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Guide to Fall Activities in Japan | MATOKA's Japan Travel Guide
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items There is so much to see during the Autumn in Japan - from the changing of the leaves and all of the festivals to celebrate this to the start of illuminations and the preparation for winter, you're not gonna be bored with everything that is going on!
The fall season in Japan means that roasted sweet potato carts come out in masses. You can buy them from Don Quijote, random trucks on the street, pretty much anywhere. But this Osaka festival celebrates this autumn treat, so check it out!
Roasted Sweet Potato Festival | Osaka
Visit the best areas to see the fall leaves! This train and boat tour explores Sanzen-in Temple, Arashiyama, and Sagano Bamboo Forest Trail, while also taking a ride on the Sagano Small Train, which tickets are super hard to come by!
Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Train & Sanzenin
We love free events and this festival in Osaka is a perfect one to visit. It's located at Sukunahikona Shrine and local businesses and visitors come together to celebrate this event!
Shinno-sai Festival
You don't hear the word “carnival” in Japan often, but Okinawa does things different. See samba, biker runs, live music, tug-of-war competitions, karate demonstrations, and much more!
Okinawa International Carnival
While it's not a specific fall activity, the Grand Sumo Tournament always happens in November, which is the final of Japan's six annual Sumo Tournaments!
Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament
What's better than seeing fall leaves during a marathon run in Japan? Seeing Mt.Fuji in the background as you run your heart out. If you're a marathon junkie, then you have to sign up for this event that happens in November.
Mt.Fuji International Marathon
Happening until November 30th, these illuminations highlight the changing of the leaves and the fall Momiji trees that have the brightest of coloring. If you can't catch this illumination, there are many others to check out!
Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illuminations
TeamLab isn't the only place to see some great light work and illuminations; you can also check out the Autumn Harvest Festival to see real and virtual autumn flowers at Kyoto's most iconic castle.
Nijō Autumn Harvest Festival
Christmas can never come too early, especially since you can experience Christmas at Universal Studios Japan starting November 20th!
Christmas at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka lights up and comes alive starting in November to celebrate those cold winter lights. Don't worry, the spectacle is completely free for all those who visit Osaka!
Festival of the lights in OSAKA
Christmas comes early in Nagasaki and you can get tickets for this illumination village starting the beginning of November. The event runs until January 6th and is a great way to celebrate the turning of fall to winter!
Huis Ten Bosch
Known as one of the best illuminations in Japan, this park is known to help relive the wonder of the spring wisteria. It normally runs from October to February so you can see wisterias and other beauties outside of it's season!
[Tochigi] Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations
Hot air balloons, a giant moon, and traditional performances from the past — welcome to the Saikū Cultural Art Festival. Running from Sept to Jan, you'll have to travel to Mie for this experience, but it's definitely worth it!
SAIKU CULTURAL ART FESTIVAL 2024
A Mt. Fuji trip is a must all seasons, but it hits different in the autumn. With this day trip, it's easy to see some of the best red maple leaf spots and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Mt.Fuji Maple Viewing
You see it in the movies and anime, but wait till it comes to life in this Yokai themed festival with a spooky “March of the Yokai”. Happening in November in Tokushima, it features local delicacies and a way to get closer to that supernatural culture...
Tokushima Yokai Festival
While Japan spring has cherry blossoms, Japan fall has Momiji and it's taken just as seriously. Momiji, or maple leaves, are iconic in Japanese culture - they have confectionaries in the shape of these leaves as well. So there are tons of festivals a...
Momiji Festivals