25 events across Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, 30 October – 4 November 2026.
- Dates:
- Cities: Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
- Events listed: 25
The headline this week is Gion Odori in Kyoto, the geiko and maiko dances of the Higashi district, running Sunday through Wednesday. Pair it with the Wonder Night Jingu lantern walk at Heian Jingū on the same evenings, or the ongoing Kyoto Antique Fair from Friday to Sunday if you prefer daytime browsing.
Osaka carries the week with sheer variety: the Katsuo-ji temple autumn light-up, the Shitennoji Wasso Festival on Sunday, a Joe Hisaishi candlelight tribute on Tuesday, and the Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks on Saturday. The Roasted Sweet Potato Festival runs the whole stretch.
In Kobe, Saturday is the day to go: the farmers market and the maple leaves at the Municipal Arboretum work well as a single outing.
- Kyoto Antique Fair Kyoto · runs over several days
The Kyoto Antique Fair, western Japan’s largest, gathers over 350 dealers offering kimono, ceramics, relics, and more. - Roasted Sweet Potato Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Celebrate one of Japan’s favorite autumn treats at the Yakiimo Festival in Osaka.
- Kobe Farmers Market Kobe
Entry is free, and the lineup changes weekly. - Maple Leaves Forest at Kobe Municipal Arboretum Kobe
Discover Kobe’s Forest Botanical Garden this autumn for stunning foliage displays, guided Maple Walk tours, and the captivating “Lighting Up the Maple” illumination event. - Kyoto Antique Fair Kyoto · runs over several days
The Kyoto Antique Fair, western Japan’s largest, gathers over 350 dealers offering kimono, ceramics, relics, and more. - Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks Osaka
The Osaka Bay Rinku Art Fireworks is a dazzling spectacle. Cutting-edge pyrotechnics and music come together. - Roasted Sweet Potato Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Celebrate one of Japan’s favorite autumn treats at the Yakiimo Festival in Osaka.
- Gion Odori Kyoto · runs over several days
One of the only geisha performance event to take place in fall, and just as the leaves begun to change color. - Kyoto Antique Fair Kyoto · runs over several days
The Kyoto Antique Fair, western Japan’s largest, gathers over 350 dealers offering kimono, ceramics, relics, and more. - Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Light-Up Osaka · runs over several days
A whole mountainside of maples lit up after dark, a short hop from central Osaka. - Roasted Sweet Potato Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Celebrate one of Japan’s favorite autumn treats at the Yakiimo Festival in Osaka. - Shitennoji Wasso Festival Osaka
The Shitennoji Wasso Festival celebrates those who have come to Japan from across Asia.
- Gion Odori Kyoto · runs over several days
One of the only geisha performance event to take place in fall, and just as the leaves begun to change color. - Wonder Night Jingu: Lunar Glow Night Walk at Heian Jingū Shrine Kyoto · runs over several days
An eight-stop light trail around Heian Jingū, on autumn nights. - Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Light-Up Osaka · runs over several days
A whole mountainside of maples lit up after dark, a short hop from central Osaka. - Roasted Sweet Potato Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Celebrate one of Japan’s favorite autumn treats at the Yakiimo Festival in Osaka.
- Gion Odori Kyoto · runs over several days
One of the only geisha performance event to take place in fall, and just as the leaves begun to change color. - Wonder Night Jingu: Lunar Glow Night Walk at Heian Jingū Shrine Kyoto · runs over several days
An eight-stop light trail around Heian Jingū, on autumn nights. - Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Light-Up Osaka · runs over several days
A whole mountainside of maples lit up after dark, a short hop from central Osaka. - Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli) Osaka
Warm up a chilly winter night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi. - Roasted Sweet Potato Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Celebrate one of Japan’s favorite autumn treats at the Yakiimo Festival in Osaka.
- Gion Odori Kyoto · runs over several days
One of the only geisha performance event to take place in fall, and just as the leaves begun to change color. - Wonder Night Jingu: Lunar Glow Night Walk at Heian Jingū Shrine Kyoto · runs over several days
An eight-stop light trail around Heian Jingū, on autumn nights. - Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Light-Up Osaka · runs over several days
A whole mountainside of maples lit up after dark, a short hop from central Osaka. - Roasted Sweet Potato Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Celebrate one of Japan’s favorite autumn treats at the Yakiimo Festival in Osaka.
Common questions
What events are on in Osaka this week?
Osaka has 13 events listed between 30 October – 4 November 2026, including Roasted Sweet Potato Festival, Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks and Roasted Sweet Potato Festival. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
What events are on in Kyoto this week?
Kyoto has 10 events listed between 30 October – 4 November 2026, including Kyoto Antique Fair, Kyoto Antique Fair and Gion Odori. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
What events are on in Kobe this week?
Kobe has 2 events listed between 30 October – 4 November 2026, including Kobe Farmers Market and Maple Leaves Forest at Kobe Municipal Arboretum. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
When is the best day to visit Kansai this week?
Saturday 31 October has the most on, with 5 events listed. Days with fewer listings are quieter, not empty.
Are these events free?
This roundup does not list prices. Ticketing and entry vary by event, so check the organiser listing linked with each entry before you travel.
Details come from each organiser’s own listing and can change. Follow the links above before you travel.