There’s something magical about Japan in September. As summer’s fierce heat begins to soften and the first hints of autumn appear, the country transforms into a traveller’s paradise of balanced weather, cultural festivities, and natural beauty, all without the overwhelming crowds that characterise peak tourist seasons.
Having spent several Septembers wandering through Japan’s diverse landscapes, I’ve come to cherish this transitional month as perhaps the most rewarding time to experience the Land of the Rising Sun. Let Designer Journeys share with you why planning your Japanese adventure during this “hidden season” might be the best travel decision you’ll ever make.
Post Contents
- Weather: The Perfect Balance for Exploring
- Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament: A Cultural Spectacle
- Early Autumn Foliage: Daisetsuzan National Park
- The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival: Adrenaline and Tradition
- Tsukimi: Moonlit Poetry and Contemplation
- Fewer Crowds, Deeper Cultural Experiences
- Hot Spring Baths: The Perfect Season Begins
- A Symphony of Traditional Festivals
- Culinary Delights of the Season
- Planning Your Visit to Japan in September
Weather: The Perfect Balance for Exploring
Japan in September presents ideal conditions for exploration, with the summer’s oppressive humidity finally giving way to more comfortable temperatures. In Tokyo and central Japan, early September temperatures typically hover around 23-27°C during daytime, while evenings bring refreshing breezes that hint at autumn’s approach. The skies tend to be clearer than in summer months, offering frequent sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures.
Street in Tokyo, Asakusa in September.
Northern regions like Hokkaido embrace autumn earlier, with Daisetsuzan National Park showcasing the country’s first autumn colours by mid-September. The cooler weather throughout the country creates perfect conditions for leisurely walks through Japan’s beautiful natural landscapes and cobblestone streets of historic districts.
Hokkaido experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
It’s worth noting that September falls within typhoon season, so occasional heavy rainfall is possible. While typhoons typically don’t disrupt travel plans significantly in major cities, maintaining a flexible itinerary is advisable. Most September visitors experience primarily clear skies with perhaps one or two days of rain during a two-week journey.
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Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament: A Cultural Spectacle
One of September’s greatest attractions is undoubtedly the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament held at Ryogoku Kokugikan. This 15-day event offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness Japan’s national sport in all its ceremonial glory. The September tournament showcases matches across all divisions, from up-and-coming wrestlers to the revered yokozuna (grand champions).
The sumo wrestling match experience transcends mere sport – it’s a window into centuries of Japanese tradition. Beyond the physical competition itself, which combines surprising agility with raw power, sumo enthrals visitors with its deeply ritualistic elements, from the purification of the ring with salt to the formal entrance parades in elaborate ceremonial aprons.
To complete your sumo experience, visit one of the chanko-nabe restaurants surrounding the stadium. This hearty hot pot dish is the traditional meal of sumo wrestlers—a protein-rich stew that will leave you satisfied but perhaps not quite ready for the dohyō (sumo ring) yourself!
Early Autumn Foliage: Daisetsuzan National Park
While most of Japan won’t display autumn colours until October or November, September offers an extraordinary preview in Hokkaido’s magnificent Daisetsuzan National Park. As Japan’s largest national park and highest mountain range, Daisetsuzan earns its nickname as “the roof of Hokkaido” and holds the distinction of being the first place in Japan where autumn foliage appears.
Home to diverse alpine flora and fauna.
By mid-September, the park’s alpine landscape begins its dramatic transformation, with mountainsides painted in crimson, gold and russet. The natural beauty is breathtaking as mountainsides begin to wear their autumn hues, creating a photographer’s paradise of vibrant colours against deep blue skies.
The prominent, often snow-capped peak in images of Daisetsuzan.
For the most accessible views, take the ropeway from Sounkyo Onsen, which whisks you up to 1,300 meters and provides access to hiking trails of varying difficulty. The Ginsendai area offers particularly spectacular autumn scenery with relatively easy walking trails that casual hikers can enjoy at their own pace. Leave one day to the sunny autumn sky for a leisurely walk along trails covered with fall foliage and immerse yourself in nature.
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival: Adrenaline and Tradition
For an unforgettable display of Japanese festival culture at its most exhilarating, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival in Osaka Prefecture should not be missed. Held in mid-September on the weekend before Respect for the Aged Day, this 300-year-old festival features teams from 34 neighbourhoods racing enormous wooden floats (danjiri) through the narrow streets.
The danjiri are intricately carved and represent different neighborhoods of Kishiwada.
This three-day festival showcases Japanese community spirit, craftsmanship, and daring in equal measure. The festival originated when the lord of Kishiwada Castle opened the castle grounds to locals to pray for a bountiful harvest. Today, it represents one of Japan’s most dynamic cultural events, combining danger, skill, community pride, and centuries of tradition.
Lively traditional music called “hayashi” is played on the danjiri during the processions.
The energy is palpable as crowds gather along the route, with festival food stalls offering local delicacies and the constant sound of traditional flutes, drums, and chanting creating an immersive audio backdrop to the visual spectacle. For those unable to visit during the festival, the Danjiri Kaikan museum near Kishiwada Castle offers year-round exhibits explaining the festival’s history and importance.
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Tsukimi: Moonlit Poetry and Contemplation
September also brings one of Japan’s most poetic traditions: Tsukimi, or moon-viewing. This elegant custom celebrates the harvest moon, which is said to be particularly beautiful during this season. Dating back to the Heian period (794-1185), Tsukimi combines natural appreciation with artistic expression and seasonal foods.
Families and friends gather to admire the beauty of the full moon.
Traditionally observed around the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (usually falling in September), Tsukimi gatherings take place at locations offering clear views of the night sky. The autumn equinox period is particularly significant for moon-viewing rituals. These viewing spots are decorated with susuki (pampas grass) and feature offerings of tsukimi-dango—round rice dumplings that symbolise the full moon.
Many temples, gardens, and cultural venues host special Tsukimi events incorporating traditional elements like dance performances, tea ceremonies, and poetry readings. The nighttime festivities often include traditional dances and musical performances that celebrate both the moon and the changing seasons. For a particularly atmospheric experience, seek out waterside locations where you can enjoy both the moon and its reflection, recalling the aristocratic moon-viewing parties of ancient times.
There is a popular story of a rabbit on the moon pounding mochi, which is often depicted in Tsukimi imagery.
In Japanese folklore, the moon is associated not with a man but with rabbits pounding mochi (rice cakes)—a charming interpretation that appears in seasonal decorations and sweets. This connection adds another layer of cultural significance to the autumn moon observance and offers insight into Japanese culture.
Fewer Crowds, Deeper Cultural Experiences
One of September’s greatest advantages is the notable decrease in tourist crowds following the summer holiday season. With Japanese schools back in session and the absence of major national holidays, popular attractions become more accessible and enjoyable. September falls after peak season but still offers excellent weather, creating the perfect opportunity to experience Japanese culture without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
The top two stories are covered in genuine gold leaf.
Iconic sites in Kyoto like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama become considerably more pleasant to explore without the pressing crowds. You’ll find yourself able to linger longer, take unobstructed photographs, and absorb the spiritual atmosphere that can sometimes be lost amidst high-season tourism.
The massive two-story gate that guards the entrance to the inner temple grounds.
In Tokyo, popular districts like Asakusa and central Tokyo remain vibrant but navigable, allowing for more spontaneous exploration and authentic local interactions. September also brings better availability at renowned restaurants, traditional ryokan accommodations, and cultural experiences that might be fully booked during peak seasons.
Hot Spring Baths: The Perfect Season Begins
Traditional onsen towns like Kusatsu, Hakone, and Kinosaki offer visitors a range of bathing experiences, from historic public baths to intimate ryokan facilities. The hot spring baths provide not just relaxation but a window into an essential aspect of Japanese culture. For the most memorable experience, seek out rotenburo (outdoor baths) that provide views of nature—a mountain landscape, forest canopy, or river valley—while you soak.
The waters are rich in minerals believed to have therapeutic effects.
After a day of exploring Daisetsuzan’s autumn colours or witnessing traditional dance performances in Kyoto, nothing compares to unwinding in a steaming onsen. Soaking in mineral-rich waters whilst gazing up at the star-filled sky creates a quintessentially Japanese moment of harmony with nature that embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic of finding beauty in transience.
September’s moderate weather makes onsen hopping particularly enjoyable, as you can alternate between hot baths and refreshing air without the extreme temperature contrasts of winter or the excessive heat of summer. This is the perfect season to experience this cornerstone of Japanese wellness culture.
A Symphony of Traditional Festivals
Beyond the major events already mentioned, September in Japan pulses with festivals that showcase local traditions and seasonal shifts. These traditional festivals offer authentic cultural experiences where visitors can witness Japanese culture in action.
The historic city of Kamakura celebrates the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival in mid-September. This three-day festival features yabusame (horseback archery) demonstrations that recall the city’s samurai heritage. It also includes various ceremonial events, including the solemn procession of a portable shrine (mikoshi) through the streets.
Archers wear traditional hunting robes and distinctive hats.
In Kyoto, the Seiryu-e (Blue Dragon) Festival at Kiyomizu-dera features performers in warrior costumes parading through the streets with a dragon figure, welcoming the changing seasons and bringing good fortune. The ancient capital’s many temples host numerous autumn events that blend spiritual tradition with artistic expression.
The dragon is a large and impressive puppet, requiring many people to carry and maneuver it.
Tokyo hosts numerous September celebrations, including many festivals that celebrate the arrival of autumn, and visitors can fully feel Japanese culture on the streets. Take photos with thousands of Cosmos flowers at Showa Kinen Park, and feel the autumn atmosphere up close. The Tokyo Festival presents international performing arts throughout the city, offering a blend of traditional Japanese performing arts and contemporary interpretations.
Japanese culture on the streets.
These many festivals, combining spiritual traditions with community celebration, offer visitors authentic cultural experiences that may be more accessible than their more famous counterparts during cherry blossom season or the New Year.
Culinary Delights of the Season
September is prime time for Pacific saury (sanma), a silver-skinned fish typically grilled simply with salt and served with grated daikon radish and a squeeze of sudachi citrus. It’s rich, oily flavour embodies the transition to heartier autumn fare.
Sanma is particularly popular and considered a seasonal delicacy in autumn in Japan.
Early autumn vegetables like mushrooms begin making appearances in dishes such as dobin-mushi (a clear soup served in a teapot) and takikomi gohan (mixed rice). While summer fruits are still available, autumn specialities like chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and early persimmons start appearing in both traditional and contemporary preparations.
The broth is typically light and flavorful, often made with dashi (fish stock).
Don’t miss the opportunity to try seasonal Tsukimi-themed dishes found everywhere from high-end restaurants to convenience stores. These moon-viewing specialities often incorporate eggs to represent the full moon, such as tsukimi-udon featuring a perfectly poached egg atop steaming noodles—ideal for the increasingly cool evenings of late September.
Planning Your Visit to Japan in September
When to Visit
Early September retains more summer characteristics with warmer temperatures and greater beach potential, while late September offers cooler evenings and the earliest autumn colours in northern regions. Mid-month brings many cultural festivals and generally ideal weather conditions throughout most of the country. If you can extend your trip into early October, you’ll witness Tokyo beginning its own autumn transformation, with Tokyo Station and its surrounding gardens taking on a particularly enchanting atmosphere as the season progresses.
Essential Itinerary Stops
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Tokyo: Experience the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament, explore less crowded attractions, and enjoy pleasant outdoor dining
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Hokkaido: Witness Japan’s earliest autumn colours in Daisetsuzan National Park
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Osaka/Kansai: Attend the thrilling Kishiwada Danjiri Festival and explore Kyoto’s temples without the usual crowds
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Visit hot spring towns: Embrace the beginning of perfect hot spring weather in places like Hakone, Kusatsu, or Kinosaki
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Cultural spots for Tsukimi: Seek out moon-viewing events at traditional gardens, temples, or waterside locations
Book Accommodation in Advance
While September sees fewer visitors than peak seasons, it’s still advisable to book accommodation at least a month in advance, especially in major tourist cities and for traditional ryokan. Japan offers a wide range of accommodation options, from international hotel chains to traditional Japanese inns where you can experience sleeping on futon bedding laid on tatami mat floors.
Packing Essentials
Pack layers to accommodate both warm days and cool evenings. Light summer clothing remains appropriate for daytime, while a light jacket or cardigan becomes essential for evenings. Include a compact umbrella or light raincoat for occasional showers, and comfortable walking shoes for exploration.
For visiting temples and participating in cultural activities, pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Consider bringing or purchasing a tenugui (Japanese hand towel)—they’re lightweight, quick-drying, and useful for everything from wiping perspiration to wrapping purchases.
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Japan in September offers a rare balance of experiences: summer activities without the humidity, early autumn beauty without peak-season crowds, and cultural festivities that range from contemplative moon viewing to adrenaline-pumping float races. The transitional nature of this month creates a special energy as the country gracefully shifts seasons.
Whether you’re watching skilled wrestlers battle for supremacy at Tokyo’s sumo tournament, hiking amidst the earliest autumn foliage in Daisetsuzan National Park, experiencing the thrilling Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, or quietly observing the harvest moon with a cup of sake in hand, September in Japan rewards travellers with authentic experiences that capture the country’s profound connection to seasonal rhythms.
Visit Japan in the other months? Explore our Japan travel guide for an unforgettable journey.
