Japan in September 2024: Weather, Best Places, Festivals & Tips
Japan in September welcomes the coming of autumn with cooler temperatures, a captivating time to experience a Japan tour. This month offers harvest festivals, showcasing traditional dances and vibrant celebrations. It's also an ideal time for outdoor adventures and exploring Japan's scenic landscapes.
Japan's Weather in September
September in Japan marks the transition from summer to autumn, with clear weather and bright sunshine. The temperature starts to get cooler, bringing a light breeze, making it's the perfect time to avoid sweat and head out on a trip.
Japan Weather Map in September
Northern Japan
In mid-late September, the northern island of Japan is the first to experience autumn colors, with an average temperature of about 20℃, and leaves changing from lush green to gold or red. So, don't forget to pack a jacket when you head to a national park in Hokkaido to enjoy the fall foliage scenery.
Central Japan
The average temperature in central Japan, like Tokyo and Kyoto, reaches 23℃ - 25℃. The days are long and the sunshine is plentiful. Though there will be occasional showers, humidity levels begin to decrease compared to the peak of summer, making pleasant weather to climb Mount Fuji and appreciate the beauty of the mountains in early autumn.
Kyoto Kinkaku Ji Temple
Southern Japan
In September, the southern Okinawa island maintains a relatively high temperature (30℃). Though the refreshing winds and humid air brought by the typhoon relieve the sweltering heat. it's recommended for some indoor activities during your September visit, like enjoying the hot spring resorts or exploring the surrounding ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings.
Best Places to Visit in September
Hokkaido
September is an ideal time to visit Hokkaido, as you can be among the first to experience Japan's autumn atmosphere. It's harvest season, with golden ears of rice swaying in the wind. You can stroll through vast lavender fields, observe squirrels and birds in the nature park, and pick fresh fruit in the orchards. Meanwhile, colorful leaves cover the streets and alleys in mid-September, an ideal time to immerse yourself in the vibrant fall atmosphere at Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue and Jozankei Hot Spring.
The View in September
Tokyo
Tokyo hosts many festivals that celebrate the arrival of autumn, and you can fully feel Japanese culture on the streets. Moreover, you can encounter the spectacular parade of portable mikoshi in the Ikebukuro neighborhood, take photos with thousands of Cosmos flowers at Showa Kinen Park, and feel the autumn atmosphere up close. If you are interested in sports, you can also try the famous Sumo Tournaments and discover the charm of traditional sports.
Osaka
This charming port city has a strong local flavor, rich nightlife, and countless delicious restaurants and bars. Wander like a local through lively Dotonbori and soak up Osaka's nightlife freely and leisurely. It's also fun to visit local shops on the street market and taste okonomiyaki and fugu dishes, which are very popular in September.
Kyoto
As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto has a series of landmark buildings with cultural history and traditional experience. In addition to the Kinkaku-ji with a gold-leaf facade, Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii, is also a must-see. Strolling through these mind-relaxing sceneries and experiencing tea ceremony culture are also an unforgettable journey for your Kyoto visit in September.
What to See & Do in September
Wander to Embrace the Fall Foliage
In mid-September, Hokkaido becomes a visual feast as autumn leaves cover the mountains and fields. As you wander in University Ginkgo Avenue and Daisetsuzan National Park, the world is wrapped in red leaves, shining in the sunshine. Leave one day to the sunny autumn sky for a leisurely walk along trails covered with fall foliage and immerse yourself in nature.
Capture the Chance to Climb Mt. Fuji
For those who want to observe or even climb this sacred mountain closely, you can move your September tour forward to catch the last tail of the climbing season (mid-July to mid-September). Book a mountain hut, bring adequate equipment and climb the popular Yoshida Trail at your own pace. If you arrange time appropriately, you can appreciate Japan's early autumn scenery along with the rising sun.
Sample the Flavor of Autumn
September brings an abundance of seasonal delicacies to tantalize your taste buds, you can enjoy dishes based on fresh fall vegetables, mushrooms, and seafood. Learn how to make delicious sushi from a local chef, or go to a teahouse to learn the delicate etiquette of tea tasting and taste the seasonal delicacies. Savoring a bowl of matcha in a quiet environment and tasting an exquisite kaiseki meal amid a spectacular show, the unique food culture will make your trip worthwhile.
Events & Festivals
Owara Kaze-no-Bon (Toyama, September 1-3）
Owara Kaze-no-Bon is a nationally recognized festival famous for traditional folk songs and dance performances. This tradition is to express gratitude for the harvest and to pray for safety from typhoons. You can watch the Kaze-no-Bon dance and sit in the middle of the street with families, making toast with their drinks, or dance to the rhythm of music to enjoy free time and festivals.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka, September 14-15）
To pray for a good harvest, people gather Kiyomizu-dera, and witness floats from different communities driving through the streets of Kishiwada. The float handlers sing loud songs, and the rhythmic drums reverberate in the air, filled with solid expectations. One of the popular viewpoints for the activity is near Kispa La Park, and you can have a better view of their exuberant performances and immerse in the excitement of the scene. You can also try Kansai street food at the stall in front of Kispa, like Takoyaki, and appreciate some interesting souvenirs.
Kitazawa Hachimanjinja Shrine Festival (Kyoto, September 7-8）
Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine Festival is a traditional event held in Tokyo. On the day of the festival, people carry mikoshi through the streets. Traditional dances and music add to the festive atmosphere. You can try some local delicacies in food stalls, and participate in entertainment at game stalls. The shrine is filled with various events, and you may see a ceremony or a performance on the open-air stage and feel the enthusiasm of the festival.
Seiryu-e Festival (Kyoto, September 14-15)
Autumn brings a rich array of natural colors to Kyoto. At the same time, a blue dragon marches from Okunoin to the cobblestone streets surrounding the Kiyomizu-Dera temple to greet the season's arrival. The Blue Dragon is believed to be one of the four guardian deities of Kyoto, welcoming the changing of seasons and bringing good luck to all within the area. You can watch energetic dance and take photos with men dressed in traditional samurai costumes to cheer for this beautiful season.
Crowds & Costs of Japan in September
Although September is still the peak season for tourism in Japan, the crowds and prices will be relatively friendly. With schools back in session and people returning to work, coupled with the absence of major national holidays, there will be fewer domestic tourists at popular attractions than during peak fall foliage season. This means you have a better chance to witness the charm of this fantastic country with the advantage of relatively discounted prices for tickets and accommodations.
Tips for Traveling to Japan in September
Carry Light Clothing
Lightweight clothing such as shirts and vests are suitable for cool weather. The temperature is relatively low in the morning, so you can wear a thin shirt to keep warm. When the weather is hot at noon, you can wear a sleeveless vest. The shirt you take off can be tied around the waist or draped over the shoulders, becoming a necessary fashion item.
Bring An Umbrella
It's better to bring an umbrella or raincoat to face the unexpected rain shower, which won't last too long. It also protects you from sunburn and keeps you comfortable.
Dress Appropriately
Although traveling to Japan in September, the weather is still hot. However, when visiting temples and shrines, it's necessary to dress appropriately and avoid exposure to show respect for local culture.
Travel to Japan in September with Odynovo
September offers a pleasant blend of summer warmth and autumn beginnings, making it a favorable time to visit colorful Japan. Discover the magic of September in Japan with Odynovo, you'll embark on a journey filled with vibrant cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty.
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