Soon comes one of the best seasons in Japan – Autumn!
I've been researching some locations in preparation of showing family around and thought I'd share some events and things to do if anyone happens to be visiting Kyushu during this time of year.
- Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Hojoya Festival – held at Hakozaki Shrine, this festival has a history of over 1,000 years and celebrates all living creatures. It's held annually from September 12th to 18th, and features food stalls, haunted houses, shooting ranges, and other attractions.
- Sumo Tournament – the last sumo tournament for this year will be held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Centre between the 9th and 23rd of November. Advanced tickets go live on September 20th. You can get official tickets from this website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/
- Candlelight Kagura – held at the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a stage is set over the Shinji-ike pond, illuminated by candles, where a sacred dance is performed. It's held only in the evening on September 25th. You can read more about it here: https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/art-and-events/events/candlelight-kagura/
- Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Nagasaki Kunchi Festival – held at Suwa Shrine since 1634, this festival blends Chinese and Dutch cultural influences that have shaped Nagasaki’s history. It includes dance and stage performances from different districts of the city. It will be held from the 7th to the 9th of October. You can find out more information (and to see some of the action!) on this website: https://nagasaki-kunchi.com/english
- Karatsu, Saga Prefecture
- Karatsu Kunchi Festival – A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event held at Karatsu Shrine from November 2nd to 4th. Huge dry-lacquered floats are paraded through the town, accompanied by flutes, chants, and taiko drums. There’s also an evening parade on November 2nd, where the floats are illuminated by lantern lights. If you'd like to see what it looks like, can read more about it here: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/326/
- Saga, Saga Prefecture
- Saga International Balloon Fiesta – Asia's largest sky sports event, held along the Kase Riverside near Saga City. Taking place over five days in autumn, it features over 100 teams from around the world. This year’s fiesta runs from October 30th to November 3rd. Events include:
- Pacific Cup – a five-day competition
- Balloon Fantasia – character and animal-shaped balloons fly overhead
- Balloon School – experts explain the mechanics of hot air balloons
- La Mongolfier Nocturne – a nighttime event where the river is lit by balloon burners
- Can find out more information here: https://www.sibf.jp/en/visitors/faq.html
- Saga International Balloon Fiesta – Asia's largest sky sports event, held along the Kase Riverside near Saga City. Taking place over five days in autumn, it features over 100 teams from around the world. This year’s fiesta runs from October 30th to November 3rd. Events include:
- Arita, Saga Prefecture
- Arita Ceramics Fair – one of Japan's largest ceramic fairs that happens only twice a year. While it’s more well-known for its Golden Week event, the autumn edition runs from November 20th to 24th. You can read more about it here: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/317/
- Tour De Arita – A vintage car event featuring mostly European models. Includes a classic car parade, vehicle displays, and a daytime market with lots of shops. This year it will be held on November 16th, from 10:00 to 13:00.
- Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition Festival – held in Yatsushiro City along the Kuma River, this is one of only three national fireworks competitions in Japan—and the only one in Kyushu. Over 14,000 fireworks are launched into the sky. It will take place on October 18th (the third Saturday of the month). You can read more about it here: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/461/
- Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Shokuniku Festival – considered Kyushu’s largest meat festival, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes. It will be held at Asano Shiokaze Park from October 11th to 13th.
These are just some of the events I came across that sounded interesting. If you're visiting Kyushu in autumn, I hope this provides some inspiration for your own trip. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments!
by missinginactionnn