Spiritual Japan Journal

Spiritual Japan Journal

Kannazuki: When the Gods Gather and Japan Celebrates Autumn

From Sacred Rituals to Local Traditions, Exploring Japan's Autumn Festivals

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Spiritual Japan Journal
Oct 20, 2026
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In Japan, people have long believed in countless deities, traditionally known as yaoyorozu no kami (八百万の神), or the “eight million gods.”

And October has a curious traditional name: Kannazuki (神無月), often understood as the Month Without Gods.

According to an old belief, the gods leave their respective regions and gather in Izumo (出雲) once a year. While the…

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