# Autumn seasonal transitions and festivals in Japan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/autumn-seasonal-transitions-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-10-26T03:05:14.000Z. Sources: 50. Developments: 19.

In Japan, the transition to autumn is characterized by changing climate perceptions and the continuation of seasonal floral and cultural traditions. In Hiroshima, residents have reported a diminishing sense of the season due to shifting weather patterns. A survey of working women indicated that 56.6% no longer feel the presence of autumn, with many reporting difficulty wearing seasonal clothing due to unpredictable temperature fluctuations. Seasonal transitions are currently marked by the progression of autumn foliage and bird migrations. In Hokkaido, autumn colors around Lake Onneto have peaked, while Whooper swans from Siberia have begun arriving at Lake Furen. In Fukushima, foliage is appearing on the Azuma Skyline and Mount Adatara. In Nagano, colors are emerging in the Tateshina highlands, though warmer temperatures have caused a slower progression of foliage in eastern and western Japan compared to previous years. Cultural and floral festivities remain extensive. Recent celebrations include the ‘Aki no Hinomine-san’ festival in Saga, the Shibajima Shrine festival in Osaka, and the Ina Festival in the Hidaka region. Sado City’s Shukunegi district hosted a seven-meter-long ‘O-shishi’ lion dance, and Ehime Prefecture saw the revival of the Otōjin Mikoshi during the Matsuyama Autumn Festival. Additionally, the 26th Otsuka Rose Festival is taking place in Tokyo near Otsuka Station through October 25, 2026. Recent regional events include the ‘Gero Onsen Shanniku Festival 2026 Autumn’ in Gifu Prefecture, which proceeded on October 25 despite rainy weather from Typhoon No. 30. In Ehime Prefecture, the ‘Omo Fes 2026 Autumn – Soto Asobi’ is scheduled for November 8 at Omogo Dam Park, focusing on nature-based activities and biodiversity workshops. Travel data for autumn 2026 shows high demand for day-trip bus tours. According to Travelko, ‘autumn foliage’ (koyo) is the top search keyword in East Japan, followed by ‘seafood’ and ‘shine muscat’ grapes.

## Claims

- The Kaneda LINK Festival 2026 is scheduled for October 31 and November 1. (single source)
- Kanayama Castle Autumn Festival 2026 will take place on October 31 in Ota City. (single source)
- Fuji Kawaguchiko Garden will host an autumn light-up event from October 24 to November 30, 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Local autumn festivals held in Gero Onsen and Ehime Prefecture

Autumn festivals and outdoor events are being held in Gero Onsen, Gifu, and Ehime Prefecture, featuring local food, music, and nature-based activities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/local-autumn-festivals-held-in-gero-onsen-and-ehime-prefecture

### 2026-10-25: Travelko reports autumn 2026 bus tour trends in Eastern Japan

Travelko search data for autumn 2026 shows ‘autumn foliage’ as the top keyword for day-trip bus tours in Eastern Japan, with Lake Kawaguchi leading as the most searched destination.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-autumn-travel-trends-show-high-demand-for-foliage-tours

### 2026-10-24: Matsuyama Autumn Festival features revival of Otōjin Mikoshi

The Otōjin Mikoshi has returned to the Matsuyama Autumn Festival after a seven-year hiatus caused by the pandemic and internal conflicts, marking a significant revival of local tradition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matsuyama-autumn-festival-features-revival-of-otjin-mikoshi

### 2026-10-23: Traditional autumn festivals held in Oita and Kagawa prefectures

Traditional autumn festivals, including the Goma Ichikunichi in Oita and celebrations at Oi Hachiman-gu in Kagawa, are being held to honor local traditions and pray for bountiful harvests.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/traditional-autumn-festivals-held-in-oita-and-kagawa-prefectures

### 2026-10-22: Seasonal changes and cultural activities in Japan

Reports highlight seasonal autumn transitions in Japan, including early snow in Hokkaido and upcoming cultural performances.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seasonal-changes-and-cultural-activities-in-japan

### 2026-10-22: Science and Art Hill 2026 festival opens in Matsudo

The ‘Science and Art Hill 2026’ festival in Matsudo, Chiba, explores the intersection of science and art through microbial research, interactive installations, and international collaborative projects.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autumn-festivals-and-light-up-events-scheduled-across-japan

### 2026-10-21: Various regional autumn festivals and seasonal events across Japan

Various Japanese regions are hosting autumn festivals, including winery harvests in Fukuoka, outdoor events in Niigata, and seasonal food festivals in Hokkaido and Shiga.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/various-seasonal-events-and-culinary-offerings-announced-in-japan

### 2026-10-19: Japan autumn foliage trends and seasonal forecasts

Japan's 2026 autumn foliage is expected to be on time or slightly delayed due to rising temperatures, with key viewing spots identified across Tottori, Gunma, and Aichi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-autumn-foliage-trends-and-seasonal-forecasts

### 2026-10-15: Autumn rose festivals and viewing spots held across Japan

Autumn rose festivals and viewing spots are active in Japan, including the Otsuka Rose Festival in Tokyo and various rose gardens across Yamaguchi Prefecture.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autumn-rose-festivals-and-viewing-spots-held-across-japan

### 2026-10-12: Traditional autumn festivals held across various Japanese regions

Traditional autumn festivals were held across Japan, including celebrations in the Hidaka region and the Shukunegi district of Sado City, featuring lion dances, shrine processions, and local rituals.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/traditional-autumn-festivals-held-across-various-japanese-regions

### 2026-10-12: Seasonal changes arrive in Japan with autumn foliage and swan migrations

Autumn foliage is peaking in Hokkaido's Lake Onneto, while Whooper swans arrive in Nemuro. Meanwhile, seasonal color changes are beginning in Nagano's Tateshina highlands.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seasonal-changes-arrive-in-japan-with-autumn-foliage-and-swan-migrations

### 2026-10-10: Autumn foliage begins across Japanese mountain regions

Autumn foliage is appearing across Japanese mountains, including the Azuma Skyline and Mount Takamaru, with peak colors expected in late October and November.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autumn-foliage-begins-across-japanese-mountain-regions

### 2026-10-09: Autumn festivals scheduled at Japanese shrines in October

Autumn festivals are scheduled for October 2026 at Shibajima Shrine in Osaka and Saga and Matsubara Shrines in Saga City, featuring traditional music, ceremonies, and fireworks.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autumn-festivals-scheduled-at-japanese-shrines-in-october

### 2026-10-08: Autumn seasonal tourism highlights in Shiga and Kagawa

Autumn landscapes and seasonal flora, including red kokiia in Shiga and various cosmos and sunset spots in Kagawa, are attracting tourists and photographers across Japan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autumn-seasonal-tourism-highlights-in-shiga-and-kagawa

### 2026-10-04: Japan hosts diverse autumn festivals and seasonal events

Various autumn festivals and seasonal events are being held across Japan, including Nagasaki Kunchi rehearsals, a tug-of-war against a jet at Narita Airport, and traditional dances in Kodaira.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-celebrates-autumn-with-seasonal-festivals-and-foliage-displays

### 2026-09-29: Seasonal autumn events scheduled at Japanese gardens and sites

Various Japanese gardens and sites are hosting autumn events, including rose festivals, classical concerts, and interactive animal exhibits to coincide with the changing foliage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seasonal-autumn-events-scheduled-at-japanese-gardens-and-sites

### 2026-09-22: Japan observes Autumnal Equinox Day amid seasonal cultural trends

Japan observes the Autumnal Equinox Day to honor ancestors. In related seasonal news, a survey identified ‘Shuumatsu Touring’ as the anime that best captures the essence of autumn.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-observes-autumnal-equinox-day-amid-seasonal-cultural-trends

### 2026-09-13: Japan celebrates autumn through seasonal flowers and foliage traditions

Japan's autumn season features diverse natural beauty, from Tokyo's hagi and cosmos flowers to the traditional practice of Momijigari, the contemplation of red maple and golden ginkgo foliage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-celebrates-autumn-through-seasonal-flowers-and-foliage-traditions

### 2026-09-08: Autumn season transitions in Japan amid climate perceptions and seasonal displays

While residents in Hiroshima report a fading sense of autumn due to climate fluctuations, Shimizu Park in Chiba is launching its autumn floral displays featuring cosmos and kochia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autumn-season-transitions-in-japan-amid-climate-perceptions-and-seasonal-displays

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Cite as: Autumn seasonal transitions and festivals in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/autumn-seasonal-transitions-in-japan