5 Reasons to Visit Japan in the Autumn

2. Autumnal Colors

Japan may be more well known for flower viewing during cherry blossoms season, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its share of leafpeepers as New England does. During mid-late November, the leaves turn so fiery red it’s a wonder the country doesn’t have more visitors from across Asia, where the seasons aren’t as distinct.

3. You don’t have to change clothes three times daily

Japan is infamous for its insanely hot and humid summers (nothing compared to Vietnam or Thailand, but still…). Because form business attire is still required before Cool Biz kicks off in June, you can see salarymen in full black suits when the temperature is over 35 C, and humidity is off the charts. Even tourists might feel like they need to rinse off after walking outside for ten minutes. This all stops in September.

4. Sumo Season

September kicks off one of the three times of the year for the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament. Tourists to Japan may think they can just waltz into the country and buy sumo tickets from a scalper, but the truth is unless their trips are planned in January, May, or September in Tokyo or March, July, and November for Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, respectively, they’re going to be out of luck. In the off season, it’s difficult to arrange tickets to the practices if you’re not a Japanese speaker. Once September comes around sumo is open for business!

5. Festivals

Summer festivals in Japan are known for their hot weather, cold beer, and attire: men and women riding trains in loose yukata robes on their way to see some fireworks and eat deep-fried octopus in batter (takoyaki). Though there are certainly unique festivals, all the way from Tanabata in July, to Nebuta in August, some would say the ones that come out afterwards have a bit more pizzazz to them: there are actually fire festivals in which the side of a volcano is set ablaze (controlled, of course).