What To Do in Japan This September of 2025: Events & Fireworks
- TOMOGO! Team
- Aug 17
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 27
As summer fades and the air turns crisp, September in Japan ushers in a season of vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations. Across the country, communities gather to honor history, express gratitude, and revel in the beauty of early autumn.
From dazzling floats illuminated against the night sky to powerful drumbeats and spirited dances, each event offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s living traditions. Whether you’re seeking authentic local experiences or looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere, September is a captivating time to explore Japan.
A Must-See for Stationery Lovers! Stationery Girls Expo Umeda, Osaka 2025
Japan’s popular stationery festival for stationery lovers comes to Umeda, Osaka! Explore exclusive goods from numerous stationery brands, enjoy limited-edition items, and shop to your heart’s content.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: September 10 (Wed) – September 15 (Mon, Holiday), 2025
Block 1: 10:00–12:00 (Last entry 11:30)
Block 2: 13:00–15:00 (Last entry 14:30)
Block 3: 15:20–17:20 (Last entry 16:50)
Block 4: 17:40–19:40 (Last entry 19:10)
※ Block system / limited capacity / timed entry※ On the final day, only Blocks 1–3 will be held
✨ Event Highlights
Japan’s largest stationery sales event — Bungu Joshi Haku has welcomed over 600,000 visitors to date.
Diverse exhibitors — Featuring renowned long-established stationery makers, innovative up-and-coming brands, and specialty stationery stores.
Exclusive products — Offers unique, original stationery items available for purchase on the spot.
Interactive experience — Visitors can see, touch, and try out products before buying.
Global appeal — Attracts stationery enthusiasts from across Japan and around the world.
📍 Location & Access
Hanshin Umeda Main Store, 8th Floor Event Hall
💴 Admission
September 10 (Wed) – 12 (Fri): ¥790
September 13 (Sat) – 15 (Mon, Holiday): ¥890
(Tax included, system & ticketing fees apply)
※ Timed entry / no re-entry permitted
General advance ticket sales start July 5 (Sat), 2025 at 10:00 via e+ (E-Plus): https://eplus.jp/bungujoshi/
※ Advance tickets are required for entry.※ Tickets cannot be issued at Hanshin Umeda Main Store—please bring your printed ticket.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Website (Available in Japanese)
KAWASEMI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025: Free Outdoor Music Festival in Hirakata, Osaka
Experience the 5th KAWASEMI MUSIC FESTIVAL on September 20, 2025, in Hirakata, Osaka. Enjoy 12 live music acts, food trucks, market stalls, and festival fun, all for free.
🗓 Schedule
Date: September 20, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 10:30 – 19:00
✨ Event Highlights
Live Performances:
12 performing groups, the largest number in the festival’s history
Featuring Yum!Yum!ORANGE, known for “Katsushika Rhapsody,” the 7th opening theme of Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo
Performances by Lani Noise (the musical project of comedy duo Lani Nose) and Shoei Junior High School’s light music club
Local favorites and up-and-coming acts bringing a wide range of music genres
Food & Market:
A variety of food trucks serving festival favorites
Handmade goods and craft stalls
Fun fair-style booths and activities
Community Spirit:
Created to connect people and showcase Hirakata’s culture
A lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike
📍 Location & Access
Nippon Paint Park Okahigashi Central, Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture
Hirakata-shi Station (Keihan Main Line) – Approx. 8 min walk
Miyanosaka Station (Keihan Katano Line) – Approx. 10 min walk
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Kushifes 2025 in Kobe Harborland: Summer Gourmet Festival with Food Trucks, Stage Shows & Night Stalls!
Enjoy a vibrant summer gourmet festival themed around kushiyaki (skewered dishes)! A wide variety of delicious food trucks and food tents will line the venue, centered on tasty skewers. Savor your favorite skewers alongside refreshing drinks, live music, dance performances, street artists, and stunning ocean views.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: September 13 (Sat), 14 (Sun), 15 (Mon, holiday), 2025
Time: 15:00 – 21:00
✨ Event Highlights
Food & Drinks: Wide variety of food trucks and tents; vote for favorites with gold coins
Entertainment: Live music, dance performances, street artists, workshops, and stage shows
Family Fun: Goldfish scooping, Frescobol, slacklining, takeout booths, and night market stalls
Scenic Views: Ocean views, sunsets, and illuminated Akashi Kaikyō Bridge
Additional Attractions: Maiko Marine Promenade, Bridge Science Museum, Ijokaku, and former Muto Sanji Residence
📍 Location & Access
Harborland Takahama Quay (mozaic seaside)
1-6 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0044
💴 Admission
Free (includes park entry and stage viewing)
(Food and drinks available for purchase)
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (in Japanese)
Himeji Minato Festival 2025: Spectacular Maritime Fireworks Display
Experience the Himeji Minato Festival 2025 with 10,000 fireworks, including record-breaking 10-inch shells, on September 14 at Himeji Port. Reserve your seats now!
🗓 Schedule
Date: September 14, 2025
Time: 19:30 – 20:45
✨ Event Highlights
Record-breaking 10,000 fireworks, including massive 10-inch shells
Launched from a barge 300 meters offshore for immersive viewing
Food stalls and viewing areas available for attendees
Exclusive premium viewing options for a unique perspective
📍 Location & Access
Himeji Port, Shikama-ku, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
💴 Admission
Only ticket holders may access the event area. Please refer to the event page for reference.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
OSAKA Art & Handmade Bazaar VOL.49: September 20–21, 2025
Meet the creators directly, purchase unique pieces, and explore each booth like a treasure hunt! | Source: iStock
Explore Kansai’s largest art and handmade event at OSAKA Art & Handmade Bazaar VOL.49. Meet creators, discover unique works, and enjoy workshops on September 20–21, 2025.
🗓 Schedule
Date: September 20–21, 2025
Time: 10:00–17:00 (Special Area 2 opens at 11:00; last entry 16:30)
✨ Event Highlights
Meet popular creators from across Japan and purchase original works
Enjoy jewelry, leather goods, glassware, stationery, ceramics, woodcraft, and more
Hands-on workshops for all ages
Discover new creations and unique pieces through a treasure-hunt style layout
📍 Location & Access
ATC HALL, Umier Cube, OZ Building North 3F Special Venue
Osaka Bay Area, Osaka
💴 Admission
On-site: 1,000 JPY
Advance: 800 JPY (available July 14 – September 19, 2025)
Free for children under elementary school age
Single entry per ticket; no refunds
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
SHIGA CRAFT BEER FESTA 2025: Craft Beer Festival at Lake Biwa
Celebrate Shiga’s craft beer culture at the third edition of the SHIGA CRAFT BEER FESTA, held alongside the Biwako Otsu Biwacoi Festival. This festival brings together 14 local craft breweries, the largest number ever, to showcase their unique beers with the stunning backdrop of Lake Biwa.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: September 20 (Sat) – September 23 (Tue, national holiday), 2025
Time: Details TBA (Please check official website for updates)
✨ Event Highlights
14 Local Breweries offering a wide variety of Shiga craft beers, including first-time participants like Kuniumi Brewery and Takashima Brewery.
Pairings with Local Cuisine from food vendors and restaurants, perfect for tasting the full flavor of Shiga.
Lake and City Cruises via LAGO Cruises (new routes launched April 2025), providing unique lakefront access to the festival.
Simultaneous Festival: Enjoy the atmosphere of the Biwako Otsu Biwacoi Festival with music, performances, and entertainment across the lakeshore area.
Family-Friendly & Accessible: Free admission with easy access from central Kyoto and Otsu; a perfect spot for both local and inbound visitors.
📍 Location & Access
Otsu Port, Symbol Green Space, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
💴 Admission
Free admission
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
OSAKA SAKE SQUARE 2025: Kansai Sake Tasting Festival
OSAKA SAKE SQUARE 2025 gathers 27 breweries from Osaka and across the Kansai region (2 prefectures and 4 other areas) for a premier Japanese sake tasting event, including Osaka’s historical role as a hub for regional sake, Shiga’s premium rice and pristine water, Kyoto’s renowned breweries, Hyogo’s historic sake production, Nara’s sake origins, and Wakayama’s mineral-rich spring water.
🗓 Schedule
September 20 (Sat): 11:00–19:00 (Last order 18:30)
September 21 (Sun): 11:00–18:30 (Last order 18:00)
✨ Event Highlights
Kansai Region Breweries: Taste sake from Osaka and 26 other breweries across Kyoto, Hyogo, Shiga, Nara, and Wakayama.
Starter Set: Receive 10 coins, an original sake cup, and a wristband for tasting. Bring your cup back for additional tastings without extra setup.
Food Pairings: Sample local snacks and pairing dishes at various booths, purchased with tasting coins.
Flexible Participation: Bring your starter set to enjoy the festival on another day during the event period.
Convenient Access: Easy to reach in central Osaka, perfect for locals and tourists alike.
How it Works:
Exchange your ticket for the starter set at the reception counter.
Select your favorite sake and snacks using the event app, leaflet, or website.
Use tasting coins to enjoy sake and food at participating booths.
📍 Location & Access
Ogimachi Park, Osaka Prefecture (tentative)
💴 Admission
Advance Ticket: ¥3,200
On-site Ticket: ¥3,800
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Website (In Japanese)
Hanamaki Festival 2025: Traditional Floats, Mikoshi Parades & Folk Performances in Iwate Prefecture
Join the vibrant three-day spectacle filled with traditional culture, music, and community spirit. | Source: iStock
Experience the Hanamaki Festival 2025 in Iwate from September 12–14. Enjoy spectacular floats, Japan’s largest mikoshi parade, and traditional folk performances, including the famous Shishi-odori deer dance.
🗓 Schedule
Date: September 12 (Fri) – September 14 (Sun), 2025
✨ Festival Schedule
Day 1 – September 12 (Fri)
15:00–16:00 — Free-roaming floats & mikoshi
16:20–17:40 — Kagura Gongen-mai dance
17:40–18:30 — Mikoshi parade
18:30–20:00 — Float parade
20:00–21:00 — Shishi-odori under torchlight
Day 2 – September 13 (Sat)
15:00–16:10 — Children’s mikoshi parade
16:40–17:40 — Shishi-odori dance performance
17:40–18:50 — Float parade
19:10–21:00 — General mikoshi parade
Day 3 – September 14 (Sun)
15:10–16:50 & 18:00–19:30 — Float parade
15:40–16:40 — Hanamaki Bayashi dance
16:40–18:00 — Mikoshi parade
20:00–21:00 — Free-roaming floats & mikoshi
📍 Location & Access
Omatsuri Hiroba, Kamicho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Discover More Events and Fireworks with TOMOGO! this September in Japan
At TOMOGO!, we’re here to help you experience these moments up close, from the best viewing spots to insider cultural insights. Let us be your guide to discovering the heart of Japan, one unforgettable festival at a time. Discover the local events with TOMOGO! in Japan this September together!
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