In most parts of Japan, November brings brisk air, clear skies and radiant autumn foliage, making it one of the most pleasant months to travel. Along with the colourful autumn scenes, you will likely come across Christmas lights and illumination events, many of which begin in November. It’s the last month of the year to see a sumo tournament, and there is also no shortage of traditional festivals to enjoy.
We've highlighted a few festivals below that may be of interest for future trips to Japan. They are selected from a list compiled by JNTO's Tourist Information Center, and the full list is available at the end of the article.
NOTES: Many websites only have information in Japanese so you may need to use an online translation service such as Google Translate 
or DeepL . Alternatively, the Chrome browser allows you to translate many webpages from Japanese into English.
The information is correct at time of publishing. Dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice and can vary slightly each year. In particular, the schedule of outdoor events may change due to the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Fujiwara Autumn Festival
Where: Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture
When: 1-3 November 2021
Summary: Parades, noh plays, and chrysanthemums at a three-day long festival honouring a noble clan and praying for the future.
More information: Japan Travel | Fujiwara Autumn Festival
Gion Odori
Where: Higashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held from 1-10 November each year)
Summary: Traditional Japanese dance performed by maiko and geiko from Gion Higashi.
More information: Gion Higashi Kabukai| Official site (Japanese only) 
Karatsu Kunchi
Where: Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
When: 2-4 November 2021
Summary: A festival of massive floats to celebrate autumn with a history of over 400 years. It is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and is also recognised as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This year it will be held on a smaller scale than usual and spectators are requested to not congregate on streets to watch the procession.
More information:
Autumn Kemari Festival
Where: Tanzan Jinja Shrine, Nara Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held on 3 November each year)
Summary: Shinto priests wearing colourful robes from the 7th century perform a series of elaborate rituals and play kemari, a traditional court game resembling hacky sack with an oversized ball.
More information: Visit Nara | Autumn Kemari Festival
Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu
Where: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
When: 3 November 2021
Summary: A lively procession of historical figures, dancers and musicians through the streets of Hakone. The event will be held on a very small scale this year.
More information: Japan Travel | Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu
Kumano Kodo Picture Scroll Procession
Where: Nakahechi Town, Wakayama Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held on 3 November each year)
Summary: An elegant procession of people wearing traditional costumes from the Heian Period on the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
More information: Kumano Kodo | Kumano Kodo Picture Scroll Procession
Ohara Matsuri
Where: Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
When: 3 November 2021
Summary: A large dance festival where people dress up in yukata (casual summer kimono) and happi (traditional short-sleeved coat) and dance to traditional local music. Spectators are encouraged to join in the fun.
More information: Kagoshima The Official Tourism Website | Ohara Matsuri
Itabashi Fireworks Festival
Where: Arakawa River, Tokyo Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Originally scheduled for 6 November 2021)
Summary: Fireworks display with 12,000 fireworks over the Arakawa River featuring many types of fireworks made by Japan's top pyrotechnicians.
More information:
Himeji Castle Festival
Where: Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
When: 6-7 November 2021
Summary: A festival held at UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle featuring a parade, taiko drumming and folk dancing.
More information: Travel Hyogo | Himeji Castle Festival
Dream Yosacoy Festival
Where: Odaiba and Marunouchi areas, Tokyo Prefecture
When: 7 November 2021
Summary: Traditional dance festival based on the energetic yosakoi style of dance that originated in Kochi Prefecture. This year the performances are to be held with no live audiences so people who wish to watch the performances will need to purchase a ticket for the live online ticketed event.
More information: Dream Yosacoy Festival | Official site
Daidogei World Cup in Shizuoka
Where: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held over 4 days in early November)
Summary: A large street theatre festival attracting both domestic and international artists that first started in 1992 with the concept ‘The city is a theater’.
More information: Daidogei World Cup in Shizuoka | Official site
Arashiyama Momiji Matsuri
Where: Togetsukyo Bridge, Kyoto Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held on the second Sunday of November each year)
Summary: People in the 10th-century court costumes perform traditional dance, music and plays on the boats on the Oi River around Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. Many other events are also scheduled on the riverbank.
More information: Arashiyama Hoshokai | Official site (Japanese only)
Hagi Jidai Matsuri
Where: Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held in mid-November each year)
Summary: A festival featuring a procession of people dressed in traditional costumes performing traditional dances. There is also a parade featuring two historical groups who both played an important role in the city’s history.
More information: Hagi Sightseeing Guide | Hagi Jidai Matsuri
Ozumo Juichigatsu Basho
Where: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
When: 14-28 November 2021
Summary: Grand Sumo Tournament held at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Dohyo-iri (the ring-entering ceremonies) by yokozuna (the grand champions) take place daily around 3:40pm, followed by the main matches by maku-uchi (upper-rank sumo wrestlers). Tickets can pre-purchased online from the official website.
More information: Nihon Sumo Kyokai | Official site
Takachiho Evening Kagura
Where: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture
When: 22-23 November 2021
Summary: See ancient Japan's gods, myths and legends come alive at a night-time extravaganza of dancing, storytelling, drum beating and masks, celebrating an 800-year-old tradition. It's a highly entertaining and enriching view of Japan's historical origins and Takachiho's version was designated one of Japan's Intangible Folk Cultural Properties.
More information: Japan Travel | Takachiho Evening Kagura
Bunka-Bunsei Customs Parade
Where: Nagiso, Nagano Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held on 23 November each year)
Summary: Festival along the Nakasendo featuring a procession of local residents dressed in traditional costumes such as warriors, postmen, priests, pilgrims and farmers from the Edo Period. It’s held to celebrate the anniversary of the Tsumago Post Town Preservation Project that was established in 1968.
More information: Nagiso Town Tourism Association | Bunka-Bunsei Customs Parade
Nagano Ebisu-ko Enka Taikai
Where: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
When: 23 November 2021
Summary: A fireworks festival which is quite rare in autumn as most fireworks displays usually take place in summer. This special festival display dates back to the feudal times, and in the participating in the firework artist community it’s considered an honour to participate in the event.
More information: Nagano Ebisu-ko Enka Taikai | Official site
Yatsushiro Myoken Festival
Where: Tasuhiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held each year, with the main event held on 23 November)
Summary: UNESCO-listed festival with a 400-year history which is also designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The festival is known for the 6km long colourful procession featuring shishi lions, kazari-uma (decorated horses), warriors, mikoshi (portable shrines) and traditional floats.
More information: Yatsushiro Myoken Festival | Official site
