As the summer heat begins to ease, cool breezes start to blow in the mornings and evenings—this is September in Japan. This time of year brings unique seasonal traditions and cultural events. In this article, we’ll introduce you to everything that symbolizes September in Japan, from national holidays and commemorative days to birthstones, average temperatures, and seasonal events.
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Public Holidays and Special Days in September in Japan – What Happens on the 1st and the 9th?
September 1: Disaster Prevention Day
September 1 is known as "Disaster Prevention Day". This day was established following the Great Kanto Earthquake that struck in 1923. Japan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, and around this time every year, schools and companies hold evacuation drills and people take time to review their emergency supplies.
🏥 Search for "disaster preparedness goods" (Yahoo! Shopping)
👉 Read more about "Disaster Preparedness Day"
Around September 7: Hakuro (White Dew)
"Hakuro," meaning "white dew," is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendar and usually falls around September 7 each year. It’s the time when dewdrops begin to form on grasses and flowers, and the air starts to take on a crisp, autumn-like feel. In Japanese, it’s also called "shiratsuyu," and is often used in haiku and other poetic expressions for its seasonal charm.
Around this time, early autumn scenery starts to appear across Japan before the full autumn foliage sets in. If you're traveling, take a morning walk and try to catch the first signs of the coming season.
September 9: Chōyō no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival)
Japan has a tradition of celebrating five seasonal festivals known as the "Gosekku," and one of them is "Chōyō no Sekku," held on September 9. Since "9" is the highest odd number, the repetition of this number is considered very auspicious, and the day has long been celebrated as a time to wish for longevity and good health.
Traditionally, people decorate with chrysanthemum flowers and drink chrysanthemum sake ("kikuzake") on this day. While the festival isn’t widely celebrated today, some temples and shrines in Kyoto and Tokyo still hold special events. If your schedule allows, it’s well worth visiting.
September’s Third Monday: Respect for the Aged Day
Every year, the third Monday of September is "Respect for the Aged Day", a national holiday to honor the elderly and celebrate longevity. It is customary for families to gather, express gratitude to grandparents, and give them gifts.
This time of year often results in a three-day weekend, making tourist destinations slightly more crowded. It is also a popular season for family trips to hot springs and scenic nature spots to celebrate the holiday.
🎁 Search for the perfect "Respect for the Aged Day" gifts (Yahoo! Shopping)
👉 Read more about "Respect for the Aged Day"
Around September 22–24: Autumnal Equinox Day
The "Autumnal Equinox Day" is when day and night are approximately equal in length. This national holiday is meant to honor nature and living things. In Japan, it’s also a time to pay respects to ancestors by visiting family graves.
This period is known as "Higan", and many people visit temples. The red spider lily, or "higanbana", blooming around cemeteries, is another seasonal sight, striking in its vivid red and perfect for photos.
👉 Read more about "Autumnal Equinox Day"
15th Day of the 8th Month in the Lunar Calendar: Harvest Moon
"Chushu no Meigetsu", or the Harvest Moon, is an event where people admire what is said to be the most beautiful full moon of the year. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar (in 2025, that's October 6).
People decorate with pampas grass and offer "tsukimi dango" (moon-viewing rice dumplings) while enjoying the moon. Wagashi shops and shrines also offer moon-themed items. If you're traveling in Japan in September, don't miss the chance to experience this unique moon-viewing culture.
👉 What to eat for the Harvest Moon? Soba, rice dumplings, even burgers
Silver Week
In some years, September includes a long holiday stretch known as "Silver Week". This occurs when holidays like Respect for the Aged Day and Autumnal Equinox Day align to create a continuous vacation period. Transportation and tourist spots can become quite crowded, so it's best to plan and book your trip in advance.
In 2025, Respect for the Aged Day falls on September 15 and Autumnal Equinox Day on September 23, so some people may take time off from Saturday, September 13 through Tuesday, September 23.
👉 Read more about "Silver Week"
What’s the Average Temperature in Japan in September?
Average Temperatures in Tokyo (Past 3 Years)
| Year | Average temperature |
| 2022 | 24.4 ℃ |
| 2023 | 26.7 ℃ |
| 2024 | 26.6 ℃ |
Average Temperatures in Osaka (Past 3 Years)
| Year | Average temperature |
| 2022 | 26.2℃ |
| 2023 | 27.9 ℃ |
| 2024 | 28.6 ℃ |
Average Temperatures in Fukuoka (Hakata) (Past 3 Years)
| Year | Average temperature |
| 2022 | 25.2 ℃ |
| 2023 | 26.4 ℃ |
| 2024 | 28.1℃ |
Average Temperatures in Hokkaido (Sapporo) (Past 3 Years)
| Year | Average temperature |
| 2022 | 24.1℃ |
| 2023 | 25.5℃ |
| 2024 | 24.5℃ |
What’s the Birthstone for September in Japan?
September’s birthstone is the sapphire. Known for its deep, clear blue color, this gemstone symbolizes "sincerity", "compassion", and "devotion". It has long been treasured as a noble stone, and in medieval Europe, it was said to be worn by royalty and clergy. In Japan, sapphires are also a popular gift for those born in September or for wedding anniversaries.
What Are the Representative Flowers of September in Japan?
Cosmos
When you think of September landscapes in Japan, cosmos flowers are likely the first thing that come to mind. These delicate blooms sway on thin stems in the breeze and are also affectionately known as "autumn cherry blossoms" (akizakura). They come in a wide variety of colors including pink, white, red, and orange, and can be seen in flower fields and parks across the country. With meanings like "harmony" and "humility", they are one of the symbolic flowers of Japanese autumn.
Red Spider Lily
The vivid red "higanbana" or red spider lily blooms around the autumn equinox. Often seen along rice paddy paths or near cemeteries, they have an almost mystical presence. While sometimes avoided due to their toxic bulbs, their romantic flower meanings—"passion", "reunion", and "sorrowful memories"—make them a captivating bloom. They are also a frequent subject in literature and art.
👉 7 Stunning Red Spider Lily Spots Across Japan
Japanese Pampas Grass (Susuki)
A member of the seven autumn herbs, "susuki" grows in clusters along riverbanks and hillsides, swaying gently in the breeze. It's also used in the traditional moon-viewing custom during the Harvest Moon, where it's displayed as decoration. Though understated, it exudes a quiet elegance that feels uniquely Japanese.
Fragrant Olive (Kinmokusei)
Around late September, the fragrant olive—or "kinmokusei"—begins to release its soft, sweet scent. The tiny orange flowers bloom in clusters, filling the air around neighborhoods and school grounds. For many people, the scent marks the arrival of autumn. As it's often used in perfumes and room sprays, be sure to try one if you see it as a souvenir.
Chrysanthemum
Long admired as Japan’s quintessential autumn flower, the chrysanthemum is not only for viewing—it is also used for food and medicine. The flower is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, featuring in customs such as the Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9), where it symbolizes longevity and good health. It even appears in the imperial family crest.
👉 "What Represents Autumn in Japan?" 50 Iconic Seasonal Traditions
Events and Seasonal Traditions in Japan in September
Moon Viewing (Jugoya)
On the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (Jugoya), Japanese people celebrate "Chushu no Meigetsu", the Harvest Moon. This traditional event involves admiring the full moon while offering pampas grass and rice dumplings, expressing gratitude for the autumn harvest. It dates back to the Heian period.
These days, many moon-themed items are sold during this season. Among the most popular is the "Tsukimi Burger" from fast-food chains—a limited-time menu item with a fluffy bun filled with soft-boiled egg and bacon, marking the arrival of autumn.
👉 What's on the menu for "Chushu no Meigetsu"? Soba, dumplings, burgers, and more
Autumn Higan
The seven-day period centered around the Autumn Equinox is known as "Autumn Higan", a time to honor ancestors. Many people visit family graves and offer "ohagi" (sweet rice balls) at home altars. Like the springtime Higan, it is a deeply rooted tradition in Japanese life.
Rice Harvesting
September marks the season when rice fields across Japan reach full maturity. Farmers begin harvesting their rice, making this a vital time of year in the agricultural calendar. The sight of golden rice fields is a classic Japanese landscape. In some areas, tourists can even take part in rice harvesting experiences.
Pacific Saury (秋刀魚)
A must-try autumn delicacy is pacific saury, or "sanma", a fish whose name literally includes the word "autumn". September is its peak season. The most common way to enjoy it is grilled with salt and served with grated daikon radish. In recent years, catches have declined, making it more of a luxury fish, but it remains a beloved seasonal icon.
The Seven Autumn Flowers
Unlike the Seven Spring Herbs, the Seven Autumn Flowers are for viewing rather than eating. These include bush clover (hagi), bellflower (kikyo), kudzu (kuzu), thoroughwort (fujibakama), golden lace (ominaeshi), pampas grass (susuki), and pink (nadeshiko). All bloom in autumn fields and are cherished in Japanese poetry and literature for their delicate beauty and seasonal symbolism.
Grapes
September is harvest season for grapes. From Kyoho to Shine Muscat, a variety of types offer different flavors and textures. Grape picking at tourist farms is especially popular with families, making it a favorite seasonal outing.
Japanese Pear (Nashi)
Packed with moisture, Japanese pears are the perfect fruit for lingering summer heat in September. They have a crisp texture and refreshing sweetness, especially delicious when chilled. Varieties like Kosui, Hosui, and Niitaka offer distinct regional tastes and are often chosen as seasonal gifts.
Sweet Potato
As autumn approaches, sweet potatoes start appearing in markets. In September, freshly harvested sweet potatoes are often more moist than fluffy, with a mellow sweetness. Whether baked, turned into candied “daigaku imo”, or made into sweet potato desserts, they’re the undisputed stars of the autumn sweets season.
👉 List of Seasonal Autumn Foods: Vegetables, Fruits, Fish, and More
Famous Festivals Held in Japan in September
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (Osaka)
A signature festival of Kishiwada, Osaka, where extravagant wooden floats called "danjiri" are pulled through the streets with incredible energy. Known for its sharp turns and loud chants, the festival is filled with speed and excitement.
Many visitors come from all over Japan to witness this grand event, which envelops the town in festive heat. The intense float-pulling is definitely worth seeing in person.
- Held on: Sunday, September 7 and Friday, September 12, 2025
👉 Find Osaka tours and tickets (kkday)
Owara Kaze no Bon (Toyama)
A mystical festival held in Yatsuo, Toyama City. The elegant and quiet "Owara dance", accompanied by the sorrowful tones of the kokyu (a traditional string instrument), fills this mountain town with atmosphere.
Dancers in traditional straw hats sway gracefully under lantern light, creating a mesmerizing sight. Unlike lively summer festivals, this is a deeply emotional autumn tradition.
- Held on: September 1–3 every year
👉Find Toyama tours and tickets (kkday)
Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival (Okinawa)
One of the largest festivals in Okinawa, where youth groups from across the prefecture gather to showcase "Eisa", a traditional folk performance. The powerful beats of the drums and distinctive dance captivate the audience, with the entire venue brimming with energy and excitement.
Originally held to send off the spirits of ancestors during Obon, Eisa has evolved into a more dynamic performance at this festival.
- Held on: Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14, 2025
👉 Find Okinawa tours and tickets (kkday)
Kakunodate Festival (Akita)
A traditional festival with over 300 years of history, held in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture. Lavishly decorated floats called "hikiyama" parade through this town known for its samurai residences. A highlight is when these floats dramatically crash into each other—a thrilling spectacle.
Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is one of the representative autumn festivals of the Tohoku region.
- Held on: September 7–9 every year
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