The colorful Japanese autumn festivals create endless appeal for the Land of the Rising Sun. Join Living Nomads to zoom-in on the top autumn festivals in Japan and useful travel experiences this season.
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Autumn in Japan is the season of unique traditional festivals, each festival has its own beauty. From enchanting lantern displays to charming traditional art shows. Or graceful dances to magical sparkling light festivals, Japan will take you on an exciting journey of cultural discovery. In this article, we will introduce you to the autumn festivals in Japan that you cannot miss!
Japanese autumn festival: Tone River Fireworks Festival
- When: Saturday, September 13, 2025
The Tone River Fireworks Festival – also known as the Tonegawa Fireworks Festival – which has a booming reputation in Japan, will take place along the beautiful Tone River in Saitama. During this festival, you will be able to admire a spectacular performance with more than 30,000 fireworks that will be launched into the sky, performed by four famous pyrotechnicians.
Ibaraki Tone River Fireworks Festival + Hitachi Seaside Park Half-Day Tour
Dancing fireworks with music make autumn in Japan more memorable. With a poetic space, the Tone River Fireworks Festival is a great date idea for couples.
Sapporo Autumn Festival
The Sapporo Autumn Festival is a grand culinary event held annually at Odori Park, downtown Sapporo. This festival is a great opportunity for you to explore and enjoy the culinary quintessence of Hokkaido. Hokkaido’s culinary paradise will welcome you with a variety of delicious dishes, from fresh seafood to delicious meat dishes, and especially Hokkaido’s famous dairy products.
Tokyo Disney Resort – Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea Park Tickets
Treat yourself to a great feast of taste and meet friends with similar tastes here. Don’t forget to enjoy entertainment activities, shopping and cultural performances here!
Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival
- Time: Sunday, October 5 to Tuesday, October 7
With a history of more than 350 years, the Nihonmatsu lantern festival has become an indispensable part of the local people’s culture and attracts a large number of visitors every year. The festival is held to commemorate the Shinto god and pray for a peaceful and happy new year.
What makes this Nihonmatsu Festival different is the artistic inspiration and superior craftsmanship behind each lantern. Each work represents different themes and stories of the past and present. Witness the lanterns cast a warm and gentle light over the town this autumn in Japan.
Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass
Takayama Autumn Festival
- When: Every year on October 9 and 10
The Takayama Autumn Festival in Japan is one of the largest and most important festivals in Japan, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This festival attracts thousands of locals and international visitors every year.
The highlight of the festival is the elaborately decorated floats (yatai). Each float has its own meaning and showcases the talents of local artisans. This year, there will be 11 colorful floats parading through the streets along with performances by puppeteers, creating an extremely colorful and eye-catching space.
In addition to the visual spectacle, the festival also offers an auditory feast for visitors. The sounds of drums, trumpets, and traditional dances will make the festival more attractive and charming. Don’t forget to enjoy the cuisine here, especially the Hida beef skewers and sake – that’s the combination that creates a culinary paradise.
Jidai Matsuri Festival of the Ages
- Time: October 22 every year
Jidai Matsuri, an event that takes you back in time to witness the historical parades in Kyoto. The highlight of the Jidai Matsuri festival is the grand parade, where thousands of participants wear traditional costumes from different periods, from aristocrats, samurai to commoners. The parade starts from Kyoto Castle and moves through the main streets of the city.
This autumn festival conveys the rich cultural and historical heritage of Japan, from the Heian to the Meiji periods. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan in the fall, try to join this festival once to feel the traditional beauty of the land of the rising sun!
Kurama Fire Festival
- Time: October 22 every year
The Karama Fire Festival near Kyoto is an inspiring event that will leave you in awe! Because hundreds of people carry flaming torches to offer to the gods and together shout “Saireyaa, sairyo!”. This phrase means to ward off evil, disasters and express the people’s wishes for a peaceful, happy and prosperous life.
Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass
In addition to the grandeur and sacredness of the Karama Fire Festival, the festival also impresses with the brilliant fireworks that will be launched at the end of the festival. This event marks a successful festival night and leaves unforgettable impressions in the hearts of visitors when coming here.
Chrysanthemum Festival at Hirosaki Castle
The chrysanthemum festival at Hirosaki Castle is not only a visual feast but also a unique cultural experience. Japan welcomes October with a pleasant climate, accompanied by a unique natural carpet of changing colors, turning the grounds of Hirosaki Castle into a fairy garden filled with beautiful flowers.
After walking around the colorful autumn flower bushes and taking check-in photos, you can participate in experiential activities such as flower arranging and making handicrafts. Each activity brings its own joy, helping visitors understand more deeply about Japanese culture and people.
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
- When: 2 to 4 November 2025
For over 400 years, this festival has been held at Karatsu Shrine to celebrate the harvest moon in Japan. Admire the hikiyama – giant, elaborately decorated floats – that often take the spotlight when walking around the city. Standing nearly 7 meters tall, these floats are decorated with intricate motifs, lacquer and gilded with gold or silver, recreating familiar images in Japanese culture.
In addition to the street parade, this event also has special highlights such as: On the second day of the festival – The hikiyama will be pulled through Nishinohama Beach, accompanied by the sounds of taiko drums and traditional flutes, giving viewers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Autumn in Japan is peaceful but not boring. Follow us to discover famous autumn festivals in Japan. You will definitely have a different experience traveling to Japan.
Read more Japan guide here.
