Top Activities and Experiences to Enjoy in Japan During October 2022
Revamped Autumn in Japan Schedule
Shift gears, save the serious tone for a later time, and let's chat about Japan's October festivities like a pal!
planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun during October? Brace yourself for a whirlwind of wild events and stunning activities that'll leave you breathless! Here's the lowdown on the top 10 autumn excursions not to be missed.
1. Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto) - Steeped in tradition, this annual festival celebrates Kyoto’s rich history, with participants donning costumes representing various eras of Japan's past. Experience a captivating time warp on October 22.
2. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival - October 5-7, Nagasaki transforms into a sea of vibrant colors, as locals showcase elaborate Chinese-inspired dances and parade extravagant, centuries-old floats.
3. Kawagoe Festival (Kawagoe Hikawa Festival) - If you're in the mood for some Edo-era thrills, drop by the Hikawa Festival on October 14. Witness towering yatai (floats) and traditional performances in this charming town north of Tokyo.
**4. takes a everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach when it comes to festivities! On October 9-10, the town fills with stunning yatai and intricate karakuri puppets, making this one of Japan's most visually dazzling fests.
6. Kurama Fire Festival - Prepare for a fiery spectacle on October 22, when locals in Kurama, north of Kyoto, parade through the streets, torches ablaze, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Bakeneko Festival (Tokyo)
- October 13, scoop your cat ears up and tails high as you saunter through Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, to join a feline-themed fiesta celebrating Japan's mythical creatures.
8. Autumn Leaves - Sprawling across the land, Japan's vibrant autumn foliage is a treasure to behold from mid to late October. Don’t miss famous spots like Nikko, Urabandai (Fukushima), and Arashiyama (Kyoto).
9. Fruit Picking - October brings a bounty of ripe fruits just waiting to be plucked! Head to orchards across Japan, like those in Fukushima, for apple, pear, and persimmon picking adventures.
10. Mountain Climbing & Hiking - Lace up your hiking boots and haul up those mountains! October offers perfect conditions for trekking scenic spots like Urabandai (Fukushima) and the Japanese Alps.
Bonus: Illumination Events
- From Kanazawa to Tokyo, various cities and temples dazzle the evenings with illuminated displays, highlighting Japan's stunning autumnal landscapes and landmarks.
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- Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto)
- Witness the intriguing amalgamation of traditions and modernity in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, by joining in on its Festival of the Ages.
- Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
- Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, showcasing the unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European influences in this historic port city.
- Kawagoe Festival
- Quench your thirst for history by taking part in the Kawagoe Festival, a celebration that brings alive the magnificent traditions and pageantry of Edo-era Japan.
- Takayama Autumn Festival
- Be captivated by the grandeur and intricate craftsmanship of the Takayama Autumn Festival, where stunning yatai and traditional karakuri puppets come together in a vibrant explosion of color and tradition.
- Fruit Picking
- Satisfy your sweet tooth and channel your inner forager by exploring Japan's orchards for apples, pears, and persimmons.
- Mountaineering & Hiking
- Escape the crowds and trek the breathtaking landscapes of Japan's mountains and alpine regions, with crisp air and vibrant autumn leaves as your companions.
- Illumination Events
- Marvel at the illuminated landscapes, temples, and cities that dot Japan's landscape, from Kanazawa to Tokyo, and let the magic of the season enchant you.
- Immerse yourself in Japan's rich history and culture during the Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto) on October 22, a festival with participants donning costumes representing various eras of Japan's past.
- Experience the vibrant Nagasaki Kunchi Festival on October 5-7, where locals showcase elaborate dances and parade extravagant, centuries-old floats.
- For a taste of Edo-era thrills, attend the Hikawa Festival in Kawagoe on October 14 and witness towering yatai (floats) and traditional performances.
- The Takayama Autumn Festival offers a dazzling explosion of color and tradition with its intricate karakuri puppets and stunning yatai on October 9-10.
- October's crisp air provides perfect conditions for mountain climbing and hiking, allowing you to explore scenic spots like Urabandai (Fukushima) and the Japanese Alps.
- If you're a cat lover, join the Bakeneko Festival (Tokyo) on October 13 and celebrate Japan's mythical creatures in Setagaya Ward.
- Don't miss the breathtaking views of Japan's vibrant autumn foliage at famous spots like Nikko, Urabandai (Fukushima), and Arashiyama (Kyoto), from mid to late October.
- Take advantage of the bounty of ripe fruits in October and go apple, pear, and persimmon picking at orchards across Japan, like in Fukushima.
- Various cities and temples across Japan, like Kanazawa and Tokyo, dazzle the evenings with illuminated displays, highlighting Japan's stunning autumnal landscapes and landmarks.
- If you're planning a trip to Japan during October, brace yourself for a whirlwind of wild events and stunning activities that'll leave you breathless, from festivals to food experiences, culture, and tours.