Gaido Japan

Hakkai-san Firewalking Festival
2022-10-20 10:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Tokyo)
The Hakkai-san Fire Walking Festival takes place twice a year in spring and autumn, at two different shrines at the start of the hiking routes up Mount Hakkai. The autumn festival is always on October 20th at the Hakkai-san Son Shrine. Groups from all over Japan come to the festival to walk across hot coals to ensure health and prosperity. The shrine is a really pretty affair at the foot of Mount Hakkai with the main shrine sitting on a slope, and a smaller shrine set in the cedar forest next to a small waterfall (under which devotees shower in mid-winter at another event!) The festival takes place in a large open space in front of the main shrine. Fireworks announce the start of the festival at 11 am. There is about an hour of praying and offerings from priests in elaborate dress and local dignitaries before the fire makes its way down the 88 steps from the main shrine to the big bonfire. This quickly catches and gives off an impressive amount of heat that drives the crowds back. The hot coals are raked and then the action begins. The priests cross first followed by groups of devotees from far and wide. Everyone else is allowed to cross after that. Young children, the elderly, and the infirm all line up to cross and receive their blessings.

Kimono Expo
2022-10-19 11:00 - 2022-10-24 17:00
Kimono are an important part of Japanese culture, and the upcoming Kimono Expo in Tokyo allows visitors to experience the splendor of these traditional garments in a variety of unique ways.
The event will include talks about kimono-related topics from experts in the industry, including the likes of Niigata’s Echigo Dyeing Studio and Ito Sachi, one of Japan’s leading fabric manufacturers. There will also be a number of hands-on workshops for attendees to participate in, such as Bingata fabric dyeing (a dyeing technique that originated in Okinawa) and obi sash making.
For those not based in the Tokyo area, a sister event will be held in Osaka from October 26th until October 31st at the Hankyu Grand Building (26 F).

Aki Irodori Festa
2022-10-17 09:30 - 2022-10-30 16:00
Spring isn’t the only time of year to enjoy colorful seasonal blooms in Japan – autumn packs a punch, too! Kagawa’s Sanuki Mannou Park hosts their annual Aki Irodori Festa from mid-September through until early November, and the event showcases the beauty of pink cosmos and red kochia bushes. In total, you’ll find around 300,000 cosmos plants in eight varieties, and approximately 6000 kochia bushes. For those wanting to catch the kochia in their trademark vibrant red hue, aim for around mid-October.

Illumination Spectacle at Ashikaga Flower Park
2022-10-15 16:30 - 2022-10-28 21:00
Experience a mesmerizing evening of lights at Ashikaga Flower Park, recognized as Japan’s top illumination display. Stroll through enchanting gardens filled with thousands of twinkling lights, breathtaking wisteria light tunnels, and captivating themed sets. Conveniently located near Tokyo, reach the park by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Oyama Station (a 42-minute journey costing ¥3860) and then the JR Ryomo Line from Oyama Station to Tomita Station (a 13-minute journey costing ¥580). The park is just a 13-minute walk from the station. Take advantage of the JR pass for a hassle-free journey. Admission to the park is ¥800, and food stalls serving hot soup, fried chicken, ice cream, beef stew, and crepes are available, ranging from ¥200 to ¥500. Enjoy hot street food while admiring the illumination in the cool evening air. Although small in size, the park can be easily explored in an hour, and it’s best to visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds. You won’t be disappointed by the incredible light displays that cannot be fully captured by the camera. Marvel at the intricate lights shaped like flowers (roses that change color and lotuses reflecting their light on water) and the stunning arrangement of lights with real flowers. Don’t miss out on the interactive displays, including one that sends a light flow toward Earth and blooms a leaf on top. Leave with unforgettable memories and stunning photos and videos to share. Visit Ashikaga Flower Park and discover why it’s a must-visit.

Niimi City Samurai Parade
2022-10-15 13:30 - 15:30
Located in the north part of Okayama Prefecture and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Niimi City is prone to cold weather in the winter season but once spring kicks in you can see the spring colors scattered in the hills and mountains that surround the gateway to Niimi. The Takahashi River which originates from Chiya (Hanamiyama) runs through Niimi on its way down to the Seto Inland Sea. Each year Niimi City holds a re-creation of the Samurai or Daimyo who walked to Edo, these Samurai were expected to travel to Edo to pay respect and in return, they would be allowed to continue to reign over the district. The exact date of this tradition is not known but local historians say that it is at least 300 years old. Apparently, the Daimyo (which is used today to mean Governor) did not want to travel to Edo as they were required to spend a lot of money to travel to Edo and they were expected to hand over large amounts of money to keep the Sho-gun in power. But like many things here in Japan, keeping peace and order for the group plays a vital part in Japanese societal fiber. Of course, this played into the Sho-guns strategy to keep order in the regions by preventing the regional Samurai from accumulating wealth. The fact that this parade continues today after 300 years is a tribute to the city of Niimi and the people who live there. I have to confess that this city is more than a really interesting place to visit. In fact, this is the hometown of my husband and where his family has lived, for a very long time, so you can see that this city will always have a very soft spot in my heart. I have spent a lot of time traveling back and forth to Niimi and even after nearly two decades, I am still discovering new places and new facts about this quiet city. The Samurai Parade is held on the same day each year which often falls on a weekday. This does not prevent the locals from getting out onto the streets and saving a good spot to view the parade. Schools allow the students to take a half-day holiday as many are involved in the parade. If you have ever wanted to see this type of Samurai parade, they are held in many places around Japan but now you know that in Niimi City it happens on October 15th, so pencil this date in your calendar and maybe I’ll see you there this year.

Kobe Sports Park Cosmos Festival
2022-10-15 10:00 - 15:00
Each year in autumn, the Kobe Sports Park is home to a cosmos festival that typically runs throughout the month of October. The cosmos hill at the park spans an impressive space of 4,000 square meters, and from the top of the hill, you’re able to see out to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge that links Honshu to Awaji Island. Along with the beautiful blooms and views to appreciate, the event also has stage performances and a range of food trucks to grab a bite to eat at.

Kiyozumi Cosmos Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-31
Each year from around late September through until late October, approximately 5 million cosmos flowers bloom in a space of 7 hectares at the Kiyozumi Cosmos Field in Hyogo. The flowers have been cultivated in this area since 1990, and the site became a tourist destination two years later in 1992. The cosmos here come in a variety of colors including orange, pink, purple, and white, and the surrounding mountains enhance the natural charm of this rather rural location. The festival itself typically runs while the flowers are at their peak, and based on last year’s dates this was from October 11th through to October 24th. Of course, this can fluctuate depending on blooming conditions, so do check the official event website closer to the season for confirmation. Adult admission to the event is priced at 300 yen.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
A grand festival is held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine twice a year, and in October, includes the Shinto ritual offering of “Yabusame”, firing arrows at targets from atop galloping horses, and the “Togyosai” called “Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu”, in which participants reenact the procession from Sunpu Kuno-zan to Nikko for the reburial of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In particular, the Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu, during which all 1,200 participants go up and down the road leading to the shrine, surrounding the portable shrine, will really make you believe you have traveled back to the Edo Period.

Tokyo Coffee Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
Attention all java lovers! The Tokyo Coffee Festival is a biannual event featuring coffee beans from different countries as well as several coffee brands such as Ritual Coffee, Sightglass Coffee, Fourbarrel Coffee, and BlueBottle Coffee. This wonderful event aims to create a culture that promotes high-quality coffee. The festival also collaborates with different sweets producers from around the world, allowing customers and visitors to enjoy a perfect combination of bitter and sweet flavors. The Tokyo Coffee Festival sells a set of five tickets and five small paper cups for customers to try coffee from different stations, or you can buy a full cup of coffee directly from each booth. And with about 20 coffee booths to try, your day will be filled with caffeine. Each booth highlights a different type of coffee. The staff makes the coffee right in front of the customer, which is one of the major features of the Tokyo Coffee Festival. Aside from coffee, you can purchase artsy cups, mugs, and canvas bags, and enjoy treats from quirky food vans. The Tokyo Coffee Festival is held beside the farmer’s market at the United Nations University (UNU). It is organized by the Tokyo Coffee Executive Committee, Festival Farmer’s Market Association, and Good Coffee. It is also an event supported by Amameria Espresso, Glitch Coffee Roasters, Trunk Coffee Bar, Double Tall Coffee, and Coffee House Tomu Tomu, among many others. The farmer’s market is also held in front of the United Nations University during the festival and gets crowded with students, families, couples, and tourists on the weekend of the event. The farmer’s market booths feature some great and interesting products such as vegetables, honey, traditional Japanese plants, hand-made crafts, natural sweets, nuts, and olive oil at relatively cheap prices. It is definitely worth a visit for people in search of organic or handmade products! The Tokyo Coffee Festival is one of the must-see events for coffee lovers in and around Tokyo. Enjoy various samples of coffee and purchase high-quality coffee beans from all over the world over the course of the weekend. The next festival should be held in 2021.

Echigo Yuzawa Station Sake Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-23
The Echigo Yuzawa area of Niigata Prefecture is known for two things in particular – snow and sake. You’ll notice the region’s pride in their sake even as you’re passing through Echigo Yuzawa station, as it’s home to the Ponshukan, a place where visitors can try brews from across the prefecture and bathe in a sake-infused hot spring. Given this, it may not come as a surprise that the station also plays host to a sake festival within its walls. For 1000 yen, festival attendees will receive a ticket that allows them to sample 10 different brews which originate from the local areas of Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma, Uonuma, Tsunan, Tokamachi, and Ojiya. The two-day event does have differing hours, so bear that in mind.

Fureai Matsuri at Haginaka, Haneda
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
A festival organized by local parties including the government, council, companies, and shopping streets. There will be performances including the awa-odori dance and the Okinawan eisa dance, as well as traditional Japanese food stalls offering cotton candy and yakisoba. Local shops will also set up stands to sell their specialties, including steak and Japanese dumplings (manju). This article originally appeared on the Ota-City.com website and is republished with permission.

Niihama Drum Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
Niihama Drum Festival is one of the top three festivals in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku — an autumn taiko festival celebrating the annual harvest. Its origins date back 1,000 years, a sacred event that is an essential part of Niihama City’s history. During the Festival The festival attracts thousands of spectators from all across the country, who gather in mid-October to celebrate among the boisterous sounds of beating drums. Also known as Otoko-matsuri (Men’s Festival), the massive 3-tonne taiko drum stands are lifted by over 150 men during the event. The taiko traditional drum stands are 5.5 meters tall and adorned with gold thread embroidery. Niihama Drum Festival’s highlight is undoubtedly the Kakikurabe, an event when men known as “kakifu” participate in a Taiko-dai lifting competition to determine who is the strongest and most skilled in the city.
History The event’s origins date back to the Heian and Kamakura periods when the locals prayed to the gods for an abundant autumn harvest. During the early Meiji period, the Taiko-dai was only three meters tall. In present times, these three-meter Taiko-dai are carried by children during the festival. The height of the Taiko-dai increased year by year, resulting in the 5-meter tall flamboyant drum stands we see today. Before the festival begins, the Taiko-dai are blessed in local shrines and then paraded around Niihama city. Occasionally, you might see the taiko-dai bearers tussle with one another, smashing the drum stands together until it remains but a mess of shards and ripped shreds. If you’re lucky, you might see the taiko-dai bearers carry the drum stands into the sea — a process called funamiyuki. Although it does not occur every year, the act of funamiyuki represents the locals’ prayer for a good sea harvest.

Kurashiki Autumn Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
The Kurashiki Autumn Festival or Achi-Jinja Aki Matsuri happens every year on the 3rd weekend of October to celebrate abundant harvests. The Japanese name of the festival ‘阿智神社秋祭’ is a combination of the shrine’s name (Achi-Jinja), autumn (aki), and festival (matsuri). The shrine is located in the Tsurugata-yama-koen, a park that overlooks the Bikan Historical Quarter, preserved from the Edo Period (1603-1867). This old merchant quarter on a normal day is already a very pleasant place to visit. The Kurashiki canal runs through the main area with white and black tiled warehouses found on both sides of the channel, giving this area a distinctive Japanese-European feel. Interestingly, Kurashiki takes its name from ‘Kura – 倉’ which means warehouse. If you have not been to a festival in Japan before, I should explain that to aid the procession, the crowds may be cordoned off the parade area. But this particular festival in Kurashiki does it differently from Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto), for example. The procession walks right into the heart of the old town amidst the crowd so all people can partake in it. People can choose to walk under the *Mikoshi (see additional information below) for good blessings, they can get knocked on the head by *Suinkyo for good health, and they may even meet an *Akuma or two prowling the streets. I won’t go into the details of the full program. Still, I would suggest that you hang around the ‘Kurashikikan’, formerly the Kurashiki town hall and now the Tourist Information Center, where you will likely get the best bits of the festival procession. You can hear the procession before you see it coming as the bearers of the Mikoshi and the *Senzairaku will be chanting as they walk. The *Miko or priestess will travel on a horse and lead the procession. The *Sanjyojin or 3 goddesses will be carried over the water with court musicians playing *Gagaku in a separate boat slightly behind the goddesses. They will head down the canal before disembarking further down. Once the priestess and the 3 goddesses are assembled on the stone bridge, Miko makes a speech and then starts to sing. The beautiful voice is accompanied by the entrancing dance of the 3 goddesses and brings a calm over the whole area. Even with the crowd around, you do not feel flustered or annoyed as everyone seems to be charmed by the beauty of the scene. You can feel the gentle wind that whispers in your ear and the sunlight patting lightly on your cheeks, as you feel an overall sense of peace and calmness. After the song ends, the procession continues on but most people will have wandered off to have coffee or visit the many exciting shops around town. Another event to highlight is that on this special occasion some of the residents open their houses to the public and display their Byobu (folding screens) which are handed down from generation to generation. Some are accompanied by Ikebana (floral arrangements) as well as calligraphy works. Additional information: Many people attend festivals for their beauty and grandeur, and to partake in the festivities but there is a long history of how things came to be. The following is just some additional information with the hope that it will help you enjoy the festival more when you do get a chance to attend. Sanjojin 三女神
Munakata shrines are dedicated to the Munakata Sanjoshin 宗像三女神. Their worship began under the patronage of the Munakata 宗像 clan on Kyūshū (Kyushu) island, hence they are named the Three Goddesses of Munakata. The 3 Goddesses (Ichikishima-hime 市杵嶋姫, Tagitsu-hime 湍津姫, Tagori-hime 田心姫 ) are believed to be daughters of the Sun God Amaterasu. They are believed to be protectors of the nation, the imperial household, patrons of safe sea voyages, and bountiful fishing. Miko 巫女
Miko or priestess is the maiden of a shrine, trained to perform tasks in the shrine ranging from cleansing ceremonies to performing ceremonial dances. Gagaku 雅楽
Gagaku is the traditional music of the Japanese Imperial Court. It is believed that music is used to communicate with the deities. Mikoshi 神輿
A Mikoshi is a divine palanquin used to transport the deity during a festival or when moving from shrine to shrine. During a festival, people bear the mikoshi, on their shoulders and move it around the neighborhood and wave it wildly from side to side to “amuse” the deity inside the Mikoshi. Senzairaku 千歳楽
This particular floating stage carries the drum and its player. It is also known as Taiko-dai 太鼓台 and in the Okayama area, it is called the Senzairaku. It is also shouldered by people and while moving the stage the people will chant a song. The origins of name Senzairaku came from a Noh Song created in the Edo Period and due to its popularity, people started calling the drum stage itself ‘Senzairaku’. This float serves to lead the parade and to entertain the deity. Suinkyo 素隠居
Suinkyo is people dressed in traditional clothes and masks of elderly men and women. They are a humorous bunch as they go around hitting everyone on their heads with their red fans. It is said that hitting on the head is supposed to make the person smarter and in turn bring about good health. There are a few versions of its origins but one of them is said to be a shortened form of 「素晴らしい隠居」which literally just means a ‘Grand Retirement’ which would relate to a rich long life. Shibu-uchiwa 渋うちわ
The persimmon-stained fan carried by the Suinkyo. Akuma 悪魔
Akuma is a devil or demon in Japanese.

Yuiichi Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-19
Yuiichi is a local craft festival in Yūki, Ibaraki prefecture. True to Yūki’s history and rich weaving heritage, the Yuiichi event aims to bring together local people and crafts to celebrate Yūki’s culture. Spread across Yuki’s historical downtown streets, Yuiichi provides visitors a chance to explore over 35 different shops, stalls, and cafes in the neighborhood. With many roads closed off over the Yuiichi weekend, people are encouraged to walk or cycle around the different sites, which surround the central Takedasuga Shrine. Performances and street stalls can be enjoyed as local businesses and craftsmen open their doors to the public and host workshops that people can get involved in.
Entrance to Takedasuga Shrine (Photo: Yui Project)
To the west of Takedasuga Shrine is the Sakagura (sake brewery) area where a number of local breweries open their doors to host visitors, small stalls, and performances. Yūki/Buyū sake breweries feature live performances throughout each day, though this is ticketed separately to the main, otherwise free, festival. The Machinaka (downtown) area to the southwest features art, sweets, and goods shops. Also, it intersects the Jinja (shrine) area in the center of Yuki, where the Takedasuga Shrine is located. To the east is the Toiyamachi (Wholesale) area, with a greater number of arts, and crafts, and small, independent shops and traders selling handmade wares.
Products on display (Photo: Yui Project)
There are a number of workshop opportunities to get involved in, including tsumugi, a silk-weaving technique unique to Yuki and designated one of several Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan. It is now inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Also to try is making Noren, the traditional sign curtain hung at shop entrances. While it is easy to explore Yuki on foot, it is even better to explore by bicycle as you may go back and forth throughout the day. Cycling affords you the luxury of making lots of short journeys, not worrying about retracing your steps or simply exploring freely. With so many sections of the town open to the public, there are so many hidden paths, shortcuts or nooks, and crannies allowing you to explore this charming town at your leisure.
Street performances (Photo: Yui Project)
With Takedasuga Shrine being both the town and festival’s focal point, lots of small craft and food stalls pop up outside around the shrine’s grounds, which is also where the crowds converge as the evening draws near on both days. Here, live performances can be enjoyed alongside the warm glow of lanterns, candlelight, and the cool, crisp autumn air. On a Sunday evening, the mesmerizing performance of gagaku-style music can be witnessed.
Yuiichi is held every year on the second weekend in October.

Otsu Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-18
Otsu Matsuri takes place in early October, which is preferable to the sticky July heat of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri. It features thirteen gorgeous tall lantern floats which can be viewed on the first day of the festival and a parade that takes place the following day. The floats have ingenious mechanical puppets which move during the parade. Food stalls are set up on the grounds of Tenson Shrine and along the covered shopping street. The floats are located only 10 minute walk from Otsu JR Station.

Ikegami Oeshiki
2022-10-11 16:00 - 2022-10-13 23:00
Ikegami Honmonji Oeshiki Festival is one of Tokyo’s most famous and memorable festivals, with a history dating back more than 730 years. The festival celebrates the anniversary of the death of the famous Buddhist teacher and saint Nichiren. Oeshiki celebrations to honor Nichiren, founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, occur around Japan in mid-October, but the largest and most impressive takes place at Ota Ward’s Ikegami Honmonji Temple, where Nichiren passed away. The highlight of the festival is held on October 12th at 6 pm, the actual date of Nichiren’s death. The event, known as “Mando rite” (Mando meaning 10,000 lights), involves parades of people toting poles of cherry-blossom adorned lanterns on the two-kilometer route from Ikegami Station to the temple grounds. The huge floats are accompanied by matoi, Edo-era firemen, who provide music for the march on their flutes and drums. Over 300,000 people usually attend the festival every year to enjoy the magical atmosphere, but for those who can’t be there in person, the event is also broadcast online. For those planning to witness the parade of lanterns, it’s advisable to come early in order to secure a good seat along the route. During the festival, numerous food stands run by local residents serve up a variety of treats to the many visitors. Common festival foods include yakisoba, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori and more. Some events, such as catching goldfish, lotteries, and fortune tellers, are held throughout the neighborhood. The concessions are open for the entire three-day event, and the lively atmosphere is a fantastic place to make friends and mingle in the brisk autumn air. This article originally appeared on the Ota-City.com website and is republished with permission.

Transportation in Ukiyo-e
2022-10-01 10:30 - 2022-10-26 17:30
Transportation is essential in our day-to-day lives, and this has been the case throughout history. During the Edo period in Japan, various methods of transport were utilized including people power, horses, and ships, with the latter having particular significance in modern-day Tokyo given the presence of Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River. The importance of transport methods was also reflected in historical artworks, with individuals like Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai depicting logistics and transport in many of their ukiyo-e pieces. A special exhibition taking place at the Ota Memorial Museum explores a variety of them, with iconic prints like Hiroshige’s “Ferry Boat Crossing the Rokugo River” and “Nihonbashi Morning View” just a couple of the works to be displayed. Adult admission to the event is priced at ¥ 800.

TELL Tokyo Tower Climb
2022-10-01 07:30 - 2022-10-02 11:00
It’s time to climb to save a life. Participation in TELL’s Tokyo Tower Climb helps improve awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day, which is on September 10th. The climb of Tokyo’s iconic tower takes place around the awareness-raising day and acts as a fundraiser for the NPO group. Who is TELL? TELL is an NPO dedicated to providing counseling and support services to Japan’s international community. Not only that but they also address the country’s growing mental health care needs. Founded in 1973, TELL provides counseling and outreach services—by online chat or telephone—and helps thousands of people every year. The free, anonymous, and confidential system puts many at ease enough to seek the help that they need. Why climb Tokyo Tower? It’s simple. As an NPO, TELL needs donations to continue offering support and counseling for the people of Japan. The mental-health champion needs helpers to raise awareness and funds for their lifeline services.

Cosmos Season at Kinryu Park
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-16
Each year around the early October timeframe, Saga’s Kinryu Park is filled with the color of thousands of cosmos flowers in bloom. The park spans around 3.5 hectares, and the cosmos planted here include several different varieties and colors, too. One of the nicest things about a visit to this park is just how accessible it is – it’s connected to the Kinryu Service area, which is one of the rest stops along the Nagasaki Expressway. It’s a great way to break up a drive, stretch your legs, and appreciate the beauty of nature! Admission to the park is free of charge.

Cosmos Alley in Shinshiro, Aichi
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-16 | 西門 沢, Tomioka, Shinshiro, Aichi 441-1335, Japan, 西門 沢, Tomioka, Shinshiro, Aichi 441-1335, Japan, Tomioka, Aichi, 441-1335, Japan
Each year from around early to mid-October, Aichi’s Shinshiro Cosmos Alley is filled with the beauty of around 350,000 cosmos in bloom in numerous varieties. During the blooming season, they also hold a fun scarecrow competition here, with numerous amusing entrants on display. Visitors are able to pick a few of the cosmos flowers as a souvenir from their visit or try to make their way through a cosmos maze. There are typically numerous vendors selling food, drink, and local produce, and for those with dogs you’ll be pleased to know that the event is pet-friendly. Like all flower festivals, the dates can be subject to change depending on blooming conditions, so please visit the official website for confirmation closer to the season.

American Day in Misawa
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-15
Whether one hails from the States and misses good ol’ American burgers, or if one simply is curious as to how a day can be dedicated to American culture out in rural Japan, American Day is a great way to spend an afternoon. American Day is held annually about a week after Memorial Day, in the town of Misawa, in the northern prefecture of Aomori. It’s sponsored by the city’s International Club and the nearby American Air Force base, with the festivities leading right up to its gates. One can expect an entire day full of food vendors peddling real (as in big and delicious) hamburgers, hot dogs, and other stereotypical but on-the-money American food. The schedule of events differs from year to year. Still, the general flow consists of a marching band type parade in the morning, various games (such as tug-of-war), sports and cooking classes throughout the day, along with a rockin’ band playing (2014 had a Van Halen and Bon Jovi cover band!). Perhaps the most unique thing about the festival is the large number of foreigners present (presuming here that most come from the Air Force base). In northern Japan, it is a rare thing to see non-Japanese people about. On American Day, thousands of foreigners walk around creating a surreal environment. Of course, many Japanese participate as well, maybe drawn to it by the peculiarity of what American culture may be, or just wanting to see the rarity of it all. It creates an interesting splice between a small Japanese town and an ex-pat foreign community. In a way, it’s almost like an American-themed town one would find in an amusement park, save for the fact that everyone is real. Misawa’s population is 40,000, so it is a fairly small-sized town. It is surrounded by flat farming land, marshes, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Summers are hot and humid but nowhere near the likes of Tokyo while the winters are harsh and full of snow. Misawa would most likely be indistinguishable from all other small towns in Aomori if it were not for the presence of the American Air Force. Due to the large foreign community, one can find American food products, albeit expensive, in supermarkets. There’s even a fantastic Mexican restaurant ( Mike’s ) located behind the Sky Plaza ( the pinned location on the map). If you find yourself in Aomori during American Day, though it may not be the “traditional” Japanese culture you are looking to explore, it certainly is a unique “Japanese” celebration of a foreign culture, and it is worth an afternoon.

Czech Festival
2022-09-30 14:30 - 2022-10-02 18:00
The Czech Festival in Tokyo is Japan’s largest Czech-based event, and the multi-day affair includes a variety of ways to connect with this charming European country. There will be Czech products including accessories, character goods, toys, and books available to purchase, traditional Czech food and drinks on offer (including beer, wine, sausages, open sandwiches, stews, and more), music performances, tourism and culture information, and plenty more. The event takes place at the Adrift Shimokitazawa event complex, and admission is free of charge. Do note that the event hours for the 2022 festival differ from day to day if you’re planning on visiting: ⬇️ September 30th (Fri) from 2.30 pm – 8 pm October 1st (Sat) from 10 am – 8 pm October 2nd (Sun) from 10 am – 6 pm

Hokkaido Fair at Yoyogi
2022-09-29 10:00 - 2022-10-02 19:00
Running for over 30 years now, the Hokkaido Fair at Yoyogi is a multi-day event that brings some of the region’s foodie favorites to Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park. The prefecture is highly regarded for its food exports – especially its dairy products and seafood – and is the home of popular dishes like jingisukan (Genghis Khan lamb barbecue), soup curry, kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), and Hokkaido ramen.
A combination of well-known, established restaurants and under-the-radar hidden gems will be sharing a host of popular Hokkaido foods at the event, with the full lineup to be confirmed on the official website closer to the start date.
Admission to the event itself is free, but bring yen for your food purchases.

Niseko Autumn Food Festival
2022-09-26 - 2022-10-09
Seasonal eating is great for a number of reasons – it’s fresher, cheaper, and more sustainable for our planet. The Niseko Autumn Food Festival celebrates this train of thought, and the event will include eighteen local restaurants and bars serving up a range of eats and drinks using autumnal produce. Along with the tastebud tempting goodies on offer, there will also be a variety of live stage performances during the four-day affair.

Manjushage Festival
2022-09-17 09:00 - 2022-10-02 16:30
This carpet of over 5,000,000 bright red spider lilies beside the Koma River made it to the list of the top 30 reasons to visit Japan or really, the top 30 most beautiful places in Japan. So remarkable, in fact, that the Emperor and Empress of Japan came last year to see it for themselves. The entrance fee of ¥300 allows you to walk amongst the flowers and enter the festival area with all-day stage events and food and souvenir booths. Previous Event
Activities
Manjushage Festival, Koma
For fifty weeks of the year, the town of Koma (just 50 km from Ikebukuro, Tokyo) could be just about anywhere in rural Japan

The Odaigahara Hill Climb
2022-09-11
Kami-Kitayama-mura in southeast Nara Prefecture has acres, hectares, and uninterrupted square miles of unsullied mountain, valley, and river nature and a population of between just 500 and 600 people. For a tiny rural village, though, Kami-Kitayama-mura does know how to hold a big event. Making use of the mountainous Odaigahara area and the roads that access it, Kami-Kitayama-mura has held the Odaigahara Hill Climb Bike Race every September since 2001. With a 28-kilometer (~17.5 miles) course that climbs 1240 meters (~4067 feet) over the middle 8-kilometer (5-mile) stretch, a finish line at nearly 1600 meters (a full mile) in elevation, and time limits established for completing the event (and each section of the course), the Odaigahara Hill Climb draws so many people that the organizers have to cap participation at 800. The participation of a small number of foreign riders in recent years inspired Kami-Kitayama-mura to give the event a more international feel. Watch the Odaigahara Hill Climb To encourage the participation of more foreign riders, Kami-Kitayama-mura has created an English page on the website for the Odaigahara Hill Climb and offers special perks to foreign participants. Event Report, 2015: The burning in my legs throbbed and faded with every pedal stroke. After a short walking and water break I settled back into the pace I knew I could maintain for the remainder of the Odaigahara Hill Climb’s punishing 8km Geki-zaka hill climb section. The road narrowed and disappeared into a stand of cedar trees, but I could see that the slope slackened and perhaps leveled out. I stood up and pedaled harder and climbed to the trees. The road did level out, and not only that, there was a stretch of downhill before the next short slope. Elation burst from within, I had reached the top of the Geki-zaka! The hardest part of the Odaigahara Hill Climb was behind me. Energy surged without my having to command it and I pedaled hard to pick up speed down the short slope. Pain erupted suddenly, a muscle spasm in my left calf, nearly causing me to tip over and fall off the bike as I struggled to unclick my foot from the pedal, scrub the speed I’d just built up, and avoid crashing into the trees. My Japanese is quite strong, but there was enough written information in English and a native English speaker on hand at the reception and sign-in event in Kami-Kitayama-mura the day before the race. The friendliness of the staff and a festival food stall lent the sign-in venue a festival feel. English disappeared completely from the events at the starting zone the evening before the race, but the full-on Japanese mountain festival that took place made up for that. Live music performed by a band from Osaka and a talk/comedy show performed by local women and minor celebrities from the Kansai area were the evening’s entertainment. Deer and wild boar meat, along with the usual festival favorites were provided by the food stall (race participants received a ￥500 food coupon to use at the stand), and a fireworks display completed the night’s events. The events of the Odaigahara Hill Climb start early in the morning with rider check-in and baggage storage beginning at 5:30 am, and assembling on the starting grid beginning at 6:10. The riders are divided into 6 classes (Champion, Mountain Bike, Ladies, Couples, Regular Road and Kids) and 8 groups (Champion; MTB, Ladies and Couples; Regular Road Groups 1-5; and Kids), and each group is given the “Go” in 2-minute intervals starting at 7 o’clock. The first 10 kilometers along the mostly flat Kotochi River were easy, and the morning light shining through the mist and bouncing off the trees and river was beautiful. The going got brutal from the start of the Geki-zaka, the 8-kilometer long, 9.3% average grade mountain climb in the middle of the course. The organizers of the Odaigahara Hill Climb place several rehydration and aid stations along the course but the spacing places them near the top of the Geki-zaka and along the final 10.5-kilometer stretch to the goal. Having at least one further down the Geki-zaka could make the climb much easier. Once riders reach the top of the Geki-zaka there’s a 10.5-kilometer run along the undulating Odaigahara Driveway to the top of the slope above the Odaigahara Parking lot. There are a few very fast downhill bits near the top of the Geki-zaka and along the Odaigahara Driveway but the race is an uphill battle and all the more rewarding for it. The prospect of running the race was daunting to me at first and I was fairly certain I wasn’t going to enjoy it, but the sense of accomplishment at succeeding and the “runner’s high” the event left me with were well worth it. My only regret is that I have to wait till next year to run the race again! Got what it takes to challenge a mountain? Happy travels!

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Sendai
2022-09-10 10:00 - 2022-09-11 18:00 | Sendai City Center, Sendai City Center, Sendai, Sendai, Japan
Jazz music is not everyone’s cup of green tea, so it was quite a shock to discover that the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is one of Sendai’s biggest annual events. Starting back in 1987 on a department store stage, the festival soon moved outdoors into the streets. In recent years the growing festivities have assaulted the entire city with more than forty stages, hundreds of performers, and thousands of visitors. And here’s a secret: all kinds of music from rock, pop, gospel, Latin (you name it and they’ve got it) are performed—not just jazz. It is one of the most unique music festivals in Japan, and it’s all free!!! Looking at a map of the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival can be at first a bit overwhelming. While the event is always held two days over a weekend in September and the number of stages or their locations can change slightly each year, the hardest choice of the day is where to go. Stages stretch from few and far between around Tsutsujigaoka Park (one station away from Sendai station), through the main shopping arcade and pedestrian mall, all the way down to the main stages and headquarters of Kotaikoen Park. A long detour leads down Jozenji Street, from which the festival borrows its name. Jozenji Street is lined with large and beautiful Zelkova trees. The street is a symbol of the city. It stretches down to Nishikoen Park which hosts a flea market and World Kitchen area to sample international cuisine. Walking the entire course would take more than an hour. If it still hasn’t sunk in yet, the festival is huge! Two days might not even be enough to enjoy it all. Of course, do try to attend bands or genres of music you are interested in, but fill in any downtime by following your ears. Most travelers and locals get their jazz on by first starting at Sendai Station. Some people opt to go see the six or so stages behind the station and clustered in Tsutsujigaoka Park. Even if it is your first time in Sendai, it isn’t hard to find your way around. The event has an army of volunteers as well as hired security guards that move you in the right direction. It won’t be long until you start hearing music. You will be hearing it all day. The stages are set just far enough apart so that one performance does not interfere with another but just close enough so that visitors never experience silence. Smaller stages are placed along the center or edges of the covered shopping arcades (which provide great acoustics). These stages may only have one or two performers with a crowd of fewer than fifty people. It is nice knowing that a festival this large can still provide such intimate moments between musician and audience. Pass a few folk song artists and a blues performer (singing in English!) and you might hear angels. It’s a gospel choir singing from a second-floor balcony bridging over the mall walkway! This was a huge hit last year. Next, your friend pulls your sleeve towards the blaring of a trumpet. A small stage inside a store provides perfect acoustics. You just never know where the next stage will be. It’s all part of the fun. As the festival picks up energy the crowds get bigger and the music louder. Huge stages capable of hosting a few hundred people each center around Kotaikoen Park (located right outside Kotaikoen station, less than 10 minutes via subway from Sendai station). Even bigger performances occur during night performances which start around six in the evening. Japanese rock bands, a Japanese version of the Beatles(?), and Japanese taiko drumming kept the crowds moving until late in the evening. The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is something every music lover needs to attend. Although not all performers are big superstars, all are very good at what they do. Pride is on the line and all performers give their best and sound great! Fun for everyone in a beautiful backdrop of greenery along with a free price tag means it is almost impossible not to have a good time.

Echigo Winery Grape Festival
2022-09-10 10:00 - 2022-09-11 15:30
In a region of Niigata which is perhaps better known for sake, it may come as a surprise to find a working winery. Echigo Winery produces a range of different beverages, including red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, and rosé, and they host an annual grape festival that is suitable for the entire family. Held at the winery premises and the neighboring Yairo no Mori Park, there are plenty of enjoyable activities for all age groups, including grape picking, outdoor stage performances, and lots of food and beverages for sale. The staff at the festival are diligent in ensuring that alcohol isn’t served to anyone underage or those who are driving, so if you do plan on attending it is advisable to have a designated driver or to utilize public transportation to get to the venue.

The Hanamaki Festival
2022-09-10 - 2022-09-11
The Hanamaki Festival is one of the 3 biggest in Iwate, the other 2 being Sansa Odori in Morioka and the Mizusawa Festival in Oshuu. The streets of downtown Hanamaki are usually rather quiet but for 3 days in September, they come to life with hundreds of floats and portable shrines. People of all ages participate in the fun from elementary school children to adults. There are many side activities as well during the festival. The festival is held in honor of Nobuchika Kita 1523-1613, the founder of Hanamaki, the festival started at the end of the 16th century. The festival has been held annually since. The festivities start around 17:00 on the second Friday of September until 21:00, on Saturday, it starts at noon and runs until 21:00 also. On the last day, Sunday, it starts at noon and ends at 19:00. During that time, you’ll see elaborately decorated floats featuring some ancient folk tales or historical events. It takes a couple of months to build the floats mostly made of paper-mâché; they have to be built to withstand the rain (it often rains during the festival). Many floats have live flames shooting out at several places; they are very impressive at night! All Junior High Schools are represented with a portable shrine (“mikoshi” in Japanese) in the parade, and there is fierce competition among the teams to impress the crowds. Most neighborhoods are represented by a float as well. A typical float has young children at the front playing the flute, next older children playing the shamisen, and adults at the back playing the drums. The melody played originated in Kyoto several centuries ago. There are also smaller portable shrines paraded through the streets of each neighborhood earlier in the day. All schools finish at noon on the Friday of the festival to allow children to participate in the parades. Each float is an absolute work of art; they are the main attraction of the festival. Another great feature of the festival is the Kagura Deer Dancers; there are several versions around Iwate but here the dancers are covered in deer-like costumes and perform drum dances on Kamicho (上町 – the main street where the festival takes place). Perpendicular to Kamicho is Toyosawa-cho, the street where all the food stalls and other vendors are located. You can find the usual festival foods like yakisoba, takoyaki, udon, cotton candy, and more. Each year new ones are being tried. You can also find all kinds of toys, goldfish, and some arts and crafts on sale on that street.

Lantern Festival in Nozawa Onsen
2022-09-08 09:00 - 2022-09-09 23:00
Each year, on the 8th and 9th of September, Nozawa Onsen comes alive for the amazing Lantern Festival. Festivals are something that Nozawa Onsen village does well and while January’s Fire Festival may get all the hype due to coinciding with plenty of powder snow, September’s Lantern Festival is a local favorite and a great chance to explore Nagano in early Autumn. September 8th During the early evening on September 8th, Oyu Dori (Nozawa’s main street) springs to life with street vendors and a parade featuring drums, flute players, dancing, and an age-old Japanese folk pantomime. Being the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the performance is said to dispel evil in favor of good luck while ensuring a bountiful rice harvest. All the while, villagers and tourists can enjoy themselves as the sake flows. September 9th On the 9th, the men in their “Yaku” (bad luck) years, shake off their hangovers and carry a heavy “Omikoshi” through the village. The villagers donate bottles of sake to the action taking place which not only adds to the spectacle but also the time it takes for the men to complete their mission of carrying the Omikoshi to the Shrine. Everybody is on hand to cheer them on and help them up the stairs of the Shrine around sunset. All in all, it’s a magic time to be in the village. Get your friends together and escape the city for a taste of traditional culture and friendly locals. If you happen to know someone visiting Japan over the weekend of the 8th & 9th of September, make sure to let them know. Nozawa Holidays are doing a cheap 2-night package at Villa Nozawa but of course, you can always extend it. 2-night stay at Villa Nozawa (shared bathroom), free use of public onsens, kitchen available to use; ¥9,000pp 2-night stay at Villa Nozawa (ensuite room), free use of public onsens, kitchen available to use; ¥13,000pp 2-night stay at Villa Nozawa (shared room), free use of public onsens, kitchen available to use; ¥6,000pp There are also some self-contained options available at Nozawa Central, Nozawa House, and Harvest House. Please feel free to contact Nozawa Holidays with any questions at stay@nozawaholidays.com. Nozawa Onsen Nozawa is now world-renowned for its “Powder Snow” in Winter and is one of the top ski resorts in Japan. However, it is also a magic little mountain village to visit in the “Green Season”, not just for this festival but any time from April to November when the snow returns. Some of the great outdoor activities to explore include: Hiking Mountain biking – rent a bike from 2000 yen a day Kayaking, stand-up paddle and rafting Yoga and Meditation Golf, Tennis, Soccer Relaxing in an onsen Accommodation rates during that time are as low as 3000 yen per person per night. Here is a link to more details https://www.nozawaholidays.com/summer-nozawa-green-season/ Nozawa Holidays’ yoga retreat is coming up in August and October. Spots are limited. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/yoga-retreat “
