6 Reasons to Visit Japan in Autumn
When you look out of the window, you probably don't need reminding; autumn has officially begun. Drippy noses, scarves and lots and lots of rain. But! Autumn also brings joy to the people! At least in Japan, it does...
Japan in the Fall
Do you have a trip planned to the country of the rising sun this fall? Lucky you! Here are 6 things you shouldn’t miss while you’re there. If you haven’t booked a trip yet, here are the 10 excuses you can use to persuade your partner (or yourself) to get on a plane and visit the land of the rising sun (and sushi)!
1. Autumn leaves
This should really be reason one, two AND three. The leaves turn bright red and yellow all over the country in the fall. Going downwards from the most northern part of Japan, Hokkaido, in September, autumn leaves can be enjoyed in Tokyo and Kyoto around early November, and on the southern island of Kyūshū around November/early December.
2. Temperature
Sunseekers need not worry in Japan when they visit there in the fall. The summer, although perhaps sunnier, is too hot to handle if you ask me. And not in a good way.
3. Beer!
Beer. Maybe not the first thing that pops to mind when you think of Japan, but man do they love their beers! If you were to visit all the different Oktober-fests they hold around the country, you’d have a very busy autumn. And even for those visiting Japan during another season: don’t worry, there are still loads of Oktober-fests to choose from during the rest of the year. Good thing Japan always adjusts foreign traditions to their own convenience.
photo courtesy of oldfashioned.cocolog-nifty.com
4. University Festivals
In September, when Japanese students go back to school after the summer recess, gakusai, or students’ festivals, are held everywhere. These are really cool to visit, because they give you an insight in the lives of university or college students. Although it can seem a bit like an in-crown event, if you are bold enough to just mingle in there, people are usually very friendly and try and talk to you in their best English.
photo courtesy of jukushin.com
5. Halloween
Of course not a traditionally Japanese festival, but who cares! All of Tokyo goes crazy with Halloween. Coming from Europe myself, I was quite surprised by the amount of work people put in their costumes. Though there’s not ‘trick or treat’ element, many clubs and bars hold special Halloween nights. 
photo courtesy of tokyofashion.com
6. Interesting Cyber Culture Events
The essence of Japanese hi-tech culture happens in fall. Visit Japan Robot Week (September or October) and the Tokyo Game Show (Check September dates) for new inspiration on (semi-)automated people, cross-dressers and the newest of the newest on hi-tech gadgets and games. 
photo courtesy of nydailynews.com
