Market Watch

Autumn Events Autumn Events

RACES

Sea to Summit

The last of Montbell’s popular outdoor series for the year concludes in Miyagi, Nagano and Mie prefectures. Take in the autumn landscape while canoeing, cycling, trekking and other means of human-powered movement. Participants can compete solo or as a team.

When and Where:

Oct. 8-9: Kamimachi, Miyagi Oct. 15-16: Chikuma River, Nagano Nov. 12-13: Kihoku, Mie Web: seatosummit.jp

Altra Shinshu Tenku Trail Race

Head to northern Nagano for this 27-kilometer race that features trail and road courses. You’ll be running the Hijiriyama Trail with great views of the surrounding mountains, vineyards and koyo (autumn leaves). Celebrate after the race with a long soak in an onsen and delicious local cuisine. When: Oct. 23 Where: Omi, Nagano Web: samuraisports.org

Kanazawa Marathon

Combine a trip to the scenic Kanazawa area with a marathon race. This course will pass Kanazawa’s iconic attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, the Ishikawa Gate of Kanazawa Castle, Higashiyama and temple towns. When: Oct. 30 Where: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Web: kanazawa-marathon.jp

Osaka Yodo River Citizens Marathon

This race follows the riverbank and is a great entry into marathon running with its easy access and relatively minimal elevation gain. There is also a half-marathon which starts at 9 a.m. When: Nov. 6 Where: Moriguchi, Osaka Web: osaka42195.com

OMM Japan

One of the toughest adventure events out there, the OMM is a mountain navigation race held in extreme environments. The OMM race is held in a different region across Japan every year. When: Nov. 12-13 Where: Okumino, Gifu Web: theomm.jp

Spartan Race Stadion

The classic 20-obstacle, fivekilometer Stadion Race is a test of speed, strength and willpower— and great for beginners and experts alike. There will also be a kids’ race the same day. When: Dec. 3 Where: Kurazushi Stadium, Osaka Web: spartanracejapan.jp

Oise-san Half Marathon

Tour the sacred region of Ise by participating in this half marathon. This unique race takes you past the famous Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, and Edo-period landscapes. Before or after the race, enjoy Mie’s famous seafood and cultural heritage. There is also a fi ve-kilometer race held on the same day and a walking and barrier-free race the previous day. When: Dec. 4 Where: Ise, Mie Web: city.ise.mie.jp/marathon

Nara Marathon

Run through Japan’s ancient capital in this race, which starts at Konoike Stadium and takes you through historic towns and impressive temples and past Nara’s famous inquisitive deer. There are also three-kilometer and ten-kilometer courses available. When: Dec. 11 Where: Nara City, Nara Web: nara-marathon.jp

Mt. Mitake Trail Race

Experience a different side of Tokyo out west at Mt. Mitake. This race starts at the base of Mt. Mitake with a steep paved climb before the trail. Watch out for steep descents! Run through sleepy local neighborhoods, climb Mt. Nabewari (famous for its nabe hot pot served at the mountain hut) and traverse Okunoin. The race finishes at Musashi Mitake Shrine. When: Dec. 11 Where: Mitake, Tokyo Web: samuraisports.org

EVENTS

Asagiri Jam

Nicknamed the “real Fuji Rock” for its idyllic location at the foot of Mt Fuji, this music festival is a laid-back two days of camping, rock, Indie and dance music by international and local artists. Workshops, morning yoga and activities for children are held around the two main stages. When: Oct. 8-9 Where: Asagiri Arena, Shizuoka Web: asagirijam.jp

Earth Garden

Live music and organic brands come together for this music festival and eco-friendly market held in the middle of the city. When: Oct. 22-23 Where: Yoyogi Park, Tokyo Web: earth-garden.jp

Brightness Music & Art Festival

Enjoy dance music at this seaside park not far from Tokyo. This festival is popular for its all-night music performances and lights. When: Oct. 22-23 Where: Chidori Park, Kanagawa Web: brightness-music.com

Yokonori Nippon Film Festival

Japan’s surf, skate and snow scene is celebrated at this weekend film festival dedicated to yokonori, literally translated as “riding sideways.” Showings are held in the Shonan surf town of Chigasaki. Purchase tickets online. When: Nov. 4-6 Where: Aeon Cinema Chigasaki, Kanagawa Web: yoko-nori.net

Echigo Tsumari Art Festival

Head to Niigata’s mountains before the snow to enjoy the last of the green season. This art festival is an immersive way to travel across six areas in Echigo, the former name for Niigata Prefecture. View contemporary art exhibitions, try local cuisine and visit popular permanent exhibitions like the Tunnel of Light and the House of Light by James Turrellare. This year the festival also welcomes 114 new artworks. There are guided day-trip bus tours to and from EchigoYuzawa Station, which include lunch. When: Until Nov. 13 Where: Echigo Tsumari, Niigata Web: www.echigo-tsumari.jp

Club Med Kiroro

Japan’s third Club Med resort is set to open this winter in snowy Kiroro, Hokkaido, This all-inclusive winter resort will open part of its resort in December: the Kiroro Peak with all-inclusive packages including a gourmet buffet-style dining, hot spring access and ski passes. Packages start at ¥38,000 per person, per night and are for people 12 and up. Kiroro Grand opening next year will target families with young children. Web: clubmed.co.jp

FESTIVALS

Jidai Matsuri

Step back in time as people parade in traditional Japanese garments through Kyoto, reflecting the region’s 1,200-year history. The procession starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace, traveling along Oike-dori to Heian Jingu Shrine. When: Oct. 22 Where: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto

Arashiyama Momiji Festival

Celebrate the changing autumn leaves at this annual festival in iconic Kyoto. Boats will parade on the river around Togetsu Bridge, with elaborately dressed characters on board refl ecting the Heian Period nobles. When: Nov. 13 Where: Arashiyama, Kyoto Web: arashiyamahoshokai.com

Rikugien Gardens Autumn Illumination

View kouyou under the night sky at Rikugien Gardens. Built during the Edo Period, this daimyo teien belonged to a feudal lord and remains a popular destination to view the autumnal foliage. When: End of Nov. - Beg. of Dec. Where: Rikugien Gardens, Tokyo

Setouchi Triennale

Catch the last autumn session of this fascinating outdoor art event before it closes for another three years. Setouchi Triennale’s contemporary artwork is spread out among 12 islands in the Seto Inland Sea between Kagawa and Okayama prefectures. Themed “restoration of the sea,” the event aims to revitalize the local environment and community after severe depopulation. The autumn session features permanent, site-specific installations and single-season exhibitions. The event is also a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional island culture. When: Sept. 29 – Nov. 6 Where: Seto Inland Sea Islands Web: setouchi-artfest.jp