10 Autumn Festivals must visit on your trip to Japan

Festival period: Mid-October
Nagoya Festival is characterized by its gorgeous processions and historical productions. Don’t miss the “Local Heroes Procession” featuring the three great heroes, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. This festival, which colors the streets of Nagoya, will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to history.

Festival period: Mid-October
Tokyo Yosakoi Festival is an event where dancers from all over Japan gather to perform enthusiastic performances. The colorful costumes and energetic dancing captivate the audience and add color to autumn in Tokyo. Enjoy the dynamic atmosphere where music and dance come together.

Festival period: The third Saturday and Sunday of October.
Kawagoe Festival is a festival where gorgeous floats carrying elaborate dolls parade through Kawagoe’s old Kurazukuri district. The highlight is the “Hikkawase”, where the floats compete with each other in musical accompaniment, and the race at night under the glow of lanterns is particularly spectacular. With a history of over 370 years, it is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Festival period: 5 days from late October to early November
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is one of the largest hot air balloon events in Japan. You can enjoy a spectacular view of colorful balloons soaring through the sky. This is a popular event with families, and you will be captivated by the dreamlike scenery that unfolds when you look up at the sky.

Festival period: September 14th to 16th
The Morioka Autumn Festival is a festival with over 300 years of tradition, centered around the “Morioka Dashi”, an intangible folk cultural asset designated by Morioka City. The sight of the floats, lavishly decorated with Kabuki and famous historical scenes, parading through the town to the sounds of taiko drums is a spectacular sight. It is a fascinating event where you can experience the local culture and history.

Festival period: September to October
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a traditional festival with over 300 years of history. You can enjoy the powerful and dynamic procession during the day, and the beautiful Danjiri decorated with lanterns at night. This festival, filled with local passion and pride, is held in the atmospheric scenery and attracts visitors.

Festival period: October 9-10
The Autumn Takayama Festival is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, and features gorgeous floats and intricate Karakuri puppet performances. At night, the festival is lit up with lanterns, creating a fantastical sight. Set against the backdrop of Hida Takayama’s historic streets, this festival allows you to enjoy the traditional beauty and craftsmanship of Japan, making it an unforgettable experience.

Festival period: Early October
The Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival is a massive tug-of-war event held in Naha City, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Thousands of participants pull on a rope that exceeds 200 meters in length, creating an impressive and dynamic spectacle. The festival concludes with a grand fireworks display, offering an exciting event that blends Okinawan tradition with modern energy.

Festival period: October 7th to 9th
Nagasaki Kunchi is a festival held at Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, which has a history of over 380 years. The highlight is the votive dance, a nationally designated important intangible folk cultural asset, which each town performs in rotation every seven years with all their might. During the festival, the chants of “Mottekoi” echo through the city, enveloping Nagasaki in an atmosphere of excitement and energy.

Festival period: October 22nd
The Jidai Festival began to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian. Approximately 2,000 citizens parade through the streets of Kyoto, dressed in historical costumes from the Meiji Restoration to the Heian period. The procession, with its meticulously researched costumes, hairstyles, and ceremonial tools, resembles a living historical picture scroll. It is a rare opportunity to experience both history and culture at once.