10 November Events in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe 2026

November Events and Festivals in Western Japan

November brings autumn colors, traditional festivals, and sparkling evening illuminations to Japan’s Kansai region.

Watch geiko and maiko perform in Kyoto, follow glowing riverside trails in Osaka, admire Nara’s historic shrines framed by maple leaves, or discover outdoor art and seasonal treats in Kobe.

From centuries-old cultural celebrations to gardens transformed after dark, these 10 events offer memorable ways to enjoy Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hyogo in November 2026.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Gion Odori in Kyoto (November 1–10)
• 2. Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Night Illumination (Late November)
• 3. Kodaiji Temple Night Light-Up and Projection Mapping (Late October - Early December)
• 4. Midosuji Illumination in Osaka (Early November – Late December)
• 5. Shitennoji Wasso Festival in Osaka (November 1)
• 6. Minoh Momiji Matsuri and Waterfall Illuminations (November 14 - December 6)
• 7. Katsuoji Temple Autumn Illumination (Weekends and Holidays in November)
• 8. Tanzan Shrine Autumn Festival in Nara (Throughout November)
• 9. Rokko Meets Art Walk in KObe (Mid-September – Late November)
• 10. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens Autumn Harvest and Garden Fest (November)

1. Gion Odori in Kyoto (November 1–10)

While spring hosts the famous Miyako Odori, November belongs to Gion Higashi. From November 1–10, 2026, Kyoto’s Gion Kaikan theater hosts Gion Odori, the only autumn public geiko and maiko dance performance among the city’s five geisha districts.

Now in its 67th edition, this annual event showcases the artistic heritage of Gion Higashi, whose history as a separate district dates back to 1881. Richly colored kimono, graceful movements, and traditional music fill the stage, culminating in a spectacular ensemble finale celebrating the district’s four seasons.

The hour-long performances begin daily at 13:30 and 16:00. Tickets cost 6,000 yen, or 7,000 yen with a tea ceremony.

Gion Odori Dance Festival in Kyoto
Dates: November 1–10, 2026
Location: Gion Kaikan, Kyoto (Google Maps)
Official website: Gion Odori (English follows the Japanese content)

2. Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Night Illumination (Late November)

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Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s best-known Buddhist temples, is particularly striking in autumn, when red and golden maple leaves surround its famous wooden stage.

From November 21–30, 2026, the Autumn Night Illumination lights up the temple’s stage, three-story pagoda, and surrounding foliage, offering a different perspective on this historic landmark.

The illuminated stage appears to float above a sea of autumn color, while a distinctive blue beam crosses the night sky, symbolizing the compassion of Kannon, the Buddhist deity enshrined at the temple.

Night viewing runs from 17:30–21:30, with last admission at 21:00. Admission costs 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Night Illumination
Date: November 21–30, 2026
Location: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto (Google Maps)
Official website: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

3. Kodaiji Temple Night Light-Up and Projection Mapping (Late October - Early December)

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Kyoto's Kodaiji Temple pairs historic gardens with modern light displays during its autumn night viewing. From October 23–December 13, 2026, illuminated maple trees reflect in the still pond, while towering bamboo glows along the walking route.

Photo courtesy of PR TIMES

This year’s new projection mapping show, Momoyama Ryōran, transforms Hashin-tei Garden with drifting golden clouds, colorful flowers, and rippling water patterns. Light and music bring the garden to life, adding a contemporary highlight to an evening of autumn scenery.

Night viewing runs from 17:00–22:00 (last entry 21:30). Admission costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for junior and senior high school students; elementary school children and younger enter free.

Kodaiji Temple Night Light-Up and Projection Mapping
Date: October 23 – December 13, 2026
Location: Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto (Google Maps)
Official website: Kodaiji Temple (Japanese)

4. Midosuji Illumination in Osaka (Early November – Late December)

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A glittering corridor of illuminated ginkgo trees stretches approximately four kilometers from Umeda to Namba, bringing a festive glow to Osaka’s Midosuji Avenue. Changing colors and coordinated building lights transform this familiar city street into a memorable evening walk.

Held November 3–December 31, 2026, Midosuji Illumination is one of two core programs of the Osaka Festival of Lights, alongside Nakanoshima’s OSAKA Light Renaissance.

This year’s theme, LINK—Light moves the city, adds motion-responsive displays, a night market, and workshops, inviting visitors to become part of the spectacle.

The main illuminations shine daily from around 17:00 to 1:00. Admission is free; individual activities follow separate schedules.

Midosuji Illumination
Date: November 3 – December 31, 2026
Location: Midosuji Avenue, Osaka (Hanshin-mae Intersection to Namba-Nishiguchi Intersection) (Google Maps)
Official website: Osaka Festival of Lights (Japanese)

5. Shitennoji Wasso Festival in Osaka (November 1)

Shitennoji Wasso is a cultural festival celebrating approximately 1,400 years of exchange between Japan and its Asian neighbors. Held at Osaka’s Naniwa Palace Site on November 1, 2026, it brings shared history to life through music, dance, and theater.

The afternoon historical program journeys through Japan’s ancient eras and features traditional Korean dance, while taiko drumming, Awa Odori, and K-pop add lively rhythms to the day. Together, these performances offer an engaging introduction to the region’s cultural connections, past and present.

Doors open at 10:30, with performances beginning at 11:00 AM. The event ends at 17:00 and will be canceled in case of rain.

Shitennoji Wasso Festival
Date: November 1, 2026 (canceled in case of rain)
Location: Naniwa Palace Site, Osaka (Google Maps)
Official website: Shitennoji Wasso (Japanese)

6. Minoh Momiji Matsuri and Waterfall Illuminations (November 14 - December 6)

Osaka's Minoh Park, just about 30 minutes from Umeda, becomes a world of crimson and gold in autumn. Follow the 2.7-kilometer riverside trail toward the 33-meter Minoh Falls, stopping for momiji tempura—maple leaves salt-cured for a year, coated in sweet sesame batter, and fried crisp.

Stay until dusk to discover another side of the valley. During Minoh Momiji Matsuri, November 14–December 6, 2026, lighting picks out colorful leaves against the forest’s darkness. Five listening points offer music through your smartphone, pairing the views with a soundtrack alongside the flowing river. Bring headphones to enjoy the experience.

Illuminations run from sunset until 21:30 throughout the festival.

Minoh Momiji Matsuri and Waterfall Illuminations
Date: November 14 - December 6, 2026
Location: Minoh Park waterfall trail, from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Falls, Osaka Prefecture (Google Maps)
Official website: Minoh City Tourism Association

7. Katsuoji Temple Autumn Illumination (Weekends and Holidays in November)

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Katsuoji Temple in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, is known as the Temple of Winning Luck. Its red daruma dolls symbolize perseverance and wishes for success, adding splashes of color throughout the grounds.

In autumn, the approximately 264,000-square-meter grounds fill with crimson and gold. After sunset, illuminated leaves glow against the dark forest, revealing a different side of the mountain scenery.

The combination of brilliant foliage, rolling mist across the pond, and daruma dolls tucked along stone walls beside the paths gives this temple’s autumn evenings a character all their own.

The light-up runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from November 1–29, 2026, from sunset until 8:30 PM, with last entry at 20:00.

Katsuoji Temple Autumn Illumination
Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese public holidays from November 1–29, 2026
Location: Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka Prefecture (Google Maps)
Official website: Katsuoji Temple (Japanese)

8. Tanzan Shrine Autumn Festival in Nara (Throughout November)

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Known as the Nikko of the West, Tanzan Shrine in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, is home to over 3,000 maple trees and the world’s only surviving wooden thirteen-story pagoda.

Alongside the autumn foliage, visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional ceremonies and cultural events during the Autumn Leaves Festival, held from October 1–December 6, 2026.

Highlights include the Kemari Festival on November 3, featuring players in traditional robes, the Grand Festival on November 17, and gagaku court music with Ranryōō dance on November 28. Visitors can also try kemari, a traditional Japanese ball game, from October 31–November 8.

Daily illuminations run November 14–December 6, from sunset until 20:30.

Tanzan Shrine Autumn Leaves Festival
Date: October 1 - December 6, 2026
Illuminations: November 14–December 6, 2026
Location: Tanzan Shrine, Sakurai, Nara Prefecture (Google Maps)
Official website: Tanzan Shrine (Japanese)

9. Rokko Meets Art Walk in KObe (Mid-September – Late November)

Mount Rokko in Kobe becomes an open-air gallery during Kobe Rokko Meets Art. Around 60 artists and groups present works across 10 venues, combining contemporary art with gardens, distinctive architecture, and sweeping mountain views. Autumn foliage adds seasonal color, usually peaking from late October to late November.

After dark, Hikari no Mori: Night Art Walk brings glowing installations to the ROKKO Forest Sound Museum and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. Smile-covered lanterns brighten the trees, while luminous balloon artworks shimmer above a pond.

Night viewing runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from September 19–November 29, 2026, from 17:00–20:00. Adult night passes cost 2,000 yen.

Kobe Rokko Meets Art / Hikari no Mori: Night Art Walk
Date: Art festival: August 29–November 29, 2026
Night art walk: Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese public holidays from September 19–November 29, 2026
Location: Mount Rokko, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture; night art walk at ROKKO Forest Sound Museum and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (Google Maps)
Official website: Kobe Rokko Meets Art

10. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens Autumn Harvest and Garden Fest (November)

Photo courtesy of PR TIMES

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens in Hyogo Prefecture offers autumn scenery approximately 400 meters above the city. A ten-minute ropeway ride reveals mountainside foliage before arriving at gardens filled with seasonal flowers and panoramic views.

Throughout November, Garden Fest pairs leisurely strolls with German beer, herb sausages, and autumn fruit desserts. Reserved picnic packages continue until November 23, while wreath-making kits are available November 1 and 3.

From November 7, Christmas decorations add festive sparkle. Autumn foliage lighting begins at 3:00 PM along a 150-meter path toward the Glass House, creating a glowing walkway beneath colorful leaves. Visit on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evenings from November 7 for extended nighttime opening.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens Autumn Harvest & Garden Fest
Date: Garden Fest: September 12–December 6, 2026
Autumn Harvest Fair: September 4–November 30, 2026
Location: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture (Google Maps)
Official website: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (Japanese)

Enjoy November Events in Kansai

Whether you’re drawn to Kyoto’s illuminated temples, Osaka’s lively festivals, Nara’s autumn leaves, or Kobe’s mountain scenery, November offers plenty of reasons to explore Kansai.

Pair a daytime garden stroll with an evening light-up, or make a traditional performance the highlight of your trip. Check the official websites for the latest schedules, book ahead where required, and bring an extra layer for evenings outdoors.

Main image by Pixta