Looking for different month?
Tokyo Events
Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi Festival
Chokoku-ji Temple (3-19-6 Senzoku, Taito-ku)
November 5, 17, 29, 2024
https://torinoichi.jp/
The Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi Festival is a vibrant traditional event held in November, celebrating the "tori" or rooster days of the lunar calendar. In 2024, the festival will take place on November 5, 17, and 29. This historical festival dates back to the Edo period and originally focused on selling farming tools to pray for good harvests. Today, it has evolved into a celebration of business prosperity, attracting around 700,000 visitors annually. At the festival, attendees can purchase decorative bamboo rakes called "kumade," which are believed to bring good fortune and success in business. The atmosphere is lively, filled with food stalls offering traditional snacks and drinks, making it a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Design Festa is one of Asia's largest art festivals, taking place on November 16-17, 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight. This unique event allows artists from all backgrounds—professional and amateur—to showcase their original works without any screening process. With around 10,000 artists participating and approximately 6,500 booths set up, visitors can expect a diverse range of art forms including visual art, crafts, fashion, and performance art. The festival promotes creativity and interaction between artists and attendees. Visitors can enjoy live performances, workshops, and a variety of international cuisine available at the venue. The atmosphere is dynamic and inclusive, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
TRY Ramen of the Year Festival
Near JR Shin-Okubo Station
November 26 – December 15, 2024
https://www.tryramen.com/
The TRY Ramen of the Year Festival runs from November 26 to December 15, 2024. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, this event brings together some of Tokyo's best ramen shops to showcase award-winning dishes. Visitors can sample a variety of ramen styles for a fixed price of ¥1,000 per bowl. The festival is designed to be accessible to everyone with free admission and covered seating to ensure comfort regardless of weather conditions. This culinary event is perfect for food lovers eager to explore different flavors and styles of ramen in one location.
Kyoto Events
The Gion Odori is a captivating cultural event held annually in the Gion district, showcasing the traditional performing arts of geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha). This festival features a series of elegant dances and songs that reflect the rich heritage of Kyoto's geisha culture. Attendees can experience the beauty of these performances in an intimate setting, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the artistry involved. The event is not only a feast for the eyes but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the historical atmosphere of Gion, with its charming streets and traditional wooden machiya houses.
Aki Matsuri
Tanukidani-san Fudō-in temple
November 3, 2024
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/november/
The Aki Matsuri, or Fall Festival, takes place at Tanukidani-san Fudō-in temple. This vibrant event invites visitors to participate in a unique tradition where they write their wishes on wooden tablets. These tablets are then ceremonially thrown into a sacred bonfire by monks practicing shugendō, a form of mountain asceticism. The festival embodies a blend of spirituality and community, creating an atmosphere filled with hope and reflection. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the temple grounds while partaking in this meaningful ritual that connects them to centuries-old practices.
Kyokusui no Utage
Jōnangū Shrine
November 3, 2024
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/november/
Kyokusui no Utage is a historical reenactment held at Jōnangū Shrine, where participants can experience an elegant form of leisure entertainment once enjoyed by Japan's nobility. This event recreates the atmosphere of ancient poetry banquets, where guests engage in composing poems while surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery. The serene setting enhances the experience as attendees witness traditional customs and partake in activities that celebrate Japan's literary heritage. It’s an enchanting way to connect with Kyoto's past while enjoying the stunning fall foliage.
Hitaki-sai Fire Festival
Fushimi Inari Taisha
November 8, 2024
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/november/
The Hitaki-sai Fire Festival at Fushimi Inari Taisha is a spectacular event that attracts numerous visitors each year. During this festival, large torches are lit and paraded through the shrine grounds, creating a breathtaking display of fire and light against the backdrop of the iconic vermillion torii gates. This festival not only celebrates the deities enshrined at Fushimi Inari but also serves as a reminder of the importance of fire in Japanese culture as a purifying element. Participants can enjoy traditional music and dance performances while witnessing this mesmerizing spectacle.
Fushimi Sake Festival
Jōnangū Shrine
November 3, 2024
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/november/
Kyokusui no Utage is a historical reenactment held at Jōnangū Shrine, where participants can experience an elegant form of leisure entertainment once enjoyed by Japan's nobility. This event recreates the atmosphere of ancient poetry banquets, where guests engage in composing poems while surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery. The serene setting enhances the experience as attendees witness traditional customs and partake in activities that celebrate Japan's literary heritage. It’s an enchanting way to connect with Kyoto's past while enjoying the stunning fall foliage.
Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Arashiyama
November 10, 2024
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/november/
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival is a delightful celebration that showcases the stunning autumn foliage in Arashiyama. The event features boat excursions reminiscent of those taken by Heian-era nobility, complete with performances of gagaku (ancient court music). As participants glide along the river surrounded by vibrant maple leaves, they can enjoy a unique blend of nature and culture that transports them back in time. This festival is perfect for those looking to experience Kyoto’s historical charm while appreciating its natural beauty.
November Festival at Kyoto University
Kyoto University
November 20-24, 2024
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/current/campus-life/event/november-festival-festival-eve
The November Festival, or NF, is an annual cultural event hosted by Kyoto University that invites students and visitors to celebrate creativity and community spirit. The festival features various activities including performances, exhibitions, and food stalls run by students. It serves as a platform for showcasing student talents across different disciplines while fostering connections within the university community. The lively atmosphere at Yoshida Ground during this festival makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing youthful energy intertwined with academic culture.
Fukuoka Events
The Grand Sumo November Tournament, also known as the Kyushu Basho, is one of the six official tournaments held annually by the Japan Sumo Association. Taking place at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center from mid to late November, this event attracts sumo enthusiasts from all over Japan and beyond. Spectators can witness the intense battles between top-ranked wrestlers, including yokozuna and ozeki, as they compete for supremacy in the dohyo (sumo ring). The tournament spans 15 days, with each day featuring multiple matches across various divisions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of sumo, from the elaborate ring-entering ceremonies to the thunderous clashes of these larger-than-life athletes. The Grand Sumo November Tournament is not just a sporting event but a cultural experience that showcases an integral part of Japanese heritage.
Fukuoka Christmas Market & Illuminations
Various Locations
November & December
The Fukuoka Christmas Market and winter illuminations have become a beloved tradition in the city, transforming various areas into magical winter wonderlands. Here's what you can expect for the 2024 season:
Christmas Markets
The Fukuoka Christmas Market, one of the largest in Japan, typically runs from early November to late December. In 2024, it's expected to be held at multiple locations:
Hakata Station Area
Dates: Likely November 6 to December 25, 2024
Location: JR Hakata Station Square
Features: Christmas market stalls, illuminations, and festive atmosphere
Tenjin Area
Location: Fukuoka City Hall West Side Fureai Plaza
Highlights: Christmas tree, market huts, and Santa meet-and-greets
Daimyo Garden City
Dates: Expected mid-November to December 25, 2024
Features: Christmas market, illuminations, and food stalls
Winter Illuminations
Several stunning illumination displays will light up Fukuoka during the winter season:
Hikari no Machi HAKATA
Location: JR Hakata Station Square
Dates: Typically early November to early January
Lighting time: 17:00-24:00
Features: Approximately 620,000 LED lights
Winter Fantasy HAKATA
Location: From JR Hakata Station Square to Canal City Hakata
Dates: Similar to Hikari no Machi HAKATA
Highlights: About 1.2 million LED bulbs illuminating street trees
Nakasu Illumination
Location: Nakasu area, including central streets and bridges
Dates: Usually early November to early January
Lighting time: 17:00-24:00
Canal City Hakata Illumination
Dates: Typically mid-November to mid-February
Features: "River of Light" canal, "Gate of Light," and "Aqua Tree" fountain
Fukuoka Tower Illumination
Event: Momochi☆Blue Light Illumination
Dates: Usually mid-November to late December
Highlight: 108m-long illuminated Christmas tree
Additional Winter Events
WINTER LIGHT FANTASY ILLUMINATION: Held at Fukuoka PayPay Dome and BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, featuring neon-colored illuminations
Ohori Park Winter Illumination: A popular illumination event in Ohori Park
The winter illuminations and Christmas markets in Fukuoka offer a magical experience, combining festive cheer, delicious food, and stunning light displays throughout the city.
Kyushu Events
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
November 2-4
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4416.html
Held in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, from November 2-4, the Karatsu Kunchi Festival is one of the most spectacular festivals in Kyushu. This vibrant event features 14 enormous floats, known as hikiyama, which are paraded through the streets of Karatsu. Each float, weighing up to 5 tons, is intricately designed to represent mythical creatures or historical figures. The festival's highlight is when these massive floats are dramatically pulled down a steep slope towards the sea, a breathtaking sight that draws thousands of spectators. Throughout the three days, visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and local cuisine. The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is not only a visual spectacle but also a profound cultural experience, offering insights into the rich traditions and community spirit of the region.
Munakata Chrysanthemum Exhibitions
Munakata Taisha
November 1 ~ 23
These exhibitions are significant annual events that showcase the beauty and cultural importance of chrysanthemums in Japan. Both festivals provide unique opportunities to experience the rich tradition of chrysanthemum cultivation in Japan, set against the backdrop of historically and culturally significant locations. These events not only showcase the beauty of the flowers but also highlight the skill and dedication of the growers who cultivate them.
https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/hetsu_saiji.html
Entrance Fee: No charge Location: Munakata Taisha shrine complex
Duration: November 1st to November 23rd
Exhibits: Approximately 15,000 chrysanthemums
Special displays: Chrysanthemum dolls, bonsai, and artistic arrangements
Directions to Munakata from Hakata Station:
To reach Munakata Taisha from Hakata Station, start by taking the JR Kagoshima Main Line towards Kokura/Moji for about 30-40 minutes to Togo Station. From there, you have two options: either take a Nishitetsu bus bound for Munakata Taisha, which takes approximately 12 minutes (get off at the Munakata Taisha-mae bus stop), or take a taxi for a 15-minute ride directly to the shrine. The total journey time is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes using public transportation.
If driving, it's a 35-40 minute trip from Hakata Station, with parking available at the shrine. Upon arrival, it's a short walk from the bus stop or parking area to reach Munakata Taisha (Hetsu-gu shrine). As this is a popular destination, public transportation options are generally frequent and reliable, but it's always wise to check the latest train and bus schedules before your trip.
History of Munakata Taisha Shrine Complex
Munakata Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine complexes, is located in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Its history dates back to ancient times, with references in Japan's oldest chronicles, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The shrine complex consists of three separate shrines: Hetsu-gu on the Kyushu mainland, Nakatsu-gu on Oshima Island, and Okitsu-gu on Okinoshima Island. These shrines are dedicated to three female Shinto goddesses, daughters of Amaterasu: Ichikishimahime, Tagitsuhime, and Takiribime. Due to its strategic location along sea routes to Korea and China, Munakata Taisha became crucial for rituals ensuring safe sea travel and trade, especially from the 4th to 9th centuries. The sacred island of Okinoshima, home to Okitsu-gu, was a site of important rituals that left behind over 80,000 artifacts, now designated as National Treasures. The powerful Munakata Clan controlled the shrine and oversaw trade routes and religious practices during its peak influence. Although the shrine's prominence waned with the decline of trade due to political instability in China, it has remained an important religious site. In the modern era, Munakata Taisha was designated as an imperial shrine of the first rank. In 2017, "Okinoshima Island and Related Sites in the Munakata Region," including all three shrines of Munakata Taisha, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their cultural and historical significance. Today, Munakata Taisha continues to be an important religious and cultural site, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's ancient religious practices and its history of international maritime trade and cultural exchange.
Kagoshima Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival
Sengan-en Garden
November 1 ~ 23
The Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival, held at the historic Sengan-en garden in Kagoshima City, is a breathtaking celebration of Japan's beloved autumn flower. From November 1st to November 23rd, the garden, once the domain of the influential Shimadzu clan, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color with approximately 15,000 chrysanthemums on display. The festival showcases the versatility and beauty of chrysanthemums through various artistic expressions. Visitors can marvel at the intricate chrysanthemum dolls, life-sized mannequins adorned in kimono crafted entirely from chrysanthemum blooms, often portraying significant historical figures. The tairin-giku displays demonstrate the pinnacle of horticultural skill, with hundreds of flowers cultivated from a single stalk, creating impressive floral sculptures. Local enthusiasts compete in the bonsai competition, presenting meticulously pruned chrysanthemum bonsai that showcase years of dedication and artistry. Each year, the festival adopts a unique theme, often drawing inspiration from local history or culture, which is reflected in specially designed exhibits throughout the garden. This annual event not only celebrates the chrysanthemum's beauty but also honors the rich cultural heritage of Kagoshima and the horticultural expertise of its people, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Sengan-en with its stunning views of Sakurajima volcano. The Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival offers visitors a chance to appreciate these beautiful flowers against the backdrop of the garden's stunning scenery, which includes views of the active volcano Sakurajima.
Duration: November 1st to November 23rd Exhibits: 3,000 pots of chrysanthemums
Directions from Hakata Station: Take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station (about 1 hour 20 minutes)
From Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take the Kagoshima City View Bus or Machi Meguri Bus to Sengan-en (about 30 minutes)
Entrance Fee: Adults: 1,000 yen, Elementary & Junior High School Students: 500 yen
About The Festival
The Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival, held at the historic Sengan-en garden in Kagoshima City, is a breathtaking celebration of Japan's beloved autumn flower. From November 1st to November 23rd, the garden, once the domain of the influential Shimadzu clan, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color with approximately 15,000 chrysanthemums on display. The festival showcases the versatility and beauty of chrysanthemums through various artistic expressions. Visitors can marvel at the intricate chrysanthemum dolls, life-sized mannequins adorned in kimono crafted entirely from chrysanthemum blooms, often portraying significant historical figures. The tairin-giku displays demonstrate the pinnacle of horticultural skill, with hundreds of flowers cultivated from a single stalk, creating impressive floral sculptures. Local enthusiasts compete in the bonsai competition, presenting meticulously pruned chrysanthemum bonsai that showcase years of dedication and artistry. Each year, the festival adopts a unique theme, often drawing inspiration from local history or culture, which is reflected in specially designed exhibits throughout the garden. This annual event not only celebrates the chrysanthemum's beauty but also honors the rich cultural heritage of Kagoshima and the horticultural expertise of its people, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Sengan-en with its stunning views of Sakurajima volcano. The Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival offers visitors a chance to appreciate these beautiful flowers against the backdrop of the garden's stunning scenery, which includes views of the active volcano Sakurajima.
Additional Exhibits
These additional exhibits and displays showcase the versatility and beauty of chrysanthemums while celebrating local history and culture, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Sengan-en garden with views of Sakurajima volcano.
-
Chrysanthemum Dolls: Life-sized mannequins dressed in kimono made entirely of chrysanthemum flowers, often depicting historical figures.
-
Tairin-giku: Impressive displays where hundreds of flowers are grown from a single stalk, creating floral sculptures.
-
Bonsai Competition: Local enthusiasts showcase their best chrysanthemum bonsai.
-
Themed Displays: Each year features a specific theme, often related to local history or culture.
-
Three-story Tower: A decorative structure adorned with chrysanthemums.
-
Central Display Piece: In some years, this has featured historical figures like Shimadzu Nariakira meeting with Saigo Takamori.
-
Goromon Gate Recreation: In 2016, the festival featured a reproduction of the two-storied gate of Tsurumaru Castle, decorated with chrysanthemums.
-
General Floral Arrangements: Approximately 15,000 chrysanthemums are displayed throughout the garden in various artistic arrangements.
The festival also includes special events and performances:
-
Matchlock gun demonstrations
-
Taiko drumming performances
-
Traditional Kyudo (Japanese archery) demonstrations in traditional costumes
-
Guided tours (some with lunch, requiring reservations)
