Japan’s Autumn Festivals TOP 15: A curated guide to the season’s most vibrant festivals

How to Enjoy Autumn Festivals in Japan

The Unique Charm of Japan’s Autumn Festivals

As the sweltering heat of summer fades and the air turns crisp, Japan transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color and tradition. Autumn in Japan is not only about fiery maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees—it’s also the season of richly storied festivals that celebrate harvests, history, and community spirit. Unlike the louder, more boisterous energy of summer festivals, autumn matsuri offer a more reflective and atmospheric experience, often framed by stunning natural backdrops.

Whether you’re strolling beneath lantern-lit foliage or watching centuries-old processions in temple towns, these events provide a captivating window into Japanese culture at its most poetic. For discerning travelers, autumn is the ideal time to explore the country’s quieter elegance and enduring traditions.

Overview of This Autumn Festival Guide: Festival Highlights, Timing, and Preparation

This guide offers everything you need to plan an unforgettable autumn festival experience in Japan. We’ll walk you through the defining characteristics of fall matsuri, explain how they differ from their summer counterparts, and offer practical advice on what to wear, what to expect, and how to show respect for local customs. Most importantly, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of regional festivals—each chosen for its cultural richness, seasonal appeal, and accessibility—to help you craft a rewarding, efficient, and immersive itinerary.

Whether you’re planning a solo getaway, a corporate retreat, or a culturally enriched business trip, this guide is designed to ensure you travel with both confidence and curiosity.

Autumn Festival Basics

What Are Japanese Autumn Festivals?

In Japan, festivals—or matsuri—are deeply woven into the fabric of local life. Held throughout the year, they reflect a wide range of spiritual, agricultural, and historical traditions. Autumn festivals in particular are closely tied to the changing of seasons and the celebration of harvests. While the religious or ritual significance may vary from one event to another, these festivals generally offer an opportunity for communities to come together, honor nature, and preserve cultural heritage.

Most autumn matsuri are hosted by Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples and often feature traditional performances, ceremonial parades, food stalls, and decorative displays. From grand urban spectacles to quiet countryside celebrations, each festival offers its own rhythm and atmosphere—always grounded in a strong sense of place and tradition.

Differences Between Autumn and Summer Festivals

While both summer and autumn festivals are celebrated with passion and pride, their tone and character differ significantly.

• Timing: Summer matsuri typically take place from July through August, coinciding with school holidays and Obon season. Autumn festivals are spread out between September and November, aligning with harvest season and the peak of fall foliage.
• Atmosphere: Summer events are often high-energy—marked by fireworks, yukata, and street dances. In contrast, autumn matsuri tend to be more serene, often taking place in the golden hour of the year. They are complemented by the natural beauty of red maples and golden leaves, offering a more introspective or nostalgic mood.
• Unique Features: Autumn festivals often showcase seasonal produce, regional crafts, and ancestral rituals, making them especially meaningful for those interested in tradition and local flavor. Because temperatures are milder and crowds are smaller, these festivals also offer a more relaxed, comfortable travel experience.

Preparing for an Autumn Festival

Weather and Clothing by Month

Japan’s autumn weather varies widely depending on the month and region, so dressing appropriately is key to enjoying your festival outings in comfort.

• September: Early autumn can still feel like summer, especially in southern Japan. Expect daytime temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). Light, breathable clothing is ideal, but bring a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.
• October: This is the heart of autumn, with pleasant temperatures around 15–23°C (59–73°F). Layering is recommended—think long sleeves, light sweaters, and scarf or shawl options. An umbrella or light raincoat may come in handy for occasional showers.
• November: As the season deepens, temperatures drop to around 10–17°C (50–63°F), particularly in central and northern Japan. Opt for warmer jackets, boots, and inner layers like thermal tops or knitwear. This is also prime foliage season, so outdoor events may involve standing or walking in chilly air—prepare accordingly.

Regardless of the month, comfortable shoes are a must, especially for festivals involving street parades or temple visits. A folding umbrella, reusable water bottle, and portable hand warmer (in late autumn) are also useful additions to your festival bag.

Cultural Etiquette and Manners

Participating in a matsuri is a joyful and memorable experience—but it’s important to observe local customs and respect the spaces you’re entering, many of which are religious or historical sites.

• Shrine & Temple Etiquette: When entering shrine or temple grounds, bow slightly at the entrance gate (torii), keep noise to a minimum, and avoid obstructing paths used for rituals or processions. If you observe a prayer or offering ritual, maintain a respectful distance.
• Photography: While festivals are incredibly photogenic, always check for signs indicating photo restrictions, especially inside shrines or during sacred ceremonies. Avoid using flash photography during performances, and never block the view of others.
• General Behavior: Avoid eating while walking, dispose of trash properly (many areas have limited bins), and follow the flow of the crowd. Many festivals offer reusable cups or dishes—using them helps reduce waste and supports local sustainability efforts.

Above all, being attentive, patient, and polite will enhance your experience and reflect positively on you as a guest in the local community.

TOP 15 Must-See Autumn Festivals – Regional Guide

Kanto Region – Greater Tokyo Area Festivals

Kawagoe Hikawa Festival

Just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, this UNESCO-listed festival features massive Edo-style floats parading through Kawagoe’s charming historic district. Music, lanterns, and elaborately dressed figures create a magical, time-travel feel.

📍 Kawagoe, Saitama | October 19–20, 2025
🚉 Access: Kawagoe Station (30 min from Ikebukuro via Tobu Line)
👥 Crowd Level: High—especially during the float parades in the evening

Nikkō Tōshō-gū Autumn Grand Festival

Held at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine, this elegant festival reenacts a 17th-century samurai procession with over 1,000 participants in period attire. The fall foliage adds extra grandeur.

📍 Nikkō, Tochigi | October 16–17, 2025
🚉 Access: Tobu Nikkō Station, 2 hours from Tokyo
👥 Crowd Level: Moderate to high, especially around the parade route

Tokyo Yosakoi Festival

This energetic dance festival brings together yosakoi teams from across Japan, blending traditional moves with modern flair. The urban backdrop adds contrast to the lively, colorful performances.

📍 Ikebukuro, Tokyo | Mid-October 2025 (dates TBC)
🚉 Access: Ikebukuro Station (central Tokyo)
👥 Crowd Level: High in performance areas, but easy to navigate overall

Kansai Region – Western Japan Festivals

Festival Name	Location	2025 Dates	Highlights / Unique Points
Kōka Fire Festival	Shiga	Oct 22	Fire rituals, dramatic torch procession
Nada Fighting Festival	Hyogo	Oct 16–17	Clashing mikoshi, intense local tradition
Jidai Matsuri	Kyoto	Oct 22	Historical parade with period costumes

Kōka Fire Festival

This rare fire-themed matsuri features enormous flaming torches carried through the grounds of local shrines. Rooted in agricultural rituals, it offers a raw and dramatic experience in a peaceful countryside setting.

📍 Kōka, Shiga | October 22, 2025
🚉 Access: From Kyoto Station, take JR Kusatsu Line to Kōka Station, then taxi (~1 hr total)
👥 Crowd Level: Moderate—off the beaten path but gaining popularity

Nada Fighting Festival (Nada no Kenka Matsuri)

This intense and thrilling festival showcases “fighting” mikoshi (portable shrines) crashed together in ritual competition. It’s one of Japan’s most dynamic autumn events, not for the faint-hearted.

📍 Himeji, Hyogo | October 14–15, 2025
🚉 Access: Shirahama-no-Miya Station (15 min from Himeji Station)
👥 Crowd Level: High—especially on Day 2 during the shrine clashes

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)

Kyoto’s iconic historical parade features participants in elaborate costumes spanning over a thousand years of Japanese history. Held during peak foliage season, it’s a regal, photogenic event.

📍 Kyoto | October 22, 2025
🚉 Access: Kyoto Station + subway or taxi to Heian Shrine
👥 Crowd Level: Very high—arrive early to secure a viewing spot

Chubu Region – Hokuriku Area Festivals

Festival Name	Location	2025 Dates	Highlights / Unique Points
Shinminato Hikiyama Festival	Toyama	Oct 1	Lantern floats, historic craftsmanship
Karuizawa Momiji Festival	Nagano	Late Oct–Early Nov	Foliage, concerts, upscale resort vibe
Takayama Autumn Festival	Gifu	Oct 9–10	Ornate yatai floats, mountain town scenery
Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks	Nagano	Nov 23	Rare autumn fireworks, major crowd event

Shinminato Hikiyama Festival

Known for its intricately carved festival floats, this maritime celebration honors local prosperity and craftsmanship. At night, the floats glow under lantern light in a quiet port town setting.

📍 Imizu, Toyama | October 1, 2025
🚉 Access: Shinminato Station (30 min from Toyama Station)
👥 Crowd Level: Moderate—popular locally, lesser known to tourists

Karuizawa Momiji Festival

While not a traditional matsuri, this seasonal event celebrates the vibrant maple leaves of Karuizawa with illuminations, food stalls, and musical performances in this upscale mountain resort town.

📍 Karuizawa, Nagano | Late October–early November 2025
🚉 Access: Karuizawa Station (1 hour from Tokyo via Hokuriku Shinkansen)
👥 Crowd Level: Moderate to high on weekends

Takayama Autumn Festival

One of Japan’s most beautiful festivals, featuring exquisitely crafted yatai (festival floats) adorned with gilded carvings and mechanical puppets. The historic old town and crisp mountain air create an unforgettable autumn backdrop.

📍 Takayama, Gifu | October 9-10 2025
🚉 Access: Takayama Station (JR Takayama Main Line from Nagoya)
👥 Crowd Level: High

Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival

One of the last major fireworks displays of the year, this rare autumn event lights up the late-November sky with over 15,000 fireworks—an unusual and breathtaking way to close the season.

📍 Nagano City, Nagano | November 23, 2025
🚉 Access: Walkable from Nagano Station
👥 Crowd Level: Very high—over 400,000 attendees annually

Kyushu Region – Shikoku Area Festivals

Festival Name	Location	2025 Dates	Highlights / Unique Points
Karatsu Kunchi	Saga	Nov 2–4	Giant floats, heritage-listed matsuri
Niihama Taiko Festival	Ehime	Oct 16–18	Golden taiko floats, local pride
Nagasaki Kunchi	Nagasaki	Oct 7–9	Dutch & Chinese influences, dragon dance

Karatsu Kunchi

Featuring massive, lacquered festival floats shaped like sea creatures and warriors, Karatsu Kunchi is one of Kyushu’s most visually spectacular events. The craftsmanship is unmatched.

📍 Karatsu, Saga | November 2–4, 2025
🚉 Access: Karatsu Station (1.5 hrs from Hakata Station via JR lines)
👥 Crowd Level: High—designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property

Niihama Taiko Festival

Known as the “men’s festival,” this event features enormous taiko drums hoisted on golden floats, carried and clashed in competitive performances. It’s powerful, loud, and highly immersive.

📍 Niihama, Ehime | October 16–18, 2025
🚉 Access: Niihama Station (via JR Yosan Line)
👥 Crowd Level: Moderate to high

Nagasaki Kunchi

Blending Chinese and Dutch influences, Nagasaki Kunchi showcases unique floats, dragon dances, and international flair, reflecting the port city’s rich history.

📍 Nagasaki City | October 7–9, 2025
🚉 Access: Tram or taxi from Nagasaki Station
👥 Crowd Level: Very high—advance tickets recommended for main performances

Hokkaido – Tohoku Area Festivals

Festival Name	Location	2025 Dates	Highlights / Unique Points
Sapporo Autumn Fest	Hokkaido	Sep 6–29	Gourmet food, craft beer, outdoor dining
Morioka Autumn Festival	Iwate	Sep 14–16	Historic floats, traditional northern culture
Michinoku Yosakoi Festival	Miyagi	Mid-Oct (TBC)	National yosakoi teams, dance fusion

Sapporo Autumn Fest

Held in Odori Park, this gourmet-centric festival celebrates Hokkaido’s culinary bounty—perfect for foodies. Local specialties, craft beer, and seasonal sweets abound.

📍 Sapporo, Hokkaido | September 6–29, 2025
🚉 Access: Odori Station (Sapporo Subway)
👥 Crowd Level: High on weekends, relaxed on weekdays

Morioka Autumn Festival

Historic floats and dancers fill the streets in this elegant, small-city matsuri with a 300-year history. It’s a perfect way to experience traditional northern culture with fewer crowds.

📍 Morioka, Iwate | September 14–16, 2025
🚉 Access: Morioka Station (via Tohoku Shinkansen)
👥 Crowd Level: Moderate

Michinoku Yosakoi Festival

This high-energy dance festival brings together over 100 yosakoi teams from across Japan. Set against the autumn backdrop of Sendai, it’s a fusion of modern and traditional spirit.

📍 Sendai, Miyagi | Mid-October 2025 (dates TBC)
🚉 Access: Sendai Station, walkable to performance zones
👥 Crowd Level: High in performance areas

Tips for an Unforgettable Autumn Festival Journey 

General Festival Tips

Autumn in Japan is a season of contrasts—fiery foliage paired with crisp air, centuries-old traditions set against modern cityscapes. Attending a local festival during this time offers more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a rare opportunity to witness regional pride, community spirit, and cultural artistry all in one place. To make the most of your journey, consider timing your visit around peak foliage, dressing in breathable layers, and arriving early for popular events. Respect for local customs—such as shrine etiquette, crowd behavior, and photography rules—will also enrich your experience.

Enhance Your Experience with MOTENAS JAPAN

For business travelers or corporate groups seeking a more curated and comfortable experience, MOTENAS JAPANspecializes in premium travel support that elevates festival attendance into a seamless cultural journey. Because most autumn festivals revolve around fixed dates and schedules, our role is to enhance everything around it—before, after, and in between.

From private transfers and multilingual guides to pre-event tea ceremonies, sake tastings, and post-festival fine dining, our itineraries are designed with both sophistication and efficiency in mind. For incentive trips or executive retreats, we create cohesive cultural experiences anchored by the energy of Japan’s most iconic autumn festivals—without the stress of navigating unfamiliar logistics or crowded public spaces.

Whether you’re attending Kyoto’s stately Jidai Matsuri, savoring local dishes at the Sapporo Autumn Fest, or experiencing the spectacle of Karatsu Kunchi’s giant floats, MOTENAS JAPAN ensures your time in Japan is not just well spent, but truly unforgettable.