Festivals and Events for November 2014 in Japan
November in Japan is typically the best time to see the beautiful Autumn foliage in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Central Japan. Please check out our Autumn Colors Report for more details. The weather starts to cool down with winter approaching with pleasant cool nights and mornings. The weather is beautiful for travel in Japan with clear blue skies. There are quite a few traditional cultural festivals happening around this time of the year.
Here are a few of the most popular November festivals and events in Japan.
2-4 November 2014
Event: Karatsu Kunchi Matsuri
Location: Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture
Time: Times vary according to the event
Price of Admission: FREE
Karatsu in Saga Prefecture comes alive in this spectacular festival, which has been designated a festival of national cultural importance. The festival dates from 1592, and the highlight is the gigantic, exquisitely decorated floats called hikiyama, which are lacquered and finished in gold and silver leaf. The festival floats are carried by the townsfolk from Nishinohama beach into town.
3 November 2014
Event: Bunka no Hi (Culture Day)
National Holiday
Bunka no Hi or Culture Day is a Japanese National Holiday on November 3rd. The purpose of the holiday is to promote culture, the arts and academic endeavour in Japan. Typically events such as culture festivals, art exhibitions, and parades are held on this day. Culture Day was first held in 1948 to commemorate the announcement of the new post-war Japanese constitution.
3 November 2014
Event: Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade
Location: Yumoto Onsen, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
Time: Times vary according to the event
Price of Admission: FREE
The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade is held on Bunka no Hi (Culture Day) a National Holiday in Japan. The locals dress up in costumes featuring samurai warriors and princesses and re-enact a feudal lord’s (daimyo) procession. The parade departs Sounji Temple at 10:00 am and travels the 6 km course, arriving at the final destination at around 2:30 pm.
9-23 November 2014
Event: Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: Fukuoka, Kokusai Center
The Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament runs from November 9 to 23 and is the last sumo tournament of the year. It is the only grand sumo tournament held in Kyushu. The event first started in 1957 when it was upgraded from an exhibition tournament to a formal tournament. This year interest will be on rookie Mongolian sumo wrestler Ichinojo who will be appearing in only his second tournament. He has made a rapid rise after his first tournament last basho and has already obtained the 3rd highest rank of Sekiwake.
Sumo Japan’s Traditional Sport
15 November 2014
Event: Shichi-Go-San
Location: All over Japan
Shichi-Go-San is a Japanese festival in honour of girls aged three and seven, and boys aged five. On November 15 or the closest weekend, children dress in their finest clothes and visit shrines and temples with their parents, where they pray for good fortune and healthy growth of the children. Children usually dress in traditional kimono or modern day suits to visit the shrines and temples.
23 November 2014
Event: Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labour Thanksgiving Day)
National Holiday
Kinro Kansha no Hi or Labour Thanksgiving Day is a National Holiday which takes place annually on November 23. It is a day to commemorate labour and production, as well as for giving one another thanks. Special events are held throughout Japan, that encourage thinking about the environment, peace and human rights. The National Holiday was established in 1948 to mark some of the changes of the postwar constitution of Japan, including fundamental human rights and the expansion of workers rights.
John Asano is a blogger, travel writer and travel advisor living in Gifu, Japan. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he has lived in Japan now for over 15 years. John loves nothing better than picking up his camera and exploring all the amazing sights and attractions that Japan has to offer. He writes about the must see sights and attractions in Japan at Japan Travel Advice, as well as about Japanese culture and modern life on his blog Japan Australia. You can read more of his work at http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/
