10 Must-See Japan Autumn Festivals

Autumn Festivals, called “Aki Matsuri”, are one of the best things to do in Japan during fall. In this article, we introduce 10 must-see Japan autumn festivals as well as other events and activities to take part in. 

Table of Contents

1. What is “Aki Matsuri (秋祭り)”?
2. 10 Must-See Japan Autumn Festivals
3. Prepare Yourself for Japan Autumn Festivals
4. Other Autumn Events and Activities in Japan

What is “Aki Matsuri (秋祭り)”?

Aki Matsuri (秋祭り) is Japanese for “autumn festival”. Festivals are commonly held during autumn, the season of harvest, to show gratitude to the gods for the bountiful harvest. Autumn festivals are a response to spring festivals, which are held to pray for a good harvest. 

Autumn is also a season of transition that shows the cycle of life in nature. In many cultures, it is revered as a sacred season. Therefore, people also hold prayers and rituals to pray to the gods for harmony with nature. 

Autumn in Japan lasts from September to November. The weather during autumn in Japan, especially from October, is usually cool and pleasant, making it ideal for attending Japanese autumn festivals. 

During Aki Matsuri, the countryside and cities alike come alive with lively processions, portable shrines (mikoshi), elaborate floats, music, and traditional dance. In many ways, these festivals highlight the deep connection Japanese culture holds with the changing seasons, making autumn an ideal time to experience local traditions in their full splendour.

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10 Must-See Japan Autumn Festivals

Most autumn festivals are held in the months of October and November. Here are 10 of the most popular Japanese autumn festivals. There are many more festivals held across Japan, so check the area you are visiting to see what’s available. 

1. [Fukushima] Nihonmatsu Festival

• Location: Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Date: October 1st to 3rd

Held every year from October 1st to 3rd, Nihonmatsu Festival (二本松祭り) in Fukushima is an event for locals to express their gratitude to the gods. The highlight of this Japanese autumn festival is the lantern parade. Participants carry tall lanterns weighing up to 40 kg on their shoulders and parade through the streets of the city. This is not only a physical challenge but also has spiritual significance, symbolising the wisdom and guidance of light in life.

2. [Saitama] Kawagoe Festival

• Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
• Date: 3rd Weekend of October

Kawagoe Festival (川越祭り) takes place on the third Saturday and Sunday of October in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. This festival dates back to 1648 and is famous for its splendid and elaborate floats. It harmoniously blends with the old streets and traditional wooden warehouses characteristic of Kawagoe. The festival's highlight is the moment when two floats face each other and engage in a lively competition of music, dance, and performance, creating a vibrant and captivating scene.

3. [Gifu] Takayama Autumn Festival

• Location: Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Date: October 9th and 10th

Every October 9th and 10th, Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture hosts one of Japan’s most beautiful autumn festivals - the Takayama Autumn Festival (秋の高山祭). This festival takes place at the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine (櫻山八幡宮), where 11 meticulously decorated floats are displayed. The festival not only showcases these artistic masterpiece floats but also features mechanical puppet performances and traditional dances. The Takayama Autumn Festival is a unique cultural event that perfectly blends art and spiritual beliefs.

4. [Nagasaki] Nagasaki Kunchi Festival 

• Location: Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
• Date: October 7th to 9th 

From October 7th to 9th, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (長崎くんち) is held at Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社) in Nagasaki. This Japanese autumn festival reflects the cultural influence of China and the Netherlands on Japan due to its history of trade with these two countries. The Nagasaki Kunchi Autumn Festival features rich performances such as dragon dances and Dutch ship models. These performances are not only part of the performing arts but also symbolise the cultural exchange between Japan and other countries. 

5. [Hyogo] Nada no Kenka Matsuri

• Location: Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
• Date: October 14th and 15th

Nada no Kenka Matsuri (灘のけんか祭り), held on October 14th and 15th in Hyogo Prefecture, is famous for its float battles. Known as the “Fighting Festival”, the highlight of the festival is the “Mikoshi Awase (神輿合わせ)” event. On October 14th, 7 mikoshi (portable shrines) from different regions gather in the city, and on October 15th, 3 of them battle it out by colliding violently against each other in a heated competition. 

6. [Tochigi] Nikko Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival

• Location: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
• Date: October 16th and 17th

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival (日光東照宮秋季大祭) is the biggest festival in Tochigi’s Nikko area. It is held in the famous and historical Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that is the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu and where his spirit is enshrined. 

Highlights of the festival are the Yabusame (流鏑馬; horseback archery) performance and the "Parade of 1,000 Samurai Warriors" that reenacts the procession that took place when Tokugawa Ieyasu’s spirit was relocated to Nikko. 

7. [Kyoto] Jidai Matsuri

• Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 
• Date: October 22nd

Jidai Matsuri (時代祭り), “Festival of the Ages” in English, celebrates the history and culture of Kyoto. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession with over 2,000 participants dressed in authentic period costumes including historical figures, horse riding and ox carts, illustrating Kyoto’s history over the past 1,200 years. 

8. [Saga] Karatsu Kunchi

• Location: Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
• Date: November 2nd to 4th 

Karatsu Kunchi Festival (唐津くんち) is one of Kyushu’s most iconic events. It is one of the “Kyushu 3 Great Kunchi (九州三大くんち)” alongside Nagasaki Kunchi (Nagasaki Prefecture) and Hakata Okunchi (Fukuoka Prefecture). The Karatsu Kunchi is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The highlight of the festival is the parade float which features massive floats representing mythical creatures to the accompaniment of musical instruments and the chants of “Enya, Enya”. 

9. [Yamaguchi] Kitsune no Yomeiri Festival

• Location: Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• Date: November 3rd

Kitsune no Yomeiri Festival (狐の嫁入り) is based on the legend of a pair of white foxes who protected Hosei Temple (法静寺) and the village. The foxes are enshrined in Hanaoka Fukutoku Inari Shrine (花岡福徳稲荷社) where the “fox wedding” is held every year. The festival is also known as the “Inaho Festival (花岡福徳稲荷社)”. The highlight of the festival is the fox wedding procession, where everyone wears a fox mask. It is believed that those who participate in the procession will find a good marriage partner. 

10. [Tokyo] Tori no Ichi

• Location: Asakusa, Tokyo Metropolis 
• Date: 2 to 3 times in November

Tori no Ichi (酉の市), the “Rooster Market” Festival, is held on “Rooster Days (酉の日, Tori no Hi)” following the Chinese zodiac calendar that falls twice or thrice in November each year. Tori no Ichi is mainly celebrated in Kanto, with the biggest Tori no Ichi Festival held in Otori Shrine (鳳神社) in Asakusa. 

The highlight of Tori no Ichi is the selling of Kumade (熊手), the central symbol of the festival. Kumade is a decorative bamboo rake adorned with charms. It symbolises “raking in good fortune” and blesses those who display it in their homes or businesses with luck and wealth. 

A highlight unique to Asakusa’s Otori Shrine’s Tori no Ichi Festival is the “Eagle Dance” where dancers wearing eagle masks dance bravely to ward off evil spirits to the tempo of Taiko drums. 

Prepare Yourself for Japan Autumn Festivals

Dress for the Weather

During autumn in Japan, temperatures can vary greatly during the day and night. We recommend dressing in layers to easily adapt to the changes in temperature. Carry a light jacket with you for the evenings and nights when it becomes colder. 

In addition, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Chances are you will be doing lots of walking while you enjoy the festival atmosphere. 

Avoid Littering and Keep the Place Clean

Festivals will usually have a designated area for disposing rubbish. It may be inconvenient but carry your trash with you until you find the right place to dispose of it. 

Most Stalls are Cash-Only

Bring cash with you. Some stalls may accept QR code payments, but generally most of them only accept cash. 

Research about the Festival

Take the time to do some research about the festival you are attending. Festivals in Japan usually have historical backgrounds, and knowing the origins of the festival will enhance your experience. Take note of the highlights of each festival so you do not miss the most important parts. 

Other Autumn Events and Activities in Japan

The festivals we have introduced are traditional Japanese festivals with deeply rooted traditions, history and cultural values. However, there are also other types of autumn festivals in Japan. 

Fireworks Festivals

Although fireworks are synonymous with summer in Japan, there are also fireworks festivals held in autumn, which is good news for those who dislike the summer heat.

Autumn fireworks festivals include:

• Kobe Harbour Fireworks (Hyogo Prefecture) in October
• Tamagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo) in October 
• Sanriku Fireworks Competition (Iwate) in October
• Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition (Ibaraki) in November
• Narita Fireworks Festival (Chiba) in November

and more.

Read more about Hanabi Taikai (花火大会) here.

Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing)

Momijigari (紅葉狩り) refers to the activity of autumn leaf viewing. As the leaves change colour, travellers are drawn to famous autumn foliage spots across the country. There is ginkgo that turns a bright yellow, and maple (momiji / kaede) that turns orange and red. 

Many temples, gardens, and parks across Japan feature nighttime illuminations during peak autumn foliage. Famous light-up locations include Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Rikugien Garden in Tokyo, and Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.

Read more about Japan Autumn Leaves here.

Seasonal Flower Festivals

Autumn brings a variety of beautiful blooms that are celebrated through seasonal flower festivals. There’s festivals for red spider lilies (higanbana), cosmos, kochia, autumn roses, and chrysanthemums. For more details and recommendations for places to visit, have a look at this article.

Halloween

Halloween has become increasingly popular in Japan, with events held across the country, particularly in Tokyo and Osaka. Theme parks like Tokyo Disney, Universal Studios Japan, Immersive Fort and Huis Ten Bosch organise Halloween parades and performances, themed decorations and Halloween-inspired treats to create a Halloween atmosphere. 

Shichi-Go-San

Celebrated on November 15th, Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is a rite of passage for children aged three, five, and seven. Families dress their children in traditional kimonos and visit shrines to pray for their health and well-being.

To Close

Japan’s autumn festivals offer a vibrant blend of culture, history, and seasonal beauty, inviting locals and travellers alike to partake in centuries-old traditions. Alongside these celebrations, autumn foods, scenic leaf-viewing, and other seasonal events provide even more ways to experience Japan’s charm. 

Whether you’re wandering through illuminated maple forests, savouring a warm yakiimo on a chilly evening, or admiring the craftsmanship of traditional floats, Japan’s autumn festivals promise memories as vibrant as the season’s colours.