Festivals and Events for November 2016 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 due to winter approaching with pleasant cool nights and mornings. The weather is beautiful for travel in Japan with clear blue skies and crisp autumn days. 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 2016
Event: Karatsu Kunchi Matsuri
Location: Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
Time: Times vary according to the event
Price of Admission: FREE
Karatsu in Saga Prefecture in the north-western corner of Kyushu comes alive for this spectacular autumn cultural festival, which has been designated a festival of national cultural importance. The festival dates from 1592, and is considered to be one of the major festivals of the Kyushu area. The highlight of the festival is the massive, exquisitely decorated festival floats called hikiyama. The floats are made of wood, washi paper and clay, which is lacquered and covered in gold or silver leaf. Each float is a masterpiece and takes between two and three years to complete.
3 November 2016
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 2016
Event: Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu
Location: Yumoto Onsen, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
Time: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Price of Admission: FREE
The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu is one of Japan’s most exciting and spectacular autumn cultural festivals held at the picturesque Yumoto Onsen in Hakone, west of Tokyo. The festival is held every year on November 3, which is a national holiday in Japan fittingly called Bunka no Hi (Culture Day). It commemorates the journey of Japan’s daimyo, or feudal lords from the capital Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to the provinces during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The festival features marching bands, dancing-girls and a grand feudal lord’s procession with around 200 costumed locals in historical attire.
6 November 2016
Event: Nakasendo Festival
Location: Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price of Admission: FREE
The Nakasendo Festival is a unique local Japanese festival that celebrates the famous Nakasendo Road in Japan. The Nakasendo was an ancient road that connected Kyoto with Edo (modern-day Tokyo). It was a spectacular inland journey through the heart of Japan and places like Shiga, Gifu, Nagano, Gunma and Saitama. The festival features local food and souvenirs as well as various dance performances and free mochi rice cakes.
13 November 2016
Event: Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto
Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Price of Admission: FREE
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival recreates the atmosphere and traditions of the ancient Kyoto Heian court with traditional performances and events with the stunning autumn colours as an amazing backdrop. Held in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto on the second Sunday of November, it features traditional dance, music and art performances. The highlight of the festival is the re-enactment of the nobles cruise down the Oi River in small boats.
13-27 November 2016
Event: Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: Fukuoka, Kokusai Center
The Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament runs from November 13 to 27 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 Japanese Ozeki, Goeido after his maiden tournament victory at the September Grand Sumo Tournament with a perfect 15-0 record. Japanese wrestler, Endo will also be a popular draw-card after his stellar 13-2 record in the last tournament.
Sumo Japan’s Traditional Sport
13 November 2016
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 2016
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/
