Japan in October: Weather, Festivals, Foliage & Travel Tips

Japan in October is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit the country. The heat and humidity of summer are gone, the air is fresh, and the first signs of autumn are seen throughout the country. In most places, it is warm but not uncomfortable during the day, but the nights are cool and fresh, which is very good for walking, sightseeing, and generally spending time outdoors.

This guide will give you everything you need to know to visit Japan in October. Apart from the weather and temperatures, you will find information on what to wear and pack, the best places to visit, seasonal festivals, and a comparison of October with September.

Osaka Castle rising above golden autumn trees under a bright blue sky with red maple leaves in the foreground.

Yes, October is a great month  if you are planning to travel to Japan. It’s a month with mild temperatures, low humidity, and mostly clear skies. For these reasons, October is ideal for senior travel as well.

It's great for sightseeing, hiking and wandering around cities. Autumn foliage starts in the northern and high mountain areas, and the festival season is at its peak. Even though early October can still have a typhoon here and there, overall the weather is much more stable than in September.

October is a month of mild and pleasant weather all over Japan. Temperatures during the day usually vary between 15°C and 25°C (59F to 77F), with the air feeling fresher. Compared to summer, humidity is lower, skies are clear, and rainfall less frequent. October overall is a great month for sightseeing and outdoor adventures!

Tokyo in October is mostly characterized by mild and dry weather. The temperature during the day is usually around 20°C to 24°C (68F to 75F), whereas nights are about 15°C (59F). The humidity level is significantly lower than that of summer, hence it is quite comfortable to take long walks. During the month, especially its latter half, it is quite common to see the sky without clouds.

Kyoto and Osaka have similar conditions, with the afternoons being warm and nights becoming somewhat cool. The temperatures generally stay between 17°C and 25°C (63F to 77F). One can still feel a bit of warmth from the sun during the day after the first half of the month. However, the night air is cool enough to be considered crisp.

Hokkaido is a great deal cooler. Here, the temperature at times varies from 7°C to 16°C (45F to 61F), especially in the northern and mountainous regions. The beauty of the changing leaves is the main reason that people come here at this time of the year. You will have to bring warm clothes with you, especially in the night time, as temperatures can drastically drop right after the sun has set.

During October, Okinawa still has a warm and subtropical climate. Temperatures generally fluctuate between 23°C to 28°C (73F to 82F). The region is still fit for beach activities, the only difference is that the sun is not as hot as it is during summer. Although the atmosphere is still humid, it is not as high as in previous months. Water temperature in the sea is also perfect for swimming and water sports.

October is the end of the typhoon season. Although most typhoons take place in September, there can be a few storms that happen during the beginning of October. By mid to late October, you can expect calmness with less rain in general. It is always better to keep an eye on the weather report but extended disruptions are quite rare.

Visiting Japan in October requires some variety in clothing. Most days will be warm enough, but mornings and nights can get chilly. So, for most cities, a pair of lightweight long sleeves or a breathable top, together with a light sweater or cardigan will do you well. A light jacket can come in handy at night or if you are in the northern parts like Hokkaido.

Since you will probably be on your feet all day, comfortable walking shoes are a must. In places with a warmer climate like Okinawa, you can still go in short sleeves during the day. As for Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka towards the end of October, a scarf or an extra layer for the chillier evenings might be necessary.

Like we said above, you should pack versatile clothing. For example long-sleeve shirts that aren’t too warm, maybe something like a light sweater and a lightweight jacket. You will be walking around a lot, so make sure your shoes are comfortable. Bring an umbrella with you, or a small rain jacket. There can still be a little bit of rain here and there.

It’s a different story if your destination is Hokkaido or mountainous areas. Here you will need warmer clothing. Okinawa on the other hand will require lighter layers, maybe even a swimsuit if you are up for it! Have a reusable water bottle as well and maybe even a portable WiFi or SIM card. They will make your trip much smoother.

For most travelers, October is usually the best option. Japan in September is hotter, more humid, and by statistics, it also has the most typhoons. Even if there are fewer people than in summer, the weather can be warm, unsteady, and not quite pleasant.

On the other hand, the temperature in Japan in October is overall moderate. It is more pleasant to go on walking tours and for outdoor exploration. And beyond the weather, if you compare how much a trip to Japan cost in September versus October, you will see that the latter offers better prices.

October is a perfect month for walking in the cities and nature. The weather is not too hot or cold, the skies are clearer and the leaves changing color sign the beginning of fall, making it one of the most versatile months to travel. 

Let’s now see some of the best places to visit in Japan in October.

October is a very well suited month for a Tokyo city break. Shinjuku Gyoen and other parks gradually get their autumn colors by late month. Meanwhile, districts like Shibuya host large Halloween parties on October 31st. The weather is perfect for taking long walks, tasting local food, and making day trips to nearby places like Hakone, where you can see Mount Fuji.

Kyoto exudes a serene and more traditional vibe in October. It is also a beautiful choice for honeymoons in autumn. Although the main foliage season is usually in November, the mountains and higher elevation areas around the city get colored in late October. It is a perfect moment to visit temples, stroll through the bamboo grove of Arashiyama, and indulge in seasonal treats without the scorching summer heat.

Hokkaido is among the first regions to witness the peak of the fall foliage. By early or mid-October, places like Daisetsuzan National Park are awash with bright red and golden leaves. The weather is cooler, so it is a great time for hiking adventures and taking picturesque drives. You can expect a fresh atmosphere and less foreign tourists than in the spring.

October is an excellent month for people who love the outdoors to visit Nagano and the Japanese Alps. Kamikochi and similar places feature fantastic mountain views that have autumn colors as their frame. The temperature is cool which makes hiking even more enjoyable and crowds are lighter than peak summer season. It's definitely great for those looking for nature and wildlife experiences.

October is arguably the best time to go outdoors and enjoy the season's unique charm. It’s also a very strong month for family trips, since there are so many festivals going on!

 To begin with, go see the fall colors, also called koyo. The northern areas and mountains top the list and showcase the most spectacular red and yellow scenery. The parks, temples, as well as the nearby mountains, are great places to see autumn leaves.

Walking in the mountain areas such as Kamikochi or Daisetsuzan feels twice as great when you breathe the fresh and cold air during the long hikes. Moreover, the traditional gardens in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other metropolitan areas are lovely retreats at this time.

Among other things, October marks a food and wine highlight for Japan. You can have roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and persimmons while the autumn menus feature matsutake mushrooms. During October, theme parks open their doors to Halloween fans, so you may walk around and enjoy the festivities then. Besides, a hot spring bath is a luxurious experience after the chilly autumn nights.

October is a month full of traditional festivities and events that reach far back in the nation’s culture and history. In every corner of the country, you will come across historic matsuri with the parade of beautiful floats and artists' performances, as well as the Halloween parties that gather a lot of people in the major cities. These festivals not only culturally enrich but also energize any October trip plan to Japan.

The Takayama Autumn Festival is ranked as one of the most scenic festivals in Japan. It is set in Takayama's old town and showcases elaborately crafted wooden floats called yatai. During the daytime, floats are marched through the streets. At night, they are lit up with paper lanterns, giving a stunning scene. The festival is complemented by traditional music and mechanical puppet shows, all contributing to its ranking as one of the best festivals in Japan in October.

Nagasaki Kunchi is famous for its distinctive mixture of Japanese and Chinese cultural influences, mirroring Nagasaki's past as an international port. The line-up of performances features dragon dances, impressive floats in the shape of ships, and traditional music. The main event is hosted at Suwa Shrine with other performances scattered throughout the city. The combination of spectacular costumes, dance, and multicultural ingredients turns it into one of the most unique festivals to be held in October in Japan.

Halloween has transformed into a popular urban event in Tokyo. On the 31st of October, Shibuya district pulls in masses of people dressed up in fancy costumes and thus a seemingly spontaneous street party is also held. Even though official regulations may vary from year to year, the area stays the main point of interest. Theme parks like Universal Studios Japan also offer special Halloween events throughout October that include themed decorations, limited shows, and seasonal attractions.

In general, October does not attract as many people as the cherry blossom season in spring. Most big cities are quite manageable, particularly if you visit them on weekdays. Nevertheless, well-known theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan are always busy. Local weekends and festival days lure more local travelers, and the number of visitors in late October can go up with the setting of the colorful leaves in autumn.

Japan in October presents a well-rounded travel experience. The weather is pleasant, humidity is low, and the likelihood of typhoons is smaller than in September. You can walk around the city easily without the heat of summer, see the first colors of autumn in the north and mountainous areas, and join traditional festivals that co-exist with Halloween.

There is so much that you can do without spring's crowd and pressure, be it hiking in the mountains or soaking yourself in an onsen after a fresh evening. It is great for newcomers as well as regular travelers.

Even if you already have a definite idea of the trip, or perhaps you are not sure yet, why not tell Tailored by Locals? A local specialist will give you a personal travel plan that is an exact fit for your style, pace, and interests.