October brings some of Asia’s most photogenic festivals, from lantern-lit rivers in Korea to dragon dances in Nagasaki. Here are six happening in the next two weeks, and how to reach each from the airport.
1. Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival — Jinju, South Korea
When: October 3–18, 2026
Thousands of large illuminated lanterns float on the Namgang River beneath Jinju Fortress, recalling the siege of 1592. This year adds drone shows and fireworks nights, and the Gaecheon Arts Festival runs alongside from October 9.
Nearest airport: Sacheon (HIN), about 20 km away, has very few flights. Busan Gimhae (PUS), about 100 km, is the practical gateway.
Getting there: A direct intercity bus runs from Gimhae’s international terminal to Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal in about 1 hour 25, several times a day. The riverside is a short walk from the terminal. From Seoul, the train takes about 3.5 hours.
Good to know: Lanterns are lit from about 5 p.m. Weekday evenings are far less crowded.
More info: yudeung.com
2. Nagasaki Kunchi — Nagasaki, Japan
When: October 7–9, 2026
The nearly 400-year-old festival of Suwa Shrine reflects Nagasaki’s Chinese and Dutch trading past, with dragon dances, ship-shaped floats and the famous Kokkodesho palanquin toss. Each neighbourhood performs only once every seven years, so the lineup never repeats.
Nearest airport: Nagasaki Airport (NGS), about 40 km from the city. Fukuoka (FUK) is the larger alternative.
Getting there: The airport limousine bus reaches Nagasaki Station in about 45 minutes; from there, take the tram toward Suwa Shrine. From Fukuoka, the Relay Kamome and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen take about 1.5–2 hours.
Good to know: Paid seats at the four main venues sell out fast, but street performances and processions are free.
More info: nagasaki-kunchi.com
3. Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) — Takayama, Gifu, Japan
When: October 9–10, 2026
One of Japan’s most beautiful festivals: ornate, centuries-old floats are displayed in the old town, with marionette performances both days and a lantern-lit evening procession on October 9.
Nearest airport: Chubu Centrair, Nagoya (NGO); Toyama (TOY) is a smaller option to the north.
Getting there: From Nagoya Station, the JR Hida limited express runs to Takayama through the mountains. Allow time for the airport-to-Nagoya rail link first.
Good to know: Free. Takayama is small and rooms on festival nights are scarce, so many visitors day-trip.
More info: Gifu tourism listing
4. Phuket Vegetarian Festival — Phuket Town, Thailand
When: October 10–18, 2026
Nine days of Taoist purification rites run by Phuket’s Chinese shrines. Dawn street processions wind through firecracker smoke, there is fire-walking, and vegetarian street food is everywhere in the old town. It is intense, and not for the squeamish.
Nearest airport: Phuket International (HKT), about 30 km from Phuket Town.
Getting there: The orange Airport Bus runs hourly from about 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and ends at the old bus terminal in town, about 1.5 hours. A taxi is considerably faster.
Good to know: Free and unticketed. Processions start around 7 a.m., so stay in Phuket Town rather than at the beach resorts.
More info: Phuket 101 festival guide
5. Mysuru Dasara — Mysuru, Karnataka, India
When: October 11–21, 2026
Karnataka’s state festival, with more than 400 years of history. The palace is illuminated nightly, with daily cultural programs, a flower show and a food fair. The famous elephant procession, Jamboo Savari, closes the festival on October 21.
Nearest airport: Mysuru Airport (MYQ), about 10–12 km from the palace, has very limited service. Bengaluru (BLR), about 185 km, is the main gateway.
Getting there: From Bengaluru airport, the KSRTC Flybus runs direct to Mysuru in about three hours. From MYQ, a taxi takes about half an hour.
Good to know: Most events are free; seats for the procession and torchlight parade are sold on the official site.
More info: mysoredasara.gov.in
6. MassKara Festival — Bacolod, Philippines
When: October 1–18, 2026 (major events October 9–18)
The “festival of smiles”: street-dance troupes in grinning masks and feathered, sequinned costumes, plus city-wide street parties and food. Electric MassKara lights up the night of October 16, and the street-dance competitions follow on October 17–18.
Nearest airport: Bacolod–Silay (BCD), about 15–17 km from downtown. Service is domestic, via Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB).
Getting there: Taxi, Grab or shuttle van, about 30–40 minutes.
Good to know: Street events are free. Hotels are reported full for the highlight weekend.
More info: bacolodcity.gov.ph
Dates and details were checked on October 2, 2026. Schedules change, so confirm with the festival before you list for a flight.
