These Unique Festivals Make Autumn The Perfect Time To Visit Japan
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The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images When you're in Japan in the fall, you'll find dozens (hundreds, maybe) of festivals and events to attend, from an all-things-cat festival in Tokyo to a hot-air-balloon celebration, complete with ballooning classes. If you're planning to head to Japan this autumn, be sure to plan your trip around at least one of these unique fall festivals. Saga International Balloon Fiesta: Saga Prefecture The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images If you've been staying at ryokans, change things up with a stay at The Hamilton Ureshino, built in the style of a European manor house. It has indoor and outdoor onsens, plus a private (and bookable) co-ed hot spring. Credit: Fu Sheng Wang If you’re planning to check out the Asakusa celebrations, you're close enough that you can stay just about anywhere in Tokyo. For a luxurious experience, splurge for a room at Hoshinoya Tokyo, where minimalist design meets Japanese hospitality. Don't miss the hot spring on the top floor. Takayama Autumn Festival: Gifu Prefecture Credit: Ootorijinja It's easy to take public transportation to the festival from Kyoto, which has no shortage of modern and traditional lodging options. But if you want to stay closer to Kurama, book a room at the wooded and peaceful Hiroya, about 15 minutes from the festival's start. Kurama Fire Festival: Kurama (near Kyoto) The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images It’s easy to take public transportation to the festival from Kyoto, which has no shortage of modern and traditional lodging options. But if you want stay closer to Kurama, book a room at the wooded and peaceful Hiroya, about 15 minutes from the festival start. The Supernatural Cat Festival: Tokyo Credit: Daisuke Hisano/Bake Neko Festival For a hotel close to the action, trendy travelers will want to book at a room at the UNPLAN Hostel Kagurazaka. Private rooms are available, though the traditional shared hostel rooms have a modern touch: individual pods separated by curtains that make your sleeping space much more private than an open bunkbed. I'm a Lake Tahoe-based professional writer and decidedly non-professional outdoor and adventure travel enthusiast. I write about travel for Forbes, from exotic ski dest Read More