Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
Each October, Kumano Hayatama Taisha holds the Mifune Matsuri, two days of sacred processions culminating in a thrilling fast-boat race on the Kumano River.
15–16 Oct 2026Wakayama · KansaiTowering drum-bearing floats parade through Niihama in this October celebration, drawing nearly 200,000 spectators each year.
16–18 Oct 2026Ehime · ShikokuThis pottery festival in Japan's Heritage-certified Bizen production area offers visitors the chance to buy ware and try their hand at the potter's wheel.
17–18 Oct 2026Okayama · ChugokuKyoto's signature historical reenactment features costumed processions of figures from different Japanese eras traveling from the Imperial Palace to the Heian Shrine.
22 Oct 2026Kyoto · KansaiA town in Fukushima that calls itself the UFO village fills its streets with about 2,000 people dressed as aliens, with prizes for the most convincing.
31 Oct 2026Fukushima · TohokuMiyazaki's largest celebration honors Emperor Jimmu through a grand autumn procession featuring portable shrines and floats reenacting the legendary emperor's historic journey.
31 Oct – 1 Nov 2026Miyazaki · KyushuThe largest festival of Ube in Yamaguchi, built on the Nanban Ondo, a dance that came out of the coal mines, with parades and a float drawn at the end.
1 Nov 2026Yamaguchi · ChugokuA large Halloween cosplay festival centered on Ikebukuro's East Exit features stage performances, parades, and gathering spaces for participants of all ages.
30 Oct – 1 Nov 2026Tokyo · KantoFeaturing an Intangible Folk Cultural Property procession, this November festival unites a community through ceremony, dance, and spiritual communion.
3 Nov 2026Kochi · ShikokuAsia's largest hot-air balloon event, where around 100 balloons rise over the Kase River each autumn in a five-day competition and festival.
30 Oct – 3 Nov 2026Saga · KyushuThe Fox's Wedding features a grand procession with white fox bride and groom, rooted in a legend of benevolent spirits said to bring marriage blessings.
3 Nov 2026Yamaguchi · ChugokuMass dancing in vibrant costumes and powerful taiko drumming celebrate Kagoshima's regional identity in this southern Kyushu autumn festival.
2–3 Nov 2026Kagoshima · KyushuThe Oyama Balloon Festa fills autumn skies with hot air balloons competing in precision flights from dawn, and features illuminated night glows with synchronized fireworks and music.
8–9 Nov 2026Tochigi · KantoParticipatory reenactment of a legendary Sengoku-era battle where visitors don authentic armor and join either the Takeda or Uesugi army on the battlefield.
9 Nov 2026Yamanashi · ChubuPersimmons harvested from a shrine tree are distributed among parishioners as part of this harvest celebration.
14 Nov 2026Ishikawa · ChubuTall doll floats built in the 19th century are drawn through the storehouse streets of Tochigi over two days, in a festival held every second year.
14–15 Nov 2026Tochigi · KantoA castle festival features an armored warrior procession, parades, and traditional performances including taiko drumming and Shinto kagura dance.
16 Nov 2026Yamaguchi · ChugokuWajima Marine Town celebrates fresh seafood and local specialties with market stalls, performances, and free crab soup each November.
23 Nov 2026Ishikawa · Chubu
