Autumn festivals in Japan are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural traditions and seasonal celebrations. With the weather being pleasantly mild, autumn is an ideal time to explore and enjoy these vibrant festivities. Local festivals offer a unique opportunity to experience the best of Japanese culture, cuisine, and community spirit.
These colourful events feature parades, traditional performances, and delicious food, making autumn a delightful season to visit Japan. From harvest celebrations to whimsical costume parades, there is something for everyone. Let’s dive into some of the must-visit autumn festivals in Japan that you should add to your itinerary.
Exploring the Best Autumn Festivals in Japan
Sapporo Autumn Festival
Because autumn is the harvest season, it is important to celebrate food. First held in 2008, the Sapporo Food Fest is the biggest food festival in Hokkaido and even in Japan. As a matter of fact, the city of Sapporo hosts four major festivals annually, and the Food Fest is the last big one of the year. The festival is held in Odori Park and is divided into different blocks. You can find various foods in each block.
For example, the East 1 Block is the Oktoberfest venue. Sapporo is Munich’s sister city, so here you can find original crafted beers and native German cuisines such as Wurst (sausage). Personally, I love the 5 Chome venue for its ramen collection. If you are a wine person, the 6 Chome venue is for you. Block 10 is for meat lovers, and Block 11 for international cuisines. In short, there is a block for everyone!
Hachiman Matsuri (八幡祭)
Hachiman Matsuri, also known as the Autumn Takayama Matsuri, is one of the many autumn festivals in Japan that celebrates the harvest. It is held annually on October 9th and 10th. The festival features many events, providing a great taste of Japanese culture. You can watch a festival parade with thousands of people dressed in traditional costumes. The parade lasts for two days, starting and ending at the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. During the parade, you will also see shishimai performances (lion dances).
Another big attraction of the festival is the festival floats. Eleven matsuri-yatai floats will be displayed in different locations. Moreover, there will be a marionette performance, making it a good experience for both kids and adults. On the night of the 9th, Yoimatsuri takes place. You will see hundreds of lanterns lit on each float, creating a different visual experience for its tourists.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Danjiri Matsuri are cart-pulling festivals in Japan and are held throughout the country. How the festival is celebrated varies from place to place. Among them, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (岸和田だんじり祭) in Osaka is the most famous one, making it one of the main attractions of Osaka. The event is very traditional and can be traced back to the year 1703. The highlight is when hundreds of men (up to a thousand) pull a danjiri float at full speed. The float is enormous and extremely heavy, weighing more than four tons.
Like Hachiman Matsuri, the floats will be decorated with lanterns at night, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful time after watching the vibrant daytime activities.
The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival
Halloween is just around the corner! People around the world love mysteries, and Japanese people are no exception. In Japan, people believe that cats are among the most mysterious animals. Thus, the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is dedicated to cats—yes, you will have to dress like a cat!
The name of the festival sounds quite long, but let us break it down for you: Kagurazaka (神楽坂) is a historical yet fashionable neighbourhood in Tokyo. As for bakeneko, the literal meaning of the word (化け猫) is “changed cat.” It is a Japanese kaibyō, a supernatural cat. There are various folk tales and legends about bakeneko, and it has been featured in much literature and writing, as well as in popular culture, such as animation and films.
Since 2010, the festival has been held annually in Kagurazaka. No need to worry if you don’t know how to look like a cat, because there will be professional make-up artists to help you. The festival starts with a parade, and there is an hour-long lesson for the Anya Odori dance (cat dance). The festival also features many cat-themed products that you can find around the corners.
Experience the Magic of Autumn Festivals in Japan
Autumn festivals in Japan offer a unique blend of cultural richness, traditional celebrations, and vibrant community spirit. Whether you are a foodie eager to sample seasonal delights at the Sapporo Autumn Festival, fascinated by traditional parades at Hachiman Matsuri, thrilled by the energetic Danjiri Matsuri, or enchanted by the whimsical Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival, there is something for everyone. These festivals not only provide a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage but also create unforgettable memories for visitors. Make sure to immerse yourself in the festivities and experience the magic of autumn in Japan.
What other festivals in Japan have you attended? Which ones are you planning on attending?
Read more about autumn in Japan: ways to enjoy autumn, places to enjoy autumn leaves in Tokyo, autumn hiking spots, autumn day trip ideas, autumn festivals in Japan, and what to eat in Autumn.
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