This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and our featured tours you can join and enjoy during your visit.
Weather in September
Tohoku in September is defined by hot summer days holding on before eventually giving way to slightly cooler, less humid temperatures. Although certain areas of Tohoku tend to drop in temperature quite quickly as the beginning of the autumn season approaches, it's still important to remember to stay hydrated and wear UV protective hats, clothes, and sunscreen. Certain areas also bring about some continuous rainy days so pack an umbrella!
Daytime highs in Sendai usually range from about 21°C to 27°C (69°F - 80°F), with an average temperature hovering around 24°C (75°F). Nighttime temperatures range from about 13°C to 22°C (55°F - 71°F). The evenings tend to feel cool and refreshing with occasional rainy days and potential storms.
In areas like Koriyama the average highs can reach anywhere from 21°C to 28°C (69°F to 83°F) with the average daily temperature at 25°C (77°F). September is pleasantly warm and breezy with occasional rainy days in Koriyama.
Aomori City can see temperatures from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F). Average lows tend to be around 16°C (60°F). Aomori is usually pleasantly cool, a bit humid, with occasional large drops in temperature between day and night.
Overall temperatures tend to be warmer at the beginning of September but the days will eventually cool off during the middle and end of September. Some areas have dramatic ranges of temperatures, so it's important to pack light layers and be prepared for the occasional rainy day. Humidity levels tend to start dropping thanks to the shift into the autumn season. Be prepared for hot days though, as the lingering summer heat has drifted into early to mid September in recent years.
Seasonal Highlights in September
With the first graces of cool autumn weather and turning leaves, September is a great time to visit the Tohoku region. Here are a few fun seasonal highlights:
The Three Mountains of Dewa Pilgrimage
Located in central Yamagata prefecture, the Dewa Sanzan is the collective name for three sacred mountains: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono. These mountains have been revered for their sacredness for a millennium and till this day are part of a spiritual pilgrimage beloved by many. All three of these mountains are accessible, however to the inexperienced hiker Gassan and Yudno can prove to be quite challenging. Mt. Haguro is the lowest peak and therefore the most accessible all year round. It also has a road winding up to the Dewa Sanzan shrine and designated national treasure pagoda.
Many people have challenged all three, especially during the autumn months to see the gorgeous colorful leaves. Although the most serious of trekkers are typically Yamabushi, mountain monks who are training for this pilgrimage and practice an ancient religion called Shugendo which emphasizes balance with nature. For those looking to partake in their own spiritual journey this September before the snow hits in later months, Mt. Haguro is your best bet. It offers visitors a chance to climb the mountain, make the trek up some 2,400+ steps, and witness the serenity of this sacred and holy place.
Autumn Foliage of Geibikei Gorge
Geibikei Gorge is a ravine located within the Iwate city of Ichinoseki. Located about a half hour via local train from Ichinoseki Station, this scenic gorge offers some of the most breathtaking views. A highlight of this area is its entirely walkable from the station and the tourism association times their event timetables with the incoming trains.
The most popular attraction of the gorge is definitely the traditional wooden boat ride up and down the stream. Powered by a singular boatman using a long bamboo pole, you are guided up the river and told about the history of the area as well as given insight to the different names of the rocky cliffs surrounding you. Not only are the beautiful autumn leaves a sight to behold but the acoustics are gorgeous too! Sometimes your boat guide will sing a traditional song about the boats and the area to serenade you as you make your way through the water. Since the boat cruise is most popular in the peak autumn season, it's recommended to head a bit early in September to get a taste of the changing leaves while beating the crowds.
Gege Akutami's "Jujutsu Kaisen" Exhibition
Located at the Iwate Museum of Art, Jujutsu Kaisen fans can rejoice at this special exhibition showcasing Gege Akutami's art. The exhibition will be held starting September 12th (SAT) and will run until November 8th (SUN). Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy, Shonen JUMP magazine series that has been buzzing with popularity since its publication and boosted into international fame once the anime premiered in 2020.
This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the creative process behind the manga, which was created using digital techniques. It's also accompanied by commentary from the author Gege Akutami, and unravels the “behind-the-scenes stories” of Jujutsu Kaisen's creation. There is also a limited availability of goods for sale.
Admission into the museum and exhibition is 2,000 yen (day-of tickets available) and both the shop and exhibition area closes at 18:00 daily.
Drive Through the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline
Starting in late September, this scenic toll road becomes a breathtaking sight of golds and reds of changing leaves. The Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is located in the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park and opened in 1965 as Aomori Prefecture's first toll road. What makes this winding toll road so special, however, is its 69 tight curves surrounded by nature as far as the eye can see. As you approach the end of the Skyline the sights become more dynamic and you can get panoramic views of areas such as Matsumae in Hokkaido to the far north, and Cape Gongenzaki and Lake Jusanko on the Tsugaru Peninsula. This drive is perfect for the independent traveler who has rented a car and wants to journey to the often less traveled north of Japan.
Festivals and Events in September
With the summertime traffic beginning to slow down, September is a great time to head north in Japan to get an early glimpse at some of the changing leaves. Although August is the month of festivals, September too has some great events and festivals that you don't want to miss. Regardless of your destination, the Tohoku region has something for everyone.
Jozenji StreetJazz Festival
- September 12th (SAT) & 13th (SUN)
- 40 different locations throughout Sendai city
- 11:00 - 20:00
Attracting thousands of music lovers every year, this iconic festival is one of the more recent traditions starting in 1991. This two day event fills the streets of Sendai with music and merriment with over 4,000 musicians across 40 different venues and locations. There is a wide variety of groups as well anywhere from indie to well known! So if you're in Sendai over this weekend, set aside some time to come and enjoy some live music.
Kakunodate Matsuri no Yama Event
- September 7th (MON), 8th (TUES), & 9th (WED)
- 10:00 - 19:00
- Kakunodate Town, Semboku, Akita
Held every year on the same three days in the Kakunodate area of Semboku City, Akita prefecture and has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. The event dates back to 400 years and is held to pray for the health and well-being of families, success of businesses, and prosperity of the region. The festival consists of a parade of floats that hold performers of traditional Japanese flutes, drums, shamisen, and even warrior and kabuki dolls. Because the festival is a combination of a few different shrines, a highlight is when the traveling floats cross paths. Here the "confrontation" takes place and the liveliness goes all out while they negotiate who has the right of way. This historic tradition is one not to miss! Especially when you can walk around the picturesque Edo period samurai streets.
Aizu Festival
- September 19th (SAT), 20th (SUN), 21st (MON)
- Various start times: 19:00 - 20:30 main evenings events; 10:00 am start for Gyorestu
- Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima prefecture
The Aizu Festival is a series of events and festivals over a three day period in the castle city of Aizuwakamatsu. Some of the highlights include a candlelit lantern procession of children, a traditional Bon Festival dance, and a procession dedicated to the samurai history of the city. This is called the Aizu Han Ko Gyorestu and it features folks dressed in traditional gear and costumes related to the Aizu Clan from various periods in history. The main focus is warriors and samurai, so for those who love Japanese history, this is definitely an event you won't want to miss. Particularly interesting are those dressed in costumes of the Byakkotai Warriors, the famous group of young boys who gave their lives in ritual suicide atop a hill located right in Aizuwakamatsu. This costumed procession part of Aizu Festival is on Saturday, September 20th and starts around 10:00 near Tsuruga Castle. For more detailed information, visit the Aizu Tourism
Sendai Oktoberfest
- September 11th (FRI) to 27th (SUN)
- Weekdays from 16:00 - 21:00; Weekends from 11:00 - 21:00\
- Nishikicho Park off of Jozen-dori Ave
- 1,000 yen admission fee
Sendai Oktoberfest is a yearly event held daily that lets visitors and locals alike celebrate the German way! You can enjoy German beer, local Tohoku beer, wine, coffee, beef, sausages, oysters, pizza, and so much more. There are live music performances and tons of fun to be had. Rain or shine, this festival goes off without a hitch every day from September 11th through September 27th. Families are also welcomed to come and enjoy the festivities as there are tons of varieties of food stalls as well as a designated kids playing area.
The Sendai Oktoberfest also promotes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are dedicated to creating a seamless event that blends into the natural landscape of Sendai, the "City of Trees," with respect to the natural environment. This includes a reusable cup system to prevent the waste of single-use plastic cups for beers. So, not only can you have a great time enjoying delicious food and music, but also be at ease knowing the event holders are doing their best to be as kind to the environment as they can.
Kokeshi Festival
- September 5th (SAT) to 6th (SUN)
- Pre-festival event on September 4th (FRI)
- Osakishi Naruko Community Center
- Daily schedule changes but generally from 8:45 to 16:00
The All Japan Kokeshi Festival brings together traditional kokeshi from across the country. Kokeshi are traditional wooden dolls with no arms or legs. They represent luck, protection of children, and fortune for the family and have been crafted for over 150 years. The Kokeshi Festival began in 1948, shortly after World War II, and remains beloved by many people today. The festivities include a large display of gorgeously handcrafted koseshi dolls, traditional dance, and a lantern-adorned portable shrine, among many other fun events! There will be food stalls and vendors and even a chance to paint your own kokeshi, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
A pre-festival event will be held on Friday, September 4th starting at 18:00 where the well-loved kokeshi that are no longer able to be admired due to cracks or other various damages are ritually burned at the Naruko Onsen Shrine. This ritual is to show our appreciation for the dolls and to pray for the longevity of the kokeshi industry. Visit their official website by searching for the All Japan Kokeshi Matsuri (Japanese only).
Featured Tours in September
September has a good mix of both the tail end of summer and the cool beginnings of autumn. It's the perfect time to head north to catch some festivals in the cities while venturing out to nature to see some of the changing leaves.
Visit Two Spiritual Pilgrimages of Tohoku
Experience two spiritual behemoths, in size and importance, of the Tohoku region.
This tour will grant you a day of spiritual significance, historical interest, and natural beauty. Sendai’s Daikannon (White Robbed Colossus) Statue and Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple (Risshaku-ji) are some of the most breathtaking sights located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Both of these notably spiritual destinations boast grandiose height, ritual pilgrimage, and offer visitors a chance to connect with the prominent Buddhist history that has shaped much of what Japan is today.
Highlights:
- See a panoramic view of Sendai City and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean
- Witness 108 unique statues within the "womb" of Daikannon
- Taste Yamagata's celebrated delicacy ita soba or give yourself some energy with chikara konnyaku
- Climb the 1,015 stone steps of tranquil Risshaku-ji
- Partake in spiritual pilgrimages important to Japanese Buddhism
Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Get out of Tokyo and step back in time to Tochigi prefecture and explore the world famous heritage site and national park of Nikko! If you want to see some of Japan's most beautiful and culturally significant temples, shrines, traditional architecture and natural landmarks, then this tour is for you. With Nikko being two hours from Tokyo, it is the perfect day trip outside of the capital!
Highlights:
- Experience one of Japan’s most famous World Heritage sites and National Parks!
- See Nikko’s beautiful wood carvings of the famous ’Three Wise Monkeys’ and the ’Sleeping Cat’!
- See the resting place of Japan’s most famous Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Walk through a gorge filled with ’Jizo’ statues and see a waterfall!
- Enjoy exploring a traditional and historic Imperial villa and garden!
Curious about other Japan regional highlights in September? Check out our INFORMATION page for more details!
Tips for Visiting & Traveling in September
- Shinkansen: Travel to Tohoku is easy and convenient with the JR Pass or JR East Pass.
- Dress in light layers: Although autumn is on its way, warm days will still linger especially in the early half of the month.
- Take Advantage of Nice Weather: Since the summer heat should be cooling off, it's the perfect time to venture outdoors and see the abundance of nature Tohoku has to offer.
- Stay Hydrated: Even on more temperate days, it's easy to become dehydrated when walking around a lot. Always bring water with you when you go out adventuring.
- Beware of Bears: Those looking to go hiking, make sure you are informed about proper bear safety protocols in Tohoku.
Plan Your September Visit
With the intense summer heat usually behind us, September is the first month into the "golden time" of Tohoku. The leaves and rice fields alike start turning that beautiful gold color and offer some of the most gorgeous views in Japan. The temperatures can vary, especially near the beginning of September, so stay up to date with daily weather forecasts and pack light layers accordingly. Take advantage of the more temperate climates and venture outdoors or walk through cities like Sendai or Aomori and take in the less-beaten paths of Tohoku.
September is a fun season to visit Japan with the plethora of festivals, concert events, vibrant outdoors life, and memorable adventures waiting for you.
Ready to discover Tohoku in September? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best Tohoku and other regions of Japan have to offer.
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