Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s new series where we highlight a curated list of some under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in November 2024.
Hokkaido
Welcome to the north of Japan, to Hokkaido. In November we’ll be heading to the city of Kitami, where you can experience one of the most fascinating winter sports.
Curling Experience in Kitami (November 9)
Experience the fascinating winter sport of curling in Kitami, Hokkaido — a city which loves and actively supports curling. There are several dates and events scheduled for curling from November until spring so if you happen to be in the area then it’s definitely worth checking out.
Find further information here:
| When | November 9 |
| Where | Argo Graphics Kitami Curling Hall, Kitami City, Hokkaido |
| Admission Fee | Adults (16-64 years): 3,300 yen Children (10-15 years): 2,200 yen |
| Official Website | https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/2591/ |
Tokyo
From Hokkaido we head to Japan’s capital Tokyo. Also in November, there are events here that you shouldn’t miss.
Events at Good Heavens in Shimokitazawa (all month)
One of Tokyo’s most-loved pubs — Good Heavens, in Shimokitazawa, is also a great place to catch a huge array of events from stand-up comedy and book exchanges to DJs and Sunday roasts. This month, one of the UK’s most respected comedians, Trevor Lock, returns to Good Heavens on the 15th and 16th in addition to a quiz night on the 3rd and Thanksgiving dinner on the 28th. Check the Good Heavens FB page for more information.
Find further information here:
| When | All month |
| Where | 2F, 5-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | Prices vary for every event |
| Official Website | https://www.facebook.com/goodheavensbar/ |
Kyoto
A stay in Kyoto is on the itinerary of almost every visitor to Japan. But if you’re already here, you shouldn’t miss these events in November.
Games for Good (November 11)
Kyoto Creative Game Jam Games for Good is a four-day game creation hackathon with the theme of solving social issues! Although applications are now closed, anyone can participate in the Kyoto Creative Game Jam: Games for Good Game Showcase on Monday, November 11. The showcase is an event where completed prototypes are presented.
Find further information here:
| When | November 11 |
| Where | 6 Nishiin Kasame-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://kyotogamejam.com/ |
Vegan Gourmet Festival (November 10)
With approximately 50 stalls, the Vegan Gourmet Festival Kyoto edition is a must for those seeking some plant-based sustenance. With free entrance and a central location not far from Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower, it promises to be a genuine culinary experience.
Find further information here:
| When | November 10 |
| Where | Umekoji Park, 56-3 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://vegefes.com/ |
Umeshu Festival (November 21-24)
The 6th Carefully Selected Plum Wine Festival in Kyoto 2024 is an event where there will be a wide variety of plum wines made by sake brewers all over Japan, and you can compare your favorite brands from over 100 types, including plum wines that won gold, silver, and bronze awards at the National Plum Wine Competition 2024. There will also be a limited-edition paid tasting and limited sale of Dassai plum wine, plum wine beer, and plum wine and food pairings, and much more.
Find further information here:
| When | November 21-24 |
| Where | Kitano Tenmangu Shrine |
| Admission Fee | 3,000 yen |
| Official Website | https://umeshu-matsuri.jp/kyoto/ |
Osaka
In Osaka, visitors can also expect some extraordinary festivals in November, including a race in Tyrannosaurus costumes!
Rinku Park/Izumisano City Fireworks (November 2)
The Rinku Park-Izumisano City fireworks will be held on a larger scale than ever before, with even more fireworks! After the sun sets, spectacular fireworks will explode on the horizon, and a water performance using barges will allow for a variety of performances that can only be seen here. Japan’s top fireworks makers will come together to create a great sky art that will be launched in sync with music throughout the entire 50-minute non-stop program.
Find further information here:
| When | November 2 |
| Where | Rinku Park Special Venue, Izumisano City |
| Admission Fee | Viewing is free. Tickets for the special seating area must be purchased in advance. Prices start from 7,000 yen. |
| Official Website | https://hanicotto.com/news/16597/ |
Kofun Festival with Tyrannosaurus Race (November 24)
The Kofun Festival is a free outdoor festival with the theme of Kofun x Art held at the Imashirozuka Kofun, the only accessible tomb in Japan, and has been held since 2012, attracting over 30,000 visitors every year. A Tyrannosaurus race is held here. Please bring your own Tyrannosaurus suit…
Find further information here:
| When | November 24 |
| Where | Imashirozuka Kofun Park |
| Admission Fee | Adults: 2,500 yen Children: 1,500 yen *Viewing is free. |
| Official Website | https://hanicotto.com/news/16597/ |
Hyogo
Our journey of events in Japan continues to Hyogo Prefecture, where seafood events and a test of endurance await you.
Hamasaka Minato Crab Festival (November 16)
Shinonsen Town boasts one of the highest catch volumes of Matsuba crab in Japan. This event is where you can taste not only Matsuba crab, but also fresh seafood, agricultural products, and Shinonsen Town’s specialty products such as Tajima beef. There will be a lot of fun events, such as free crab soup, a Matsuba crab dining corner prepared by a crab sommelier, performances by local elementary and junior high school students, and mochi throwing with luxurious prizes.
Find further information here:
| When | November 16 |
| Where | Hamasaka Fishing Port Aquarium Market, Shinosen City, Hyogo |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.town.shinonsen.hyogo.jp/ |
One-Day Walking Event in Itami (November 16)
This special walking event allows participants to tour part of the Itami Water, Greenery and Roses Road, which was selected as one of Japan’s 500 most beautiful walkable roads. Visitors can discover and appreciate Itami’s wonderful natural and historical resources, and finish the event with a meal or drink in the city center, allowing you to enjoy a fun day in Itami.
Find further information here:
| When | November 16 |
| Where | Arioka Castle Ruins Historical Park |
| Admission Fee | 300 yen *Registration must be completed by November 1. |
| Official Website | https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/event/result/1325 |
Hiroshima
Last but not least, we continue with the highlights for November in Hiroshima, a vibrant and beautiful city.
Fire Walking Ceremony at Daishoin Temple (November 15)
The Fire Walking Ceremony, hosted by Daishoin Temple in April and November, is a Shingon Buddhist ritual. It begins with purification, chanting, and monks circling with swords, followed by arrow shooting. After igniting cypress branches, monks and worshipers walk barefoot over the remaining red-hot coals, chanting for health and fortune, while mountain priests blow conch shells to guide them.
Find further information here:
| When | November 15 |
| Where | Daishoin Temple, Miyajima, Hiroshima |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/event/event_shiwatari.html |
Soba Festival in Kitahiro (November 16-17)
Kitahiro’s biggest event offers the chance to savor freshly prepared soba noodles made from locally grown Toyomusume soba. Crafted by a skilled soba master, these noodles boast a smooth texture and deep, rich flavor.
Find further information here:
| When | November 16-17 |
| Where | Roadside Station Toyohira Dongurimura, 12609 Tsushimi, Kitahiroshima, Hiroshima |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://kitahiro.jp/event_calendar.html |
Make sure you visit one of these lesser-known festivals and events during your trip to Japan in November and experience some of the more traditional aspects of Japan.
