Japan Autumn Festivals Guide: Best Matsuri, Fall Foliage & Koyo Viewing

The autumn in Japan turns the archipelago into a colourful picture of crimson momiji and centuries-old matsuri festivals. Late in September and throughout November, the autumn festival is celebrated in Japan with amazing cultural events as well as the so-called koyo (fall foliage) season. This ultimate list of the most popular Japanese Autumn festivals, the ideal time to see the fall colours, useful booking advice, and affordable itineraries, can assist you in planning a memorable Japanese fall vacation.

 Best Time to Visit Japan for Autumn Festivals & Fall Foliage

Japan’s fall foliage forecast has a predictable pattern from the north to the south. Peak koyo season starts in Hokkaido (late September-early October), moves to Tohoku and central Honshu (October), to Kyoto and Kansai (late October-November) and finally Kyushu (late November).

Best months by region:

• Hokkaido: Late September–early October
• Tohoku & Nikko: Mid-October–early November  
• Kyoto & Kansai: Late October–early December
• Kyushu: Late November

Top 12 Japan Autumn Festivals You Must Visit

1. Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto) – Historic Costume Parade

Historical costume parade featuring 2,000 participants across 1,200 years of Japanese history. One of Kyoto’s three great festivals.

• When: October 22 annually 
  

2. Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto) – Dramatic Torch Procession

Dramatic torchlit procession through mountain village streets. Arrive early; crowds reach 70,000+ visitors.

• When: October 22 annually  

3. Takayama Autumn Festival (Gifu) – Yatai Floats & Puppet Shows

Ornate yatai floats, karakuri puppet performances, and traditional craftsmanship displays.

• When: October 9-10 annually  

4. Hirosaki Castle Autumn Foliage Festival (Aomori) – Illuminated Maple Trees

2,600 maple trees surround the feudal-era castle. Evening illuminations available.

• When: Late October–early November  
  

5. Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Fukushima) – Paper Lantern Parade

Over 300 illuminated paper lanterns parade through the historic castle town.

• When: Early October 
  

6. Daisetsuzan Koyo Viewing (Hokkaido) – Early Fall Colours

Japan’s earliest fall colours in alpine terrain. Access via Asahikawa.

• When: Late September–early October 
  

7. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Autumn Colours (Tochigi) – UNESCO Heritage & Lake Views

UNESCO World Heritage shrine surrounded by 400-year-old cryptomeria trees. Combined with Lake Chuzenji viewing.

• When: Mid-October–early November 
  

8. Lake Kawaguchi Autumn Festival (Yamanashi) – Mt. Fuji Reflections & Momiji Tunnel

Mt. Fuji reflection views with maple corridors. Momiji Tunnel illuminations evening event.

• When: November 
  

9. Arashiyama Hanatouro (Kyoto) – Bamboo Grove & Riverside Illuminations

Bamboo grove and riverside illuminations. Extended autumn viewing window in western Kyoto.

• When: Early December 
  

10. Nara Koyo Viewing (Nara) – Sacred Deer & Autumn Trees

1,200 sacred deer roam beneath autumn ginkgo and maple trees at Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha.

• When: Late October–November 
  

11. Kamakura Autumn Trails (Kanagawa) – Temple Hikes & Coastal Foliage

Temple hiking circuits, including Engaku-ji and Hase-dera, with coastal autumn colours.

• When: Late November–December 
  

12. Ohori Park Autumn Festival (Fukuoka, Kyushu) – Southern Japan’s Late Season Koyo

Southern Japan’s late-season koyo with traditional tea ceremonies and local food stalls.

• When: Late November  

How to Plan Your Japan Autumn Festival Trip

Transportation Essentials

• JR Pass holders: Reserve shinkansen seats 1-2 months ahead for festival dates.
• Key routes:

• Tokyo → Shin-Aomori: 3.5 hours (JR Tohoku Shinkansen)
• Shin-Aomori → Hirosaki: 50 minutes (Ou Line)
• Tokyo → Kyoto: 2.5 hours (Tokaido Shinkansen)
• Nagoya → Takayama: 2.5 hours (limited express)
• Local transport: Purchase Suica/Pasmo IC cards for seamless bus and metro access.

Booking Requirements (Must pre-book):

• Kyoto temple night illuminations (timed entry)
• Sagano Romantic Train seats
• Festival-date accommodations near event sites
• Shinkansen reserved seats during peak weekends
• Book 2-3 months ahead for October dates.

Budget Breakdown: Cost to Attend Japan Autumn Festivals

Expense Category	Budget Range (per person)	Notes
International flights	₹30,000–₹60,000	Varies by origin city
7-Day JR Pass	₹32,000	Unlimited Shinkansen travel
Accommodation (per night	₹3,000–₹12,000	Hostel to mid-range hotel
Meals (per day)	₹2,500–₹5,000	Street food to restaurants
Local transport (IC card)	₹1,500–₹3,000	Weekly metro/bus usage
Temple/shrine entries	₹200–₹800 each	Most festivals are free to watch
7-Day Total	₹65,000–₹1,50,000	Excluding flights

Note: festival entries in most matsuri are free. Special exhibitions or reserved seating may cost ₹500–₹2,000.

Festival Etiquette and Safety Guidelines

• Temple etiquette: Bow down at torii gates, clean yourself at temizuya fountains, and take off your shoes when necessary.
• Photography rules: Request the ritual performers to allow you to take photographs. Drones will need prior permission from the organisers of the events and the aviation authorities.
• Accessibility note: Large cities are accessible by wheelchair. Shrines on the mountain and the sideways festival paths are not easily accessible.
• Fire festival safety: Maintaina  3-meter distance from torches at Kurama. Follow the organiser’s instructions strictly.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Japan Autumn Festival Adventure

Attend the Japan Autumn festival to enjoy its authentic culture. The koyo season in Japan can be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether it is the dramatic Kurama Fire Festival or the serene temple gardens in blossom with momiji leaves. Reserving reservations and shinkansen 2-3 months in advance, reserving Kyoto temple light-ups and following the fall foliage forecast will ensure that you see the best colours. For your next trip, customise your Japan tour packages from Pickyourtrail to have an easy and well-planned trip.

FAQ’S 

1. When is peak fall foliage in Japan?

Peak Japan fall colours are mid to late September (Hokkaido, all the way to late November, Kyushu). Ideally, the best time to view Kyoto is November 15-30. Check 6-8 weeks before travel.

2. How much does it cost to attend autumn festivals in Japan?

A majority of Japanese matsuri are free. A 7-day flight and hotel package inclusive of JR Pass will cost around Rs. 32,000  per individual. Economic travellers will be able to save money by staying at hostels and taking regional rail passes.

3. Do I need advance tickets for the Japan autumn festivals?

The entry to the Festival is free, though the Kyoto temple illuminations require a timed-entry ticket (reserve 1-2 months in advance). Book Shinkansen tickets and hotels 2-3 months in advance in October.

4. What should I wear to autumn festivals in Japan?

Wear loose clothing appropriate to the climate of 15-25 °C. Wear walking shoes to view parades (stand 2-4 hours). Take the opportunity of renting a kimono in Kyoto to take photos on the festival grounds.

5. Can I visit multiple regions for fall foliage in one trip?

Yes. The JR Pass allows travelling across regions. Popular itineraries: Tokyo + Nikko + Kyoto (7 days) or Hokkaido + Tohoku (10 days). Head north-south, according to the natural trend of the koyo front.