September sees the transition from summer into autumn, although it can still be quite warm in many parts of Japan. Beach trips are still possible, with the bonus of fewer crowds as the official beach season is declared over, while in some areas in Hokkaido you can see autumn colours towards the end of the month.
Sports and culture enthusiasts may be interested in the annual September sumo tournament in Tokyo, and there are also many noteworthy festivals celebrating traditional culture across the country.
We've highlighted a few festivals and events 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.
Danjiri Matsuri
Where: Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture
When: 18-19 September 2021 (to be held without spectators this year)
Summary: Participants wearing traditional happi coats pull immaculately handcrafted danjiri floats through the city's main streets. Weighing around four tons, traditional danjiri floats are ornately crafted wooden structures with detailed carvings of ancient battles and myths.
JNTO website: Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
Official site: Danjiri City Kishiwada (Automatic translation available)
Setomono Matsuri
Where: Various locations including the Setogawa River and Mt Gongenyama, Aichi Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (originally scheduled for 11-12 September 2021)
Summary: Ceramic fair held since 1932 in celebration of Kato Tamikichi, who is said to be the ‘Father of Seto Pottery’. Around 200 open-air stalls are set up along the streets near the Setogawa River with hands-on experiences available at some places.
Aichi Now site: Setomono Festival & Fireworks
Shimada Mage Matsuri
Where: Various locations including Shimada City Office and Udaji Temple, Shizuoka Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held annually on the third Sunday of September)
Summary: Festival featuring a parade of women wearing yukata (casual cotton kimono) in traditional hairstyles.
Shimada City Tourist Guide site: Event information
Owara Kaze no Bon Festival
Where: Yatsuo, Toyama Prefecture
When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held annually over the first three days of September)
Summary: A lively event, known for its elegant traditional dances to the sounds of music played with traditional instruments such as shamisen, bamboo flutes and taiko drums.
JNTO website: Owara Kaze no Bon Festival
Ozumo Kugatsu Basho
Where: Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo Prefecture
When: 12-26 September 2021
Summary: Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall. Tokyo tournaments are held annually in January, May and September each year.
JNTO website: Tokyo Sumo Tournaments
Official site: Nihon Sumo Kyokai
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival
Where: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kanagawa Prefecture
When: 14-16 September 2021
Summary: Annual festival of the shrine featuring yabusame, the art of horseback archery and a military skill developed during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). Be wowed by the strength, skill and stamina of horseback archers as they compete in this competition dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185).
JNTO website: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival
More information
- Calendar of Events | September 2021
- Guide | Japan in September
