9 Events to Enjoy in Japan in September 2026

September marks the beginning of autumn festival season across Japan, while red spider lilies reach their peak. Traditional moon-viewing events held around the harvest moon are another highlight unique to this time of year.

From centuries-old traditions and gaming culture to Hokkaido food, here are nine events to check out in Japan in September 2026.

Event details and schedules are subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest information before visiting.

1. Tokyo Game Show 2026 | Chiba

Tokyo Game Show brings together gaming fans from around the world. In 2026, the event celebrates its 30th anniversary and expands to five days.

Visitors can experience upcoming games, new title announcements, stage programs and more. Public days run from September 19 to 21.

Dates: September 17–21, 2026
Public Days: September 19–21
Venue: Makuhari Messe
Nearest Station: JR Kaihin-Makuhari Station
Admission: Ticket required

Image Source: Tokyo Game Show 2026 Official Website / CESA
Source: https://tgs.cesa.or.jp/2026/

2. Kishiwada Danjiri Festival | Osaka

This traditional autumn festival in Kishiwada, Osaka, has a history of more than 300 years.

Its biggest spectacle is the “yarimawashi,” in which massive wooden danjiri floats make high-speed turns through the streets. At night, the floats are illuminated with lanterns, creating a completely different atmosphere.

Yoimiya: September 19, 2026, 6:00–22:00
Honmiya: September 20, 9:00–22:00
Location: Kishiwada City, Osaka
Nearest Station: Nankai Kishiwada Station and others
Admission: Free

Image Source: Kishiwada City Official Website
Source: https://www.city.kishiwada.lg.jp/site/danjiri/

3. Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival | Saitama

Around five million red spider lilies bloom each autumn at Kinchakuda in Hidaka, Saitama.

The brilliant red flowers covering the woodland floor create one of September's most striking seasonal landscapes. Kinchakuda is also easy to visit on a day trip from Tokyo.

Dates: September 21–October 6, 2026
Hours: 9:00–16:30
Venue: Kinchakuda Manjushage Park
Nearest Station: Koma Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Admission: ¥500 during the flowering season

Image Source: Hidaka City / Hidaka City Tourism Association
Source: https://hidakashikankou.gr.jp/manjushage/

4. Daikakuji Temple “Kangetsu no Yube” Moon Viewing | Kyoto

This traditional Kyoto event traces its origins to the Heian period, when Emperor Saga is said to have enjoyed viewing the moon from a boat on Osawa Pond.

Visitors can admire both the moon in the night sky and its reflection on the water. The combination of temple grounds, pond and harvest moon creates a distinctly Kyoto autumn scene.

Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Hours: 17:30–21:00 (last admission 20:30)
Venue: Daikakuji Temple and Osawa Pond
Admission: Adults ¥700; elementary, junior high and high school students ¥300

Image Source: Daikakuji Temple
Source: https://www.daikakuji.or.jp/r8kangetsukokuchi/

5. Yasaka Shrine Gionsha Kangetsusai | Kyoto

Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's Gion district holds its traditional moon-viewing festival on the night of the harvest moon.

Traditional performances including gagaku music, bugaku dance, koto, lion dance and taiko are offered at the shrine's dance stage. It makes an easy addition to an evening stroll around Gion.

Date: September 25, 2026
Time: From 19:00
Venue: Dance Stage, Yasaka Shrine
Nearest Station: Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Admission: Free to watch

Image Source: Yasaka Shrine Official Website
Source: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/

6. Uneme Festival | Nara

This traditional festival takes place around Sarusawa Pond in Nara to celebrate the harvest moon.

A ceremonial procession is held in the evening, followed by beautifully decorated boats moving across Sarusawa Pond after dark. The location is close to Kofukuji Temple and Nara Park.

Yoimiya Festival: September 24, 2026, from 17:00
Main Festival: September 25
Han'ogi Procession: From 17:00
Kangen Boat Ceremony: From 19:00
Venue: Uneme Shrine and Sarusawa Pond
Nearest Station: Kintetsu Nara Station

Image Source: Nara City Tourism Association (Photo courtesy of Kasuga Taisha Shrine)
Source: https://narashikanko.or.jp/feature/unemematsuri

7. Aizu Festival | Fukushima

This three-day autumn festival takes place in the historic castle town of Aizuwakamatsu.

The highlight is the Aizu Domain Lords' Procession, featuring participants dressed in historical costumes as they parade through the city. Combine the festival with a visit to Tsurugajo Castle for a closer look at Aizu's samurai heritage.

Dates: September 19–21, 2026
Venue: Tsurugajo Castle and central Aizuwakamatsu
Main Events: Aizu Domain Lords' Procession, lantern procession, Aizu Bandaisan dance and more
Admission: Free

Image Source: Aizu Festival Association / Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Navi
Source: https://www.aizukanko.com/feature/Aizu_fes/Aizu_fes_2

8. Sapporo Autumn Fest | Hokkaido

This annual food festival brings specialties from across Hokkaido to Odori Park in central Sapporo.

Seafood, meat dishes and regional specialties can all be sampled in one place, making it an appealing stop for travelers who want food to be a major part of their Hokkaido trip.

Dates: September 11–October 3, 2026
Venue: Odori Park, Sapporo
Nearest Station: Odori Subway Station
Admission: Free; food and drinks sold separately

Image Source: Sapporo Autumn Fest Official Website / Sapporo Tourism Association
Source: https://www.sapporo.travel/autumnfest/

9. Shiba Daijingu “Dara-Dara Matsuri” | Tokyo

Held at Shiba Daijingu Shrine in Tokyo each September, this traditional festival is affectionately known as the “Dara-Dara Matsuri” because the festivities continue over an unusually long period.

Also known as the “Ginger Festival,” it preserves a local festival tradition dating back to the Edo period. The shrine is within easy reach of Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple.

Period: September 2026
Venue: Shiba Daijingu Shrine
Nearest Stations: Daimon Station / JR Hamamatsucho Station
Admission: Free

Image Source: Shiba Daijingu Official Website
Source: https://www.shibadaijingu.com/

A Side of Japanese Autumn You Can Only Find in September

Dynamic autumn festivals, fields of red spider lilies and harvest-moon traditions in Kyoto and Nara give September a character quite different from Japan's famous autumn foliage season.

Check the dates against your itinerary and add one of these seasonal experiences to your trip.