化活動：「芸術の秋」「食欲の秋」「読書の秋」など、感性を楽しむ言葉も多い
- 秋の行事と文化
- 紅葉狩り：紅葉の名所を訪ねて景色を楽しむ習慣
- 月見：中秋の名月を鑑賞する行事、団子やすすきを飾り、満月を愛でる
- 秋祭り：高山祭（岐阜）や時代祭（京都）など、歴史や伝統を感じる祭りが各地で行われる
- 文化祭や芸術鑑賞：学校や地域で文化イベントが多く開催される
- 観光・紅葉スポット・祭り
- 湿気が少なく、過ごしやすいので旅行のベストシーズン
- 京都（清水寺、嵐山など）、日光（華厳の滝周辺）、箱根は全国的に有名な紅葉名所
- 時代祭（京都）や高山祭（岐阜）は秋に行われる代表的な伝統祭り
2人が日本の秋の魅力について、話しています。
紅葉狩り、月見、食欲の秋の食材・料理、季節の和菓子など日本の秋ならではの文化や伝統を話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been thinking… I really want to experience more of Japan’s autumn this year.
That’s a great idea! Autumn here is amazing—so many colors, flavors, and festivals. Have you seen much of it before?
Not really. I’ve seen some autumn leaves in Tokyo parks, but I want to go deeper—like, really understand what makes it special.
Then you’re in for a treat. Autumn in Japan is one of the most beautiful seasons. The air gets cooler, the skies are clearer, and the leaves turn incredible shades of red and gold.
Yeah, I heard that people actually travel just to see the leaves. Is that true?
Absolutely! It’s called momijigari—literally “autumn leaf hunting.” Places like Kyoto, Nikko, and Hakone are packed with visitors during peak season.
That sounds amazing. Are there any events or festivals I shouldn’t miss?
Definitely. There’s the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, and the Takayama Festival in Gifu. Also, Tsukimi—moon-viewing—is a peaceful autumn tradition.
Moon-viewing? Like sitting and watching the full moon?
Exactly! People decorate with pampas grass, eat rice dumplings, and just enjoy the moon. It’s very poetic.
Wow, that sounds so Japanese—in the best way.
It really is. Autumn is also called “the season of culture” in Japan. Schools have festivals, and people go to art exhibitions or concerts.
So it’s not just nature—it’s about arts and traditions too?
Right. It’s a time to enjoy both the outer beauty and inner richness of life. Also… the food is amazing.
Oh, tell me about it! I keep hearing about “autumn flavors.”
Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, matsutake mushrooms, and sanma—Pacific saury. Plus, freshly harvested rice is a big deal.
Now you’re making me hungry. So “autumn is the season of appetite,” right?
Exactly! That’s a common expression here. People say everything tastes better in autumn.
Are there any special sweets or snacks for autumn?
Yes! You’ll find chestnut cakes, sweet potato desserts, and seasonal wagashi with maple leaf designs. Perfect with green tea.
I love how everything matches the season—from food to decorations.
That’s a big part of Japanese culture. Each season has its own feeling, and people try to enjoy it fully.
So if I want to enjoy autumn to the fullest, where should I start?
I’d say plan a trip to Kyoto or Nikko during peak foliage. And don’t forget to try seasonal dishes wherever you go.
Thanks, Key. This year, I’ll really make the most of it.
You won’t regret it. Autumn in Japan is a season you’ll remember forever.
概要 / Overview
「日本の秋」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
日本の秋
Season and Weather
Autumn in Japan is from September to November. The weather becomes cool and dry, which is perfect for traveling. The sky is often clear, and the air feels fresh. People enjoy walking outside, going to parks, and taking photos. It is one of the best times to visit Japan.
Beautiful Autumn Leaves
One of the most famous things in autumn is the colorful leaves. Trees turn red, yellow, and orange. This is called kōyō in Japanese. Many people go to see the leaves in places like Kyoto, Nikko, and Hakone. This activity is called momijigari, or “autumn leaf viewing.”
Delicious Autumn Food
Autumn is also a great season for food. It is the harvest season, so many fruits and vegetables are fresh. Popular foods include sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, and fresh rice. People also enjoy grilled fish like sanma (Pacific saury). Autumn is often called “the season of appetite.”
Autumn Culture and Events
Autumn in Japan is not only about nature. It is also a time for culture. People enjoy reading, art, and music, so it is called “the season of culture.” Traditional events like the Tsukimi moon-viewing and autumn festivals are also popular.
A Season to Remember
With its beautiful nature, tasty food, and rich culture, autumn in Japan is a wonderful time for both locals and tourists. It is a season that touches the heart.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「日本の秋」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is autumn like in Japan?
Autumn in Japan is cool and dry. The weather is comfortable, and the skies are often clear. It is a great season for travel and outdoor activities.
2: When is autumn in Japan?
Autumn usually starts in September and ends in November. The weather becomes cooler from mid-September, and the leaves change color in October and November.
3: What is kōyō?
Kōyō means colorful autumn leaves. In autumn, many trees turn red, yellow, and orange. People enjoy looking at the leaves in nature.
4: What is momijigari?
Momijigari means “autumn leaf viewing.” People go to mountains, parks, and temples to enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves.
5: What are some famous places to see autumn leaves?
Famous places include Kyoto, Nikko, Hakone, and Arashiyama. These places are known for their beautiful scenery in autumn.
6: What foods are popular in autumn in Japan?
Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, and fresh rice are popular in autumn. People also enjoy grilled fish like sanma, which is in season.
7: Why is autumn called “the season of appetite”?
Many foods are in season in autumn. The cool weather also makes people feel hungry, so they enjoy eating more than usual.
8: What is Tsukimi?
Tsukimi is a moon-viewing tradition in autumn. People look at the full moon and eat special foods like rice dumplings.
9: What festivals are held in autumn in Japan?
Some famous festivals are the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto and the Takayama Festival in Gifu. These festivals show traditional Japanese culture.
10: Why is autumn popular with tourists?
Tourists enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves, tasty seasonal food, and cultural events. The weather is also good for traveling and taking photos.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been thinking… I really want to experience more of Japan’s autumn this year.
ねぇキー、最近思ってたんだけど…今年はもっと日本の秋を体験してみたいんだ。
That’s a great idea! Autumn here is amazing—so many colors, flavors, and festivals. Have you seen much of it before?
いいね！日本の秋って本当に素晴らしいよ。色もきれいだし、美味しいものもあるし、お祭りもたくさんあるんだ。今までにどれくらい楽しんだことある？
Not really. I’ve seen some autumn leaves in Tokyo parks, but I want to go deeper—like, really understand what makes it special.
いや、そんなにないかも。東京の公園で紅葉を少し見たくらいかな。でももっと深く知りたいんだよね。秋の魅力をちゃんと感じてみたいんだ。
Then you’re in for a treat. Autumn in Japan is one of the most beautiful seasons. The air gets cooler, the skies are clearer, and the leaves turn incredible shades of red and gold.
じゃあ、今年は楽しみだね。日本の秋って、四季の中でも特に美しい季節だよ。空気は涼しくなるし、空は澄んでくるし、葉っぱは赤や金色に色づいて本当にきれいなんだ。
Yeah, I heard that people actually travel just to see the leaves. Is that true?そうそう、紅葉を見るためだけに旅行する人もいるって聞いたけど、本当？
Absolutely! It’s called momijigari—literally “autumn leaf hunting.” Places like Kyoto, Nikko, and Hakone are packed with visitors during peak season.うん、本当だよ。紅葉狩りっていうんだ。「紅葉を狩る」って意味で、京都とか日光、箱根なんかは、見頃の時期は観光客でいっぱいになるんだ。
That sounds amazing. Are there any events or festivals I shouldn’t miss?
すごいね！見逃せないイベントとかお祭りってある？
Definitely. There’s the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, and the Takayama Festival in Gifu. Also, Tsukimi—moon-viewing—is a peaceful autumn tradition.
あるある。京都の時代祭や、岐阜の高山祭とかね。あと、「月見」っていうお月見の風習も秋の風物詩だよ。
Moon-viewing? Like sitting and watching the full moon?
お月見？それってただ月を眺めるってこと？
Exactly! People decorate with pampas grass, eat rice dumplings, and just enjoy the moon. It’s very poetic.
そうそう。すすきを飾って、月見団子を食べながら、ただ静かに月を楽しむんだ。すごく風情があるよ。
Wow, that sounds so Japanese—in the best way.
うわぁ、なんかすごく“日本っぽい”ね。いい意味で。
It really is. Autumn is also called “the season of culture” in Japan. Schools have festivals, and people go to art exhibitions or concerts.
うん、日本では秋のことを「文化の秋」って呼んだりもするんだよ。学校では文化祭があったり、美術展やコンサートを楽しむ人も多いの。
So it’s not just nature—it’s about arts and traditions too?
じゃあ、自然だけじゃなくて、芸術とか伝統も楽しめる季節なんだ？
Right. It’s a time to enjoy both the outer beauty and inner richness of life. Also… the food is amazing.
そのとおり。外の美しさだけじゃなくて、心の豊かさも感じられる季節なんだよね。それに…食べ物も最高だよ。
Oh, tell me about it! I keep hearing about “autumn flavors.”
それ、ぜひ聞きたい！「秋の味覚」ってよく聞くけど、どんなのがあるの？
Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, matsutake mushrooms, and sanma—Pacific saury. Plus, freshly harvested rice is a big deal.
さつまいも、栗、松茸、秋刀魚とかね。それに新米が美味しい季節でもあるよ。
Now you’re making me hungry. So “autumn is the season of appetite,” right?
もうお腹すいてきたよ。だから「食欲の秋」って言うんだね？
Exactly! That’s a common expression here. People say everything tastes better in autumn.
そうそう、そのとおり！日本ではよく使われる表現で、「秋は何を食べても美味しい」って言われてるよ。
Are there any special sweets or snacks for autumn?
秋ならではのお菓子とかスイーツってあるの？
Yes! You’ll find chestnut cakes, sweet potato desserts, and seasonal wagashi with maple leaf designs. Perfect with green tea.
あるよ！栗のケーキとか、さつまいものスイーツ、紅葉の形をした季節限定の和菓子とかね。抹茶と一緒に食べると最高だよ。
I love how everything matches the season—from food to decorations.
食べ物から飾りまで、季節感がちゃんとあるのがいいよね。
That’s a big part of Japanese culture. Each season has its own feeling, and people try to enjoy it fully.
そこが日本文化のすごいところなんだよ。季節ごとに違う雰囲気があって、みんなそれを大事にして楽しんでるの。
So if I want to enjoy autumn to the fullest, where should I start?
じゃあ、秋を思いっきり楽しむには、まずどこに行けばいいかな？
I’d say plan a trip to Kyoto or Nikko during peak foliage. And don’t forget to try seasonal dishes wherever you go.
紅葉の見頃に京都とか日光に行くのがオススメだね。どこへ行っても、その土地の秋の味覚を楽しむのを忘れずに！
Thanks, Key. This year, I’ll really make the most of it.
ありがとうキー。今年は本気で秋を満喫してみるよ！
You won’t regret it. Autumn in Japan is a season you’ll remember forever.
きっと後悔しないよ。日本の秋は、一生心に残る季節だから。
概要 / Overview
日本の秋
Season and Weather
Autumn in Japan is from September to November. The weather becomes cool and dry, which is perfect for traveling. The sky is often clear, and the air feels fresh. People enjoy walking outside, going to parks, and taking photos. It is one of the best times to visit Japan.
日本の秋は9月から11月ごろです。涼しく乾燥した気候になり、旅行にぴったりの季節です。空はよく晴れ、空気もさわやかになります。多くの人が外を歩いたり、公園に行ったり、写真を撮ったりして楽しみます。日本を訪れるには、最高の時期のひとつです。
Beautiful Autumn Leaves
One of the most famous things in autumn is the colorful leaves. Trees turn red, yellow, and orange. This is called kōyō in Japanese. Many people go to see the leaves in places like Kyoto, Nikko, and Hakone. This activity is called momijigari, or “autumn leaf viewing.”
秋で最も有名なものの一つが、色とりどりの紅葉です。木々が赤や黄色、オレンジに色づきます。これは日本語で「紅葉（こうよう）」と呼ばれます。京都、日光、箱根などの名所には、多くの人が紅葉を見に出かけます。この行動は「紅葉狩り」と呼ばれています。
Delicious Autumn Food
Autumn is also a great season for food. It is the harvest season, so many fruits and vegetables are fresh. Popular foods include sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, and fresh rice. People also enjoy grilled fish like sanma (Pacific saury). Autumn is often called “the season of appetite.”
秋は食べ物の季節でもあります。収穫の時期なので、果物や野菜が新鮮です。さつまいも、栗、きのこ、新米などが人気です。秋刀魚（さんま）などの焼き魚もよく食べられます。「食欲の秋」と呼ばれるほど、食べ物が美味しい季節です。
Autumn Culture and Events
Autumn in Japan is not only about nature. It is also a time for culture. People enjoy reading, art, and music, so it is called “the season of culture.” Traditional events like the Tsukimi moon-viewing and autumn festivals are also popular.
日本の秋は自然だけでなく、文化の季節でもあります。本を読んだり、美術や音楽を楽しむ人が多く、「文化の秋」とも呼ばれます。月を鑑賞する「月見」や、地域の秋祭りなどの伝統行事も人気です。
A Season to Remember
With its beautiful nature, tasty food, and rich culture, autumn in Japan is a wonderful time for both locals and tourists. It is a season that touches the heart.
美しい自然、美味しい食べ物、豊かな文化がそろう日本の秋は、日本人にも外国人にも素晴らしい季節です。心に残る、特別な季節といえるでしょう。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is autumn like in Japan?
日本の秋はどのような季節ですか？
Autumn in Japan is cool and dry. The weather is comfortable, and the skies are often clear. It is a great season for travel and outdoor activities.
日本の秋は涼しくて乾燥しています。気候は快適で、空もよく晴れます。旅行や屋外活動にとても良い季節です。
2: When is autumn in Japan?
日本の秋はいつですか？
Autumn usually starts in September and ends in November. The weather becomes cooler from mid-September, and the leaves change color in October and November.
秋は通常9月に始まり、11月に終わります。9月中旬から涼しくなり、10月や11月には葉が色づきます。
3: What is kōyō?
「こうよう」とは何ですか？
Kōyō means colorful autumn leaves. In autumn, many trees turn red, yellow, and orange. People enjoy looking at the leaves in nature.
「紅葉（こうよう）」とは、秋に木の葉が赤や黄色、オレンジに色づくことです。人々は自然の中でその景色を楽しみます。
4: What is momijigari?
「もみじ狩り」とは何ですか？
Momijigari means “autumn leaf viewing.” People go to mountains, parks, and temples to enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves.
もみじ狩りとは、紅葉を見に行くことです。人々は山や公園、お寺などへ出かけて紅葉の美しさを楽しみます。
5: What are some famous places to see autumn leaves?
紅葉の名所にはどんな場所がありますか？
Famous places include Kyoto, Nikko, Hakone, and Arashiyama. These places are known for their beautiful scenery in autumn.
有名な場所には京都、日光、箱根、嵐山などがあります。これらの地域は秋の美しい風景で知られています。
6: What foods are popular in autumn in Japan?
日本の秋によく食べられるものは何ですか？
Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, and fresh rice are popular in autumn. People also enjoy grilled fish like sanma, which is in season.
秋にはさつまいも、栗、きのこ、新米などが人気です。旬の魚である秋刀魚もよく食べられます。
7: Why is autumn called “the season of appetite”?
なぜ秋は「食欲の秋」と呼ばれるのですか？
Many foods are in season in autumn. The cool weather also makes people feel hungry, so they enjoy eating more than usual.
秋は旬の食べ物が多く、涼しい気候も食欲を高めるため、普段よりも食事を楽しむ人が多いからです。
8: What is Tsukimi?
「月見」とは何ですか？
Tsukimi is a moon-viewing tradition in autumn. People look at the full moon and eat special foods like rice dumplings.
月見は秋の伝統行事で、満月を眺めながら団子などの特別な食べ物を食べる習慣です。
9: What festivals are held in autumn in Japan?
日本の秋にはどんな祭りがありますか？
Some famous festivals are the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto and the Takayama Festival in Gifu. These festivals show traditional Japanese culture.
有名な祭りには、京都の時代祭や岐阜の高山祭があります。これらの祭りは日本の伝統文化を感じられるイベントです。
10: Why is autumn popular with tourists?
なぜ秋は観光客に人気があるのですか？
Tourists enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves, tasty seasonal food, and cultural events. The weather is also good for traveling and taking photos.
観光客は美しい紅葉や季節の食べ物、文化的なイベントを楽しむことができます。天気も良く、旅行や写真撮影にぴったりの季節だからです。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
treat : 名詞・動詞 /triːt/
意味: ごちそう、楽しいこと、特別な楽しみ。扱う、ごちそうする、治療する、など。A special pleasure or enjoyable experience; something nice or unexpected.
（You’re in for a treat.＝これからすごく楽しい体験が待っているよ、という秋の素晴らしさを伝える言い回し）
例文：
- This dinner is a real treat.
「このディナーは本当にごちそうだね。」 - Seeing the autumn leaves for the first time was such a treat.
「初めて紅葉を見たのは、本当に特別な体験だった。」 - She brought us chocolate as a little treat.
「彼女はちょっとしたごほうびにチョコを持ってきてくれました。」
packed : 形容詞 /pækt/
意味: 混み合っている、ぎっしり詰まっている。Very crowded or full; filled tightly.
（紅葉のシーズンに京都などが観光客で混雑していることを表す）
例文：
- The train was packed with people this morning.
「今朝の電車は人でぎっしりでした。」 - The stadium was packed during the concert.
「コンサート中、スタジアムは満員でした。」 - Her schedule is packed this week.
「彼女の今週の予定はぎっしり詰まっています。」
richness : 名詞 /ˈrɪtʃ.nəs/
意味: 豊かさ、深み、充実。The quality of being full, deep, or abundant—especially in color, flavor, or culture.
（inner richness of life＝人生の内面的な豊かさを楽しむ秋の深さを表現）
例文：
- I was surprised by the richness of the soup.
「スープの深い味わいに驚きました。」 - The novel shows the richness of Japanese culture.
「その小説は日本文化の豊かさを表しています。」 - Autumn is a season full of beauty and richness.
「秋は美しさと豊かさにあふれた季節です。」
to the fullest : 熟語 /ˈfʊl.ɪst/
意味: 最大限に、思いきり、存分に。As much as possible; completely or thoroughly.
（enjoy autumn to the fullest＝秋を思いきり楽しむ）
例文：
- Let’s enjoy the trip to the fullest.
「この旅行を思いっきり楽しもうよ。」 - She lives every day to the fullest.
「彼女は毎日を全力で生きています。」 - We want our guests to experience Japan to the fullest.
「私たちはお客様に日本を最大限に体験してもらいたいと思っています。」
foliage : 名詞 /ˈfəʊ.li.ɪdʒ/（米：/ˈfoʊ.li.ɪdʒ/）
意味: 木の葉、（特に）紅葉。Leaves on trees and plants; often used to describe colorful leaves in autumn.
（peak foliage＝紅葉が最も美しい時期）
例文：
- The mountain was covered in colorful foliage.
「山は色とりどりの紅葉で覆われていました。」 - Tourists come to see the autumn foliage every year.
「観光客は毎年、秋の紅葉を見にやってきます。」 - The park is famous for its beautiful fall foliage.
「その公園は美しい秋の紅葉で有名です。」