What to do in Japan in October?

The month of October marks the true beginning of autumn in Japan. September remains hot, humid, and prone to typhoons; November is cooler and offers the red maples of Kyoto. October sits between the two: drier weather, beautiful sunny days, and cool evenings. For many travelers, it is the ideal period for a first trip to Japan, on a par with spring.

Beginning or end of October?

In early October, the air still carries a scent of summer: afternoons can be warm in the south, and the last typhoons of the season remain possible. It is the perfect time to enjoy the festivals of the first fortnight (Nagasaki, Takayama) and the southern islands.

In late October, temperatures drop, mornings become cool, and autumn colors descend from the north toward the center of the country. If your goal is koyo, aim for the second half of the month, or even a stay spanning late October and early November to combine the north and Kyoto.

How crowded is it in October?

October is a highly sought-after month. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan welcomed 3,896,300 foreign visitors in October 2025, a record for this month and a 17.6% increase year-on-year. Major cities, led by Kyoto, and ryokans with onsen in mountain villages are filling up fast: book your accommodations several weeks in advance.

In Japan, there is no major holiday period in October, unlike the Golden Week at the end of April and beginning of May. Only one day is a public holiday: Sports Day (Sports no Hi, long called Taiiku no Hi), the second Monday of October, which is October 12 in 2026. It is also the season for undokai, the large sports competition days that many Japanese schools organize in the autumn. This long weekend, from Saturday the 10th to Monday the 12th, draws Japanese families toward tourist sites: expect bigger crowds and busier trains during those three days.

October, September or November?

September and October are often compared, much like October and November. Here is what changes between Japan in September, in October, and Japan in November.

To compare all seasons, from the cherry blossom bloom in April to the winter snow, check out our article on the best time to visit Japan.

It is mild. In Japan in October, the average temperature is around 18 °C in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, with afternoons between 22 and 24 °C and nights around 15 °C. But the country stretches from north to south across several climates, and temperatures generally vary by more than 13 degrees on average between Sapporo and Naha.

Here are the official October normals from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), calculated over the 1991-2020 period:

Northern Japan: already cool

In northern Japan, autumn is settling in for good. In Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, afternoons peak at 16 °C and nights drop to an average of 8 °C. The Tohoku region, around Sendai, remains a bit milder, around 20 °C in the afternoon. Plan to bring a real warm jacket if you head up into the mountains.

The heart of the country: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Along the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka axis, conditions are ideal for walking all day: weather that is neither too hot nor too cold, between 22 and 24 °C in the afternoon. Kyoto is a bit cooler in the morning (14.4 °C) because the city is surrounded by mountains. Days get shorter as the month progresses: in Tokyo, the sun rises at 5:35 am and sets at 5:26 pm on October 1, 2026, then rises at 6:01 am and sets at 4:47 pm on October 31. Organize your visits by starting early.

The south and Okinawa: summer is still here

In the south, Kyushu and Hiroshima enjoy the sunniest month on the list, with 175 to 179 hours of sunshine. In Okinawa, it's still summer: 28 °C in the afternoon, humid air, and a sea temperature around 26 to 28 °C depending on the area. You can still go swimming, provided you keep an eye on typhoons, which are more frequent in this region than on the main islands.

The October weather is generally dry and sunny, with two exceptions to keep in mind: rain in Tokyo and the final typhoons. The air loses much of its humidity compared to summer, making the days much more pleasant.

Rain: Tokyo is the exception

In most major cities, it only rains 6 to 9 days in October. Tokyo is an exception: with an average of 234.8 mm, October is even the rainiest month of the year there, just ahead of September (224.9 mm). This precipitation often falls in a few heavy showers, linked to low-pressure systems and typhoons, rather than continuous rain. A folding umbrella is sufficient most of the time, and you will find them in any konbini.

Typhoons in October

The typhoon season ends in October: typhoons can still occur, especially at the beginning of the month, but they remain rare. According to JMA statistics, an average of 3.4 typhoons form in the Pacific in October, but only 1.7 approach Japan, and 0.3 make landfall. In August and September, 3.3 typhoons approach the country. Okinawa and the Amami Islands are the most exposed (an average of 1.1 approaches in October), followed by the main islands (0.9).

In practice: check the JMA forecasts a few days before your trips, allow for one day of buffer in your itinerary, and take out travel insurance that covers cancellations. In the event of an alert, trains and flights may be suspended as a precaution while the storm passes.

Light and sunshine

The drier air offers beautiful luminosity, ideal for photography. Hiroshima totals 178.6 hours of sunshine in October, Osaka 166.1, and Kyoto 156. It is also a good month to see Mount Fuji: the sky clears more often than in summer, when mist hides it most of the time.

October is the month of harvest festivals. Many autumn matsuri thank the deities for the rice harvest, featuring decorated floats, costumed processions, and drums. Here are the major events of 2026, with their dates verified with the organizers:

The Takayama Autumn Festival

The Takayama Matsuri is considered one of the most beautiful festivals in the country. This festival takes place twice every year, in spring and autumn. Its autumn version, the Hachiman Matsuri, is held on October 9 and 10, 2026, around the Sakurayama Hachimangu shrine. Richly decorated floats, some of which carry mechanical puppets, parade through the streets of the historic old town, then light up with lanterns in the evening. Takayama accommodations are in high demand: book now if you want to stay overnight.

The Jidai Matsuri and the Kurama Fire Festival

On October 22, 2026, Kyoto experiences two very different festivals on the same day. The Jidai Matsuri, the "festival of eras," is a long traditional parade that departs at noon from the Imperial Palace toward the Heian Shrine: participants wear costumes from each major era of Kyoto's history. If it rains, it is postponed to the following day.

In the evening, head to the village of Kurama, north of the city, for the Kurama no Hi Matsuri, a spectacular celebration and a unique experience: from 6 pm until after midnight, residents carry massive flaming torches to the Yuki shrine. The village is accessible via a small train from Kyoto, and crowds are heavy that evening: leave early.

Halloween in Japan

Japan has embraced Halloween, especially in Tokyo. The major costume event is the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival: an evening reserved for those over 18 on October 30, followed by two days open to everyone on October 31 and November 1, from 10 am to 6 pm. In Shibuya, long famous for its costumed crowds, it is now forbidden to drink alcohol in the streets around the station from 6 pm to 5 am, all year round. For the full Tokyo program for the month, read our article on what to do in Tokyo.

Tsukimi, the autumn moon

Japan also celebrates the autumn moon, tsukimi. The mid-autumn full moon falls on September 25, 2026, but a second night of contemplation, jusanya, takes place on October 23, 2026. Japanese families place rice dumplings (dango) and pampas grass near the window that evening, and some gardens and temples organize observation evenings.

Koyo, the changing color of the leaves (also referred to as momiji for maples), progresses from north to south and from the summits toward the plains. In October, the most beautiful autumn colors can therefore be found in the north of the country and in the mountains. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, one must wait until November to admire the peak in Tokyo, Kyoto, and the warmer regions.

For 2026, the Japan Weather Association predicts a peak that is "within normal ranges or later than usual" across the country, due to an autumn that is warmer than average. Here are its first forecasts, published on October 1, 2026:

Hokkaido and Daisetsuzan

The Daisetsuzan massif, in central Hokkaido, sees Japan's first colors starting in September. In early October, valleys such as Sounkyo are still red and gold, and the maples of Sapporo take over: on average, they turn red around October 28.

Tohoku: Oirase and Towada-Hachimantai

In Tohoku, the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, spanning the prefectures of Akita, Aomori, and Iwate, is one of the most beautiful autumn sites in the country. The Hachimantai peaks turn colorful in late September and early October, while Lake Towada does so from mid-October to late October. The Oirase Gorge, which flows down from the lake, can be explored on foot along a path beside the water.

The Japanese Alps: Kamikochi, Kurobe and Tateyama

In the heart of Honshu, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route traverses the mountains via bus, cable car, and funicular. The colors descend level by level: starting from mid-September around Murodo, mid-October at the Kurobe Dam, and late October at Bijodaira. The route is open until November 30, 2026. Nearby, the small Kurobe Gorge railway has been operating across its entire line again since October 1, 2026, with autumn colors from mid-October to November. Kamikochi, a high valley very popular with hikers, closes in mid-November.

Nikko and Oze, near Tokyo

From Tokyo, Nikko is one of the most popular autumn excursions: the maples of the Irohazaka road and Lake Chuzenji turn colorful starting from late October. You can combine it with the great autumn festival at the Toshogu Shrine on October 16 and 17. The wilder Oze National Park offers its golden meadows from mid-September to early October.

What to do in Japan in October depends mostly on the region you choose. For a first trip, the classic Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka loop works very well; add the north for the koyo or the south for the beach. Here are the best destinations of the month.

Tokyo, between festivals and gardens

Tokyo is pleasant to discover on foot in October: gardens, parks, and terraces can be enjoyed without the summer heat. On October 1, Tokyo Citizens' Day, certain parks and museums are free, such as the Ueno Zoo. For the rest of the month, the city hosts a series of local festivals: the Yosakoi dance festival in Ikebukuro on October 10 and 11, the grilled sanma festival in Meguro on October 11, the Jimbocho old book fair starting October 23, and the international film festival starting October 26. In the evening, a stroll along the Tokyo Bay waterfront in Odaiba is also lovely. In late October, the first red leaves appear on Mount Takao, just an hour from the city center.

Kyoto, Nara and Osaka

October is a great time to visit Kyoto: the temples and shrines are still green, but the crowds are more reasonable than in November, when everyone comes for the maple trees. Take the opportunity to see Kinkaku-ji, the Fushimi Inari shrine, and the Gion district, and keep October 22 free for the Jidai Matsuri. Nara and its deer are less than an hour away, and Osaka, a street food city, allows you to end the day over some okonomiyaki.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

Mount Fuji has been closed to climbing since September 10, 2026, but October is a beautiful season to admire it, with clearer skies more often than in summer. The Kawaguchi lakes at the foot of the volcano and the Hakone region, with its onsen and Lake Ashi, are easily accessible from Tokyo. In late October, the first snows sometimes cap the summit.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go

The Japanese Alps are worth the detour in October. Takayama and its festival on October 9 and 10, then Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village with its thatched-roof houses, which celebrates its unfiltered sake from October 14 to 19. The rice paddies around the houses are harvested during this period, and the mountains begin to turn red.

Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hiroshima is the sunniest city in our table in October. After the Peace Memorial, take the ferry to Miyajima Island and its floating torii. On the weekend of October 10 and 11, the neighboring town of Saijo, one of the capitals of Japanese sake, hosts its grand sake festival.

Okinawa, an extended summer

If you dream of beaches, Okinawa is the only truly summery Japanese destination in October: 28 °C in the afternoon and a sea that is still warm. It's a beautiful end to a trip for a honeymoon or a relaxing getaway, provided you keep an eye on typhoons.

Activities in October in Japan revolve around three themes: nature, seasonal gastronomy, and culture. Here is a selection of ideas for outings and discoveries, from the north to the south of the Land of the Rising Sun. For a wider list, valid all year round, read our article on what to do in Japan.

Tasting the flavors of autumn

October is the month of harvests. Seasonal products are everywhere: chestnuts, persimmons, Japanese pears, sweet potatoes, matsutake mushrooms, and the new rice of the year. It is also the season for sanma, an iconic grilled autumn fish, and seasonal sake. Niigata Prefecture, a major rice and sake region, is ideal for tasting several varieties and seeing the rice fields in full harvest.

Relaxing in an onsen

When the evenings cool down, nothing beats a soak in an onsen, a natural hot spring. Mountain ryokans in Hakone, the Japanese Alps, or Tohoku often offer outdoor baths with views of the autumn colors. This is the season when they are most in demand, both by Japanese locals on weekends and by foreign visitors: book early.

Hiking in national parks

Whether the leaves have changed color or not, October is an excellent period for hiking. Kamikochi, the Senjojiki Cirque in the Central Alps, Oze National Park, or the Oirase Gorge offer easy and well-marked trails. Near Tokyo, Mount Takao can be climbed in half a day.

Admiring the flower fields

Autumn also has its flowers. At Hitachi Seaside Park, in Ibaraki Prefecture, the kochia hills (small, round shrubs) turn bright red in mid-October; in 2026, they began turning red in early October, surrounded by fields of cosmos. You can also find fields of cosmos on Nokonoshima Island, facing Fukuoka.

Attending a tea ceremony and hunting for antiques

Autumn is a beautiful season for the tea ceremony. Every year, Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture hosts the Matsue-jo Daichakai, a large gathering of the city's tea schools: in 2025, it was held on October 25 and 26 around the castle. There, you taste matcha accompanied by a wagashi pastry, served according to the rules of each school.

If you love hunting for treasures, the Kyoto Antique Fair brings together dealers from all over Japan from October 30 to November 1, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Pulse Plaza exhibition park, south of Kyoto Station. Entry is free: ceramics, lacquerware, prints, and antiques are on display and for sale.

Enjoy the arts season

Autumn is traditionally the season of the arts in Japan, and many major exhibitions open in October. The museums of Tokyo, from Ueno to Roppongi, and those in Kyoto schedule their flagship exhibitions. Expect crowds on the weekend: aim for a weekday, in the early morning.

The keyword is layering. In October in Japan, the difference between the afternoon and the evening can exceed 8 °C, and the differences between regions are even greater. Here are the essentials:

• Short and long-sleeved t-shirts, to layer depending on the weather.
• A light sweater or a fleece for the evenings.
• A windproof and waterproof jacket, essential in the mountains and useful on rainy days in Tokyo.
• A real warm jacket if you go to Hokkaido, Tohoku, or to high altitudes.
• Comfortable and waterproof walking shoes, easy to take off: you will often be taking your shoes off in temples, ryokans, and certain restaurants.
• A more dressy pair of shoes for evenings in the city; it is still too early for boots.
• A swimsuit if you pass through Okinawa.
• A folding umbrella, or a purchase on-site at a konbini.

Our advice: no need to bring your winter clothes, except for Hokkaido and high mountains.

Remember to leave some space: Japan is a shopping destination, and you will surely return with more items than when you left.

October is part of the high season: to visit Japan in good conditions, it is better to plan ahead. Here are the steps not to forget for your trip.

Book flights, hotels and trains

Book your flight and accommodations as soon as your dates are set, especially for Kyoto, Takayama, and ryokans with onsen. If you are doing a circuit through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond, compare the price of individual tickets with that of the Japan Rail Pass, which is not always cost-effective depending on your itinerary.

Plan your budget

Accommodation prices rise in October, especially during festivals and the weekend of October 10 to 12. To estimate the total cost of your trip (flights, accommodation, transport, meals, activities), use our article on the budget for a trip to Japan to help you.

Why a reliable internet connection is essential in Japan

In Japan, your phone is useful for everything: tracking your connections on Google Maps, checking a typhoon's trajectory, translating a menu with your camera, booking a ryokan at the last minute, or sharing your autumn color photos live. Free Wi-Fi in Japan exists in stations and konbini, but it cuts out as soon as you walk, and it is rare in the mountains.

That's where voilà eSIM makes the difference. You install your eSIM in two minutes before leaving, and you are connected as soon as you land, without searching for a SIM card counter at the airport. Once there, the eSIM uses the 5G network of NTT docomo, Japan's leading operator.

• Excellent value for money: the Japan eSIM plans start at $1.40 for 1 GB over 7 days, and the recommended 20 GB plan for 30 days costs $16.80.
• An easy-to-install eSIM and an easy-to-use app: you track your usage and top up in seconds directly from the app.
• Human customer support, 24/7: if anything goes wrong, a real person answers you, even in the middle of the night in Japan.

Only condition: an eSIM compatible phone, which is the case for most recent models. Check yours below.

October is one of the best months to travel to Japan: mild and dry weather, festivals almost every weekend, the first colors of autumn in the north, and harvest flavors in every city. Choose your period according to your desires: early October for festivals and the beaches of Okinawa, late October for the mountain koyo, and a stay until November if you also want the red maples of Kyoto.

Book early, keep a day of margin for the weather, and pack in layers: autumn in Japan will do the rest.