Discover authentic local events, seasonal festivals, and things to do this month in Kyushu, Japan.
Find out what's happening in Kagoshima this month
Sep 01, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026
Participating restaurants in Akune
Discover seasonal spiny lobster cuisine at participating local restaurants.
Menus, prices and opening hours vary by restaurant. Reservations may be required.
Official Event Information (Japanese) ↗Source checked: Oct 20, 2026
Oct 24, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026
Around Tokushige Shrine, Ijuin, Hioki City
A traditional pilgrimage honoring Shimazu Yoshihiro, with local performing arts and martial events.
Check the official listing for the program and access information.
Official Event Information (Japanese) ↗Source checked: Oct 20, 2026
Nov 02, 2026 – Nov 03, 2026
Tenmonkan and the central tram street, Kagoshima City
One of Kagoshima’s biggest festivals, the Ohara Festival brings the city together for two days of lively dancing.
November 2: 18:50–20:20. November 3: 10:20–15:25 (Japan time).
Official Event Information (Japanese) ↗Source checked: Oct 20, 2026
Nov 03, 2026
Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine, Osumi-cho Iwakawa, Soo City
A towering traditional figure is paraded through town in this distinctive local festival.
Check the official listing for the procession program and access information.
Official Event Information (Japanese) ↗Source checked: Oct 20, 2026
Published event archive · Ended editions from 2026 and earlier. Original published details are retained and have not been independently rechecked.
Purple sea urchins (Murasaki Uni) grow by feeding on seaweed in the rich rocky shores of the East China Sea. In season from March to May, they offer a deep, sweet flavor despite their small size. Highly recommended for seafood lovers to enjoy alongside the beautiful scenery of Akune Oshima!
Official Event Info: Sea Urchin & Akune Seasonal Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Enjoy an artistic fireworks display with Sakurajima as a backdrop at Marine Port Kagoshima. This 60-minute non-stop show features masterfully crafted fireworks perfectly synchronized to the rhythm and melody of music, elevating traditional fireworks to the realm of art. Don't miss this spectacular spring tradition!
Official Event Info: Sakurajima Art Fireworks (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
The historic village of Miyama, home to Satsuma pottery, becomes an open-air gallery. A new art event where the entire traditional ceramic village is transformed into exhibition spaces.
Official Event Info: MIYAMA Biennale (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
One of Japan's largest rose gardens bursts into color. Wander through fragrant paths and find your favorite among thousands of blooms. Open every day during the festival period.
Official Event Info: Kanoya Rose Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Japan's largest sand sculpture festival held during Golden Week. Elaborate sand artworks created by professional sculptors stretch along the beautiful coastline — a perfect family outing for GW in southern Kagoshima.
Official Event Info: Fukiagehama Sand Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Kagoshima's southernmost resort town announces the arrival of its tropical season with this vibrant hula festival — one of the largest of its kind in Japan, featuring dancers from across the country.
Official Event Info: Ibusuki Hula Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
A vivid recreation of elegant Japanese poetry culture from about 1,000 years ago was held at the historic Sengan-en garden.
Over 1,000 cherry trees bloomed at this famous local viewing spot, with stage events and local product sales.
A popular sakura festival featuring 1,000 cherry trees, a flea market, and paper lanterns illuminating the blossoms at night.
One of Kagoshima's three major markets. The Takaono Station area transformed into a 1km pedestrian zone filled with street stalls and local soba noodle shops.
Millions of lights decorated the downtown area, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Visitors experienced harvesting the world's heaviest radishes grown in volcanic soil.
Traditional New Year prayers and celebrations at major shrines across Kagoshima.
How about a private tour for a special experience tailored to these local events?
Experience the majestic active volcano, dig your own hot spring foot bath, and enjoy fresh local fish.
Tour DetailsAn adult holiday to enjoy the sacred atmosphere and relax in premium hot springs.
Tour DetailsFind out what's happening in Kumamoto this month
Oct 24, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026
Kikuka Winery, Yamaga
Enjoy a seasonal celebration of wine, local food and music.
October 24: 10:00–17:00. October 25: 10:00–16:00 (Japan time).
Official Event Information (Japanese) ↗Source checked: Oct 20, 2026
Oct 25, 2026
Toyo Sports Park, Yatsushiro
Explore local ginger and regional produce at this autumn market.
08:30–14:00 (Japan time). Free admission.
Official Event Information (Japanese) ↗Source checked: Oct 20, 2026
Published event archive · Ended editions from 2026 and earlier. Original published details are retained and have not been independently rechecked.
Commemorating ten years since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. The beloved manga series has supported recovery through its Straw Hat crew statues across the prefecture — this exhibition celebrates that decade-long journey.
Official Event Info: ONE PIECE 10 Year Exhibition (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Currently held at Sakura Machi Garden in the central district. Over 16,000 illuminations signaling the arrival of spring gently illuminate the hearts of visitors.
Official Event Info: Kaguyahime's Shining Garden (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Life-sized, imaginative scarecrows (kakashi) fill a former elementary school and its surroundings in Amakusa. A charming, quirky event that showcases rural Japan's creativity and warm humor.
Official Event Info: Miyajidake Scarecrow Festival (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
A guided trek up Mt. Tawarayama, the symbolic peak on the western rim of the Aso caldera in Nishihara Village. Enjoy panoramic views of Aso's five peaks and spring wildflowers.
Official Event Info: Tawarayama Trekking 2026 (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
At the Hondo Museum of History and Folklore in Amakusa, see masterworks from Living National Treasures and celebrated ceramic artists. A rare opportunity to appreciate the refined beauty of Amakusa porcelain.
Official Event Info: Amakusa Meito Exhibition (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Kumamoto is famous as a "water city" — Lake Ezu is its heart. Join this guided walking event around the lake with fresh spring air, local history, and encounters with waterside wildlife.
Official Event Info: Ezu Lake Footpath (Kumamoto Tourism Website)Experience watching wild dolphins in the beautiful Amakusa sea with expert local guides.
About 5,000 dancers of all ages paraded through the streets in matching yukata and happi coats for three lively days of traditional rhythm.
About 7,000 Somei Yoshino and wild cherry trees bloomed at Takamori Pass "Senbonzakura," one of Kumamoto's premier viewing spots.
Events were held at the "Furusato Sosei Civic Plaza" in Kikuchi Park, boasting 3,000 blooming cherry trees.
Exquisite oysters carefully raised by local fishermen in the nutrient-rich Shiranui Sea were enjoyed at Roadside Station Ashikita Dekopon and Tsunagi Oyster Bar.
Kumamoto Castle was elegantly illuminated during the cold winter nights.
A stunning display of traditional paper lanterns lighting up the historic streets.
Guided trekking tours through the frost-covered landscapes of the Aso caldera.
Private tours unique to Kumamoto to enrich your event experience.
A local guide will show you the history and recovery of Kumamoto Castle, along with hidden local spots.
Tour DetailsA journey exploring the spectacular viewpoints of Aso, the stage of the fire festival, in a private vehicle.
Tour DetailsLooking for more festivals, seasonal exhibitions, or local events during your stay? Check out the official comprehensive event directories for Kagoshima and Kumamoto.