What’s Happening in October

Setouchi Triennale 2019
Held once every three years, this world-famous contemporary art festival held on the Seto Inlands was launched to revitalize rural areas struggling from depopulation. This year’s theme is “Journey through the Seasons” and lasts 107 days. 
When: Until Nov. 4
Where: Seto Inland Sea
www.setouchi-artfest.jp 

Banff Mountain Film Festival
The best of adventure films hits the big screen this autumn as Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Japan. With inspiring stories from the far-flung corners of the world, the film festival will showcase more than 15 films. 
Oct. 11-14: Gate City Osaki, Tokyo
Oct. 19-20: Shiretoko Nature Center, Hokkaido
Oct. 27: Sapporo Kyosai Hall, Hokkaido
www.banff.jp
Read our guide to this year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival here!

Kyushu Beer Festival (Tokyo) – Cancelled due to typhoon
When: Oct. 11-14
www.kyushubeerfestival.com

Akita Oktoberfest (Akita)
When: Oct. 11-14
aqula.co.jp/akita-oktoberfest

Musashi Fuchu Beer Festival (Tokyo) – Cancelled due to typhoon
When: Oct. 12
fuchu-beer.tokyo

Okinawa Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 12-13
www.facebook.com/okinawaoctoberfest

Yona-Yona Ale’s “Chō-Utage,” Odaiba (Tokyo) – Cancelled due to typhoon
When: Oct. 12-13
yohobrewing.com/cho_utage

Yokonori Nippon Film Festival
Japan’s surf, skate and snow scene is celebrated at this week-long film festival dedicated to yokonori, literally translated as “riding sideways.” Showings are held in the Shonan surf town of Chigasaki. Purchase tickets online.
Oct. 12: Aeon Cinema Otaru, Hokkaido
Oct. 19: Aeon Cinema Kitakami, Iwate
Oct. 20: Escal Plaza Hakuba, Nagano
www.yoko-nori.jp

Toyama Park Yabusame
Witness the traditional martial arts of Yabusame horse-mounted archery in Toyama Park. The procession starts from Anahachimangu Shrine in Waseda. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.
When: Oct. 14
Where: Anahachimangu Shrine, Tokyo

Jidai Matsuri
More than 2,000 people will parade in traditional Japanese garments through Kyoto, reflecting the region’s 1,200-year history. The procession starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace, traveling along Oike-dori to Heian Jingu Shrine. Special seats with English guidance are available for ¥3,500 from Kyoto City Tourism Association.
When: Oct. 22 (Kyoto Imperial Palace: noon, Oike-dori street: 12:50 p.m., Heian Jingu Shrine: 2:30 p.m.).
Where: Kyoto Imperial Palace/Oike-dori street/Heian Jingu Shrine
www.kyoto-magonote.jp/en

Kawagoe Festival
Held in the Edo-style town of Kawagoe, the Kawagoe Festival is a fun way to take in Kawagoe’s rustic charm. The annual festival features floats displaying elaborately crafted dolls along the main street lined with traditional warehouses.
When: Oct. 19-20
Where: Kawagoe, Saitama

Kanazawa Marathon
Cheer on 13,000 runners at this marathon, starting at Hirosaka-dori by the Shiinoki Cultural Complex. The race passes by the city’s attractions like Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, the restored teahouses of Higashiyama and the Teramachi Temple area. 
When: Oct. 27
Where: Kanazawa, Ishikawa
www.kanazawa-marathon.jp

Sea to Summit
The last of Montbell’s outdoor series for the year concludes in Nagano and Mie. Kayak, bike and hike from the ocean or river to the top of a mountain. Participants can compete solo or as a team.
Oct. 26-27: Chikuma River / Mt. Kosha, Nagano
en.montbell.jp