The season of summer festivals has come to an end, and it is finally getting cooler in Nagoya. Autumn is finally here. Autumn is considered one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Japan, and depending on whom you ask, it may even rival spring!
September, the official start of autumn can still be quite hot and humid, but temperatures finally start to drop October. By November, autumn has truly arrived.
Autumn in Japan is associated with foods such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and persimmons. Warming dishes like Nabe (the Japanese-style hot pot) and Oden (different ingredients boiled in soy sauce and Dashi), as well as Miso Nikomi Udon, are back on the menu at izakayas and at home.
This post is all about the best way to enjoy the season by visiting the most beautiful autumn festivals and unforgettable autumn leaf viewing spots in and around Nagoya.
Article Contents
Autumn Festivals around Nagoya that Celebrate the Season
Between September and November, you will find a variety of festivals held in Nagoya, in gardens, shopping streets, and all around the city.
Here are our top picks of festivals that celebrate the autumn season.
Shirotori Garden Moon Viewing
The harvest moon is the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the moon calendar. It usually falls in September or October, and is particularly revered around Japan. Many events are held to celebrate the beauty of the harvest moon across the country. In fact, it is said that viewing the moon during the Jugoya (the 15th night) brings good luck.
The Shirotori Garden Moon Gazing Tea Event takes place on the three days around the harvest moon each year.
Seiu-tei tea house in the center of Shirotori Garden was constructed with the rise of the harvest moon in mind. Participants at this tea event can enjoy the special view of the moon from there.
The ticket price for a 30-minute time slot during any of the three event days is 800 yen. Ticket sales start August 15th.
Shirotori Garden Moon Viewing Tea Event
Event Dates: 2024, September 15th and 16th 18:00-, 18:30-, 19:00-, 19:30-, 20:00-, 20:30-
Event Fee: 800 yen
Entry Fee: Adults 300 yen; Seniors 100 yen; Children under 14 free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (open until 21:30 during the event days); closed Mondays
Address: 2-2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036
Website | Google Maps
Tokugawa Garden Moon Viewing
At the Tokugawa Moon Viewing Event, you can visit Tokugawa Garden during the days surrounding the full moon. On the day of the full moon, the garden will hold a special Full Moon Festival for one night only. In 2024, that is September 17th.
A decorative boat floating in the middle of the pond of Tokugawaen is lit up during the event and it is a beautiful sight to take in a Japanese garden together with the full moon.
During the event, the garden is open until 20:30. With the last admission at 20:00. The entry fee is 300 yen.
Tokugawa Garden Moon Viewing Event
Event Dates: 2024 September 14 – 19 (Sat-Thu) 9:30 – 20:00
Entry Fee: Adults 300 yen; Children under 12 free
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:30; closed Mondays
Address: 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023
Website | Google Maps
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Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival
Running through the month of October, the Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival holds different events at Nagoya Castle. In 2024, the event is held from October 1st to 31st.
There are concerts, food and game stalls, a tea ceremony, and countless other bigger and smaller events during the festival period.
Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival
Event Dates: 2024 October 1st – 31st
Entry Fee: Adults 500 yen; Seniors 100 yen; Children free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30 (last admission at 16:00); closed from December 29. to January 1.
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Website | Google Maps
Yattokame Cultural Festival
The Yattokame Festival DOORS, previously known as the Yattokame Cultural Festival, is a journey through Japan’s traditional performing arts, history, and culture. Called “Yattokame” after the Nagoya slang meaning “it’s been a while,” this event features a wide variety of Nagoya’s traditional entertainments: Noh theatre plays, Kyogen comedic performances, Geisha and Maiko traditional dances, street Kabuki plays, walking tours, and workshops. All of these are designed top “open the DOOR” to what Nagoya has to offer.
In 2024, it will be held from October 26th to November 17th.
For more information on the Yattokame Festival DOORS, check out our dedicated blog post.
Osu Street Performers Festival
Every year in October the Osu Street Performers Festival is held.
The highlight of the festival is the Oiran Procession, an event to remember the procession of Oiran courtesans that would take place during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) when Osu was a red-light and entertainment district. Today, the procession is made up of volunteers living in Nagoya, wearing impressive heavy costumes and wigs.
Other events include performances of jugglers, dancers, and mimes. Music and comedy performances are also a highlight.
Nowadays, street performer festivals are held all over Japan, but the Osu Street Performers Festival is said to be the first. The allure of such festivals is the close contact with the performers who perform at eye level with the spectators.
45th Street Performers Festival will be held on October 19th and 20th, 2024.
Osu Street Performers Festival
Event Dates: 2024, October 19th – 20th (Sat. – Sun.)
Address: Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website | Google Maps
Nagoya Festival
The Nagoya Festival (Nagoya Matsuri) is one of the biggest festivals in Nagoya. For two days in October, Nagoya sees multiple events going on throughout the city. You can also enjoy free entry to attractions such as Nagoya Castle and the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Parades featuring traditional shrines with mechanical dolls (Karakuri Ningyo), dance and musical groups, and people wearing costumes from ancient times are just some of the highlights of this colorful festival.
There are stages set up around the city with a wide variety of performances and Yatai, which are stalls selling festival food such as chocolate covered bananas, fried noodles and corn dogs.
In 2024, the Nagoya Festival will be held on October 19th and 20th. For more details about the Nagoya Festival, check out this article.
Arimatsu Float Festival
The traditional townscape of Arimatsu comes to life during the Arimatsu Autumn Festival where three festival floats are pulled through the streets of the old Tokaido road (the main road leading from Kyoto to Edo).
The Arimatsu Autumn Festival is held on the first Sunday of October, falling on October 6th in 2024.
Arimatsu Autumn Festival
Event Dates: 2024, October 6th (Sun.)
Address: Arimatsu, Midori Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 458-0924
Google Maps
Samurai and Ninja Festival
On November 24th, 2024 the annual Samurai and Ninja Festival will be held again at Odaka Ryoguchi Greens Park, with many Samurai and Ninja teams coming from many regions of Japan.
You will see Samurai and Ninja skits, performances, fire shows, falconry shows, and more.
Samurai and Ninja Festival
Event Dates: 2024, November 24th (Sun.) 10:00-16:00
Entry Fee: free
Address: Takayama-1-1 Odakacho, Midori Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 459-8001
Google Maps
Kakuozan Autumn Festival
The Kakuozan Autumn Festival is one of three major seasonal festivals in Kakuozan in Nagoya. The festival features food stalls, a game corner, and stage performances, as well as an art and crafts market and workshops.
The street leading from Kakuozan Station all the way to Nittaiji Temple is lined with a wide variety of stalls offering fun for the whole family.
The Kakuozan Autumn Festival will be held on November 2nd and 3rd 2024.
Kakuozan Autumn Festival
Event Dates: 2024, November 2nd-3rd (Sat. – Sun.) 10:00-17:00
Address: Sanmoncho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0064
Google Maps
Endoji Paris in Autumn Festival
Stalls and artists from without and within Aichi Prefecture turn the Endoji Shopping Arcade into a French shopping district for a weekend.
In 2024, the Endoji Autumn Paris Festival will be held on November 9th and 10th.
Endoji Autumn Paris Festival
Event Dates: 2024, November 9th – 10th (Sat. – Sun.) 11:00 – 18:00
Address: Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Eejanaika! Toyohashi Festival
The annual Eejanaika Festival in Toyohashi City, with a history of more than half a century, is a vibrant celebration that blends culture with dance. The highlight of the festival is the exhilarating So-Odori Dance, a joyous spectacle where a massive crowd dances along the streets in front of Shintoyohashi Station. And the best part is, anyone can join! So put your dance shoes on and start moving!
This event, which draws between 10,000 to 20,000 participants each year, culminates in a lively display of unity and tradition and is an unforgettable experience.
Eejanaika! Toyohashi Festival
Event Dates: Toyohashi Festival: 2024, October 19th – 20th (Sat. – Sun.) 11:00 – 20:00
So-Odori Dancing: 2024, October 19th 18:30 – 20:00
Address: 1-chome to 3-chome areas, Ekimae O-dori, Toyohashi-shi, Aichi 440-0888
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Unmissable Spots for Autumn Leaves in Nagoya
The best time to enjoy the changing of the seasons in Nagoya is from the end of November to the beginning of December when the maple trees turn a vibrant red color. The yellow ginkgo tree is also at its peak just before this.
Shirotori Garden
Shirotori Garden is an amazing place to enjoy the autumn leaves, with around 1,500 trees, many of which are Momiji, or Japanese maple.
You can stroll around the garden during the day or visit at night. Art exhibitions are placed throughout the garden, and the combination of autumn leaves and art creates a fascinating combination of nature and art.
The light-up starts from around 17:00 when it gets dark and will be until the park closes at 20:00 (last admission is at 19:30). The entry fee is 300 yen.
Shirotori Garden Autumn Leaves
Light-up Dates: 2024, November 16th (Sat), 17th (Sun), 23rd (Sat), 24th (Sun) – 9:00 – 19:30
Entry Fee: Adults 300 yen; Seniors 100 yen; Children under 14 free
Address: 2-2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036
Website | Google Maps
Tokugawa Garden
Tokugawa Garden has more than 300 maple trees that turn the most amazing shade of bright red in autumn, which makes it an amazing place for an autumn stroll in the crisp air.
You can enjoy the beauty of the garden during the day or during special light-up events. The Tokugawa Garden Autumn Leaves Festival is planned for November 15th to December 8th 2024.
Tokugawa Garden Autumn Leaves
Event Dates: 2024, Nov. 15th – Dec. 8th (Fri. – Sun.)
Entry Fee: Adults 300 yen; Children under 12 free
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:30; closed Mondays
Address: 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023
Website | Google Maps
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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden has a yearly leaf-viewing event from the beginning of October to the middle of November.
On some special nights, the botanical garden opens its doors at night to welcome visitors to a light-up event.
The dates for the light-up event in 2024 will be: November 16th, 17th, 22nd to 24th, 30th and December 1st.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Autumn Leaves
Event Dates: 2024 Autumn Festival: October 5th to November 17th, Autumn Leaf Viewing: November 16th to December 8th
Light-up Event: 2024 November 16th, 17th, 22nd to 24th, 30th and December 1st
Entry Fee: Adults 500 yen; Children under 12 free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30; closed Mondays
Address: 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804
Website | Google Maps
Meijo Park
Meijo Park, north of Nagoya Castle, has a wide variety of trees that change color in autumn. The park is best enjoyed during a daytime stroll, preferably with a camera in hand. Enjoy the beauty of the season with Nagoya Castle as an amazing backdrop.
The park is open to visit at any time and is free of charge.
Meijo Park (名城公園)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 1-2 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 462-0846
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Atsuta Shrine
The grounds of Atsuta Shrine are covered with many old trees, including a giant sacred tree that is over a thousand years old. Take a walk through the shrine and enjoy the autumn leaves.
Atsuta Jingu Shrine (熱田神宮)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Top Autumn Leaf Viewing Spots in Aichi
If you can travel a bit further afield, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular autumn leaf viewing spots.
Korankei Valley (Toyota)
Korankei is without a doubt one of the most famous places in Aichi Prefecture to enjoy the autumn leaves. It is said that in the 17th century, the chief priest of Kojakuji Temple in the Korankei Valley planted the first maple trees in the area.
The red Taigetsukyo bridge is one of the most characteristic and iconic images of the Korankei landscape. The valley with its mountain and river is the perfect place for a hike or a walk in nature during the day, and staying until dark is highly recommended to enjoy the spectacular light-up event.
Countless food stalls selling festival delicacies and local foods are set up on one side of the river.
2024’s light-up event will take place from November 1st until the 30th and will start at sunset and go until until 21:00.
Regardless, Korankei is open anytime to visitors who would like to enjoy a walk in the fresh autumn air.
Korankei Valley (香嵐渓)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2424
Google Maps
Obara Fureai Park (Toyota)
This place is one of the most spectacular of all autumn leaf viewing spots in all of Japan. THis is because the Shikizakura cherry trees (also known as winter cherry blossoms) that bloom in spring also bloom in autumn (October to December).
It is one of the very few places where you can enjoy these rare cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at the same time, and the view is simply breathtakingly beautiful.
The autumn 2024 Shikizakura Festival is scheduled to take place in November, from the 16th to December 1st.
Obara Fureai Park (小原ふれあい公園)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 456 Sonpachi, Obaracho, Toyota, Aichi 470-0531
Google Maps
Higashi Park (Okazaki)
Around 1,500 Japanese maples grow throughout Higashi Park. It is one of the best places to enjoy autumn leaves in the Okazaki area.
An illumination event takes place on some nights in November and December each year.
Higashi Park (東公園)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Ashinobe Kakemachi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0011
Google Maps
Jokoji Temple (Seto)
During the Autumn Leaves Festival at Jokoji Park, you can enjoy various events with small food stalls selling Japanese snacks.
The hiking trail leading to the mountaintop Jokoji Temple is the perfect place to enjoy the autumn colors and the fresh autumn air.
The area around the bridge of Jokoji Park is lit up in the evenings, lending the park a whimsical atmosphere.
Jokoji Temple (定光寺)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 373 Jokojicho, Seto, Aichi 480-1201
Google Maps
Shurakuen Park (Tokai)
At Shurakuen Park, you will find an impressive bronze Buddha statue. The park also has 750 maple trees of seven different varieties, which makes it a popular spot to enjoy the autumn leaves.
Shurakuen Park (聚楽園公園)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: open 24 hours
Address: Nishihazama Araomachi, Tokai, Aichi 476-0003
Google Maps
Momotaro Shrine (Inuyama)
Momotaro Shrine is a magical place all year round, celebrating one of Japan’s oldest and most popular fairy tales, which is the story of a boy born from a peach. During autumn, the park surrounding the shrine is dyed in vivid colors of red, yellow, and orange making the place even more magical.
Momotaro Shrine (桃太郎神社)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Ohira 853 Kurisu, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Mount Horaiji (Sinshiro)
Mount Horaiji is a famous place for enjoying autumn leaves from mid to late November. It is a popular hiking spot and the location of a spiritual pilgrimage path leading up the mountain past temples and shrines. Over 4,000 trees are bathed in autumn colors and reflected in the clear waters of the river below which makes it a great time to visit.
The Horaiji Maple Festival is held each year from the middle of November to early December with the main festival on November 23rd each year. The festival sees performances, food stalls, and all manner of other events.
Mount Horaiji (鳳来寺山)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Horaiji Kadoya, Shinshiro, Aichi 441-1944
Google Maps
Jakkoin Temple (Inuyama)
Jakkoin Temple is known as the “Temple of Maple Leaves,” and therefore a top recommendation to visit during the autumn season.
The Jakkoin Autumn Leaves Festival sees different events on various dates in November and December.
Jakkoin Temple (寂光院)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: open 24 hours
Address: Suginodan-12 Tsugao, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0091
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Fumonji Temple (Toyohashi)
Also known as “the autumn leaves temple of Toyohashi”, Fumonji Temple is surrounded by maple trees turning shades of red in the autumn.
Ceremonies and rituals are held during the Fumonji Maple Festival to celebrate the season.
At Fumonji Temple, you can enjoy a rare sight of cherry blossoms in autumn because the grounds have been planted with wild Himalayazakura trees.
Fumonji Temple (普門寺)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:30
Address: 7 Nabeyamashita, Unoyacho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-3104
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Yuzenji Temple (Inazawa)
Sobue town in Inazawa City is home to more than 10,000 ginkgo trees. In autumn from late November to early December, the whole town turns a vivid yellow color.
One of the most popular places to see this is Yusenji Temple and the whole area around nearby Meitetsu Yamazaki Station.
A light-up event is held each year at the end of November.
Yusenji Temple (祐専寺)
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 11 Yanagino, Sobuecho, Inazawa, Aichi 495-0002
Google Maps
This post was last updated in September 2024.
Although we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please note that changes may occur nonetheless. We recommend you confirm any relevant information such as event cancelations or changes, opening hours, or possible restrictions using a direct source. Please keep in mind that these sources might be in Japanese only.
Photo credit: Elisabeth Llopis @ellpcreative
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If you have enjoyed autumn festivals or autumn leaf viewing spots around Nagoya and Aichi share them with us on social media by tagging #nagoyaisnotboring
As my friend and I will be in Nagoya in October 2024 would you please send us the dates for the autumn events /
Dates aren’t released this far in advance. Keep an eye on this page. We will probably update it in September.
can i join you 😀
You can join one of our autumn falls tour by booking here:
https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/tour/autumn-leaves-nagoya-castle/
I came across this blog when I searched for what to do in Nagoya! I’m glad I found this blog! We are going to Japan In Nov 2024, we will stay in Nagoya for 1-2 days. Is there any location you recommend to stay at in Nagoya, where it will be most convenient to visit all the aforementioned places?
Hi Kiet, we recommend staying close to Nagoya Station, as it is easiest to get around Nagoya and the surrounding areas from there.