An autumn festival in Munakata City, the Miare Matsuri is a maritime procession where boats carry deities from offshore islands to a mainland shrine for an annual ritual.
An autumn festival in Nagasaki, the Kunchi features dedicatory dances performed by rotating city districts. These performances showcase the city’s historical Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese cultural influences.
A Buddhist festival in Tokyo, the Oeshiki commemorates Saint Nichiren. Its main event is a large lantern parade featuring 3,000 participants with drums and decorative banners.
A cat-themed festival in Kagurazaka features an annual parade requiring cat costumes. The event also includes performances and a choreographed group dance for attendees.
An autumn festival in Nikko on October 16-17 features horseback archery and a large samurai procession that re-enacts the burial of Tokugawa Ieyasu at Toshogu Shrine.
A float festival in Kawagoe, the Kawagoe Matsuri is held in October. Its main event is the ‘hikkawase,’ an evening musical performance competition between the floats.
An annual festival in Tokyo, the Bettara Ichi is held on October 19-20. It features 500 stalls selling *bettarazuke* (pickled radish) and other foods near Takarada Ebisu Shrine.
A fire festival in Kurama, Kyoto, on October 22 features a procession of people carrying large flaming torches and portable shrines through the village.
A Kyoto festival held on October 22, the Jidai Matsuri is a historical parade with participants in costumes representing eras from the city’s 1,100-year history.
