October, known as “juu-gatsu” (十月) in Japanese, holds significance in the old Japanese calendar. In the traditional Japanese calendar, October is the tenth month of the year. The month of October is associated with the changing colors of autumn leaves and the harvest season in Japan. It is a time of gratitude for the bountiful harvest and a celebration of nature’s beauty.
One of the most famous festivals in October is “Otsukimi” (お月見), also known as the Moon-Viewing Festival. This festival is held on the night of the full moon in October when people gather to appreciate the beauty of the moon and offer thanks for the harvest. Another important festival in October is “Kanname-sai” (神嘗祭), a Shinto ritual where the first rice harvested is offered to the gods in gratitude for a successful harvest.
October In Japanese Old Calendar
Seasonal Changes and Activities in October
During October in Japan, the weather begins to cool down, and the leaves on trees start to change color, creating a stunning autumn landscape. Many people take advantage of the pleasant weather to go on outings to view the fall foliage, known as “kouyou” (紅葉), and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking. October is also a popular time for food festivals featuring seasonal ingredients like chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.