Autumn in the Chugoku region is an exciting time of year with good weather, beautiful scenery, and festivals. For those who have come to Japan for the first time this year, and of course Japanese people of all backgrounds, there may be some who have yet to enjoy the Chugoku region in this Corona Disaster. There are various festivals in the Chugoku region that are perfect for the coming season and can be enjoyed in the fall. We would like to introduce some of the upcoming festivals that we encourage you to participate in.

Saijo Sake Festival

This festival is held every October in the area around JR Saijo Station in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Saijo is nationally famous for its sake, and at the festival, various sake breweries sell limited-edition sake, serve sake hot pots, and hold various events such as sake tasting. This is a rare festival that uses sake as its symbol and is also a tourism promotion event that attracts more participants from various countries and regions. Some events require a fee or reservations, but if you are able to go, please try to participate.

In Higashihiroshima City, there is a 15-story apartment type called Village House Takamigaoka Tower, one of only two properties of this type in the Chugoku region, and a rare one at that! Plenty of parking, a supermarket nearby, and a great place to live, so I think it would be fun to take your family and friends to the Sake Festival!

Period： October 8-9, 2022

Closest station: Saijo Station (JR Sanyo Main Line)

Izumo-taisha Shrine Kamiarisai Festival

This festival is held at Izumo-taisha Shrine in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, every November.

October in the lunar calendar is called “Kanna-zuki,” but in Izumo it is called “Kamiarizuki” because all the gods from all over Japan gather in Izumo during this period. The festival, “Kanazai Matsuri,” is held during this period, but you may have the image of a festival where various ceremonies are held in a solemn manner, rather than a festival where people have fun and enjoy themselves. Although it is not possible to participate in the festival, it is possible to visit the shrine, so why not take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to pay a visit?

Izumo-taisha Shrine is also famous for marriage, and a ceremony called “Enmusubi-taisai” (Great Festival of Marriage) will be held. Known as the god of marriage, the Enmusubi Taisai is meant to bring about a “happy marriage” with the gods. It is a prayer for all kinds of connections, not only between men and women, but also between people and people, and between people and things. This festival can be attended, but advance registration is required. There are also four properties in the neighborhood, including Village House Matsuyose and Shiroeda, about 15 minutes by car from Izumo Taisha Shrine, with multiple floor plan types, so you may find one that fits your requirements perfectly!

Period: November 3-10, 2022 (Shinzai Festival)

November 7, 8, and 10, 2022 (Ennen-Yu Grand Festival)

Closest station: Izumo Taisha-mae Station (Ichibata Railway Taisha Line)

Okayama Momotaro Festival in Autumn

The Okayama Momotaro Festival is held three times a year in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, in summer, autumn, and winter.

The Autumn Okayama Momotaro Festival is an annual event held around October or November each year in various locations, including around Okayama Castle.

This festival is held under the theme of “local food, entertainment, and history,” and includes various events featuring local traditional performing arts and local history. It is also an event that can be enjoyed casually, with local gourmet foods for sale, food stalls, and fairs in Okayama Prefecture. The festival is held in the park around Okayama Castle, which has a magnificent castle tower, so feel free to take a stroll and enjoy the festival as well. Although it may be difficult to walk from the Village House due to the distance, there are many residential areas close to the center of Okayama City such as Village House Imabo and Fukutomi, which are also recommended for singles.

Period: November 19-20, 2022

Closest station: Jyoshita Station (Okaden Higashiyama Line (streetcar)

Sky Day Commemorative Festival

This is a valuable event that is open to the public once a year around early October at Yamaguchi-Ube Airport.

At the hands-on events that require advance registration, visitors can participate in photo sessions with aircraft from various companies, join the airport fire brigade, and take tours of the airport. In the first-come, first-served event, visitors can experience things that are not often possible, such as the pilot experience and the chance to try on and photograph uniforms. Of course, there are also other events such as tours of exhibits and performances, and there are plenty of food stalls at the venue. There are many events that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, so please come and have a valuable experience. Yamaguchi-Ube Airport also hosts an illumination event every fall and winter! There’s also the Village House Kohwayama, Kohwayama No. 2, etc., in a residential area about a 15-minute drive away, if you’re interested in checking them out!

Period: Early October, 2022

Closest station: Kusae Station (JR Ube Line)

As you can see, there are many festivals and events in the Chugoku region that are not only recommended for people from overseas but of course, can also be enjoyed by Japanese people. The festivals introduced here are only a small portion of the many festivals that are held in the region. If you live in the Chugoku region or are looking for a room in the future, Village House has many rooms available, so please feel free to contact us!

Wishing you good memories at all the local fall festivals!