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Autumn Leaves and Autumn Festivals in Nagoya and Aichi in 2023

The season of summer festivals has come to an end, and it is gradually getting cooler in Nagoya; autumn is finally here. Autumn is considered one of the most beautiful seasons for a visit to Japan, and depending on whom you ask, it may even rival spring!

While September, the official start of autumn can still be quite hot and humid, temperatures start to drop little by little in October. By November, autumn has truly arrived, even in Nagoya, which is typically quite warm.

Autumn is the season associated in Japan with autumn 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.

Beautiful Autumn Festivals in And 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

Shirotori Garden Moon Viewing
Shirotori Garden Moon Viewing Tea Event, image via Aichi Now

The harvest moon, the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the moon calendar, which usually falls in September or October is revered around Japan. Many events are held to enjoy the beauty of the full moon across the country. 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 700 yen. Early ticket sales start at the end of July.

Shirotori Garden Moon Viewing Tea Event
Event Dates:
2023, September 29th to October 1st (Fri – Sun) 18:00-, 18:30-, 19:00-, 19:30-, 20:00-, 20:30-
Event Fee: 700 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

Tokugawa Garden Moon Viewing
Tokugawa Garden Moon Viewing Event, image via Aichi Now

At the Tokugawa Moon Viewing Event, you can visit Tokugawa Garden during the two days of the full moon. In 2023 that is September 29th and 30th.

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:
2023 September 29 – 30. (Sat-Sun) 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

Nagoya Castle in autumn
Nagoya Castle in autumn

From the middle of October to the middle of November the Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival is held with many different events taking place at Nagoya Castle. In 2023 the event is held from October 7th to November 23rd.

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: 2023 October 7th – November 23rd (Sat. – Thur.)
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

Yattokame Cultural Festival
A performer at the Yattokame Cultural Festival in front of Nagoya Castle

The Yattokame Cultural Festival is a journey through Japan’s traditional performing arts, history, and culture. For almost a whole month, you can enjoy 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 highlighting the best of what Nagoya has to offer.

In 2023, it will be held from October 28th to November 19th.

For more information on the Yattokame Cultural Festival read our dedicated blog post.

Osu Street Performers Festival

Oiran Dochu
Oiran Procession during the 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 in 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 on the program.

Nowadays street performers festivals are held all over Japan but it is said to have originated in Osu. The allure of such festivals is the close contact with the performers who perform at eye level with the spectators.

In 2023, the Street Performers Festival will be held on October 14th and 15th.

Osu Street Performers Festival
Event Dates: 2023, October 14th – 15th (Sat. – Sun.)
Address: Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website
 | Google Maps

Nagoya Festival

Nagoya Festival
Parade at the Nagoya Festival

The Nagoya Festival (Nagoya Matsuri) is one of the biggest festivals in Nagoya. For 2 days in October, Nagoya sees multiple events going on throughout the city.

You can enjoy free entry to attractions such as Nagoya Castle and the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Parades featuring traditional portable shrines with mechanical dolls (Karakuri Ningyo), dance and music groups, and people wearing costumes from periods long past 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 food stalls with festival foods.

In 2023, the Nagoya Festival will be held on October 21st and 22nd. For more details about the Nagoya Festival, read this article.

Arimatsu Float Festival

Arimatsu Autumn Festival
Festival Float at the Arimatsu Autumn 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).

In 2023 the Arimatsu Autumn Festival will be held on October 1st.

Arimatsu Autumn Festival
Event Dates: 2023, October 1st (Sun.)
Address: 
Arimatsu, Midori Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 458-0924
Google Maps

Samurai and Ninja Festival

Samurai Expo Centrair
Samurai and Ninja Festival

On November 19th, 2023 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: 2023, November 19th (Sun.) 10:00-16:00
Entry Fee: 
free
Address: 
Takayama-1-1 Odakacho, Midori Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 459-8001
Google Maps

Kakuozan Autumn Festival

Kakuozan in autumn
Nittaiji Temple in autumn, image via WAZOO’S BLOG

The Kakuozan Autumn Festival is one of three major seasonal festivals in Kakuozan in Nagoya. The festival features food stalls, a game corner, and performances on stage, 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 4th and 5th 2023.

Kakuozan Autumn Festival
Event Dates: 2023, November 4th – 5th (Sat. – Sun.) 10:00-17:00
Address: 
Sanmoncho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0064
Google Maps

Endoji Paris in Autumn Festival

Enjoji Autumn Paris Festival, image via Endoji Paris

Stalls and artists from without and within Aichi Prefecture turn the Endoji Shopping Arcade into a French shopping district for a weekend.

In 2023, the Endoji Autumn Paris Festival will be held on November 11th and 12th.

Endoji Autumn Paris Festival
Event Dates: 2023, November 11th – 12th (Sat. – Sun.) 11:00 – 18:00
Address: 
Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042
Website
(Japanese only)| Google Maps

Eejanaika! Toyohashi Festival

Energetic dancing taking place at the Toyohashi Autumn 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: 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: 2023, October 21st – 22nd (Sat. – Sun.) 11:00 – 20:00
       So-Odori Dancing: 2023, October 21st 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 from summer to winter in Nagoya is at the end of November and the beginning of December when the maple trees change to a bright red color. The yellow Ginkgo tree is usually most beautiful a bit earlier than that.

Shirotori Garden

Shiritorien in autumn
Autumn leaves at Shirotori Garden at night

Shirotori Garden is an amazing place to enjoy the autumn leaves, with around 1,500 trees many of which are 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 scene of nature and art.

Nighttime illumination is held on specific days from November 18th to December 3rd.

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: 2023, November 18th (Sat), 19th (Sun), 23rd (Thu), 24th (Fri), 25th (Sat) and 26th (Sun). December 1st (Fri), 2nd (Sat), 3rd (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

Tokugawaen in autumn
Tokugawa Garden in autumn

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 14th to December 10th 2023.

Tokugawa Garden Autumn Leaves
Event Dates: 2023, Nov. 14th – Dec. 10th (Tue. – Sun.)
Light-up Dates: 2023, November 17th – 19th, 23rd – 26th
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

Joining our Autumn Leaves Private Tour in Nagoya is a great way to enjoy the stunning autumn colors minus the crowds in Tokugawa Garden. This is a limited-time experience, so follow the link in the banner below and book now!

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden

Higashiyama Botanical Garden in Autumn
Higashiyama Botanical Garden in autumn

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 2023 will be: November 17th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Autumn Leaves
Event Dates: 2023 November 11th to December 3rd
Light-up Event: 2023 November 17th to 19th and 23rd to 26th
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 in autumn
Meijo Park in autumn

Meijo Park, north of Nagoya Castle, has a wide variety of trees that turn 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

Atsuta Shrine in autumn
Atsuta Shrine in autumn

The grounds of Atsuta Shrine have dense vegetation with many old trees including the giant sacred tree with more than a thousand years. 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

Not to Be Missed Autumn Leaf Viewing Spots in Aichi.

If you are fine with traveling a bit further afield you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular autumn leaf viewing spots.

Korankei Valley (Toyota)

Korankei in autumn
A stunning view of Korankei Valley in autumn

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 located in the Korankei Valley planted the first maple trees in the area.

The Taigetsukyo red 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.

This year’s (2023) light-up event will take place from November 1st until the 30th and will start at sunset until 21:00.

Nevertheless, 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)

Obara Fureai autumn
Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at Obara Fureai Park in autumn

This place is one of the rarest and most spectacular of all autumn leaf viewing spots, not only in Aichi Prefecture but in all of Japan. The reason for this is the Shikizakura cherry trees (also known as winter cherry blossoms) that bloom once in spring and again in autumn (October to December). 

It is one of the very few places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at the same time. And the view is simply breathtakingly beautiful.

The 2023 Shikizakura Festival in autumn is scheduled to take place in November, from the 11th to the 30th.

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)

Higashi Park in autumn
Higashi Park in autumn

Around 1,500 Japanese maples make up the Higashi Park. It is said to be 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)

Jokoji Temple in autmn
Jokoji Temple in autumn

During the Autumn Leaves Festival at Jokoji Park, various outdoor events are held, with small food stalls selling Japanese snacks.

The hiking trail leading to Jokoji Temple located on top of a mountain 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 fantastical 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)

Shurakuen Park in autumn
Shurakuen Great Buddha in autumn

At Shurakuen Park you will find an impressive bronze Buddha statue. The park also has 750 maple trees of 7 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 autumn
Momotaro Shrine in autumn

Momotaro Shrine is a magical place all year round celebrating one of Japan’s oldest and most popular fairy tales, 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 in autumn
A scenic spot at Mount Horaiji during the autumn season

Mount Horaiji is a famous place for enjoying autumn leaves from mid to late November. It is a popular hiking spot and 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 in Autumn
Jakkoin Temple in autumn, image via Aichi Now

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)

Fumonji Temple in Autumn
Fumonji Temple in autumn, image via Aichi Now

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 in Autumn
Sobue in autumn, image via Aichi Now

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 2023
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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About the author

In love with Japan and its amazing food, Lena wants to share her passion with the world. Her goal is to make everyone interested in Nagoya, her adoptive home, online through her writing and offline through unique food tours.
4 Responses
  1. Kiet

    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?

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