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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.

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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:

WhenOctober 8 – 10
WhereLake Akan, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Admission FeeFree
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenOctober 11 – 13
WhereKitami City, Hokkaido
Admission FeeFree
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenOctober 7 – 9
Where1. Suwa Shrine
2. Central Park Nagasaki
3. Motofuna-machi Otabisho
Admission FeeStarting from 4,500 Yen*
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official website.
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenOctober 18 – 20
WhereSasebo Central Park, Sasebo City, Nagasaki
Admission FeeFree
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenOctober 12
WhereA list of all locations can be found here. (Only Japanese)
Admission FeeDepending on the location.
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenOctober 12 – 13
WhereSaijo Central Park (main venue) and the area around JR Saijo Station
Admission Fee3,300 Yen (Advance tickets)
3,800 Yen (Same-day tickets)
Official Websitehttps://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
WhereKamigamo Shrine, Kyoto
Admission Fee500 Yen
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenOctober 22
WhereYuki Shrine, Kyoto
Admission FeeFree
Official Websitehttp://www.yukijinjya.jp/about/index.html?id=about05

Tokyo

Last but not least, here are some exhibitions and cultural events happening in Tokyo that are 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:

WhenOctober 5 – 24
Where5-16-13 Jingumae, Shibuya
Admission FeeFree
Official Websitehttps://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:

WhenDecember 10 – 15
(Reservations can be made from October 7th)
WhereHotel mesm Tokyo
1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato
Admission FeeFrom 170,214 Yen
Official Websitehttps://www.mesm.jp/en/

Illustrator and artist Boxer Juntaro opens the newly relocated UltraSuperNew Kura gallery in Shibuya. Focused on the explorations of positive emotions and energy, this exhibition sheds light on familiar objects that are often overlooked. Soft brush strokes and mixed media techniques create a sense of familiarity and a unique sense of texture.

UltraSuperNew Kura Gallery in Tokyo by Boxer Juntaro

In recent years, Boxer Juntaro has been actively performing live painting. In 2013, he published his first collection of works, THISISBOXERJUNTARO. In 2014, he went on a one-month wall painting tour in Los Angeles, New York, and Jamaica. In Los Angeles, he created a mural at SNOOPDOGG’s studio. In 2015, he published his second collection of works, THISISBOXERJUNTARO vol.2.

Boxer Juntaro

Find further information here:

WhenOctober 12 – 25
Where2-6-18, Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Admission FeeFree
*There may be a charge for certain events.
Official Websitehttps://ultrasupernew.gallery/en/home

Tokyo Poetry Journal Vol. 15: Visual///Visionary Poetry (October 26)

Tokyo Poetry Journal Vol. 15: Visual///Visionary Poetry explores the elusive nature of visual poetry, which straddles various artistic genres, going beyond language. It includes calligrammes, typewriter art, asemic writing, visual music, architectural drawing poetry, and more.

Visionary Poetry in Tokyo

The book will be launched with an exhibition of visual poems, featuring live calligraphy painting and poetry performances on October 26, at JustAnotherAgency bar (3F) in Nakameguro. Party with the poets until last train!

Further information:

WhenOctober 26
TimeDoors open at 7pm, reading starts around 8pm
(Open until 1 am)
Where1−3−9, Fujiya Bldg., 1F, Kamimeguro, Meguro, Tokyo
Admission FeeFree
*Please buy the book to support the journal if you can.
Official Websitehttps://www.topojo.com/

Make sure you visit one of these lesser-known festivals and events during your trip to Japan in October and experience some of the more traditional aspects of Japan.

Paul McInnes

Paul McInnes

I'm currently the editor in chief of Voyapon. I have, in recent years, held positions as editor in chief of Metropolis, senior editor at Tokyo Weekender and writer and contributing editor for publications including The Japan Times, Monocle, and Tokyo Art Beat.

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