Discovering the Shikemichi Autumn Festival in Nagoya (Nov 2025)

21/11/2025

Contents

Experience the Shikemichi Autumn Festival in Nagoya’s Historic District

In early November 2025, I visited two local events in Nagoya — the Shikemichi Autumn Festival and the Paris Festival at Endoji Shopping Street. I had mainly explored the Paris Festival last year in 2024, but it was so crowded that this time, I decided to focus on the quieter and more historical Shikemichi area instead.

A Stroll Through Nagoya’s Edo-Era Streets

Shikemichi is about a 15-minute walk from Nagoya Station. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can still find buildings from the Edo period, giving it a nostalgic, old-town atmosphere. Every mid-November, the Shikemichi Autumn Festival takes place at the same time as the Paris Festival in the nearby Endoji Shopping Street, making the entire neighborhood lively and full of local charm.

When I arrived around 3 p.m. on a perfectly sunny afternoon, the main street was already bustling with people. At the entrance, friendly staff handed me a festival pamphlet that showed all the participating shops. The street was lined with stalls selling food, drinks, and handmade crafts.

Exploring Hidden Alleys and Meeting a Karakuri Float

Just past the Shikemichi Glass Museum, I saw beautiful glassware and pottery being sold outside the shop — and it was packed inside too. While the main street was lively, I decided to wander into the narrow alleys on the west side. These quiet backstreets are filled with traditional Japanese houses, many of which have been turned into cafes or restaurants offering special festival menus.

The alleys had just the right amount of people — not too crowded, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll. As I turned a corner, I suddenly came across a festival float (dashi) with a mechanical karakuri puppet on top. Unlike the floats I’ve seen at Nagoya’s summer festivals, this one had a puppet that moved wildly and dynamically — it was fascinating to watch!

Dinner Time and a Visit to the Paris Festival

After exploring the alleys, the sun began to set and I started to feel hungry. I stopped by a cozy udon restaurant called “Miyoshi.” Their handmade kishimen — Nagoya’s local flat-style udon noodles — came highly recommended, so I ordered the kishimen set meal. The smooth, silky texture of the noodles was delicious and comforting after all the walking.

After dinner, I headed over to the Paris Festival at Endoji Shopping Street. It was still crowded, but much easier to walk around compared to last year. There was live music on stage and a cheerful atmosphere, rounding off a perfect autumn day of exploring two of Nagoya’s most local and lively festivals.

Tips for Visitors

Date: Usually mid-November (held together with the Paris Festival at Endoji).
Location: Around Shikemichi Street, about 15 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station.
Highlights: Edo-style streets, food stalls, karakuri floats, local crafts, and cozy cafes.
Nearby Spot: Endoji Shopping Street — another must-visit for its mix of history and creativity.

Our map

I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.