Benny’s Japan Insider Vol. 7 | Takamatsu Free Exhibition, Bizen Pottery, Yubari Autumn Foliage, Hirosaki & Sasebo Autumn Festivals

There are new choices for your autumn trip to Japan: watch free exhibitions by the port in Takamatsu, admire the works of 15 ceramic artists in Okayama, visit the newly reopened park in Hokkaido to enjoy the autumn foliage, and experience autumn festivals in Aomori and Kyushu. This issue of "Benny's Early Bird Japan" Vol. 7 | October 11, 2026, organizes 5 locations by region, complete with dates, ticket prices, and transportation reminders, along with links to official sources. You don't need to visit them all at once; choose one station based on the city you are in, and double-check the details before you set off.

PriseMall Autumn Travel Selections | Non-event collaboration

Sothing Camera-style Power Bank

Keep your phone charged for checking routes and photographing autumn leaves with 10,000mAh capacity in a retro camera design.

View and Purchase →

NIID NEO EDC Pouch

Travel light for exhibitions and festivals with 8 storage compartments to organize your phone, cards, and small items.

View and Purchase →

Products are selected for the travel theme and are not official event merchandise. The camera-style power bank is not a camera; please confirm charging compatibility and storage capacity based on actual dimensions and product specifications.

All times listed are in Japan Standard Time, and all prices are in Japanese Yen. This article is organized based on the provided image cards and text attachments, with information accurate as of October 11, 2026; the image cards were verified at 10:40 AM JST. Official links are provided for verification before departure, as foliage conditions, weather, transportation, and event schedules are subject to change.

① Takamatsu "touch from MOON": Free port-side gallery exhibition, a perfect stop before or after island hopping

"touch from MOON" brings coastal light and shadow works into the Setouchi Container Gallery at Takamatsu Port, making it an ideal stop before or after your island-hopping excursions. The exhibition runs from October 10 to November 29, 2026, and is free to enter. The highlight is the gallery exhibition, not the daily outdoor light show at Takamatsu Port.

• Exhibition Period: October 10 – November 29.
• Location: Takamatsu Port Setouchi Container Gallery.
• Opening Days: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese public holidays.
• Hours: 09:00–18:30.
• Admission: Free.

Benny's Tips: It is not open every day; check the public calendar first, then coordinate with ferry schedules and your walking itinerary.

Official Links: MOON Exhibition Announcement | Setouchi Triennale Artwork Page and Calendar.

② Bizen "Ceramic Resonance": Approx. 100 works by 15 ceramic artists, near Ibe Station

The "Ceramic Resonance" exhibition at the Bizen City Museum of Art runs from October 10 to December 20, 2026, featuring about 100 works by 15 ceramic artists. Ceramics enthusiasts can take their time comparing the forms and surface finishes of the pieces before exploring the Ibe area.

• Exhibition Period: October 10 – December 20.
• Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Last entry at 16:30).
• Admission: Adults: 1,000 JPY; University/High School Students: 800 JPY; Junior High and below: Free.
• Transportation: Approx. 1-minute walk from JR Ako Line Ibe Station.
• Closed: Mondays (if a public holiday falls on a Monday, it will be closed the following day).

For artist talks or the Bizen Pottery Festival, note the specific requirements

The attachment lists an artist talk on October 11 from 14:00–14:30, which requires a same-day admission ticket—please check the event page for details. You may also coordinate with the Autumn Bizen Pottery Festival near Ibe Station on October 17–18: Free entry, until 17:00 on the 17th, and until 16:00 on the 18th.

Benny's Tips: The museum exhibition and the Bizen Pottery Festival are different events; do not confuse their fees and dates. Parking for the festival is primarily by paid reservation; check before driving, as you shouldn't assume spaces will be available upon arrival.

Official Links: Exhibition Details | Transportation and Opening Hours | Artist Talk Information | Autumn Bizen Pottery Festival Announcement. For exhibition background, see the foundation's October 5 press release.

③ Hokkaido Yubari Takinoue Park: Reopened on October 8, but be aware of trail restrictions

Takinoue Park in Yubari City resumed operations on October 8, 2026. According to the official foliage report on October 9, the maples in the park are currently in their peak viewing period, with the overall peak expected to occur the following week as per the report. This is an estimate, not a guarantee of the best viewing date, as it remains subject to weather conditions.

• Reopening Date: October 8.
• Admission and Parking: Free.
• Transportation: Approx. 8-minute drive from Yubari IC toward Sapporo.
• Restrictions: Some park trails remain closed due to landslides.

The attachment mentions that the park was closed on September 29 due to bear sightings and reopened after an inspection. Reopening does not mean that surrounding risks have disappeared, nor that all trails are accessible. Please check the latest announcements, restricted area maps, and onsite "No Entry" signs; do not enter closed areas for photos. When visiting the Shuparo Dam, be aware of deer as well.

Benny's Tips: Check safety and access conditions first, then the foliage. Don't just see "reopened" and assume you can explore the entire park.

Official Links: October 9 Foliage Status | October 8 Reopening Announcement | Park Attractions and Transportation | Trail Restrictions and Closed Area Map.

④ Hirosaki Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival: Distinguish between daytime flower viewing and night illumination

The 2026 Hirosaki Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival will be held at Hirosaki Park / Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden from October 30 to November 8. Explore the botanical garden during the day and catch the special night illuminations; you can experience the autumn scenery at two different paces, but the garden's opening hours and the illumination times are different.

• Festival Dates: October 30 – November 8.
• Botanical Garden: 09:00–20:00 (Last entry at 19:30).
• Botanical Garden Admission: High school students and above: 320 JPY; Elementary/Junior High students: 100 JPY.
• Special Illumination: 16:00–21:00, continuing until mid-November.
• Hirosaki Castle Keep: Closed to the public inside.

During the festival, the Dote-machi Loop Bus service is extended until 20:00. If you plan to stay until the lights end, do not assume the bus will run until 21:00; check return schedules in advance or arrange alternative transportation.

Benny's Tips: November 8 is the end of the festival, but the illuminations continue. While the illuminations last until 21:00, that does not mean you can enter the botanical garden at 21:00.

Official Link: Hirosaki Tourism Association Festival, Illumination, and Transportation Info.

⑤ Sasebo YOSAKOI: 3 days of dance from October 16–18, with different conditions for each venue

The Sasebo YOSAKOI Festival in Nagasaki will be held from October 16–18, 2026, across 13 venues, along with weekend parades. Instead of just remembering "three days of events," it is more important to confirm the venue, time, fees, and transportation for the specific shows you want to see.

October 16 Evening: Huis Ten Bosch requires a separate park ticket

The event on the evening of the 16th takes place at Huis Ten Bosch and requires a separate park ticket; ticket prices were not listed in the event announcement. There will be no performances at the Nakiri Main Venue that evening, so don't go to the wrong place waiting for the show.

October 18 Final Stage Seating: Fees and children's policies

According to municipal data in the attachment, there is a charge for the final stage viewing area starting at 16:45 on the 18th: Folding chair seats 2,000 JPY, general viewing seats 3,000 JPY, with charges for elementary school students and above. Children below elementary school age may enter for free (one per adult), but they cannot occupy a seat.

There are discrepancies in certain time slots between city hall and the organizers, so do not assume all starting times are finalized. Check the latest venue-specific schedules before departure. Note that final stage seat prices are different from Huis Ten Bosch park tickets.

Benny's Tips: Check announcements for entry conditions at each venue separately. There is no dedicated parking for the event; public transportation is recommended. Choose the venues you want to see first, then plan your route; don't just rely on general overviews.

Official Links: Sasebo City Hall Event, Fee, and Transportation Reminders | Organizer Schedule and Venue Timetable Entry.

Vol. 7 Itinerary Planning: Choose one station based on region and date

Takamatsu and Bizen are suitable for art and craft itineraries; Yubari is a foliage option affected by weather and safety; Hirosaki can be planned for day and night; Sasebo requires following the festival venue schedule. These five stations are spread across Shikoku, Okayama, Hokkaido, Aomori, and Kyushu, and do not form a single route that can be fully covered in a short period.

Confirm your visiting dates first, then check opening days, daily announcements, and return transportation. This is far more useful than just bookmarking pretty pictures.

Benny's Early Bird Japan Vol. 7 FAQ

Can I see Takamatsu "touch from MOON" every day?

No. According to this issue, it is open on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese public holidays from 09:00–18:30. Check the public calendar before departure. It is a container gallery exhibition, not a daily port light show.

Are the Bizen Ceramic Exhibition and the Bizen Pottery Festival the same?

No. "Ceramic Resonance" is a paid exhibition at the museum running until December 20; the Autumn Bizen Pottery Festival is held on October 17–18, with free admission and separate parking arrangements.

Is Yubari Takinoue Park fully accessible after reopening?

No. Some trails remain closed due to landslides; also be aware of bears and onsite signs. Reopening does not mean all areas are accessible.

When is the peak for foliage in Yubari?

The official report on October 9 estimated the peak to be the following week, not a fixed date. Foliage is affected by weather, so check the latest status.

Can I enter the Hirosaki Botanical Garden at 21:00 at night?

No. Do not confuse illumination times with garden entry times. This information lists the garden closing at 20:00 (last entry at 19:30), while special illuminations continue until 21:00.

Is everything at the Sasebo YOSAKOI festival free?

No. The Huis Ten Bosch evening session requires a separate park ticket, and the October 18 final stage has paid seating. Conditions for other venues should be checked individually.

Save this issue of "Benny's Early Bird Japan" and re-check official announcements before arranging your autumn itinerary. Opening days, last entry times, and return transportation are often the difference between a comfortable trip and an empty-handed visit.

Content based on: The five information cards in this issue, text summaries, and official sources. This article was organized based on attachments and has not undergone additional real-time external verification; official links are included in each section. Image sources and dates are retained as indicated in the attachments; please refer to the latest announcements for ticket prices, reservations, weather, trail conditions, and schedule changes.