AUTUMN IN JAPAN: SCHOOL EVENTS SEASON

A SEASON OF FRESH BEGINNINGS, VIBRANT FESTIVALS, AND LASTING MEMORIES FOR STUDENTS ACROSS JAPAN.

BY SCRAP Global Team

For students in Japan, autumn marks more than just cooler weather and changing leaves. While the school year officially begins in April, September is when students return from their long summer break and dive into the second half of the academic year. With crisp air, clear skies, and the beautiful colors of autumn all around, this season becomes the perfect backdrop for school events. From lively sports competitions to cultural festivals, autumn is filled with activities that shape the memories of student life.

Sports Day: A Celebration of Team Spirit

There’s no better season for outdoor sports in Japan than autumn. The weather is cool but not too cold, and the dry air makes it perfect for running, cheering, and spending an entire day outside. That’s why schools hold their annual Sports Day in autumn. On this day, the whole school is divided into teams and they compete for points through a variety of track and field events.

While races and relays are a common sight, Japanese Sports Days also feature unique events you won’t find elsewhere. Students may take part in kibasen (a “cavalry battle” where teams of three carry a fourth student who tries to capture the headbands of opponents) or tamaire, where players throw small balls or bean bags into a high basket. Parents often come to watch, filling the schoolyard with cheers and encouragement. Sports Day is about teamwork, perseverance, and building bonds among classmates.

SCRAP also held its own Sports Day! It was a great opportunity for all employees to come together and enjoy some friendly competition, taking part in classic sports day activities, sometimes with a puzzle twist!

School Trips and Autumn Outings

Autumn also marks the return of one of the most beloved traditions in Japanese schools: the school trip (修学旅行, shūgaku ryokō). These overnight or multi-day trips give students a chance to step outside the classroom and learn from real-world experiences, whether that’s visiting Kyoto’s historic temples or exploring Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial. These trips are designed to teach independence, responsibility, and cooperation as students spend time away from home.

For younger students, autumn often brings a simpler version of this experience: the 遠足 (ensoku), or school excursion. These are usually day trips, often to nearby mountains or nature reserves, where students go hiking and enjoy picnics under the changing autumn leaves. With the fiery red maples and golden ginkgo trees in full display, these outings double as a chance to appreciate Japan’s stunning seasonal beauty.

School Festivals: Creativity on Display

Just after returning from summer vacation, students are ready for something more exciting than textbooks and exams. That’s when school festivals (学園祭・文化祭, gakuen-sai / bunka-sai) take center stage. These festivals are some of the most anticipated events of the year, not only for students, but also for families, alumni, and even visitors from outside the school.

During the festival, classrooms are transformed into attractions. Some groups set up stalls, serving popular street food, sweets, or themed café experiences. Others build haunted houses or design carnival-style games. Clubs and extracurricular groups often use the festival as a chance to show off their achievements: theater clubs put on plays and musicals, dance teams perform choreographed routines, and student rock bands sing their heart out in gymnasiums. In some schools, you can even find elaborate student-made roller coasters built from wood.

Beyond the performances and attractions, school festivals are a time for students to shine outside the classroom, to share their passions with others, and to experience the joy of working together.

At Real Escape Game CROSSING Asakusa, you can unleash your creativity in “A Challenge from the Crafting Genius”! This hands-on event lets you tackle a series of puzzles using both your wits and creativity, while crafting and building just like at a school festival. But don’t take this challenge lightly, the host isn’t called a “Genius” for nothing…!

Click here to accept the Challenge from the Crafting Genius! (Official Page)

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