Each year, numerous festivals are held across Japan to honor and celebrate traditions passed down over the generations. If you’re thinking about scheduling a Japan tour during the fall, try to go during one of these much-anticipated celebrations. 

Which Fall Festivals to Attend During Your Japan Tour

1. Kichijoji Aki Matsuri

In the second week in September, thousands of people gather in the neighborhood of Kichijoji in Tokyo to celebrate the arrival of fall. Eleven Mikoshi—portable shrines—are transported through the streets to the front of the Heiwa Dori station. 

The celebration then shifts to paying tribute to the guardian spirit of Kichijoji housed in the Musashino Hachimangu shrine. People perform ancient Japanese music, and vendors provide games, drinks, and food. At the end of the festival, the Mikoshi are then danced back through the streets to their homes. 

2. Okinawa Sangyou Matsuri

The Okinawa Local Products Festival is an annual event held in Onoyama Park in Naha, where local Okinawan companies proudly exhibit and sell their products. Every October for three days, this free festival attracts approximately 200,000 visitors to the island. Many people visit the region solely to attend and sample the unique products. 

If you’re planning to attend, make travel plans well ahead of time, as there is no parking available, and public transportation will be quite packed and busy during this time.  

3. The World Uchinanchu Festival

Hundreds of thousands of Uchinanchu (Okinawans) live overseas. Since 1990, this homecoming festival—better known as Taikai—has been held every five years to celebrate Okinawa’s rich culture.

Although thousands will visit the city for the four- or five-day event, people around the globe are encouraged to participate in the festivities, which consist of parades, traditional Okinawan performances, leadership workshops, and numerous village parties. The next festival is planned for October 28–31, 2021. 

If you want to experience the full gamut of Japan during your travels, have the team at N & K Travel Service in Honolulu, HI, prepare your trip. This family-owned and -operated travel agency has provided customized vacation planning services to Oahu residents for over 30 years, and they specialize in Japan tours. Call them today at (808) 739-9010 to start planning your trip with one of their expert agents. Visit their website to learn more about their guided tours.