Calendar of Events in Japan: October and November 2026

October

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival 2026

October 7 and 9

Dating back nearly four centuries, the Nagasaki Kunchi is one of Kyushu’s major traditional festivals . Over the course of several days, the city’s neighborhoods showcase their dances and floats, which feature international influences that reflect local history. It’s one of the best times to discover another side of Nagasaki, beyond its historic landmarks.

Kurashiki Autumn Festival

Third weekend in October

In the historic Bikan district, the Kurashiki Autumn Festival blends local traditions with events held around the old merchant houses. One of the festival’s highlights is the sacred dance of the three goddesses, a musical ritual performed by three local dancers. It’s a great opportunity to explore the historic center in a different atmosphere, as the colors of fall gradually begin to appear in the surrounding area.

Nagoya Festival

Mid-October

The Festival of Nagoya Festival celebrates the city’s history with a grand parade honoring the three historical figures associated with it: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. For the occasion, costumed parades, floats, and performances bring the city center to life.

Koizumi Cosmos Festival (Gunma)

Mid-October

In the fall, the cosmos fields are covered with flowers! The Koizumi, in Gunma Prefecture, is one of the must-see events for enjoying these seasonal blooms. Come enjoy the scenery across more than 11 hectares. In the distance, the 22-meter-tall torii gate at Koizumi Inari Shrine provides a very photogenic backdrop. It’s also an easy stop to combine with an exploration of the Japanese countryside, made even more beautiful by the fall colors.

Tanbo Art Aomori (Inakadate)

Through October 12

In Inakadate, the rice paddies turn into giant works of art every summer! Farmers use different varieties of rice, whose natural colors allow them to create highly detailed figures and scenes. The result can be viewed from the Inakadate Castle and the Yayoi no Sato, and offers a unique way to experience rice cultivation in Japan. Our tip? Arrive at the castle around 9 a.m. to view the rice paddies from above before the crowds arrive.

Kawagoe Festival 2026

October 17 and 18

The Kawagoe Matsuri brings the streets of the old town to life with its multi-story floats. The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the Hikkawase, when several floats face off in musical contests, accompanied by drums and flutes. Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival is also a wonderful way to discover Kawagoe (nicknamed “Little Edo”) as its historic streets come alive to the rhythm of the festivities.

Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival (Yamagata)

October 20–November 8

Held for over a century, the Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival Nanyo celebrates one of the iconic flowers of Japanese autumn! In the gardens, visitors can admire carefully cultivated chrysanthemums, as well as a variety of floral arrangements, each more original than the last.

Takeakari Bamboo Light Display at Kokura Castle (Kitakyushu)

October 23–November 3

At dusk, Kokura Castle and its surroundings are illuminated by installations made of bamboo. Lanterns, sculptures, and openwork designs create a nighttime path that plays with light and shadow.

Shirakami Shrine Autumn Festival (Hiroshima)

Late October

While visiting Hiroshima? This event is for you! In late October, the Shirakami Shrine celebrates its fall festival. Far from the big events that draw huge crowds, this gathering offers a chance to experience a traditional neighborhood festival centered around the shrine and the local community. It’s a great opportunity to get off the beaten path!

Saga International Balloon Fiesta 2026

October 30–November 3

This is one of our editorial team’s favorites! For a few days, the skies over Saga fill with hot air balloons. The morning takeoffs are the highlight of the event, while competitions and activities take place on the ground. The festival offers a spectacle quite different from traditional matsuri and lets you discover the Saga countryside from a unique perspective. To get a front-row seat, we recommend arriving before 7 a.m. On November 2 and 3, a nighttime ground-level show lets you admire the hot-air balloons up close, illuminated for the occasion.

November

Hirosaki Chrysanthemum Festival

November 1–8

In the heart of Hirosaki Castle Park, chrysanthemums take over from the fall colors. Floral arrangements, carefully cultivated flowers, and original creations are displayed throughout the historic site. The festival offers a chance to enjoy the season’s final bursts of color, with more than 1,000 maple trees and 2,600 cherry tree, while discovering a little-known horticultural tradition, all against the backdrop of the castle.

Shuri Castle Reconstruction Festival (Naha, Okinawa)

November 1–3

In Naha, the Shuri Castle Festival celebrates the rebirth of one of Okinawa’s most iconic landmarks! For several days, the site hosts ceremonies, processions, and performances inspired by the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The highlight? The Grand Ryukyu Dynasty Parade on November 1 along Kokusai Street, followed by three days of festivities at the castle. The festivities highlight Shuri’s central role in the history of the archipelago and offer a deeper understanding of a culture that has evolved over centuries with its own traditions, at the crossroads of Japanese and Asian influences.

Karatsu Kunchi Festival (Saga)

November 2–4

For over 400 years, Karatsu has come alive to the rhythm of the Karatsu Kunchi, one of Kyushu’s most spectacular festivals. In the city streets, 14 giant floats (hikiyama), depicting dragons, lions, and mythical creatures, parade to the sound of drums and singing. This tradition is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The editorial team’s top tip? The prime spot at Nishinohama Beach. Settle in on the sand dunes by late morning. It’s the best spot to photograph the float bearers without ending up with wet feet or getting trampled by the crowd.

Meiji Jingu Yabusame (Tokyo)

November 3

On November 3, Meiji Shrine hosts a demonstration of yabusame, the Japanese art of horseback archery. Dressed in traditional costumes, the archers gallop on horseback and attempt to hit several targets placed along the course.

Ohitaki Fire Festival at Kifune Shrine (Kyoto)

November 6 and 7

In the fall, Kifune Shrine, nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto, hosts an impressive fire ritual. During the Ohitaki, thousands of gomagi (small sticks bearing the prayers of the faithful) are thrown into the flames to ward off bad omens. Amid the smoke and autumn colors, this ceremony offers a glimpse into another side of Kyoto, far from the most popular temples.

Hie Shrine Momiji Festival (Takayama)

Early to mid-November

As night falls, the historic forest of Hie Shrine in Takayama comes alive in a magical setting. Under the soft glow of spotlights, the momiji (Japanese maples) blaze scarlet above 250 traditional Wagasa paper umbrellas illuminated on the ground. Far from the crowds, this nighttime celebration blends the splendor of autumn with the magic of traditional dances and open-air harp concerts. A poetic and mystical immersion in the heart of Gifu Prefecture.

The Hachioji (Tokyo) Ginkgo Festival

Mid-November

Every fall, the city of Hachioji glows with brilliant gold during the Hachioji Ginkgo Festival. Stretching nearly 4 kilometers, a canopy of 770 century-old ginkgo trees lines the historic Koshu Kaido Road, offering one of the most beautiful autumn walks in the Tokyo area. With a lively, festive atmosphere, this festival features numerous street food stalls and a large wooden stamp rally, inspired by the Edo period (1603–1868).

Four Seasons Cherry Blossom Festival (Toyota)

Mid- to late November

Imagine a landscape that defies the seasons! In Toyota, certain varieties of cherry trees bloom even as autumn is well underway. These autumn sakura offer an unusual sight, with their powdery blossoms standing out against the red foliage of the surrounding trees.

Ritsurin Garden Autumn Light Display (Takamatsu)

Late November

In late fall, Shikoku’s most famous garden is bathed in light. Under the spotlights, the silhouettes of a thousand glowing pine and maple trees cast magical reflections on the vast Nanko Pond. The ultimate experience is gliding across the water aboard a traditional wasen boat , transported into a timeless Edo-era scene and lulled by the distant sound of the shamisen under the stars.

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