Autumn might just be my favorite time to visit Japan.
It isn’t as hot and humid as summer, where it is tough to spend a whole day walking around sightseeing.
It isn’t as cold as winter. I simply hate being cold.
The only contester in my mind is spring, with its cherry blossoms and spring festivals.
But autumn has even more to offer than spring. Find out for yourself why a visit to Nagoya in autumn is the best!
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Nagoya Autumn Weather
| Month | Temperature high / low | Average Rain Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 28 / 20 | 10 |
| October | 23 / 13 | 8 |
| November | 17 / 7 | 6 |
September, officially the first month of fall can be still quite hot in Nagoya. It is not uncommon to have temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius throughout the month.
Because September is still typhoon season it isn’t uncommon to rain quite a bit. With an average of 10 rain days.
In October it starts to cool down slowly and especially the cooler evenings are the first indication of the oncoming autumn. Until the middle of October temperatures can still be in the mid to high twenties, by the end of October this drops to low twenties. Nights only reach temperatures below 20 degrees with a monthly average of 13 degrees Celsius.
October is much dryer than September, this is also when the typhoons finally stop. It sees an average of 8 rain days.
November is when the temperatures really drop. Daytime temperatures are only in the high tens and nighttime temperatures average around 7 degrees Celsius. It’s time to get out your jacket for real.
November is mostly dry and sunny with an average of 6 rain days in the month it is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking in the crisp autumn air and of course enjoying the autumn colors.
Nagoya Autumn Festivals
Nagoya is never boring and almost every weekend there is some event or festival worth visiting. Autumn is no exception.
Here are the top events and festivals in Nagoya in autumn.
Tsukimi Moon Gazing Events
The harvest moon, the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the moon calendar, which usually falls in September is revered around Japan. Many events are held to enjoy the beauty of the full moon across the country. It is said that viewing the moon during the Jugoya (the 15th night) brings good luck.
In Nagoya, there are two events held.
The Shirotori Garden Moon Gazing Tea Event takes place on the three days around the harvest moon each year. In 2019 that was September 13th to 15th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Seiu-tei tea house in the center of Shirotori Garden was constructed with the rise of the harvest moon in mind. Participants at this tea event can enjoy the special view of the moon from there.
The ticket price for a 30-minute time slot during any of the three event days is 600 yen. Early ticket sales start at the end of July.
SHIROTORI GARDEN
Entry Fee: 300 yen (600 yen for the moon gazing event)
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. closed Mondays
Address: 2-2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036
Website| Google Maps
At the Tokugawa Moon Viewing Event, you can visit Tokugawa Garden during the two days of the full moon. In 2019 that was September 13th and 14th.
A decorative boat floating in the middle of the pond of Tokugawaen is lit up during the event and it is a beautiful sight to take in a Japanese garden together with the full moon.
The garden is open until 8:30 p.m. The last admission is at 8 p.m. The entry fee is 300 yen.
TOKUGAWA GARDEN
Entry Fee: 300 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. closed Mondays
Address: 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023
Website| Google Maps
Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival
From the middle of October to the middle of November the Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival is held with many different events taking place at Nagoya Castle. In 2019 the event is held from October 12th to November 17th.
One highlight is the chrysanthemum growing competition where dolls dressed in the flowers are exhibited as well as beautiful chrysanthemum Bonsai trees.
NAGOYA CASTLE
Entry Fee: 500 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Website| Google Maps
Osu Street Performers Festival
Every year in October the Osu Street Performers Festival is held. In 2019 the event will be held on the 19th and 20th of October.
The highlight of the event is the Oiran Procession, an event to remember the procession of Oiran courtesans that would take place in the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) when Osu was a red-light and entertainment district.
Today the procession is done by volunteers living in Nagoya, wearing the impressive heavy costumes.
Other events include performances of jugglers, dancers, and mimes. Music and comedy performances are also on the program.
Nowadays street performers festivals are held all over Japan but it is said to have originated in Osu. The allure of such festivals is the close contact with the performers who perform on eye-level with the spectators.
Nagoya Festival
The Nagoya Festival is the biggest autumn event in Nagoya. It takes place on the 19th and 20th of October in 2019.
The highlight of the event is a procession of 700 participants, some of which play the roles of historical figures such as the three unifiers of Japan, Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Various other events such as concerts and performances take place at the Hisaya Odori Park as well as other places all around the city.
Yattokame Cultural Festival
The Yattokame Cultural Festival aims to keep the culture of Nagoya alive. All over Nagoya traditional plays and other forms of entertainment can be enjoyed.
This year’s festival is held from October 27th to November 18th in different locations such as Oasis 21, Osu Shopping Street, Endoji Shopping Street, Nagoya Castle and KITTE Nagoya Building next to Nagoya Station.
Performances include Kyogen, which is a comedy performance, Noh theater, street Kabuki, tea ceremony and much more.
Nagoya Autumn Foliage Viewing Spots
The beautiful autumn colors of Japan are famous and there are multiple spots in Nagoya where you can enjoy them during the day as well as during the night with special light-ups.
For the perfect timing keep a lookout for the yearly autumn color forecast released every year by the Japan Meteorological Corporation.
The first update arrives around the beginning of September and is updated regularly.
According to the most recent forecast, the peak for yellow leaves will be around the 19th of November, the peak for red leaves a little later around the 1st of December. Check out the latest information here.
Tokugawa Garden
Tokugawaen or Tokugawa Garden has many maple trees that turn the most amazing shade of bright red in autumn.
In fact, Tokugawaen has more than 300 trees, which makes it an amazing place for an autumn stroll in the crisp air.
You can enjoy the beauty of the garden during the day or during special light-up events.
For 2019 the event dates haven’t been announced yet.
TOKUGAWA GARDEN
Entry Fee: 300 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. closed Mondays
Illumination: Sundown – 8:30 p.m.
Address: 1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023
Website| Google Maps
Shirotori Garden
Shirotori Garden is an amazing place to enjoy the autumn leaves, with around 1500 trees many of which are Japanese maple.
You can stroll around the park during the day or join in the night event.
A night time illumination is held from November 16. to December 18. with the exception of November 22. and 23. (2019 dates)
The light-up starts from around 5 p.m. and will be until the park closes at 9 p.m. (last admission is at 8:30 p.m.).
SHIROTORI GARDEN
Entry Fee: 300 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. closed Mondays
Illumination: November 16. – December 18. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. except Mondays and November 22. + 23.
Address: 2-2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036
Website| Google Maps
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden have a yearly leaf viewing event from the middle of November to the beginning of December.
On some special nights, the botanical garden opens its doors at night to welcome visitors to a light-up event.
The dates for 2019 haven’t been announced yet.
HIGASHIYAMA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Entry Fee: 500 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. closed Mondays
Illumination: 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Address: 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804
Website| Google Maps
Meijo Park
Meijo Park, north of Nagoya Castle, has a wide variety of trees that turn color in autumn. The park is best enjoyed during a day-time stroll, preferably with a camera in hand.
The park is free to visit at any time and is free of charge. So if you are on a really tight budget and still want to enjoy the autumn colors, Meijo Park is the place to go.
MEIJO PARK
Address: 1-2 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 462-0846
Google Maps
Yagotosan Koshoji Temple
Another nice place to enjoy the autumn foliage is Koshoji Temple. Here you have the chance to view the colorful trees in a special setting with the temple as a centerpiece. Admission is free.
KOSHOJI TEMPLE
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 78 Yagotohonmachi, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0825
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Nagoya Autumn Foods
When Japanese people think about autumn, they think about autumn foods. I have to admit I am a lot like that.
Autumn sees lots of delicious seasonal foods that can be enjoyed all over the country. Let me introduce to you the best places to enjoy autumn foods in Nagoya.
The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!
Sweet Potato Kaeru Manju
Sweet potato is decidedly an autumn food. You will find steamed sweet potato being sold at autumn festivals, at supermarkets and even at random stalls in the streets.
At convenience stores and supermarkets, sweet potato flavored chocolates and other sweets and snacks are on sale from September 1st.
For a Nagoya twist, I recommend trying the sweet potato Kaeru Manju from Aoyagi Sohonke. Kaeru Manju are a local sweet and popular souvenir in the shape of a frog.
The sweet potato Kaeru Manju are a seasonal variation you can only get during autumn.
If you want to try it you can either visit the Aoyagi shop in Osu district or go to the shop in the Esca Underground Shopping Mall next to Nagoya Station. Both sell Kaeru Manju.
AOYAGI SOHONKE OSU SHOP
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. closed Wednesdays
Address: 2-18-50 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 460-0011
Website| Google Maps
Chestnut Uiro
Chestnuts are widely popular in Japan. And why shouldn’t they be, they are super delicious.
Roasted chestnuts are sold everywhere during the autumn months and they are also popular in home cooking.
Uiro is a local Nagoya specialty with many shops selling the traditional Japanese sweet around the city. At Mochibun Sohonten you can buy special seasonal chestnut Uiro which is available only in autumn.
MOCHIBUN SOHONTEN
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Address: 2-36-24 Yutaka, Minami Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 457-0863
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Sake
There are two types of Sake that are ready for consumption just in time for autumn. They are called Akiagari and Hiyaoroshi.
If you visit Nagoya during autumn you might want to check out a Sake bar called Yata in Fushimi. In one hour and for 2000 yen you can sample different types of Sake while getting an education on sake from the helpful staff.
YATA
Opening Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. closed Sundays
Address: Goto Building II 2F 2-7-29 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Nagoya Cochin Nabe
Nabe is what the Japanese hot pot is called. It is traditionally made in something called a Donabe, which is an earthenware pot and also the origin of the name Nabe.
Typical ingredients include tofu, mushrooms, carrots, leek, cabbage, and other greens. Chicken is often used in Nabe but there can be any kind of meat.
Nabe is an autumn food because it only tastes really good when the temperatures drop and you long for some hot food to really heat up your body.
The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!
In Nagoya, I recommend trying Nagoya Cochin Nabe. Nagoya Cochin is a local chicken breed that is said to be rich in Umami and has a special texture and taste.
You can try delicious Nagoya Cochin Nabe in a special setting at Torigin, a traditional Japanese restaurant specialized in Nagoya Cochin dishes.
TORIGIN
Opening Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Address: Miyagi Building 3-14-14-22 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Miso Nikomi Udon
Miso Nikomi Udon is a local Nagoya specialty. It is available all year round but it tastes the best when the temperatures drop.
Miso Nikomi Udon is served still bubbling hot in an earthenware pot. The main ingredients are a soup made from red Miso and Dashi broth, and firmer than usual Udon noodles.
The best restaurant to try Miso Nikomi is Yamamotoya, the birthplace of Miso Nikomi Udon. Try googling to find a restaurant closest to you, or visit the one in Sakae district which I always visit with my Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
If you are interested in joining a food tour while in Nagoya check out this page.
YAMAMOTOYA HONTEN
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: Centirise Sake B1F 3-3-21 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Miso Oden
Oden is a popular autumn and winter food. It is available at special Oden restaurants, some Izakaya (typical Japanese bars), and convenience stores.
Oden are different foods such as radish, egg, Konnyaku, Chikuwa, and meat skewers stewed for a long time.
The special Nagoya style Oden is is served with a Miso sauce, which gives it a special flavor typical for Nagoya style cooking.
Day Trips from Nagoya in Autumn
There are many amazing day trip destinations around Nagoya. But some of them are even more special when you visit them during autumn. Here are my recommended day trips from Nagoya in autumn.
Gero Onsen
In the colder months of autumn, a visit to an Onsen town could be the highlight of your trip to Japan.
Nothing feels better than a hot bath in a naturally fed hot spring after a long day outside and just before a delicious traditional Japanese dinner.
This is something you can experience at Gero Onsen, a hot spring town just 2 hours away from Nagoya.
There are three public baths in Gero as well as countless baths in the Ryokan of the town. If you purchase a Yomeguri Tegata pass for 1300 yen you can visit 3 Onsen facilities of the more than 20 participating Ryokan.
While you can visit Gero Onsen as a one day trip, arriving in the morning and leaving in the evening, I recommend you spend the night at one of the cozy Ryokan.
Stay in a tatami mat room with fluffy futon beds and have some delicious Japanese dinner dressed in a Yukata after a relaxing bath.
Of course, a visit to an Onsen town like Gero Onsen is also amazing in the winter. For more ideas on what to do in Nagoya in winter click here.
Book a Gero Onsen experience
If you only have one day in Gero Onsen you should seriously consider the ‘Gero Onsen Experience and Hida Beef Lunch‘ offered on klook.com.
You get to enjoy an amazing multi-course lunch with Hida Beef as well as time to relax in an indoor and outdoor hot spring bath in Gero.
Check out the details and book your Gero Onsen day trip today on klook.com!
Takayama
While a visit to Takayama is totally worth it all year round, the Takayama Autumn Festival which is held every year on the 9th and 10th of October is a very good reason to visit.
It is considered one of the best festivals in Japan and draws huge crowds every year, especially when one of the days falls on a weekend or public holiday.
The turning of the leaves in Takayama is about one month before Nagoya, with the expected peak in 2019 around the beginning of November.
So, if you happen to visit Nagoya from the end of October to the middle of November and you want to enjoy the autumn colors head to Takayama and Shirakawago for an unforgettable experience.
Book a tour
From Nagoya there are multiple tours going to Takayama. You can book them on klook.com.
The ‘Day in Shirakawa Village and Takayama‘ is a great day trip to visit Shirakawago and Takayama in one day from Nagoya. Perfect if you really only have very little time but want to explore Shirakawago as well as Takayama.
Korankei
The absolutely best spot to enjoy the autumn colors in Aichi Prefecture is the Korankei valley.
Korankei is a valley surrounded by mountains, in the valley flows a picturesque river and the whole scene is most beautiful when the trees have turned to bright reds and yellows.
It is the perfect place to spend a day hiking in the woods, past shrines, and temples.
At the entrance to the valley, countless stalls are set up selling local delicacies as well as other popular foods to energize you for the day (or after your hike).
The expected peak for autumn leaves at Korankei in 2019 is the 24th of November.
From Nagoya, it is a one hour drive or a two-hour ride on public transport.
Book a tour
If you would rather go on a tour from Nagoya to the Korankei valley there are two options available on klook.com.
You can book a one-day bus tour from Nagoya to Korankei where you have 3 hours to explore the valley before heading back to Nagoya.
There is also another tour with multiple spots and the Korankei illumination at night as the highlight. Check it out here.
Nagoya Events and Festivals By Month
If you are visiting Nagoya during the autumn months then you should have a look at these curated lists of events going on in Nagoya each month.
- Nagoya Events and Festivals in September 2020 (check back next year)
- Nagoya Events and Festivals in October 2020 (check back next year)
- Nagoya Events and Festivals in November 2019
Final Thoughts on Visiting Nagoya in Autumn
Have I managed to convince you?
If you are planning a trip to Nagoya this autumn (or next), I really hope you will have a great time enjoying everything the season has to offer.
For a truly unforgettable experience in Nagoya, you should join me on a food tour. Check out the details here.
If you want to find out more about food in Nagoya click here.
For more information on Nagoya travel in general, read the Nagoya Travel Guide or Nagoya Travel Tips or check out these posts:
Ready to Book your Trip to Nagoya?
Find the cheapest flights on skyscanner.com, book amazing hotels in Nagoya on booking.com and reserve discounted tours and other activities on klook.com!
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If you liked this post and you want to read it again before your trip pin it to your ‘Travel in Japan’ or ‘Autumn Travel’ Pinterest boards.
In love with Japan and its amazing food, Lena wants to share her passion with the world. That’s why she started Nagoya Foodie. To teach about Nagoya, her adoptive home online through blog posts and offline through unique food tours.
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