Although the lingering summer heat continues across Japan, the country’s sweets scene is already shifting into full fall mode. In September 2026, seasonal favorites such as sweet potatoes and grapes will take center stage alongside the annual wave of “tsukimi,” or moon-viewing-inspired, treats. Here are six noteworthy seasonal sweets and dessert collections you can enjoy across Japan this September.
From September 1 through 14, Japanese fruit tart specialist Qu’il Fait Bon will hold its “GRAPE Fair” at 12 locations across Japan.
The event features nine grape-focused tarts, including varieties made with Shine Muscat grapes from Okayama, Sunshine Red grapes from Yamanashi and Nagano Purple grapes from Nagano. Some items will be exclusive to select stores.
The limited-time fair offers a distinctly Japanese way to experience the different flavors and textures of premium domestic grape varieties during peak fall season.
Beginning September 1 in Japan, Fujiya will launch a collaboration with Baskin-Robbins to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its iconic Milky candy.
One highlight is the “Milky Shortcake with Melty Strawberry Sauce,” priced at ¥626 including tax. Its rounded dome shape is designed to resemble a scoop of ice cream, bringing together elements of two familiar Japanese dessert brands in one playful cake.
Starbucks locations in Japan will launch the “Torori Mitsuimo Beni Haruka Frappuccino” and other seasonal drinks on September 2.
The beverage uses a sweet potato paste made with Japanese-grown Beni Haruka, a variety known for its rich sweetness and smooth texture. Served cold, the Frappuccino turns one of Japan’s classic fall flavors into a refreshing treat suited to the country’s still-warm early September weather.
Starbucks Japan will also introduce a baked sweet potato cake made with Beni Haruka and Annou sweet potatoes, designed to be enjoyed chilled, on the same day.
Mister Donut’s popular sweet potato-inspired “Satsumaimo Do” series returns in Japan on September 2 with a redesigned shape and texture for 2026.
The donuts now feature a distinctive form resembling three connected sweet potatoes. Five varieties will be available, including flavors inspired by stone-roasted sweet potatoes, crème brûlée and rich Japanese sweet potato desserts.
McDonald’s Japan will bring back its seasonal Tsukimi Pie on September 2 as part of the chain’s 35th-anniversary Tsukimi lineup.
The crispy pie combines sweet red bean paste and mochi with a filling made using butter from Hokkaido. The combination of sweetness, a touch of saltiness and buttery richness has helped make the dessert a familiar fall favorite in Japan.
“Tsukimi,” which literally means “moon viewing,” refers to the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the autumn moon. In recent years, the term has also become closely associated with a wide range of seasonal food releases in Japan.
Japanese café chain Komeda’s Coffee will begin its annual “Otsukimi Festival” on September 2.
For 2026, the lineup includes the “Otsukimi Shiro-Noir Yakiimo,” a fall edition of the chain’s signature warm Danish pastry and soft-serve dessert inspired by roasted sweet potatoes.
Combining two of Japan’s biggest autumn food themes — tsukimi and sweet potatoes — the dessert is likely to be one of the season’s most recognizable café treats.
September marks a clear change in Japan’s dessert landscape. After a summer dominated by refreshing fruit-based sweets, grapes, sweet potatoes and moon-viewing-inspired creations quickly take over store shelves and café menus.
With Japan still experiencing warm temperatures in early fall, September is also a particularly interesting time to explore the country’s seasonal sweets — from chilled sweet potato drinks and cakes to richer pastries and traditional Japanese-inspired flavors.
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