October is one of the most vibrant and beautiful times of year in Toyama Prefecture. As the mountain air turns crisp, the region comes alive with brilliant autumn colors. The month offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural tradition and natural beauty. From the stunning fall foliage along the Kurobe Gorge Railway to the dramatic mountains of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, October is a time when the region is at its most photogenic.
Weather in October
October brings crisp, pleasant weather to Toyama, making it a great time to visit. The temperatures vary significantly between the coastal plains and the mountains. In the plains, daytime highs are typically between 15–18°C, while evenings drop to around 10–12°C.
However, in the higher mountainous areas like the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the air is much colder. Daytime temperatures can be close to freezing, and evenings often fall below 0°C, with the first light snowfalls possible by late October. Therefore, dressing in layers is essential to be prepared for both the moderate conditions in the city and the much colder climate of the mountains.
Seasonal Highlights in October
Toyama Castle Park
The historic grounds of Toyama Castle Park take on a unique charm in October. The vibrant autumn leaves bring an added warmth to the landscape, contrasting beautifully with the castle's restored exterior and moat. Strolling the grounds in the crisp air, visitors can enjoy the fall scenery while also exploring nearby attractions like the Toyama Glass Art Museum. In other parts of the city, such as the Fugan Canal Kansui Park, the trees along the water's edge also show off brilliant colors, providing a different perspective on Toyama's urban landscape in the fall.
Vibrant Autumn Colors
October marks the peak of autumn foliage across Toyama Prefecture. In the high mountains of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, fiery reds and golden yellows sweep across the peaks, creating some of the most stunning landscapes in Japan. Closer to the city, the Kurobe Gorge Railway offers a spectacular train ride through valleys glowing with autumn hues, making even a short ride feel special. In Gokayama, the traditional farmhouses are framed by mountains gradually transforming into a patchwork of seasonal color.
Hot Onsen for the Chilly Weather
With the air turning crisp, there’s nothing better than relaxing in an open-air hot spring while surrounded by autumn leaves. Unazuki Onsen, the starting point for the Kurobe Gorge Railway, is particularly popular in October, offering scenic outdoor baths where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Beyond the Kurobe area, you can also find other excellent options. Tateyama Kogen Hotel at the Murodo Plateau on the Alpine Route has an indoor bath with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, in the southern part of the prefecture, Shogawa Onsen offers relaxing riverside baths amidst the beautiful autumn scenery of the Shogawa River.
Featured Tours in October
[Summer/Fall Only] From Kanazawa: Shomyo Falls, Light Alpine Hikes and Tateyama Mountain's Majesty
October is a spectacular time to explore the Tateyama Mountains, offering a unique journey that combines breathtaking natural landscapes with an exploration of Japan's tallest waterfall. This tour takes you from Kanazawa to the dramatic heights of the Alpine Route, where you'll enjoy light hikes and incredible mountain scenery. Note that this tour starts from Kanazawa.
Highlights:
- Hike to the majestic Shomyo Falls, Japan's tallest waterfall.
- Enjoy a light hike and picnic lunch in the serene Midagahara Wetlands.
- Explore the high-altitude trails around Murodo and the beautiful Mikurigaike Pond.
[Summer/Fall Only] From Kanazawa: Shomyo Falls, Light Alpine Hikes and Tateyama Mountain's Majesty
- Spots:
- KanazawaAlpine Route
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shogawa Valley River Cruise
October is a perfect month for discovering the Amaharashi Coast and the historic city of Takaoka. The crisp mountain air and stunning autumn scenery create a beautiful backdrop for this tour, which combines breathtaking coastal views and rich cultural tradition.
Highlights:
- Capture photos of the Amaharashi Coast, where the sea, mountains, and trees meet.
- See the famous Takaoka Big Buddha and the traditional streets of the city.
- Take a river cruise through the scenic Shogawa Valley.
More Ways to Visit Toyama
Beyond our guided tours, we provide private charters and flexible travel options to Toyama. These are an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a personalized itinerary or the comfort of a private vehicle. Charters are ideal for families, couples, or groups who want to experience the best of Toyama and the surrounding region with complete convenience and freedom.
COMING SOON!
Local News & Travel Updates
- Crowds & Travel Tips - Toyama in October is popular for autumn foliage, particularly along the Kurobe Gorge Railway and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, so these areas can be quite busy, especially on weekends. It is highly recommended to book transportation and accommodation well in advance, as many people travel to the prefecture to see the brilliant fall colors.
- Transport Updates - October is one of the busiest months for getting around Toyama, especially on the Kurobe Gorge Railway and the buses that service the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. With the autumn colors at their peak, seats on these lines get snatched up fast. When you book a tour with us, we take care of all your transport reservations in advance. That way, you don't have to worry about missing out on a seat and can instead focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
- Onsen Towns in Season - October is also a busy time for hot spring resorts across Toyama. Many ryokan, from the well-known Unazuki Onsen to the secluded onsen along the Kurobe Gorge Railway, offer autumn-themed kaiseki meals alongside open-air baths surrounded by colorful foliage. This makes it one of the most rewarding months to visit, with other excellent options like the riverside baths at Shogawa Onsen also providing a perfect escape.
Where to Stay in October
October is one of the most popular times to visit Toyama and the wider Hokuriku region. To get the best experience, it's essential to pick the right base for your travels. The area has a wide range of accommodation options, whether you want to be close to the brilliant autumn colors of the mountains, find a relaxing retreat in a peaceful hot spring town, or stay in a historic city with a lively cultural scene. Each location offers a unique way to enjoy the season, so by planning your trip in advance, you can be sure to find the atmosphere that's right for you.
- Toyama City – Toyama is great base for exploring the city's urban attractions, while also having convenient access to the stunning autumn foliage of the surrounding mountains and coastal areas.
- Unazuki Onsen – Staying in Unazuki Onsen in October is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the region's famous autumn colors while enjoying a relaxing hot spring experience right at the start of the Kurobe Gorge Railway.
- Takaoka – An excellent choice for those interested in exploring the city's rich history and traditional crafts, while also being well-positioned to visit the nearby Amaharashi Coast
- Gokayama – Ideal for those seeking a tranquil and traditional experience, as you can see the World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouses beautifully framed by vibrant autumn foliage.
Wherever you choose to stay, autumn is one of the busiest times of year, so it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Best Places to Stay in Toyama.
Plan Your October Visit to Hokuriku
October in Toyama and the Hokuriku region is when nature and culture truly shine, offering a rich mix of culture, flavor, and landscapes. In Kanazawa, the elegant Kenrokuen Garden and the historic teahouse districts are transformed with vibrant fall colors, while in Fukui, the majestic Eiheiji Temple is framed by ancient trees that create a spectacular display of autumn hues. With so much to see and large numbers of visitors expected, planning ahead is the key to making the most of your trip—whether that means securing accommodation early or joining a guided tour to take the hassle out of transport and reservations.
