As the season turns to autumn, it's hard not to think about all of the comforting foods that come along with the season. The quintessential Japanese fall food, the Japanese sweet potato is one of the main foods that is enjoyed in Japan. Warm and filling, mildly sweet and comforting - there is nothing like breaking apart one of these potatoes on a cold, brisk autumn day.

Kawagoe is the place that is known for their sweet potatoes. In fact, their mascot incorporates the word "imo" which means potato in the mascot's name, Tokimo. There is a specific sweet potato called the Kawagoe Imo that are grown in the region. The region is so well-known for their sweet potatoes that there is even a small sweet potato museum! Although these potatoes aren't native to the country, Kawagoe was one of the regions that attempted to grow and cultivate them because they were going through a famine due to their rice crops failing. The sweet potatoes thrived, especially in Saitama, and as a result is celebrated ever since.

Although Kawagoe is the place most well-known for their sweet potatoes, these delicious warm potatoes can be found throughout. Sweet potatoes are loved throughout the country of Japan, and they're often sold in vendor carts around various shrines and temples, as well as various food stalls. Bakeries also sell foods that incorporate a sweet potato filling and in fact, are very popular in Japan. From plain, to candied sweet potatoes, there is definitely a way for everyone to enjoy. You're definitely not enjoying the autumn season in Japan without trying a sweet potato there. 

While there are many delicious fall food staples, there truly is something special about breaking open a steaming hot sweet potato with some salt or butter, or even by itself, and eating it against the brisk autumn air.