This Week in Japan

Week of September 28 - October 4, 2026

EVENTS THIS WEEK

A relatively quiet week nationally between Silver Week and the mid-October festival wave. Ongoing: Forest Beer Garden at Meiji Jingu Gaien (through Sept 30) and Matcha Beer Garden at Restaurant 1899 Ochanomizu (through Oct 31).

Early autumn colors (koyo) are just beginning in Hokkaido's high country, like Daisetsuzan, as the 2026 fall foliage season kicks off.

IN THE NEWS

Typhoon Dujuan struck Japan's Kanto region Sept 21-22. The nationwide death toll climbed to 12 (3 still missing) as of Sept 24, with Chiba, Kanagawa, and Tokyo's Izu Islands hit hardest. Record rainfall of 832mm fell on Oshima in 48 hours, an all-time station record; embankment failures and landslides caused major damage across Chiba and Kanagawa. Recovery efforts continue.

LOOKING AHEAD

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival - Oct 7-9, Nagasaki.

Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) - Oct 9-10, Takayama.

Health and Sports Day - Oct 12 (national holiday).

Jidai Matsuri - Oct 22, Kyoto.

Check back every week for the latest events, weather, and news from around Japan.