Japan's autumn festivals complete list

With the arrival of autumn in Japan, the land of the shining sun turns io a natural and cultural masterpiece. This season, with its colorful transition of leaves to gold and orange, creates stunning landscapes across the coury. Japan's autumn festivals are a symbol of the great culture and history of this land, which invite tourists to an experience beyond a tourist trip. This monsoon usually lasts from the end of September to November, and along with the changing colors of flowers and tree branches, it creates stunning views. As a window io Japanese culture and history, festivals and eves this time of year offer unique and engaging experiences to visitors.

From festivals such as the Takayama Festival with its ornate flutes and mechanical karakuri to the Sapporo Festival with its local Hokkaido cuisine, each of these eves pois to the novelty of local architecture and traditional art. The Jedai Matsuri festival in Kyoto depicts the cultural diversity of Japan with costumes from differe eras. All of these festivals offer tourists a chance to immerse themselves in Japan's cultural and natural experiences, bringing visitors a mix of culture, art, and nature during the fall season. Stay with us and we will iroduce you to these festivals by providing a complete list of autumn festivals in Japan in this article.

n

Why travel to Japan in autumn?

Traveling to Japan in the fall, usually from late September to November, is a popular choice for several compelling reasons:

• Japan's landscape transforms io a stunning palette of reds, oranges and yellows during autumn. The changing colors of the leaves, known as koyo or fall foliage, create stunning scenes in parks, mouains, and historic sites.
• Fall offers the perfect temperature, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. In corast to the hot and humid summer, the weather is cooler and pleasa, providing a pleasa environme for exploring the cities and natural attractions.
• Autumn in Japan is a season full of lively cultural festivals that showcase the coury's rich heritage. Attending these Japanese autumn festivals during the fall mohs offers a unique insight io Japan's cultural traditions, artistic expression, and culinary delights. The combination of historical re-enactmes, traditional performances and the beauty of autumn foliage make these eves truly immersive and memorable for visitors seeking a deeper connection with Japan's heritage.
• Autumn is the harvest season in Japan. Fresh and seasonal produce is pleiful and visitors can enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables and local cuisine. It is a great time to taste local food and attend food festivals.
• While fall is a popular time to visit, it generally sees fewer tourists compared to the peak cherry blossom season in spring. This means you can explore popular attractions more easily and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.
• The lower temperature makes soaking in onsen hot springs more enjoyable. Many areas of Japan, including Beppu, are famous for their onsen, and autumn is the ideal time to relax in warm, calm waters surrounded by beautiful scenery.
• Autumn is a great time to participate in cultural activities. Whether it's tea ceremonies, traditional performances or participating in local festivals, visitors can immerse themselves in Japan's rich cultural traditions.
• From the iconic Mt.Fuji framed by autumn leaves to the scenic beauty of places like Nikko and Arami Bamboo Garden in Kyoto, autumn provides stunning scenery for photographers and nature ehusiasts alike.

Overall, the combination of vibra fall foliage, comfortable weather, cultural experiences, and delicious seasonal cuisine make fall a very attractive time to visit Japan. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or tranquil couryside, the fall atmosphere adds a magical touch to your travel experience.

Japanese autumn festivals

Japan's autumn season is marked by couless traditional festivals that showcase the coury's rich cultural heritage. These Japanese autumn festivals represe a small sample of the cultural richness that Japan has to offer during the autumn mohs. Each eve offers a unique glimpse io the coury's traditions, art and history, making autumn the ideal time for travelers to immerse themselves in Japan's cultural tapestry. The combination of the stunning fall foliage and these traditional festivities creates a memorable and enchaing experience for visitors. In the following, more information will be provided about the autumn festivals of Japan that are held in the autumn season of Japan.

1. Otsukimi Festival

Atsukimi is one of the traditional Japanese autumn festivals and is also known as the moon viewing festival. It usually occurs in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar, when the full moon is at its brightest and most beautiful. During Etsukimi, people gather to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and the harvest. This festival is rooted in ancie Japanese customs and is often associated with various cultural practices.

People often celebrate Otsukimi by holding moon-gazing parties with family and friends. They usually gather in gardens, parks or open spaces to enjoy the sight of the full moon. Special dumplings called tsukimi dango are usually eaten during otsukemi. These dumplings are often arranged in a pyramid shape to represe the full moon. Some people also offer other seasonal foods and fruits as part of the celebration.

Decorative items such as pampas grass (sousuki) and autumn flowers are displayed during otsukimi. These items were chosen because of their connection with the autumn season. In Japanese folklore, rabbits are believed to live on the moon, and during tsukimi, you may see decorations or images of rabbits (tsukimi-usagi) on traditional tsukimi items. Itsukimi has inspired many poets and writers, and it is common to find haiku and other forms of poetry related to the beauty of the moon during this festival. Tsukimi is a time to reflect on the changing seasons, express gratitude for the harvest, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the full moon. The specific customs associated with otsukimi may vary from region to region in Japan.

2. Takayama Autumn Festival

Takayama Festival, also known as Takayama Matsuri, is one of the most famous autumn festivals in Japan. It is held twice a year in the historic city of Takayama in the mouainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Held in spring and autumn, the festival is famous for its magnifice floats, traditional puppet shows, parades and lively atmosphere.

Takayama Festival is held twice a year. The Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri) is held in April and the Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) is held in October. Both festivals are known for their distinctive charm and traditions. The festival is famous for its magnifice yatais or floats, elaborately decorated with beautiful carvings, lacquer work and textiles. Each float represes a specific area of ​​Takayama and is a work of art in itself. These floats feature ningyu karakuri or mechanical puppets that perform fun mechanical movemes. These dolls work using a gear and lever system.

During the festival, there are various traditional performances including traditional music, dance and martial arts demonstrations. These shows showcase the cultural heritage of the region. This festival is held around Sakurayama Hachimango Temple. The floats parade through the streets of Takayama and go to the shrine for ceremonies and rituals. The Takayama Festival has a long history dating back to the 16th ceury. It represes the cultural and religious traditions of the local community and has been designated as one of the importa iangible cultural assets of the Japanese people. On the first night of both the Spring and Autumn Festivals, there is a spectacular procession of laern-lit floats known as Yomatsuri. The floats are beautifully lit and create a magical and enchaing atmosphere.

The Takayama Festival attracts visitors from all over Japan and around the world who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture and crafts. These festivals provide an opportunity to witness the beauty of traditional Japanese festivals and the skillful artistry involved in making floating and mechanical puppets.

read more

The strangest technologies of Japan

3. Nihonmatsu Chochin Matsuri Laern Festival

The Nihonmatsu Chochin Matsuri, also known as the Nihonmatsu Laern Festival, is an annual Japanese autumn festival eve held in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The festival is famous for its spectacular display of traditional Japanese laerns, or chuchin, which are lit and paraded through the streets in a lively procession.

The festival is usually held in early October. The highlight of the festival is the grand parade with large and beautifully decorated laerns. These laerns are often made with beautiful designs, vibra colors and symbols of good luck. The festival includes traditional plays, music and dances performed by local participas, these cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere of the eve.

The laerns are lit in the evening and create a magical and enchaing atmosphere. The soft glow of the laerns against the night sky is the main attraction for both locals and visitors. Visitors can take part in chochin making workshops or buy smaller laerns as souvenirs. This hands-on experience allows participas to appreciate the skill involved in creating traditional laerns. This festival is often associated with local shrines and rituals and ceremonies may be held in these shrines.

The Nihonmatsu Laern Festival attracts locals and tourists alike who come to experience the vibra atmosphere, traditional performances, and visual spectacle of lit laerns. It is a celebration of local culture, craftsmanship and community spirit that provides a unique and memorable experience for those who attend.

4. Jidai Matsuri Festival

Jidai Matsuri or Festival of the Ages is one of the three importa festivals of Kyoto along with Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. This eve, which is one of Japan's autumn festivals, is held every year on October 22 and features a large and colorful historical parade that covers differe periods of Japanese history.

The main attraction of the Jedai Matsuri is a grand procession featuring participas in historically accurate costumes represeing differe periods of Japanese history. The parade starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace and coinues to Heian Temple. Each section of the procession represes a differe era, showing changing fashions, customs and lifestyles over the ceuries. The parade includes represeations of famous historical figures, such as samurai, court nobles, warriors, and commoners from differe time periods. These participas often recreate scenes from their respective eras.

Traditional horse rides and beautifully decorated bullock carts are part of this procession which adds to the historical atmosphere. The parade starts at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends at Heian Temple along a route that spans several kilometers. The eire walk takes several hours to complete. After the parade, a ceremony including performance, traditional music and dance will be held at Heian Temple. Jidai Matsuri provides a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience Japan's rich cultural and historical heritage. The meticulous atteion to detail in the costumes, props and reconstructions make it a visually stunning and educational experience.

read more

Learn Japanese handicrafts

5. Shichi-Go-San Festival

Shichi-go-sa is a traditional and festive eve in Japan that takes place on November 15th every year. This festival is held to celebrate the growth and well-being of children, especially three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys. The term Shichi-go-san means seven-five-three.

At the age of three, both boys and girls participate in Shichi-gu-san. They often wear traditional kimonos and go to shrines with their pares to pray for their health and well-being. Boys celebrate Shichi-go-san at the age of five. They also wear traditional clothes and go to the shrine with their families. Girls celebrate again at the age of seven. They wear kimonos and go to the shrine as in previous festivals.

Children often wear traditional kimonos for Shichi-go-san celebrations. Girls wear colorful, patterned kimonos with accessories, while boys wear traditional hakama, a type of formal Japanese clothing. Families visit Shio shrines during Shichi Go San to pray for the health and well-being of their children. It is a time of thanksgiving and seeking blessings for the future. Chitose-ame, a thousand-year-old Japanese candy, is a long, thin, red and white candy that is often given to children during Shichigo San. This candy symbolizes the child's wish for a long and healthy life.

Kyuhoshi.com is a travel website that has provided useful information about Japanese festivals. According to the information quoted on this website, Shichigo San is one of Japan's autumn festivals, which is an importa and joyous cultural celebration that shows the importance that It is given to the welfare and developme of children. Families take pride in dressing their children in traditional clothes and participating in a ceremony that has been passed down from generation to generation.

6. Tori-no-Ichi Festival

Tori-no-Ichi, one of Japan's autumn festivals also known as Bird Day or Rooster Day, is a traditional Japanese festival held at various otori shrines across Japan. It is celebrated every year on certain days in November and its roots can be traced back to the Edo period. The festival is dedicated to the god Ottori, who is believed to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.

This festival is held on certain days in November. These days are calculated according to the Chinese zodiac calendar and usually occur every 12 days. The most importa day of Tori-no-Ichi is usually the day closest to the 2nd of November. Tori-no-ichi is seen at Otori shrines, and two of the most famous sites of the festival are Otori Jinja in Asakusa, Tokyo and Hanazuno Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Many other shrines throughout Japan also hold Rooster Day celebrations.

The festival grounds are decorated with colorful decorations, including kumad (bamboo capes) decorated with symbols of good luck and prosperity. Booths are set up selling komad and other lucky charms for visitors. The main item of the festival is the Kumade, a bamboo rake decorated with various auspicious symbols such as bales, rice, fish and masks. Kumad is believed to bring good fortune. People buy Komad as a way to bring prosperity and success in business.

Festive performances, including traditional music and dance, are held in the shrine during the celebration, the atmosphere is lively and filled with a spirit of gratitude and hope for the future. Visitors participate in a handshake ritual called “teimeh” during Tori-no-Ichi. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and is done by clapping hands in a certain rhythm.

Tori-no-Ichi, or Rooster Day, is especially popular with business owners and those seeking prosperity in their endeavors. The festival attracts a mix of locals and tourists who come to experience the lively atmosphere, buy komad for good luck and participate in traditional rituals.

7. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is one of Japan's vibra and dynamic autumn festivals held every year in Kishiwada, Osaka, Japan. It is one of the most famous and energetic danjiri (floating) festivals in the coury. This festival is held over two days in the middle of September, usually around 14th and 15th. The main highlight of the eve is the impressive procession of elaborately decorated Danjiri floats that are pulled through the streets with great ehusiasm.

In this festival, ornate and large wooden floats, known as dhangiri, are decorated with vivid colors, iricate carvings and tapestries. Each neighborhood or community in Kishiwada has its own danjiri, and teams of participas work together to drag them through the streets. One of the unique aspects of Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is the competitive eleme. Participating teams, often represeing differe neighborhoods, energetically pull and maneuver the heavy danjiri floats through the narrow streets, demonstrating their strength and teamwork. This competition adds exciteme and iensity to the festival.

Festival participas sing energetic chas accompanied by traditional music as they pull dhangiri through the streets. The lively atmosphere is one of the key aspects of the festival that creates a sense of community and celebration. This festival includes a night parade during which Danjiri floats are lit up and create a spectacular and festive atmosphere. The night parade is a visually stunning aspect of the eve.

The festival also includes Shio ceremonies and rituals at Kishiwada Shio shrines, which add a spiritual eleme to the celebration. Thousands of spectators line the streets to watch the march and cheer on the participas. This festival attracts both locals and tourists who come to experience the lively atmosphere.

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is one of Japan's autumn festivals known for its high energy, competitive spirit, and impressive danjiri floats. It is a cultural eve that showcases the rich tradition of floating festivals in Japan, and the dedication and teamwork of the participas coributes to its cheerful and lively atmosphere.

read more

Japan Fireworks Festival

8. Kichijoji Autumn Festival

Japan's Autumn Festivals at Kichijoji are a lively, community-orieed eve that features a parade of mikoshi shrines and various festivities. The festival lasts for two days and the main eve is held on September 10. On the day of the main eve, 11 mikoshi from differe regions will participate in a march around the neighborhood. The procession moves to Musashino Hachimangu Temple, which includes a route that showcases the various areas of Kichijoji. Each mikoshi has its own unique design that adds visual variety to the lineup. The meion of distinct hymns indicates that there were unique rituals or expressions associated with each mikoshi. On September 9, the Mikoshi Children's Parade is going to be held. The parade starts from Heiwa-dori just outside the north exit of Kichijoji Station.

Visitors and locals can expect a lively and cultural experience during the festival days, with opportunities to watch traditional rituals, enjoy street food and participate in family-friendly activities. The mikoshi parade and the unique features associated with each mikoshi give the eve a distinctive look.

9. Sapporo Autumn Festival

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido in northern Japan, hosts several festivals and eves throughout the year. One of the most famous and promine autumn festivals in Japan is the Sapporo Autumn Food Festival. In addition, there are other eves that celebrate differe aspects of Hokkaido's culture, seasons, and traditions.

Held in the fall when the season arrives, the highlight is the opportunity to sample the local cuisine of the eire Hokkaido region. Differe and special dishes from differe parts of Hokkaido are offered, which shows the diversity of the cuisine of this region. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere with food stalls, vendors and a celebration of Hokkaido's rich culinary heritage. In keeping with the autumn theme, the festival emphasizes dishes prepared with seasonal ingredies at that time of year. The festival also highlights local beverages, including Hokkaido's famous craft beers and other regional beverages.

10. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is an annual autumn festival held in Nagasaki, a city located in the Kyushu region of Japan. The festival is held at Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki and is celebrated from October 7th to 9th every year. This festival has a variety of traditional shows including dance, music and theater shows. These performances showcase Nagasaki's unique cultural heritage and often incorporate elemes from differe cultures due to Nagasaki's history as an iernational trading port.

Colorful floats, known as Hikiyama, are one of the highlights of Nagasaki's Kunchi Festival. These floats are decorated with colorful designs and are pulled through the streets by the participas. Nagasaki has a rich history of cultural exchange with various couries, including China and the Netherlands. Nagasaki Kanchi reflects this diversity with performances and costumes that incorporate elemes from differe cultures.

One of the iconic performances during the festival is the Dragon Dance, in which a dragon-shaped figure is manipulated by a group of participas. It is believed that this dance brings happiness and prosperity. This festival includes rituals and ceremonies at the shrine of Suva where the participas pray for a bouiful harvest and the prosperity of the community.

Nagasaki Konchi Festival includes the active participation of various neighborhoods and social groups. Local resides coribute to the festival by performing traditional dances, playing musical instrumes and helping floats. The Nagasaki Konchi Festival has a history dating back several ceuries. The festival began as a harvest festival in the fall and over time has become an importa cultural eve in Nagasaki.

Nagasaki's Kanchi Festival, one of Japan's autumn festivals, attracts both locals and visitors who come to experience the lively atmosphere, traditional performances, and cultural richness of this eve. It is an importa part of Nagasaki's cultural heritage and provides a glimpse io the history of the city and its connections with differe parts of the world.

read more

What is Japanese Mochi? 0 to 100 of this popular sweet

Personal experience of participating in Japanese autumn festivals

Attending eves like the Takayama Festival or the Sapporo Autumn Festival can provide a sensory feast of tastes, sights and sounds. Decorated floats, lively parades and the aroma of street food create a memorable atmosphere. Ieracting with locals, watching traditional shows, and tasting seasonal delicacies like roasted sweet potatoes or chestnuts can help you gain a deeper understanding of Japan's cultural heritage during the enchaing autumn mohs.

final word

In the end, Japan's autumn festivals, like a peaceful and eye-catching summer, provide a pure opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan's nature, history and culture. The experience becomes a special trip, with autumn colors, golden branches and festivals that transport visitors to a world of folklore and traditional art.

Frequely Asked Questions