The days are getting even shorter, and festive events are just around the corner! The cooler weather means you can enjoy everything more comfortably, as well as gorge yourself on hot treats! There are lots of light shows and late-night markets this time of year, and we are fast approaching Saga’s most famous festivals – Karatsu Kunchi and Saga International Balloon Fiesta.

10月01日 ー　Shiroishi　白石 ー Kaido Shrine Autumn Festival

Held at Kaido Shrine in Shiroishi, there will be performances of Men-furyuu, the Lion Dance, and Taiko-furyuu. The performances will begin around 10:00AM and conclude around 12:00PM. There is no charge to attend the festival and free parking is available both on site and at nearby facilities.

10月3~4日　ー　Tosu　鳥栖　ー　Tosu Nestival

An urban co-creation festival, the Nestival celebrates Tosu as a cross-point in Kyushu where railways intersect, and cultures and industry gather. Many local companies, food vendors, athletes, public transport bureaus and business owners have come together to organise this event. Artists and local dance teams will perform on the main stage, and you can enjoy more than 120 unique shops within the Nest Market area, including a NEST-1 Grand Prix food contest! The event will run in the Station Real Estate Stadium First Parking Lot (a short walk from Tosu JR Station) and run from 11:00~21:00 both days.

10月03日~02月14日ー　Tosu鳥栖 ー Elegance Fragrance Exhibition @ Nakatomi Memorial Medicine Museum

Originating as a primal tool for detecting danger and distinguishing food, humans have found meaning and beauty within our sense of smell – leading to an evolution from religious rituals, court culture, and the modern perfume industry. Scent has the power to awaken memories and lift the spirit. This special exhibition explores the value associated with scent or fragrance, shaped across different eras and cultures – asking what draws us to elegant fragrances. Admission to the exhibition is separate from general museum admission, 200円 for adults. Free parking is available on site. The museum is also accessible in 40 minutes on foot from Tosu station, or in 10 minutes via taxi (a taxi stand is directly outside the station).

8月01日10月12日 ー　Takeo　武雄 ー Takeo Light

Marking its 12th year, seven locations will hold light displays: Takeo Onsen Romon Gate, Takeo Shrine, Takeo City Library, Keishuen Garden, Saga Prefectural Space & Science Museum, Takeo-Onsen Station South Exit Plaza, and Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel. Certain events and displays are only viewable on weekends or public holidays throughout the event period.

10月10日 ー　Karatsu　唐津 ー 74th Kyushu Fireworks Festival

Lights will bloom all along the Matsuura river during the 74th Kyushu Fireworks Festival. The display will begin at 7pm and last approximately 30 minutes. There is no admission fee. Free parking is available near the river, or you can reach it in around 10 minutes walking from JR Nishi Karatsu Station.

10月10-11日 ー　Karatsu　唐津 ー Nakajima Yamakasa Festival

The Nakajima Yamakasa festival, a tradition in the Nakajima district of Kyuragi-machi, is the autumn festival of Wakamiya Shrine. It was indefinitely suspended after World War II and revitalized in 1998. Residents dress in matching red happi and pull handmade yamakasa floats through the neighborhood. Sales of newly harvested rice and various local foods and beverages are also available during the festival. The event is free of charge to view. You can reach the site in 25minutes walking from JR Kyuragi Station, in 40 minutes from Oteguchi Bus Center, or in 30 minutes from Karatsu IC (Nishi-Kyushu Expressway) National Route 203. Free parking is available.

10月10-12日 ー　Ureshino　嬉野市 ー Yoshida Saraya Hikariboshi

A nighttime illumination event held in the Yoshida Saraya district of Ureshino – the center of Hizen-Yoshida ware. Soft light can be seen glowing from “boshi”, traditional kiln tools, creating a warm nighttime atmosphere across the townscape. You can enjoy evening workshop tours and collaborations that include local cuisine. Admission to the event space is 500円, and you may park at the Former JA site, Yoshida JHS, or Yoshida ES.

10月11-12日 ー　Karatsu　唐津 ー Kagami Kunchi

Part of the Kagami Shrine’s annual autumn festival, yamakasa floats will parade in sacred procession to pray for abundant harvest, good health, and the safety and well-being of the family. On the 11th the procession will begin at 13:30pm, with festivities ending at 20:30pm. On the 12th, the day’s events will begin at 10:00am and conclude at 15:00pm. The event is free of charge. You can access the grounds a 15 minute walk from Nijinomatsubara Station on the JR Chikuhi line, or free parking is available nearby.

10月17-18日 ー　Saga 佐賀 ー Saga Saiko Festival Vol.11

Held in front of the Saga Prefectural Museum and Art Museum, this event offers a wide range of attractions for all ages, including interactive workshops with artists, live music performances, and gourmet food that showcases the unique appeal of Saga. The event is free for general admission and viewing, though some content and workshops are individually paid experiences. There is no nearby parking, but you can walk to the event space in 30 minutes from Saga Station.

10月17-18日 ー　Yobuko　呼子 ー Yobuko Kunchi

A town that has flourished through whaling since the Edo period, Yobuko will parade a newly built “Parent and Child” Whale float throughout the streets during this festival. Most easily accessible via car, it is also possible to take the Yobuko bound bus from JR Karatsu Station (via Oteguchi Bus Center) and ride for 35 minutes. The event is free of charge.

10月19日 ー　Shiroishi　白石 ー Tsumayama Shrine Okunchi Festival

Between 1-4pm, this autumn festival will feature displays of portable shrines and yabusame (mounted archery). The event is free of charge. Parking is available, but limited to ten spots.

10月24-25日 ー Yoshinogari　吉野ヶ里　白石 ー Yoshinogari Hometown Flame Festival

A community-led event that has been held since 1998, this weekend contains full-day programmes of stage performances, product exhibitions, and an evening torchlight procession that winds through the park as local students performe “flame dances”. This culminates in a ceremonial bonfire lit by a figure portraying Queen Himiko. The events will run from 10am to 8:30pm, with admission being free of charge. There are both East Exit and Temporary parking lots, and otherwise you can access Yoshinogari Historical Park in 20 minutes from JR Yoshinogari Park Station.

10月4 / 17 / 31 日 ー　Yobuko　呼子 ー Yobuko Marche
Held once again along Yobuko Morning Market Street, both a daytime and night market will be held on various dates throughout the autumn and early winter period. The daytime hours are 8:00~14:00, and the evening market runs from 17:00~21:00. There is no admission fee, and you can enter the space and wander the various market stalls and see the Yobuko Tower squid at no cost at all. Free parking is available nearby the event area.

10月29日 ~ 02月14日 ー　Saga　佐賀 ー Saga Light Fantasy 2026

Once again the annual illumination display running along Saga City’s Chuo Odori will create a beautiful scenic night-time pathway. During the event period various activities and events will take place, importantly including an eve-of festival for the 2026 Saga International Balloon Fiesta. The event area will illuminate from 17:00-22:30 each day during the event period.

10月30日 ~ 11月3日 ー　Saga 佐賀ー Saga International Balloon Fiesta

Perhaps Saga City’s most famous festival, the largest international hot air balloon competition in Asia will take place again at the end of the month, with many related events behind held in the city during the event period. The full event pamphlet including a map (a special JR station will open during the festival) and itinerary is available here.