Regional Guide to October 2025 Events and Festivals in Japan

October 2025 in Japan is a vibrant month filled with diverse regional festivals and events, ranging from traditional harvest celebrations to unique cultural spectacles. The pleasant weather and stunning fall foliage make it a popular time for tourists to explore different parts of the country.

Here are some regional highlights of October events across Japan:

Kanto Region (Eastern Japan)

The Kanto region, encompassing Tokyo and surrounding prefectures, hosts a variety of engaging events.

Tokyo Yosakoi (Ikebukuro, Tokyo)

Held annually in October in Ikebukuro, West Tokyo, this lively festival serves as the second half of the Fukuro Festival. Over 5,000 dancers in more than 100 teams gather, making it the largest Yosakoi festival in the Ikebukuro region. Yosakoi, a modern style of Japanese dance originating in Kochi Prefecture, combines traditional elements with energetic music, featuring colorful costumes and *naruko* (wooden clappers).

Kawagoe Festival (Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture)

This historic festival, also known as Kawagoe Hikawa Festival, takes place annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of October (October 18th-19th, 2025). Centered in Kawagoe City’s historic Kurazukuri district, this over 370-year-old festival fills the town with a grand parade of elaborate *dashi* (floats) adorned with intricate carvings and towering dolls. Accompanied by *Ohayashi* music, the highlight is ‘Hikkawase,’ where floats meet and engage in spirited musical battles. The festival also features *mikoshi* (portable shrines) and food stalls. It is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as one of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals in Japan.”

Kanuma Buttsuke Autumn Festival (Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Occurring annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of October (October 11th-12th, 2025), primarily around Imamiya Shrine, this 400-year-old festival commemorates past hardships and prays for peace and good harvest. It features parades of gorgeous hand-carved wooden floats (*yatai*). A key highlight is “buttsuke,” a spirited musical competition where floats engage in “musical battles,” accompanied by traditional music and *taiko* drumming. The floats are beautifully lit up in the evening. It is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals in Japan.”

Sawara Grand Festival (Katori City, Chiba Prefecture)

The autumn portion of this festival, the Suwa Shrine Autumn Festival, is held annually from October 10th-12th, 2025, in the Shinjuku district of Sawara, near Sawara Station. Over 300 years old, it is one of the largest float festivals in Kanto, known for its magnificent 4-5 meter high floats adorned with towering dolls. The floats are accompanied by “Sawara-bayashi,” considered one of Japan’s three greatest festival musical performances, and feature notable maneuvers like “No-No-Ji-Mawashi” (float spinning). In the evening, the lantern-lit floats create a captivating spectacle, especially on the Ono River. It is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Tohoku Region (Northern Honshu)

The Tohoku region, known for its scenic beauty, hosts distinctive autumn celebrations.

Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture)

This annual shrine festival takes place from the first Saturday, Sunday, and following Monday of October (October 4th-6th, 2025), centered around Nihonmatsu Shrine. Over 370 years old, the main attraction is the procession of seven towering *Taikodai* floats, up to 11 meters high, adorned with approximately 300 red paper lanterns illuminated by real candles. Moved by human power to energetic chants and drum beats, a highlight is the “Yoi Matsuri” (evening festival) on the first night. It is considered one of Japan’s three largest lantern festivals and an important intangible folk cultural asset of Fukushima Prefecture.

Chubu Region (Central Japan)

The mountainous Chubu region is home to some of Japan’s most renowned autumn festivals.

Takayama Autumn Festival (Takayama, Gifu Prefecture)

Also known as the Hachiman Festival, this renowned autumn festival is held annually on October 9th-10th. Centered around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in the northern part of Takayama’s old town, it is a thanksgiving celebration for a good autumn harvest and marks preparations for winter. Recognized as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it features a grand parade of eleven elaborate *yatai* (floats) dating back to the 17th century, adorned with intricate carvings and *karakuri ningyo* (mechanical dolls) that perform twice daily. The procession includes hundreds of participants in traditional *kamishimo* costumes, *mikoshi* (portable shrines), *shishimai* (lion dance), and *tokeiraku* (gong performers). The “Yoimatsuri” (evening festival) on October 9th is particularly enchanting, with each float illuminated by 100 lanterns. The *yatai* floats themselves are designated as Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Assets.

Seki Cutlery Festival (Seki, Gifu Prefecture)

Held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of October (October 12th-13th, 2024), this festival celebrates Seki City’s over 700-year history as “The City of Blades.” It is Japan’s largest cutlery/knife festival, attracting enthusiasts with its “Cutlery Great Bargain Market” offering discounted high-quality cutlery, an “Outdoor Knife Show” featuring the latest factory-made and custom knives, and captivating traditional swordsmithing demonstrations. The event also includes martial arts demonstrations (Iaido, Battoujutsu), Wadaiko performances, and opportunities for knife sharpening and testing.

Kansai Region (Western Japan)

Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan, and its surrounding prefectures offer historical and dramatic events.

Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto)

Annually on October 22nd, Kyoto City hosts the Jidai Matsuri, or “Festival of the Ages,” one of Kyoto’s “three great festivals.” This grand historical reenactment parade showcases over a thousand years of Japanese history. Approximately two thousand participants, in meticulously accurate costumes, represent various periods and famous figures from the Meiji Restoration back to the Heian Period, presented in reverse chronological order. The procession, which includes horses and oxen, travels from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine. The festival was established in 1895 by Heian Shrine to commemorate Kyoto’s 1,100th anniversary.

Kurama Fire Festival (Kurama, Kyoto)

Also known as Kurama no Hi Matsuri, this dramatic fire festival takes place annually on October 22nd, beginning at dusk (around 6:00 PM) and lasting until midnight. Set in the mountain village of Kurama, northern Kyoto, with main festivities on the village streets in front of Kurama Station and at Yuki-jinja Shrine, it reenacts a 940 AD ceremony welcoming the *Kami* spirits of Yuki-jinja Shrine. Known for its fiery and energetic atmosphere, the festival begins with small torches at each house, escalating to hundreds of participants parading with large pine torches, some weighing up to 80kg (176 lbs). Participants wear traditional attire, chanting “saireya sairyo.” The event culminates with two *mikoshi* (portable shrines) carried from Yuki-jinja Shrine through the town. It is recognized as one of Kyoto’s three great festivals, one of Kyoto’s three most eccentric festivals, and one of Japan’s three largest fire festivals.

Nada no Kenka Festival (Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture)

This dramatic “fighting festival” at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in Shirahama Town, Himeji City, occurs annually on October 14th-15th. Known as Japan’s most vigorous and dangerous Shinto festival, it draws 100,000-150,000 visitors. The main highlight is the forceful clashing of three *mikoshi* (portable shrines) and seven elaborately decorated, two-ton *yatai* (festival floats) by teams of men from seven districts. It is believed that more violent clashes please the gods. Day one involves preparing, blessing, and jolting the *yatai*, while day two features *mikoshi-awase* where the *mikoshi* violently strike each other, and the *yatai* crash into one another. It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Himeji City and Hyogo Prefecture.

Chugoku Region (Western Honshu)

This region is known for its unique craft heritage.

Bizen Pottery Festival (Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture)

Held annually on the third Sunday of October and the preceding Saturday (October 18th-19th, 2025), this festival in the Imbe area of Bizen City, around Imbe Station and including the Bizen Pottery Traditional Industry Hall, draws approximately 100,000 pottery enthusiasts. It allows visitors to explore regional craft heritage, admire works of local artisans, and purchase unique Bizen ware—a distinctive unglazed pottery with a lineage tracing back to the Heian period—often at a 20% discount. Visitors can also experience making pottery on a potter’s wheel, attend tea ceremonies, and witness traditional Bizen-related ceremonies, including the “Kaberi Daimatsu” flame festival on the eve. Bizen ware itself is certified as a Japanese Heritage, designated a traditional Japanese craft, and recognized as one of Japan’s “Six Ancient Kilns.”

Shikoku Region

Shikoku’s festivals often celebrate bountiful harvests with impressive displays of strength and community.

Niihama Taiko Festival (Niihama, Ehime Prefecture)

One of Shikoku’s three major festivals, this powerful and exhilarating event, known as the “Men’s Festival,” typically takes place for four days in mid-October, scheduled from October 15th to 18th, 2025 (with some areas celebrating October 15th-17th). Held across Niihama City, including key locations like Yamane Park, Ichinomiya Shrine, riverside parks, and commercial centers, it is an energetic autumn harvest festival and sacred ritual. The main feature is the parading and competitive lifting of dozens of massive *Taiko-dai* (drum floats), which stand around 5.5 meters high, 12 meters long, and weigh 2.5-3 tons. These floats are elaborately decorated with gold thread embroidery and carried by teams of approximately 150 men, who shout vigorous chants. The “kakikurabe” float-lifting competition is a significant highlight where teams compete to parade their floats with skill and energy, celebrating a bountiful autumn harvest. Its performances are designated as nationally important intangible folk cultural properties.

Kyushu Region (Southern Japan)

Kyushu offers a blend of ancient and unique cultural celebrations.

Miyazakijingu Festival (Miyazaki)

This festival on October 26th-27th commemorates the legendary Emperor Jimmu, featuring a “procession of the gods” with vibrant floats and participants in traditional attire, some on horseback.

Nagasaki Kunchi (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)

Held for three days starting October 7th, this major autumn festival of Suwa Shrine is known for its exotic votive dances, reflecting Nagasaki’s rich history of foreign trade.

Okinawa Region (Southern Islands)

The southernmost prefecture of Okinawa offers unique cultural celebrations shaped by its distinct history.

Paantu Festival (Miyakojima, Okinawa)

This ancient and unique purification festival takes place annually in early October, with precise dates often announced shortly before as it traditionally aligns with the ninth month of the lunisolar calendar. Held in the Shimoji District and Nobaru district of the Ueno area on Miyakojima Island, it aims to ward off evil spirits and bring good health and safety. Male villagers dress as “Paantu”—supernatural beings covered in mud, leaves, and vines, wearing wooden masks—who then smear sacred mud on everything and everyone in their path to bestow blessings. The Paantu Festival is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Miyakojima.

Hokkaido Region (Northern Japan)

Hokkaido, known for its vast landscapes, showcases its culinary bounty in autumn.

Sapporo Autumn Fest (Sapporo, Hokkaido)

This food-focused festival, Hokkaido’s largest, takes place annually from early September to early October (projected September 12th to October 4th, 2025). Held across multiple blocks (4-chome to 11-chome) in Odori Park, it attracts over two million people annually and features over 300 restaurants and food providers. It showcases a wide array of Hokkaido’s best produce, seafood, and local delicacies, alongside craft beers, wines, sake, and sweets. The festival is divided into themed zones, such as a Ramen and Street Food Zone, Hokkaido Market, Gourmet Dining, and an Oktoberfest section. It is recognized as one of Sapporo’s four major seasonal festivals.

Japan in October offers a diverse and captivating tapestry of regional events, providing a unique insight into the country’s rich cultural traditions and natural beauty.

Photo link by Guohua Song