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. In the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, and even in Kyushu, these will be a little higher, at closer to 26°C. Further south in Okinawa it will be warmer still, with top temperatures usually closer to 28°C.

In the north of Japan, you will see noticeably cooler temperatures. In the Tohoku region, the average maximum temperature is typically around 22°C in the city of Sendai in Fukushima Prefecture and closer to 20°C 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.

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 sometimes services 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 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 tanbo, 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 rice 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 800-year-old festival takes place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. As well as the traditional parade of portable shrines, called mikoshi, the festival is famous for yabusame, where an archer aims to hit a target with a bow and arrow whilst riding a horse. Read more about the Grand Festival here.

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka) - Taking place in Kishiwada near Osaka, this 300-year-old festival is famous for the elaborate, fast-moving floats called danjiri that are raced around the city’s narrow streets at a breakneck speed. Taking place in mid-September, this festival draws around half a million visitors each year. Read more about the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival here.

Owara Kaze no Bon Festival (Toyama) - The Owara Kaze no Bon Festival takes place across the first three days of September in Yatsuo in Toyama Prefecture. During the festival, hundreds of people dressed in yukata perform dances along the narrow, lantern-lined streets of Yatsuo to traditional music. The festival is believed to have originated over 300 years ago in the hope of preventing typhoons to guarantee a good harvest of rice.

The Gujō Odori Dance Festival (Gifu) - The Gujo Odori Dance Festival is held over 30 non-consecutive nights, beginning in July and ending in September. During the festival, locals and visitors sing and dance along to traditional songs performed by a small group of musicians sitting in a float. Considered to be one of the three most important traditional bon dance festivals in Japan, the festival was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2022.

Asakusa Samba Carnival (Tokyo) - Featuring both local and international samba teams, this lively event showcases a dazzling parade of dancers, colorful costumes, and rhythmic music, inspired by the famous carnivals of Brazil. Read more about the Asakusa Samba Carnival here.

Fireworks (Nationwide) - Huge fireworks displays are held in towns and cities throughout Japan in summer and early autumn every year. One of the largest displays in Tokyo in September is the Chōfu City Fireworks Festival, which draws a crowd of around 350,000 spectators. The Tonegawa Fireworks Festival in Sakai in Ibaraki Prefecture sees pyrotechnic teams compete against each other with stunning fireworks displays that last for 90 minutes.

At the two-day Katakai Fireworks Festival held at Asahara Shrine in Niigata you can see the yonshakudama, a firework that produces a burst of color with a diameter of 800 meters, officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest firework.

Tokyo Game Show (Tokyo) - The Tokyo Game Show is one of the largest and most influential gaming expos in the world. Held in Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, this annual event showcases the latest in video games and gaming technology. Gaming companies and developers showcase upcoming games, and give fans that chance to try out all of the latest hardware and tech.

As well as talks and panels from leading industry professionals, The Tokyo Game Show is also famous for cosplay, with many fans dressing up as their favorite game characters. There’s also a variety of competitions and tournaments showcasing the best talent amongst professional and amateur gamers.

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyoto) - Also known as KYOMAF, this two-day event in Kyoto is an opportunity for manga and anime publishers, studios, and artists to present their latest works and interact with fans. The trade fair includes anime screenings, arts workshops and the chance to meet and talk to creators about their latest projects. The fair also includes a character cafe, plus you can expect to see plenty of cosplay, with many visitors dressing up as their favorite manga and anime characters.

Red Spider Lily Festival (Saitama) - Kinchakuda Park in Hidaka in Saitama Prefecture sees an explosion of red each year as over 5 million red spider lilies come into bloom. A truly breathtaking sight, this is the largest collection of red spider lilies anywhere in Japan. Known as manjushage in Japanese, the lilies only bloom for a short period of time and are usually at their peak towards the end of September. Alongside the lilies are several stalls selling food and local crafts.

Yokohama Oktoberfest 2024 (Kanagawa) - Enjoy a small slice of Bavaria at the annual Yokohama Oktoberfest. The festival has been held in Yokohama for over 20 years, and there are over 100 types of German beers on sale, including some that have never previously been available in Japan. Besides beers, there will be a variety of traditional German foods to try, including weisswurst and chicken schnitzel. Held at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, the festival lasts for 18 days, beginning in late September.

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 - A trip to see sumo whilst visiting Japan is an unforgettable experience. There are six major sumo tournaments held each year, when sumo’s top rikishi face off against each other for the chance to lift the Emperor’s Cup. Three of the six sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo’s Kokugikan National Sumo Arena in Ryogoku, one of which takes place across two weeks in September. Each day of the tournament begins with bouts between lower ranked wrestlers. The arena fills out when the top ranked sumo wrestlers begin to do battle from around 4:30 PM.

Baseball - Baseball is the most popular sport in Japan. Nowhere is this more evident than at a baseball game, where you can enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere and passion of Japanese baseball fans. The baseball season in Japan lasts from March until October and there are teams in most major cities, such as the Yomiuri Giants and Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Tokyo, the Orix Buffaloes in Osaka and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Hiroshima. Tickets can usually be bought on the day of the game at the stadium or online with sites like Klook.

Rally Hokkaido - First held in 2002, Rally Hokkaido is a major motorsport event that takes place in the Tokachi region in eastern Hokkaido. The three-day event takes place over a weekend in early September and sees rally drivers from all over the world compete over a mix of terrains and challenging weather conditions. Rally Hokkaido is one event in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, an international rally driving championship made of several tournaments held in countries across Asia and New Zealand.

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

Weather:
If you're considering visiting Japan in September, be aware of the risk of typhoons. They are common this time of year, often affecting western Japan with strong winds and heavy rain. Even if they don't make landfall, typhoons can disrupt travel, leading to flight cancellations and suspended train services like the Shinkansen. If you are planning your trip for September, be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast ahead of time and plan some rainy day activities just in case.

Accommodations:
September features two three-day weekends around the national holidays on September 16 and 23, known as Silver Week. In some years, these weekends are close enough together that many people take extended time off, leading to high demand for accommodations. To secure your stay, it's wise to book early, especially during Silver Week.

For an authentic cultural experience, consider staying at a traditional ryokan with tatami mats and hot spring baths. If you prefer a more intimate setting, temple lodgings, or shukubo, offer a unique stay. In cities, you'll find modern hotels catering to all budgets.

Transportation:
As mentioned earlier, typhoon season can disrupt train services, especially in areas prone to severe weather. The Shinkansen and other train services may be suspended as a precaution, so check for updates and consider flexible travel plans.

Additionally, during Silver Week, trains can become crowded as many people travel for the holidays. It's a good idea to reserve seats on the Shinkansen and other limited express trains in advance to ensure a smoother journey. If you're traveling on local trains without reservations, try to avoid peak travel times to secure a seat.

For increased convenience and savings, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass or regional rail pass for your journey.