Conran is a London-born, Surrey-based student from the UK. He is currently studying at the University of Bristol where he is undertaking a Business Management degree. To keep himself busy he loves to travel, play sports, and enjoy a vibrant social life.
Ah, September in Japan – the time when even the weather can’t decide if it’s summer’s last hurrah or autumn’s early hug. Cooler days and colorful scenes set the stage for adventures that capture both Japan’s heart and quirks. From ancient festivals to futuristic fun, this list of the top ten things to do in Japan over September guarantees a journey full of unforgettable adventures and cultural capers. Embrace the charm, dodge the indecisive weather, and let’s dive into September’s shenanigans!
- 1. Climb Mount Fuji
- 2. Beer Festival
- 3. Ultra Japan
- 4. Aizu Festival (Fukushima)
- 5. Anisama (a.k.a Animelo Summer Live)
- 6. Tokyo Sumo Grand Tournament
- 7. Halloween at Universal Studios
- 8. Kinchakuda Higanbana Field
- 9. Meguro Sanma (Pacific Saury) Festival
- 10. Tsukimi Festivity- Moon Viewing Events
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours
- Other articles you might be interested in
1. Climb Mount Fuji
Come September, daredevils, and thrill-seekers from all corners of the globe gather for the ultimate challenge: tackling the towering titan that is Mount Fuji. This volcanic giant doesn’t just sit there looking pretty – it’s practically pleading to be conquered. And let’s face it, September’s cooler vibes act like nature’s air conditioning, giving you the perfect excuse to take on this sweaty, breathtaking escapade. Picture this: you, on top of Japan’s biggest jewel, basking in the sunrise like a gloriously ambitious sunflower. The best part? You’ll strut away with not just a newfound sense of “I did it!” but also a genuine connection to Mother Nature’s ever-changing fashion show.
2. Beer Festival
Get ready to hop into a beer lover’s paradise from September 13th to 18th in Fukuoka, as the Kyushu Beer Festival takes center stage! It’s essentially a frothy fiesta where more beer enthusiasts than you can count gather to worship the bubbly gods. This is the kind of place where even beer barrels would blush at the variety – we’re talking brews that could make a snobby grape turn green with envy. Whether it’s ales you’re into or lagers with a PhD in refreshment, this festival has you covered. And as the sun goes down, the temperature drops, which is practically nature’s way of saying, “Go ahead, have another one.” So, cancel your appointments, folks, because this is your golden ticket to guzzle, gulp, and groove at Kyushu’s quirkiest and most thirst-quenching bash of the year.
| Website | Kyushu Beer Festival |
| Location | Fukuoka area |
| Dates | Mid September *dates yet to be confirmed |
3. Ultra Japan
Japan’s biggest yearly EDM festival takes place over three days in Tokyo’s Odaiba area, showcasing top DJs from around the globe on multiple stages. Organized by ULTRA Worldwide, this international event attracts tens of thousands of EDM enthusiasts, offering unbeatable electronic light shows and pyrotechnics. Tickets can be bought through the Ultra Japan website, but act fast! They tend to sell out quickly. Line up is still TBA!
| Website | Ultrajapan |
| Location | Tokyo Odaiba ULTRA Park |
| Dates | 09/14/2024 – 09/15/2024 |
| Tickets | 2 day GA ¥25,000 |
4. Aizu Festival (Fukushima)
Get ready for a spirited spectacle that’ll have you tapping your feet and clapping your hands from September 23rd! The Aizu Festival in Fukushima is like a party so cool, that even penguins would ditch Antarctica for it. Picture this: three days of more performers, musicians, and dancers than you can shake a glowstick at, turning the streets into a tornado of pure fun. It’s like a crash course in cultural awesome-ness, with traditional music and dance routines that’ll make you boogie like nobody’s watching. And don’t worry about sweating your socks off – this festival’s got it all figured out with evening festivities that are cooler than a snowman’s sunglasses. The main event during the festival is the impressive parade where about 500 people in samurai armor march through the city recreated from historical events.
So, whip out your calendars and brace yourself for a festival that serves up performances hotter than a spicy sushi roll, tunes that’ll stick in your head like a catchy jingle, and an enchanting atmosphere that’s been keeping the Fukushima groove alive for more generations than you can count!
| Website | Ultrajapan |
| Location | Tokyo Odaiba ULTRA Park |
| Dates | Late September |
| Tickets | 2 day GA ¥25,000 |
5. Anisama (a.k.a Animelo Summer Live)
Anime lovers, come rock out to your favorite soundtracks!
Animelo Summer Live, or Anisama, spans three days of music performances celebrating beloved anime melodies. Catch the last day of the festival September 1st. Prepare yourself for colossal stages, enthusiastic crowds, and awesome special effects at the planet’s biggest anime music extravaganza.
This year’s theme, “Stargazer,” sets the tone with an aesthetic featuring constellations, stars, and moonlit ambiance throughout the arena. Renowned artists such as Aimer, ASCA, HoneyWorks from Vocaloid, and talents from Idolmaster will grace the event with their performances.
| Website | Animelo Summer Live |
| Location | Saitama Super Arena |
| Dates | 09/01/2024 |
| Tickets | Available on website |
6. Tokyo Sumo Grand Tournament
Get ready to rumble in Tokyo as September brings forth the ultimate clash of giants at the Sumo Wrestling Tournament! It’s like a heavyweight showdown where thousands gather to witness over 10,000 pounds of pure power battling it out in the ring. This isn’t your typical spectator sport – it’s a grand spectacle of tradition and brawn. With every match, you’ll be treated to a display of raw strength, intense strategy, and a touch of ceremonial flair. Despite the heat of September, the tournament’s venue becomes a battleground under the moonlit sky, offering a cooler atmosphere for the fiery contests. So, mark your calendar and prepare for a sumo-studded spectacle that’s bigger than a bento box and as electrifying as a lightning-summoning move!
| Website | Sumo Wrestling in Japan Complete Guide 2024 |
| Location | Dolphins Arena |
| Dates | 09/08/2024 – 09/22/2024 |
Tickets are now available here!
7. Halloween at Universal Studios
Buckle up, brave souls! Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is about to unleash a Halloween extravaganza that’ll have you screaming into your candy stash! Picture this: you are navigating horror mazes so spooky, your hair might just turn white (temporarily). And if that’s not enough, get ready to go toe-to-toe with monsters in Biohazard: because regular monsters are just too mainstream, right? But wait, there’s more! Zombies are making a grand entrance, now with fancy projection mapping. Talk about undead upgrades!
Now, here’s the scoop: tickets are like unicorn sightings – rare and oh-so-sought-after. With lines that could rival the wait for grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, you’d be wise to snag those park tickets in advance.
| Website | Halloween Horror Nights USJ |
| Location | Universal Studios |
| Dates | Early September – Late October |
| Tickets | Buy here |
8. Kinchakuda Higanbana Field
Get ready to welcome the hues of early autumn with a sight that’ll set your heart ablaze – the mesmerizing Higanbana flowers, also known as red spider lilies! And guess what? The biggest field of these flaming beauties in Japan is right in Saitama Prefecture, a mere hour’s journey from the heart of Tokyo. Imagine a jaw-dropping scene where a whopping 5 million fiery blooms light up the landscape, turning mid to late September into a sizzling spectacle. So mark your calendars for this vibrant natural phenomenon that’s practically Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Hey, summer might be over, but I’ve got a fiery surprise for you!”
9. Meguro Sanma (Pacific Saury) Festival
Get ready to reel in a unique culinary adventure this September – it’s the Pacific Saury Festival, and it’s sizzling onto the scene! The two first Sundays of this month are dedicated to celebrating this oceanic delight in style. The grills fire up first in Meguro Ward and then in Shinagawa Ward, treating festival goers to mouthwatering salt-seasoned grilled pacific sauries, all on the house. As autumn starts to paint its colors, this dish becomes a highlight of Japanese cuisine.
| Location | Meguro Ward Shinagawa Ward |
| Dates | 09/01/2024 09/08/2024 |
10. Tsukimi Festivity- Moon Viewing Events
As autumn’s cool embrace settles in, get set for a luminous tradition – the Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden Moon Viewing, illuminating nights in late September. Tsukimi, or moon viewing, sets the stage for charming picnics under the stars while the warmth lingers. But wait, there’s more! This event isn’t just about moonlit snacks; it’s a cultural spectacle. Amidst historical beauty, expect Koto melodies, elegant tea ceremonies, and a dash of creativity with lantern painting – limited spots, so be quick! As dusk settles, the garden opens its doors, inviting you to wander through an enchanting world adorned with washi lanterns, each whispering moon-inspired verses. So, bring your picnic flair, artistic spirit, and curiosity for a night of luminous enchantment at Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden!
| Location | Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens |
| Dates | Late September |
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▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
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