The month in which summer officially becomes autumn, September is an excellent time to visit Japan. As temperatures start to dip after the grueling heat of the summer, September is a great time to get out and explore the very best of Japan.

Many of Japan’s most famous festivals take place in September, and it’s a great time to enjoy traditional events such as sumo or an incredible fireworks display. September is also the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. You can hit the hiking trails and see some of Japan’s early autumn colors, before taking a relaxing dip in the soothing waters at some of Japan’s oldest hot springs.

In Japan, September is officially considered to be the first month of autumn. However, right across the country, September still feels more like the tail-end of summer. While the brutally hot temperatures and stifling humidity that come with summer have gone, there are only a few indications of the bright red fall colors of autumn that are still a month or two away until they reach their peak.

September remains one of the warmer months of the year in Japan. Maximum daytime temperatures in Tokyo in September typically peak at around 25°C (77°F). In the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, and even in Kyushu, these will be a little higher, at closer to 26°C (79°F). Further south in Okinawa it will be warmer still, with top temperatures usually closer to 28°C (82°F).

In the north of Japan, you will see noticeably cooler temperatures. In the Tohoku region, the average maximum temperature is typically around 22°C (72°F) in the city of Sendai in Fukushima Prefecture and closer to 20°C (68°F) in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture. In the far north of Japan, Hokkaido is the coolest area of the country, with temperatures in Sapporo typically topping out at 20°C (68°F).

However, September is also in the middle of Japan’s typhoon season, which occurs between May and October every year. Several typhoons usually pass close to Japan in September, mostly affecting Okinawa and the southern and central parts of the country. Typhoons that occur in September are often quite strong and bring very strong winds and rain. These usually cause disruption to travel plans, with flights and Shinkansen services sometimes canceled.

Remember that September in Japan will have mostly sunny days, but there will also likely be moments of rain. When packing for Japan in September, bring a mix of summer clothes and rain gear.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are both likely to be needed for protection from the sun. Most days will still be warm, with temperatures in the low to mid 20°Cs (low to mid 70°F) depending on the region, so pack clothes made of a light fabric to keep cool. Rainy days are not uncommon, however, especially if a typhoon is due, so don’t forget to pack a few waterproof clothes, especially a jacket, and an umbrella.

Wakayama Prefecture is located in the Kansai region south of Osaka and Nara Prefectures and is renowned for its diverse natural beauty and significant cultural heritage. Wakayama is blessed with miles of rugged coastlines that boast some of the best beaches in Japan, including Shirahama, famous for its long, white sandy beaches and hot springs.

Away from the coast, much of Wakayama is filled with lush, forest-covered mountains dotted with remote villages and towns. The prefecture is home to the sacred town of Koyasan and the picturesque Nachi Falls, often photographed alongside the vermilion pagoda of Seigantoji Temple. Both Koyasan and Nachi Falls are just two of the sites located along the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage routes that crisscrosses the entire prefecture.

The top temperatures in Wakayama Prefecture in September range from around 30°C at the beginning of the month to around 27°C as it gets closer to October. The lowest temperatures are usually between 23-17°C, with the coldest time being towards the end of the month.

Tokyo is an excellent destination for families traveling to Japan in September thanks to the huge range of attractions and activities aimed at younger visitors.

The city is rich in world-class theme parks, with Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea perhaps the most famous of all. Fans of all things Hogwarts will love the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, where visitors can experience recreated sets and see props used in the Harry Potter films. Meanwhile, Sanrio Puroland is dedicated to one of Japan’s most famous characters, Hello Kitty.

Tokyo also has a multitude of museums that are ideal for young children. The National Museum of Nature and Science is both fascinating and educational, while the Railway Museum, located in Saitama, will both keep kids entertained for hours. The spectacular interactive artworks at teamLab Borderless in Roppongi or teamLab Planets in Odaiba will captivate both adults and children alike.

For thrills, head to Tokyo Dome City, a giant amusement park featuring plenty of attractions, including water slides, a Ferris wheel, a pirate ship, and a roller coaster. Tokyo also has plenty of parks and playgrounds for little ones to enjoy, including Ueno Park, home to the four giant pandas at Ueno Zoo.

Nestled in a valley in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Kamikochi is famous for its lush, pristine landscapes of verdant forests, glacial rivers, and dramatic mountain views. Flowing through the heart of Kamikochi is the beautiful Azusa River, whose crystal-clear waters are framed by the jagged peaks of Mount Hotaka and Mount Yari. Autumn brings a spectacular display of colorful fall foliage in Kamikochi, which usually starts to show towards the end of September.

A popular destination for hikers, there are several well-maintained and fairly easy walking trails in Kamikochi. From these you can take in the breathtaking natural landscapes, as well as the famous Kappa-bashi Bridge that spans the Azusa River. If you wish to explore further, there are also more difficult trails that lead to the summit of the surrounding mountains that are perfect for dedicated and experienced hikers. Keep an eye out for the cute monkeys that roam Kamikochi’s forests and especially for the bears that live here too.

Kamikochi is also among some of the first areas in Japan to see beautiful autumn colors, which usually arrive between the end of September and late October.

Located in the northern region of Tohoku, Yamagata Prefecture is the perfect place to avoid busy crowds if you’re planning on visiting Japan in September. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, amongst Yamagata Prefecture’s biggest attractions are breathtaking mountain ranges and picturesque hot spring towns. Large areas of Yamagata are popular skiing and snow sports destinations in the winter, though the area is much less busy in September in the early autumn.

One of Yamagata’s most enchanting sites is Yamadera Temple. Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera Temple complex begins at the base of a mountain that is a 25 minute train journey from Yamagata City. A trail of around 1,000 steps climbs up the mountainside through a beautiful forest leading to the main temple buildings, from where there are breathtaking views of the valley below.

Yamagata is also famous for its onsen. Two of the most famous hot spring towns in the prefecture are Ginzan Onsen and Zao Onsen, both of which are incredibly popular during the snowy winter months. Much less busy in September, both towns are home to many traditional inns where you can relax in the soothing hot spring waters. The region is also another popular hiking spot, particularly the trails that lead to the summit of Mount Gassan. At the top of Mount Gassan sits Gassan Shrine, a sacred site which has drawn pilgrims since it was founded in the 6th century.

Asahidake, Hokkaido - Asahidake is a dormant volcano and also the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. As part of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, Asahidake is much loved for its stunning and rugged natural beauty. The area is the first place in Japan where autumn colors can be seen each year, typically arriving between mid-September to early October. A very popular skiing destination in the winter, in autumn Asahidake is ideal for hiking, with the nearby hot spring town of Asahidake Onsen the perfect place to relax after a day on the trails.

Sounkyo, Hokkaido - Also located in the Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo is another picturesque valley known for its beautiful natural landscapes. Sounkyo’s unique geology draws visitors throughout the year, and is most famous for its striking gorge, dramatic cliffs and the impressive Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls. Like Asahidake, Sounkyo is also renowned for its hot springs, and there are several traditional ryokans here with onsen facilities that act as a great base for hikers looking to explore the area. Autumn colors can be enjoyed in Sounkyo from mid-September to early October.

Hachimantai, Iwate - Located in northern Japan’s Tohoku region, Hachimantai's unique topography has been shaped by historic volcanic activity. A haven for lovers of the great outdoors, Hachimantai is blessed with a landscape of gentle rolling hills and rugged ridges, with panoramic views of the peaks of Mount Hachimantai and Mount Iwate. Autumn arrives in Hachimantai between the end of September and early October, with the region’s forests famous for their stunning fall colors.

Gyoda - The small town in Saitama is one of the best places in Japan to see "tambo art," or rice-paddy art. Each year, local residents plant a variety of different colored rice plants in paddy fields to create a giant artwork that can be seen from above from the adjacent observation tower. The art is on display between mid-July and October, when the rice is harvested.

Karuizawa - The resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano is a popular retreat from Tokyo all year round. September sees the start of the Karuizawa Momiji Festival, a season-long celebration of the town’s fantastic autumn colors along with discounts on local attractions and accommodation.

Atami - The city of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is a popular seaside resort built into the steep hills that look over Sagami Bay. Famous for its hot springs, there are several stunning fireworks displays held in Atami Bay throughout the year, including once in September.

Nara - Nara is perhaps the most popular day trip from Kyoto, but the city is especially worth a visit in September for the Uneme Festival. The festival has taken place for over 600 years in honor of a court maid who supposedly drowned herself after being rejected by an Emperor. The festival sees a procession of musicians and dancers take to the streets of Nara towards Uneme Shrine. Lanterns light the shrine’s grounds as a young woman dressed in traditional robes sails in an elaborate dragon boat across the pond to give offerings to the court maid.

Nagahama - Nagahama is a picturesque city located on the banks of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Famous for its historic Edo-era architecture and decorative glassware, the city also hosts the Nagahama & Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks over four consecutive nights in mid September. Launched from a platform on Lake Biwa, thousands of fireworks light up the sky in a 20 minute display each night.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu's Annual Grand Festival (Kanagawa) - This centuries-old festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura features traditional mikoshi processions and dramatic yabusame horseback archery, where riders fire arrows at targets while galloping past. Read more about the Grand Festival here.

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka) - Held September 19–20 and October 10–11 in 2026, this lively 300-year-old festival sees massive danjiri floats raced at high speed through the narrow streets of Kishiwada. Around half a million visitors come each year to watch the thrilling spectacle. Read more about the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival here.

Owara Kaze no Bon Festival (Toyama) - Held September 1–3 in Yatsuo, this atmospheric festival fills lantern-lit streets with hundreds of yukata-clad dancers performing to traditional music. Dating back more than 300 years, it is said to have begun as a prayer for protection from typhoons and a good rice harvest.

The Gujō Odori Dance Festival (Gifu) - Gujō Odori runs across 30 nights from July through September, with locals and visitors dancing together to traditional music played from a central float. One of Japan’s best-known bon dance festivals, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2022.

Fireworks (Nationwide) - Fireworks season continues into September, with major displays held across Japan. Highlights include Tokyo’s Chōfu City Fireworks Festival, which attracts around 350,000 spectators, and Ibaraki’s Tonegawa Fireworks Festival, where pyrotechnic teams put on a spectacular 90-minute show. In Niigata, the two-day Katakai Fireworks Festival is famous for its enormous yonshakudama, which bursts to around 800 meters in diameter.

Tokyo Game Show (Tokyo) - Held September 17–21, 2026 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Tokyo Game Show is one of the world’s biggest gaming expos. Visitors can preview upcoming games, try new hardware and technology, catch industry talks and tournaments, and enjoy plenty of elaborate cosplay.

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyoto) - Also known as KYOMAF, this major manga and anime event takes place September 19–20, 2026 in Kyoto. Expect new releases from publishers and studios, anime screenings, workshops, creator appearances, a character cafe, and plenty of cosplay.

Red Spider Lily Festival (Saitama) - Kinchakuda Park in Saitama turns brilliant red each autumn as around 5 million red spider lilies, or manjushage, bloom across the park. The flowers usually peak toward the end of September, with food and local craft stalls adding to the festive atmosphere. Read more about this area here.

Yokohama Oktoberfest 2026 (Kanagawa) - Get a taste of Bavaria at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse from September 18–October 4, 2026. This long-running Oktoberfest features more than 100 German beers alongside classics such as weisswurst and chicken schnitzel, all served in a lively festival atmosphere.

Hiking - September is the ideal time to hike in Japan. As the summer heat subsides and Japan gears up for autumn, the perfect way to explore many of the most beautiful parts of the country is via a hiking trail.

As well as the areas already mentioned, such as Asahidake and Kamikochi, you could still fit in a climb of Mount Fuji, which is open to visitors until the second week of September. Closer to Tokyo are the easier hiking trails to the summits of Mount Takao or Mount Mitake. Alternatively you could hike the historic Kumano Kodo in Wakayama, or any of the many trails around Nikko.

Sumo - Watching sumo in Japan is an unforgettable experience. Six major tournaments are held each year, with three taking place at Tokyo’s Kokugikan National Sumo Arena in Ryogoku. In 2026, the autumn tournament runs September 13–27. Bouts begin earlier in the day with lower-ranked wrestlers, while the arena really comes alive from around 4:30 PM, when the sport’s top rikishi take to the ring.

Baseball - Baseball is Japan’s most popular sport, and catching a game is a great way to experience the lively chants, cheering, and passionate fan culture. The season typically runs from March to October, with teams in major cities including the Yomiuri Giants and Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Tokyo, Orix Buffaloes in Osaka, and Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Hiroshima. Tickets are available online and, for some games, at the stadium on the day.

Rally Hokkaido - First held in 2002, Rally Hokkaido is a major motorsport event in eastern Hokkaido’s Tokachi region. Running September 4–6, 2026, it brings together international drivers to tackle demanding roads, varied terrain, and unpredictable weather as part of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.

There are many fresh and seasonal foods that come into season in September in Japan.

Weather:
September falls within Japan’s typhoon season, with storms sometimes bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and major travel disruption, particularly in western Japan. Flights and trains, including the Shinkansen, may be delayed or suspended even when a typhoon does not make direct landfall. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and keep a few rainy day activities in mind as backup options.

Accommodations:
September 19–23, 2026 forms a five-day Silver Week holiday period, when domestic travel and demand for accommodation can jump sharply. Booking early is recommended, particularly in popular destinations. For a more memorable stay, consider a traditional ryokan with tatami mats and hot spring baths or temple lodging, known as shukubo, alongside the wide range of hotels available in major cities.

Transportation:
Typhoons can cause delays or temporary suspensions on the Shinkansen and other rail services, so check updates and allow some flexibility in your itinerary. Trains can also be especially busy during Silver Week, making advance seat reservations advisable for Shinkansen and limited express services. Depending on your itinerary, a Japan Rail Pass or regional rail pass may also offer added convenience and savings.