Visiting Japan in September

Temperatures are finally starting to drop again throughout September in Japan, although it can still be hot and humid early in the month. It’s also still typhoon season, with the south of the country worst affected, although these rarely make landfall. In Hokkaido, the leaves start to change colour around mid-month, signalling the beginning of Koyo, as autumn is known, with autumn fruits also ripening in Nagano Prefecture. There’s also another five-day national holiday in late September, known as Silver Week, although unlike Golden Week this only happens occasionally (dates vary, around every six-11 years).

Festivals: The Owara Kaze No Bon Festival runs from September 1-3 in Yatsuo, dating back around 300 years. Originally intended to prevent typhoons and ensure a rich harvest, today it involves plenty of folk dance performances and music on traditional instruments such as the shamisen.
The Seiryu-e Dragon Festival at Kiyomizu Temple takes place on September 14 and 15, featuring dragon dances and traditional performances at one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto.

Best for: Autumn scenery in Hokkaido, good weather for exploring, fruit-picking in Nagano Prefecture.