Hiroshima Events November 2026: Ebisu Taisai Festival, Fall Foliage, Illuminations & Things to Do
Hiroshima is one of the few cities in the world to have experienced an atomic bombing. While that fact often draws the most attention, the city has many other attractions as well.
I personally visit Hiroshima at least once a year, and each time I explore its shrines and temples and enjoy its outstanding local cuisine, discovering something new with every visit.
If you want to make your upcoming trip to Hiroshima even more memorable, I recommend being guided by a local. Hiroshima is home to many fascinating spots known mainly to residents.
In addition, places related to peace and history—such as the city’s peace memorial sites and its centuries-old shrines and temples—can be far more meaningful when explored with explanations from a local guide.
That's exactly why I want you to explore the city with locals who know the real Hiroshima. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor's The Best of The Best in both 2024 and 2025—you can make that happen.
For those interested in Hiroshima’s peace-related sites, the “Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites” is highly recommended. Listening to a local guide makes visits to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park much more meaningful.
If you plan to explore Miyajima, another symbol of Hiroshima, choose the “Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour.” To fully appreciate sights such as Itsukushima Shrine, which offers scenery found nowhere else in Japan, having a local guide is a big plus.
And of course, Hiroshima’s local food should not be missed. If you want to enjoy Hiroshima cuisine—just as appealing as Osaka’s—at restaurants loved by locals, the “Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour” is an excellent choice.
Introduction
Hiroshima Prefecture is a regional city with a population of approximately 2.7 million people (as of June 2025). The city center is lined with commercial and office buildings, and the shopping districts are bustling with people. At the same time, you can enjoy tradition and nature. Traditional buildings such as Hiroshima Castle are preserved throughout the area. Additionally, surrounded by mountains in the north and sea in the south, it is extremely rich in nature.
This time, we will introduce Hiroshima events in November 2026, focusing mainly on traditional attractions that you can enjoy during this special month.
November in Hiroshima Features the Traditional "Ebisu Festival" Beloved by Locals
The Ebisu Festival is a traditional festival in Hiroshima held every year in mid-November. This festival is packed with highlights including traditional Japanese culture and the authentic festival atmosphere. Here, we will introduce in detail the overview and highlights of this remarkable Hiroshima Event November 2026.
Festival Information
- Dates: November 18-20 annually
- Access: From JR "Hiroshima Station," take the streetcar or bus to "Ebisu-cho" stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ebisujinja.jp/
What is the Ebisu Festival?
The Ebisu Festival is one of Hiroshima's three major festivals and a grand celebration. This traditional festival has a history of about 400 years and is held to pray for business prosperity, family safety, and happiness. It's popular not only with local residents but also with tourists, with 200,000 to 300,000 people visiting annually.
You can enjoy traditional customs, Japanese traditional culture, and food stalls. Additionally, special sales are held at surrounding shopping districts during the festival period, which is one of the reasons this Hiroshima Event November 2026 becomes so exciting.
About Ebisu Shrine
The Ebisu Festival is held at Ebisu Shrine, a shrine with over 400 years of history. The deity enshrined here is Ebisu-sama, known as the "god of business" and "god of fortune (happiness)," who has been watching over the city of Hiroshima for centuries.
The city of Hiroshima has developed greatly around Ebisu Shrine thanks to Ebisu-sama's blessings. Today, one of Hiroshima's premier shopping areas spreads around Ebisu Shrine.
Ebisu-sama always watches over us with a smile. For local residents, Ebisu-sama and Ebisu Shrine are sources of power that help them stay bright and cheerful even during difficult times.
History of the Ebisu Festival
The Ebisu Festival has a history spanning over 400 years. In 1901, a festival was held to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Ebisu Shrine's establishment. At this time, the sale of kumade (Japanese-style rakes), which can now be considered the main attraction of the current Ebisu Festival, was conducted for the first time and has been preserved as a tradition to this day.
The Ebisu Festival has never been interrupted for over 400 years. Even when the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, and Ebisu Shrine was destroyed, a temporary shrine was erected within two months and the festival was held. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging, although the festival was scaled down, it was never canceled.
The Ebisu Festival has been carefully preserved for over 400 years without interruption since its beginning—making it a truly precious tradition for this Hiroshima Event November 2026.
Author's Recommended Attractions and Ways to Enjoy the Ebisu Festival
Visit Ebisu Shrine and Receive Blessings from the God of Business Prosperity
When attending the Ebisu Festival, don't forget to visit Ebisu Shrine. In addition to enjoying the festival, greet the deity and pray for business prosperity and family happiness. After evening, very long lines often form, so we recommend visiting the shrine first before enjoying the festival.
Additionally, you can receive "prayers" by making a reservation. Prayer is when a Shinto priest conveys our wishes to the deity, making it more special and formal than regular worship. This is especially recommended for self-employed individuals and business owners.
Purchase Lucky Charms "Komazarae (Kumade)" as Souvenirs
One of the major highlights of the Ebisu Festival is the kumade (Japanese-style bamboo rakes). The kumade purchased at the Ebisu Festival are not for cleaning purposes but for displaying in your home to attract happiness.
The kumade are lavishly decorated with various happiness-wishing ornaments, including koban (old Japanese coins) symbolizing wealth and ledgers recording fortune, to the point where the rake itself is barely visible. I also have one I purchased last year displayed at home, and every time I see the gorgeous kumade, I think "Let's do our best today."
Watch the Powerful "Kagura" and "Taiko Drum Performances" in the Pedestrian Paradise
The Ebisu Festival is also an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese performing arts. Local teams perform taiko drum music and kagura. Kagura is traditional Japanese dance performed for the gods, dancing to the accompaniment of Japanese traditional instruments. At the Ebisu Festival, kagura performances are presented as theatrical pieces featuring Japanese mythology and stories about Ebisu-sama.
At the Ebisu Festival, you can watch both taiko drums and kagura incredibly close up compared to seeing them in a theater. The impact and emotion are 100 times greater, so please enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts at this Hiroshima Event November 2026.
Enjoy Hiroshima Gourmet at Traditional Japanese Festival "Food Stalls"
Finally, since you're coming to a Japanese festival, you definitely want to enjoy the festival gourmet food available at food stalls. At the Ebisu Festival, you can of course eat standard festival foods like fried chicken, potatoes, and chocolate bananas (bananas topped with chocolate sauce and other toppings).
The food stalls at the Ebisu Festival also serve Hiroshima gourmet specialties. Famous Hiroshima foods like oysters and okonomiyaki can also be easily enjoyed at the stalls.
Freshly made dishes eaten while feeling the hustle and bustle of the festival will undoubtedly create wonderful memories of your Hiroshima Event November 2026 experience.
At night, let a local guide who knows Hiroshima inside and out take you to stores beloved by locals!
The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is a 3-hour night tour where you visit 3 restaurants while enjoying Hiroshima's local gourmet food, such as okonomiyaki (a type of Japanese-style pancake) and oysters. What makes it particularly exciting is watching the chef prepare okonomiyaki right in front of you. Additionally, Hiroshima is also famous for producing sake. The pairing of Hiroshima food and alcohol is excellent, so please enjoy them together.
This tour is also attractive because it's guided by friendly local guides. For those who want to enjoy more than just food, such as interacting with locals and learning about Hiroshima's culinary culture, the Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is recommended.
<Tour Details>
・Meeting point: In front of the Gucci display outside Hiroshima Fukuya dept. store, near Hatchobori station
・Tour Area: Hiroshima
・Start times: 18:00, 19:00
3 Traditional Events to Enjoy Alongside the Ebisu Taisai
November, when the Ebisu Taisai Traditional Festival is held, is also a time when several long-standing traditional events take place in Hiroshima. All of them are festivals that local people have cherished and passed down through generations.
Since you are visiting Hiroshima during this time, why not extend your trip and experience these events alongside the Ebisu Taisai Traditional Festival?
Grand Inoko Festival
The Grand Inoko Festival is a festival that has been passed down in Hiroshima since ancient times. It encompasses various wishes including prosperity of descendants, business success, health, and bountiful harvests.
The main event of the Grand Inoko Festival involves lifting a massive 1.5-ton stone suspended from 88 bamboo poles by pulling ropes attached to the stone and bamboo. On the second day, festival visitors can also participate in pulling the ropes, so please try participating. The ground-shaking impact is truly spectacular.
Actually, the Grand Inoko Festival was a festival that had been discontinued for a long time. It was revived in 2013 through the efforts of citizens. By participating in the Grand Inoko Festival and experiencing its unique atmosphere, you'll surely understand why people longed for its revival.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (Held on November 1 and 2 in 2025)
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from Hiroden streetcar "Fukuromachi" stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://www.cetra.jp/ooinoko/index.html
Fire Walking Ceremony at Daisho-in
The Fire Walking Ceremony is an event held at Daisho-in, with origins said to date back to around 900 AD. The Fire Walking Ceremony is a monk's training practice where sacred fire, said to have been burning continuously for over 1,200 years, is transferred to fresh hinoki cypress leaves, and once the fire settles down, participants walk over the smoldering embers.
After the monks finish crossing, general visitors can also experience it, so I participated myself. By the time it's the general visitors' turn, it's not that hot anymore, so I think even people who aren't particularly resistant to heat or pain can make it across. If you cross while making a wish, your wish might come true, so if you're interested, please try participating.
Mihara Ukishiro Matsuri (Floating Castle Festival)
Mihara City is a historic castle town facing the Seto Inland Sea. The castle built by Kobayakawa Takakage, the feudal lord who ruled this area in the 1500s, was constructed to look as though it floated on the water, earning it the name "Ukishiro" (meaning "Floating Castle").
This castle is the theme of the Mihara Ukishiro Matsuri. The highlight of the festival is the Samurai Armor Parade, in which approximately 50 participants take part. The sight of warriors clad in full-scale armor marching proudly around the castle ruins, led by a mounted samurai, is truly breathtaking — as if you have slipped back in time to the Warring States period.
There is also an open participation slot available, so if you sign up in advance, you may be able to join the procession wearing armor yourself. The festival also features a rich selection of local food and gourmet offerings.
- Date: TBD (Held on November 8 and 9 in 2025)
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from Mihara Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ukishiro-matsuri.com/ (2025 edition)
3 Local Festivals in Central Hiroshima in November 2026
In central Hiroshima, November is a time when one local festival after another opens its doors to the delight of residents. Here are three events where you can experience a deeper, off-the-beaten-path side of Hiroshima — the kind rarely covered in standard travel guides.
Ekikita Colorful Marché
The area around the north exit of Hiroshima Station is known as "Ekikita," and it is actually a historically rich neighborhood dotted with venerable shrines and temples. The "Ekikita Colorful Marché" is held here every November. Around 50 vendors line up under colorful tents, offering handmade accessories, ceramic crafts, and food made with local ingredients.
One highlight not to miss is the projection mapping event held on the first evening at Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine. I have visited it myself, and the sight of light and imagery projected onto the historic shrine buildings is truly magical.
At the simultaneously held "Ekikita Sanchoku Marché," you can also pick up fresh vegetables from local farmers and Hiroshima specialties. Another great advantage is how easily accessible it is — just a short walk from the station after arriving in Hiroshima by Shinkansen.
- Date: TBD (Held on November 1 and 2 in 2025)
- Access: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from JR Hiroshima Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: None
Hiroshima Sanma Festival
Saury (sanma) is a fish that represents autumn in Japan. Known for its slender, silver-gleaming body, saury reaches peak richness in fat content during autumn, making it what many Japanese people consider the "king of autumn flavors."
This event began as a charity effort — a way to support the Tohoku region that was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 by "eating to show our support." Since its launch in 2017, it has grown into a beloved autumn fixture in Hiroshima, drawing large crowds every year.
Around 1,000 fresh saury fish, delivered from Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, are grilled over charcoal right at the venue and served at 500 yen per fish. Slow-grilled over charcoal, the skin turns wonderfully fragrant while the flesh remains tender and juicy. Squeezing kabosu — a refreshing Japanese citrus — over the fish before eating is the traditional Japanese way to enjoy it.
As supplies typically run out before the end of the event, arriving early is highly recommended.
- Date: TBD (Held on November 2 in 2025)
- Access: Alight at "Hiroshima Port" on the Hiroshima Electric Railway, or at "Hiroshima Port" or "Hiroshima Port Pier" on the Hiroshima Bus; right from the stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: None
Hiroshima Night Fes
Hiroshima's Nagarekawa district is known as the largest entertainment district in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. Packed with bars, restaurants, and izakaya, it is the heart of Hiroshima's nightlife scene.
This event is held over three days in Shintenchi Park, located in this very district. The park is lit up in a fantastical glow, with a special stage set up for live performances by local artists that continue throughout the event.
The one thing I most want to recommend is the Sake Tasting corner, which brings together 30 carefully selected popular Japanese sake varieties from across the country. With a ticket system that allows you to taste small amounts one by one, even those trying Japanese sake for the first time can easily find a glass that suits their palate. Ask the staff for recommendations, and they will kindly explain the flavor profiles and how best to enjoy each sake.
- Date: TBD (Held October 31 to November 2 in 2025)
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from Hatchobori Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://nagarekawa.info/nightfes/ (2025 edition)
November in Hiroshima: The Long-Awaited Illumination Events Locals Have Been Waiting For
Hiroshima Dreamination
Hiroshima Dreamination is an event held right near Hiroshima's city center, where entire streets are covered with illuminations.
The most attractive point of Hiroshima Dreamination is the illuminations you can enter. I was particularly impressed by the castle made of illuminations. Being surrounded by light 360° was very fantastical, as if I had entered a fairy tale world. I also have good memories of taking photos while riding illuminations shaped like trains and carriages.
The attractive point of Hiroshima Dreamination is that you can not only enjoy illuminations as scenery but also experience them.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from November 17 to January 3, 2026)
- Access: 2 minutes walk from Hiroshima Electric Railway Fukuromachi stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.dreamination.com/
Bihoku Hillside Park Winter Illumination
At Bihoku Hillside Park, the entire park shines with illuminations during winter nights. You can enjoy the illuminations while strolling through the park at night.
The attractive point of Bihoku Hillside Park's illuminations is that you can enjoy collaborations with fireworks. Both the LED-lit ground and the flame-lit sky are very beautiful.
You can also ride a train decorated with illuminations to tour the park. Viewing illuminations while feeling the cold winter wind is very pleasant. Also, riding on the brilliantly lit train makes you feel like you've become part of the illuminations, which is very enjoyable.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from November 1 to January 12, 2026)
- Access: About 30 minutes walk from JR Geibi Line Bingo-Shobara Station
- Admission: Adults 450 yen
Ages 65 and over 210 yen
Elementary school age and under Free
- Website: https://www.bihokupark.jp/special/winter (2025-2026)
Higashihiroshima Toyé
Saijo, located approximately 40 minutes from Hiroshima Station by train, is known as one of Japan's premier sake brewing towns. Seven sake breweries line the streets within walking distance of the station, where visitors can enjoy the rich, fragrant aroma of Japanese sake simply by strolling through the area.
It is in this Saijo Central Park that approximately 100,000 LED lights transform the space into a glittering winter wonderland for this event. Originally launched in 2021 to lift the spirits of local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, this heartwarming event sees members of the local Rotary Club spend approximately two weeks each year hand-decorating the park.
Spend a truly Saijo-style day by exploring the sake breweries and enjoying sake tastings during the daytime, then taking in the illuminations in the evening.
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from November 21 to January 12, 2026)
- Access: Approximately 6-minute walk from JR Saijo Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: None
For Nature Lovers, "Sea of Clouds from Mt. Arataniyama" is Also Highly Recommended
Among all the scenery I've seen in Hiroshima, the most unforgettable was the sea of clouds viewed from Mt. Arataniyama. A sea of clouds refers to clouds spreading like an ocean or carpet, which can be viewed looking down from high places such as mountaintops. The sight of the sun rising from below the clouds, illuminating the sea of clouds in orange, was so beautiful that I forgot to take photos and just stared in amazement.
Actually, the sea of clouds can only be seen in the early morning from early autumn to early winter. Moreover, weather conditions including temperature and humidity are extremely strict. By the way, the best conditions are days with large temperature differences from the previous day, clear weather, and high humidity.
Because it's such a rarely seen landscape, the emotion you feel when you do see it exceeds your imagination.
Information
- Schedule: Around September to November
- Access: 3.5 hours walk from Chōrakuji Station (you can also drive close by car)
- Admission fee: Free
- Website: https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/3461/
Beautiful Nature Events You Can Enjoy in Hiroshima in November - Hiroshima Event November 2026
Hiroshima Botanical Garden Cosmos Week
In November at The Hiroshima Botanical Garden, cosmos flowers also reach their peak season, with approximately 2,100 cosmos plants blooming magnificently across the hills. The sight of various shades of pink and white flowers blooming in profusion looks just like a painting. Taking a walk while breathing the beautiful air of this nature-rich place is very pleasant.
There are pathways between the flower beds, so you can take photos as if you're standing in the middle of a flower field. I really love the photos I took surrounded by cosmos flowers and use them as my Instagram icon.
Since this period partially overlaps with the Autumn Green Fair I mentioned earlier, I recommend visiting both at the same time.
Information
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from October 18 to November 8)
- Access: Direct bus from Hiroshima Bus Center, JR Hiroden Itsukaichi Station North Exit
- Admission fee: Adults (18-64 years old) 510 yen
High school students 170 yen
Seniors (65 years and older, official ID required) 170 yen
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Free during Autumn Green Fair period
- Website: http://www.hiroshima-bot.jp/info/コスモスウィーク/
Shukkeien Garden Momiji Festival
Shukkeien Garden is a Japanese garden built in 1620 by the feudal lord of Hiroshima at the time, and despite being located in the heart of Hiroshima City, it remains a popular sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy nature in all four seasons.
The word "Shukkeien" means "to express scenery in miniature," and modeled after the famous scenic site of West Lake in China, the garden condenses a variety of landscapes into one — including ponds, mountains, valleys, bridges, and tea houses.
Every late November, approximately 140 maple trees within the garden blaze with vivid red foliage, and the Momiji Festival is held to celebrate the season.
My personal recommendation is the evening light-up after sunset. The sight of the brilliant red maple leaves reflected on the surface of the pond, combined with the fantastical light illuminating the hills and tea houses, is truly breathtaking.
In particular, the view of the autumn foliage and the pond as seen from Kohkyo Bridge makes for a perfect photo spot.
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from November 22 to December 1)
- Access: From the Shinkansen entrance of JR Hiroshima Station, board the Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus "Hiroshima Maple Loop" (Orange Route) and alight at "Prefectural Art Museum (Shukkeien)" — the garden is right there
- Admission: General ¥350 / University students ¥150 / Elementary, junior high, and high school students Free
- Website: https://shukkeien.jp/
Fuchu Hachiman Momiji Forest Autumn Foliage Festival
Fuchu City, located in the eastern part of Hiroshima, is a town that has long flourished through craftsmanship such as woodworking and metalworking.
Fuchu Hachiman Shrine, which has long been cherished as the guardian shrine of the area, is home to a place dedicated to the deity of craftsmanship.
Local residents planted maple trees one by one around this shrine, cleared the undergrowth, and over many years carefully nurtured a beautiful forest with their own hands — all with the goal of making it a celebrated spot for autumn foliage.
In November, the stone-paved approach to the shrine fills with brilliantly colored red maples, creating a scenery that resembles a breathtaking tunnel of autumn leaves.
During the event period, nightly light-ups are held, revealing a completely different, fantastical nighttime face compared to the vivid foliage seen during the day — and that is part of its charm.
Having visited myself, I can tell you that noodle dishes and sweet treats made with adzuki beans are also sold at the venue, making it a wonderful place to warm up and take your time enjoying the surroundings.
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from November 1 to 30)
Autumn Green Fair
This is an annual autumn festival of flowers, greenery, and music held at Hiroshima Botanical Garden. During the approximately 10-day event period, admission to the garden is free of charge, making it easy for anyone to drop by.
Throughout the garden, approximately 2,100 cosmos plants blanket the grounds in pink and white blooms, with pathways set through the flower fields so visitors can enjoy taking photos surrounded by a colorful array of flowers.
There is also much more to see, including a display of rare chrysanthemums donated from Chongqing, China, and a vibrant orchid exhibition.
During my visit, I was even able to have the rare experience of touching the enormous trunk of Australia's largest baobab tree — a genuinely one-of-a-kind moment.
With a music stage and food trucks also on offer, it is a place where both children and adults can spend a relaxing full day.
- Date: TBD (In 2025, held from October 25 to November 3)
- Access: From JR Sanyo Main Line "Itsukaichi Station," take the bus bound for "Botanical Garden via Yakushigaoka Danchi" for approximately 20 minutes and alight at "Botanical Garden"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/park-green/1021378/1006063/1026386/1043477.html (2025 version)
If You Want to Deeply Enjoy Hiroshima's Tourist Attractions and Culture, It's Recommended to Tour with Local Guide Commentary
The Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour allows you to learn about the fascinating aspects of Miyajima, famous for its torii gate standing in the sea, through various elements including faith and nature.
Also, Hiroshima suffered great damage when an atomic bomb was dropped during World War II. The Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites helps you think about war and peace by learning about the damage of war and understanding how Hiroshima is now sending messages of peace.
Both tours are full of information that you can only learn because local guides show you around. Tours are recommended for people who want to know more deeply about Hiroshima and enjoy Hiroshima more fully - making these perfect additions to any Hiroshima Event November 2026 itinerary.
Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station
- Tour area: Miyajima
- Start time: 9:30, 10:00
(https://www.magical-trip.com/product/0fb1fffa-5656-476c-8560-3360271b16e4)
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station
- Tour area: Hiroshima
- Start time: 9:00, 10:00
(https://www.magical-trip.com/product/4b8953b7-b5d8-46b9-b6b0-3b0f10942a68)
