9 Best Things to Do in Aichi(Nagoya) in October

When traveling, you often want to include experiences and sights that are unique to that specific time of year. This time, we’re introducing the events, recommended spots, and the general situation in Aichi in October for those who are planning to visit.

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About Aichi in October

October in Aichi Prefecture is characterized by cool weather and a host of events and autumn festivals. It is also a season where you can enjoy seasonal delicacies and a variety of experiences. This article introduces events, autumn festivals, and seasonal flavors and experiences you can enjoy in Aichi Prefecture in October.

Events in October

In October, Aichi Prefecture hosts a wide range of events from traditional festivals to modern events. Each event reflects the characteristics and history of the region, making them worth visiting.

“Owari Yokosuka Festival” [Tokai City]

Held in Tokai City, Aichi Prefecture, the “Owari Yokosuka Festival” is a traditional festival that takes place on the fourth Sunday of September and the preceding day. During this festival, four town groups each pull their own “yama” (festival floats), and entertain the gods with “kagura” (Shinto music and dance) and dances. It is an event where you can feel the culture and history of the region in the cool weather of October.

“Setomono Matsuri” [Seto City]

The “Setomono Matsuri” in Seto City is a traditional event that has been held since Showa 7 (1932). It takes place around the “Owari Seto Station” on the Meitetsu Seto Line and features a large sale of ceramics, craft workshops, fireworks, and other diverse events. Particularly in October, the banks of the Seto River are enveloped in beautiful autumn scenery, making it perfect for a stroll.

“Handa Dashi Matsuri” [Handa City]

The “Handa Dashi Matsuri” held in Handa City is a large-scale festival that takes place once every five years, but the regular festivals in each district held in October are also noteworthy. 31 “Dashi” parade through the city, allowing you to feel the history and culture of the region. In the refreshing autumn breeze, you can enjoy the grand procession of “Dashi.”

Autumn Festivals in October

Autumn festivals are a hallmark of autumn in Aichi Prefecture. Many of these festivals are held to give thanks for the harvest and to pray for health and safety, with each region offering its own unique features.

“Taharamatsuri” (Gochou Joint Fireworks Festival) [Taharamatsuri]

The “Taharamatsuri” in Taharamatsuri is characterized by daytime “yama” processions and nighttime fireworks. Especially at night in October, you can enjoy large tube fireworks, handheld fireworks, and about 4,000 pyrotechnic displays. This festival, which has been held since the Edo period, offers a great opportunity to enjoy fireworks that light up the autumn night sky while feeling the tradition.

“Takahama Omanto Matsuri” [Takahama City]

The “Omanto Matsuri” at Kasuga Shrine in Takahama City is designated as an intangible folk cultural property. Held on the first Sunday of October and the preceding day, this festival features a spectacular scene where young men leap onto galloping horses, becoming one with the horse as they race through the shrine grounds. You can experience the powerful traditional festival amidst beautiful autumn scenery.

“Owari Tsushima Autumn Festival” [Tsushima City]

The “Owari Tsushima Autumn Festival” in Tsushima City is a large-scale autumn festival where “yama” from various regions come together. Held on the first Sunday of October and the preceding Saturday, 16 “yama” parade through the town. Amidst the sounds of drums and gongs, you can also enjoy traditional stone-carrying festivals, “kagura,” and demon festivals.

Seasonal Flavors and Experiences

In autumn, Aichi Prefecture offers a wealth of fruit picking and harvest experiences where you can enjoy seasonal flavors. Relish the natural bounty of Aichi Prefecture.

“Gamagori Orange Park” [Gamagori City]

At “Gamagori Orange Park” in Gamagori City, you can enjoy mikan (mandarin orange) picking from October to December. You can harvest fresh mikan from among 2,500 trees and taste them on the spot. Enjoy the sweet and juicy mikan while spending a leisurely time in the autumn sunshine.

“Kanko Noen Shibakuen” [Okazaki City]

At “Kanko Noen Shibakuen” in Okazaki City, you can enjoy sweet potato digging from early October. You can harvest varieties of sweet potatoes such as “Beniharuka” and “Karayutaka” and enjoy the fresh taste as it is. The farm also has a café and barbecue facilities, making it perfect for a relaxing family outing.

“Aoi Park” [Hekinan City]

At “Aoi Park” in Hekinan City, you can enjoy kiwi fruit picking and sweet potato digging from early October. Kiwi fruit can be harvested from early October to late November and tasted on the spot, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also enjoy sweet potato digging during the same period, fully savoring the autumn flavors.