Welcome to the first installment of Voyapon’s new series where we highlight a curated list of some under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month we will give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and every where else in between. First up is a list of some amazing activities happening in October 2024.
Hokkaido
Welcome to the north of Japan, to Hokkaido. In October, you can expect local and traditional events, often closely linked to the region’s unique Ainu culture.
Marimo Festival (October 8-10)
The Marimo Festival is a festival that has been held since 1950 to protect marimo (algae that glows in the water) which is a special natural treasure which is in danger of extinction. Dugout canoes are floated on Lake Akan and returned to the lake by Ainu men. Highlights include the pine tree parade and Ainu folk dance performances.
Find further information here:
| When | October 8 – 10 |
| Where | Lake Akan, Kushiro City, Hokkaido |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/2591/ |
Okhotsk Marche (October 11-13)
The city of Kitami, this year, combines three festivals into one. Kitami Chrysanthemum Festival, Okhotsk Kitami Halloween Festival, and Kitami Oktoberfest are now under the umbrella festival banner, Okhotsk Marche. In addition to a variety of local gourmet food made with ingredients from Kitami and Okhotsk, there are food and beverage booths where you can enjoy over 40 types of local beers from around the world and various other events. There will also be pumpkin displays and fantastic lighting.
Find further information here:
| When | October 11 – 13 |
| Where | Kitami City, Hokkaido |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://kitamikanko.jp/event/1794/ |
Nagasaki
If you are visiting Nagasaki then you can find some of the best under-the-radar events for October here.
Autumn Festival at Suwa Shrine (October 7-9)
It’s believed that this festival began in 1634 when two prostitutes dedicated a noh song in front of the Suwa Shrine. Many exotic elements are incorporated into the dance, and in 1974, it was designated as a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Association is responsible for the smooth operation of the autumn festival (excluding Shinto rituals), which plays a role in the economic development and tourism promotion of Nagasaki city.
Find further information here:
| When | October 7 – 9 |
| Where | 1. Suwa Shrine 2. Central Park Nagasaki 3. Motofuna-machi Otabisho |
| Admission Fee | Starting from 4,500 Yen* Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official website. |
| Official Website | https://nagasaki-kunchi.com/ |
Yosakoi Festival in Sasebo (October 18-20)
This is one of the largest Yosakoi festivals in Kyushu and one of Sasebo’s biggest events famous for its lively Yosakoi dance performances. Visitors can enjoy performances at multiple venues throughout the city, including the main venue, Sasebo Central Park, where the Nakiri Festival Plaza has been newly renovated.
Find further information here:
| When | October 18 – 20 |
| Where | Sasebo Central Park, Sasebo City, Nagasaki |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://yosa.jp/ |
Hiroshima
We continue with the highlights for October in Hiroshima, a vibrant and beautiful city.
Onomichi Light Festival (October 12)
This charming festival, in which temples, shrines, and plazas in Onomichi are lit up with lanterns, reflects the thoughts and character of the people in Onomichi. Music performances and events are also held during the illuminations. Seeing Onomichi illuminated by candlelight is a really special experience.
Find further information here:
| When | October 12 |
| Where | A list of all locations can be found here. (Only Japanese) |
| Admission Fee | Depending on the location. |
| Official Website | https://www.onomichi-matsuri.jp/akari-matsuri/ |
Sake Festival (October 12-13)
Although centered around Saijo Central Park and Saijo Sake Brewery Street, the entire town becomes a venue for this sake festival. Head to Sake Plaza where visitors can sample about 800 brands of local sake from all over the country, in addition to breweries hosting limited edition sake sales and sake brewery concerts. Happy days!
Find further information here:
| When | October 12 – 13 |
| Where | Saijo Central Park (main venue) and the area around JR Saijo Station |
| Admission Fee | 3,300 Yen (Advance tickets) 3,800 Yen (Same-day tickets) |
| Official Website | https://sakematsuri.com/ |
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 October.
Kasagake Shinji – Horseback Archery (October 20)
Performed at Kamigamo Shrine, Kasagake Horseback Archery is one of the three original styles of archery and is said to be performed “for the entertainment of shrine deities in Japan.” It’s quite the sight and even non-Japanese speakers can enjoy these amazing performances.
Find further information here:
| When | October 20 |
| Where | Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto |
| Admission Fee | 500 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/20221009656/ |
Kurama Fire Festival (October 22)
The Kurama Fire Festival is one of the most renowned fire-based festivals in Kyoto. The main attraction of the festival is the procession of local men bearing flaming torches throughout the town of Kurama. The festival continues until midnight and can create a very special atmosphere that will remain with you forever.
Find further information here:
| When | October 22 |
| Where | Yuki Shrine, Kyoto |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | http://www.yukijinjya.jp/about/index.html?id=about05 |
Tokyo
Last but not least, we don’t want to withhold from you an exhibition in Tokyo that is well worth a visit.
Shawn Holly: Share the Wealth (Until October 24)
Acclaimed Hollywood costume designer Shawn Holly recently moved into the world of visual art and her exhibition, Share the Wealth, at The Gallery Omotesando is a real triumph of images. Dystopian, Daliesque and perhaps divisive, Holly’s work deserves to be seen and dissected.
Find further information here:
| When | October 5 – 24 |
| Where | 5-16-13 Jingumae, Shibuya |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://thegallery-harajuku.com/ |
The New National Theater×mesm Tokyo: Dinner Program & Accommodation Plan with Opera The Magic Flute (Reservations from October 7)
Modern luxury hotel mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection has launched reservations for a special plan in collaboration with the New National Theatre Tokyo. Starting from October 7, guests can reserve this special plan, which includes a themed dinner program inspired by the popular opera The Magic Flute and accommodation packages that come with tickets to the opera’s performances at the New National Theatre from December 10 to December 15. The special offerings also include a collaboration room accommodation plan.
At Chef’s Theatre, the 16th-floor restaurant at mesm Tokyo, which lives up to its name by creating culinary experiences based on various musicals and plays, a bistronomy-style dinner program inspired by Mozart’s final opera The Magic Flute will be available from November 1 to January 10 for a limited time.
Reservations can be found here.
Find further information here:
| When | December 10 – 15 (Reservations can be made from October 7th) |
| Where | Hotel mesm Tokyo 1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato |
| Admission Fee | From 170,214 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.mesm.jp/en/ |
Make sure you visit one of these lesser-known festivals during your trip to Japan in October and experience some of the more traditional aspects of Japan.
