Isn’t November just the most perfect month? The kind where you can still enjoy short sleeves, yet feel the cozy charm of unpacking last year’s sweaters creeping in. The trees begin to flaunt their golden hues, as if nature herself is shifting into a more vibrant chapter. Local cafes are rolling out their seasonal favorites, filling the air with the warm scents of autumn. And we’re inching closer to the year's end, with just enough time to reset and reflect before the next chapter begins.
Today, KABIN is here to share a few Japanese words and phrases to get you into the November spirit and embrace the beauty of deep autumn.
Bunka sai 「文化祭」: School Festival
俺たちの学年に面白い奴が揃っているので、文化祭をいつもより楽しみにしている。
Ore tachi no gakunen ni omoshiroi yatsu ga sorottieru no de, bunka sai wo itsumo yori tanoshimi nisiteiru.
We have a bunch of interesting people in our year at school, so I’m looking forward to the school festival more than I usually do.
Sanma 「秋刀魚」： Mackerel Pike
私は秋刀魚を食べる時、必ず大根おろしも用意する。
Watashi wa sanma wo taberu toki, kanarazu daikon oroshi mo youi suru.
Any time I eat mackerel pike, I always make sure I have some grated radish to go with it.
Momiji gari 「紅葉狩り」 ：Autumn Leaf Viewing
秋になったら京都へ行って紅葉狩りをしようと思っているけど、オススメのスポットはないかな？
Aki ni nattara Kyoto e itte momiji gari shiyou to omotteiru kedo, osusume no spotto wa nai kana?
I want to visit Kyoto in autumn and view the leaves. Any spots you recommend?
Aki Ba-re 「秋晴れ」： Clear Autumnal Weather
雨が２週間くらい続いたけど明日から秋晴れらしいぞ！
Ame ga nishuukan kurai tsudzuita kedo, ashita kara aki bare rashii zo!
It rained for the past two weeks, but we’re getting some clear autumn weather starting tomorrow!
Niku man 「肉まん」： Meat Bun
コンビニの肉まんの発売が始まった。ずっと待っていたよ！
Konbini no niku man no hatsu bai ga hajimatta. Zutto matteita yo!
The convenience store started selling meat buns again. I’ve been waiting for this!
Susuki 「ススキ」： Silvergrass
鴨川沿いのススキがとても綺麗！
Kamogawa zoi no susuki ga totemo kirei!
The silvergrass along the Kamogawa River is very pretty!
Kouyou/Momiji「紅葉」： Autumn leaves
今年の紅葉の見頃はいつかな？
Kotoshi no momiji no migoro hai tsu kana?
When is the best time to see the autumn leaves this year?
Nabe 「鍋」：Japanese hot pot
うちのお母さんは秋になると鍋ばっかり作って年明け前に飽きちゃうよ。
Uchi no okāsan wa aki ni naru to nabe bakkari tsukutte toshiake mae ni aki chau yo.
My mom makes nothing but hot pot in the fall, and I get tired of it before the new year comes.
Mikka Tsuki 「三日月」: Crescent moon
ベンチに座っているカップルが寒空を漂う三日月を眺めていた。
Benchi ni suwatte iru kappuru ga samuzora wo tadayō mikazuki wo nagamete ita.
A couple sitting on a bench watching the crescent moon drifting through the cold night sky.
Naga Sode 「長袖」：Long sleeves
今年の夏は長すぎ！はやく長袖を着たいよな。
Kotoshi no natsu wa nagasugi! Hayaku nagasode wo kitai yo na.
This summer is too long! I can't wait to wear long sleeves.
Nido Ne 「二度寝」：Falling back to sleep (after waking up once)
最近の朝は寒くて起きても布団から出られず二度寝しちゃう。
Saikin no asa wa samukute okite mo futon kara derarezu ni do neshichau.
Recently, mornings have been so cold that I have trouble getting out of bed. Even if I wake up, I just go back to sleep.
Traveling to Kyoto or Osaka this November or later this fall? 🍂 Book your stay with us at one of our KABIN hotels for the perfect base to explore the season’s most stunning fall foliage spots! Our KABIN Hotel crew know all the best ways to avoid the crowds and uncover hidden gems, so you can experience the magic of Japan’s autumn 2024 at its finest. 🍁