10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Japan in October 2024

Experience Autumn's Vibrant Hues and Cultural Festivals

During October, Japan transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and golden yellows as autumn takes hold. This captivating season invites travelers to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of colors while enjoying a myriad of cultural events.

1. Witness the World's Largest Tug-of-War: Okayama Korakuen Washo Festival

In Okayama's stunning Korakuen Garden, over 5,000 participants engage in an epic tug-of-war that stretches for more than 1,000 meters. This exhilarating spectacle attracts spectators from around the world, creating a thrilling and memorable experience.

2. Marvel at the Mystical Yonago Canal Festival

Tottori's Yonago Canal is transformed into a shimmering spectacle as thousands of lanterns illuminate the water's edge. Boats adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors glide through the canal, creating a breathtaking display of art and tradition.

3. Experience the Energy of Jidai Matsuri, Kyoto's Historic Festival

Kyoto's Jidai Matsuri transports visitors back in time with a grand parade featuring over 2,000 participants dressed in traditional costumes from different eras of Japanese history. This immersive festival offers a glimpse into the country's rich past and cultural heritage.

4. Admire the Autumn Foliage at Nikko's Toshogu Shrine

Nestled among the vibrant autumn foliage, the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko is renowned for its intricate carvings and colorful structures. The surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views of the changing leaves, making it an idyllic destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

5. Indulge in the Chichibu Night Festival: A Dance of Light and Shadows

The Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama Prefecture is a mesmerizing spectacle of light and motion. Over 300 portable shrines adorned with intricate lanterns parade through the streets, creating a captivating display that illuminates the night sky.

6. Embrace the Chaos of Shirakawa's Mud-Throwing Festival

For those seeking a truly unique experience, the Shirakawa Mud-Throwing Festival in Gifu Prefecture offers a chaotic and exhilarating encounter. Participants engage in a playful mud fight, splattering each other with mud from head to toe.

7. Attend the Takayama Autumn Festival: A Fusion of Tradition and Art

Takayama's Autumn Festival showcases the town's rich cultural heritage through elaborate floats adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. These impressive floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.

8. Explore the Harajuku Halloween Carnival: A Costume Extravaganza

Tokyo's Harajuku district transforms into a vibrant stage for the annual Harajuku Halloween Carnival. Thousands of participants don extravagant costumes and fill the streets in a dazzling display of creativity and imagination.

9. Experience the Spiritualism of Nagasaki's Lantern Festival

Nagasaki's Lantern Festival is a poignant event that commemorates the lives lost in the 1945 atomic bombing. Thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a symbolic display of hope and remembrance.

10. Visit the Otaue Festival in Noto: A Celebration of Rice Farming

The Otaue Festival in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese farming practices. Participants don colorful costumes and engage in rice planting rituals, celebrating the importance of agriculture in Japanese culture.