October is one of the most atmospheric months to visit Kyoto. The oppressive summer heat finally recedes, cool breezes drift down from the mountains, and ancient traditions and festivals come alive as the city moves toward autumn. While full autumn colours are still forming, October offers a beautiful preview of fall’s glory alongside rich cultural experiences.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about Kyoto in October — from festivals and seasonal highlights to travel tips and how to make the most of your tours. Joining a guided tour is one of the best ways to navigate busy festival days, capture autumn’s early beauty, and experience Kyoto’s cultural heritage with ease.
Weather in October
Daytime temperatures are comfortable: usually mild and pleasant, often in the low to mid 20°C range, though mornings and evenings can be cool.
The humidity drops significantly from summer, making walking around temples, shrines and historic districts much more comfortable.
Occasional rain is possible, but generally not heavy or constant. It’s wise to bring layers—a light jacket or sweater for early mornings/late evenings—and a compact umbrella just in case.
Festivals & Events in October
Calendar of Events
| Date | Festival | Location | Notes |
| October 1-5 | Zuiki Matsuri | Kitano Tenmangū Shrine | Harvest festival with mikoshi decorated in produce. |
| October 21 | Izumo Daijingu | Kameoka (west of Kyoto) | Local shrine rituals and ceremonies. |
| October 22 | Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the ages) | From Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine | Grand historical parade with 2,000 costumed participants. |
| October 22 | Kurama Fire Festival | Kurama village, north Kyoto | Fiery torch procession through mountain streets. |
While many festivals are held throughout the month, three stand out as particularly special for visitors:
Jidai Matsuri — Festival of the Ages
Held every year on October 22, Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three great festivals. A vast parade winds from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine, with around 2,000 people dressed in historically accurate costumes representing more than a thousand years of Kyoto’s history. Watching the Heian warriors, Edo-period courtiers, and Meiji officials march in procession is like seeing the city’s past come to life in a single afternoon. For visitors, it is both spectacular and educational, though seating areas and good viewing spots can fill quickly.
Kurama Fire Festival
On the very same night, October 22, the quiet mountain town of Kurama transforms into a scene of fire and smoke. Local men shoulder enormous flaming torches and march through the narrow village streets, creating one of the most dramatic and primal festivals in Japan. The atmosphere is both exciting and chaotic, with crowds lining the streets and the night sky lit up by fire. Trains to Kurama are packed, and the festival can be overwhelming without guidance, but for those who attend it is unforgettable.
Zuiki Matsuri at Kitano Tenmangū
From October 1 to 5, Kitano Tenmangū Shrine hosts the Zuiki Matsuri. Unlike the grandeur of Jidai Matsuri or the spectacle of Kurama, this is a more local and agricultural celebration. The highlight is a mikoshi, or portable shrine, decorated entirely with vegetables and other produce, a reminder of the deep connection between the shrine and the harvest season. It is a quieter event but a rewarding one, especially for visitors who want to see a side of Kyoto less frequented by tourists.
Seasonal Highlights in October
October is the beginning of autumn in Kyoto, though the peak foliage of famous places like Arashiyama, Tofukuji, and Eikando comes later in November. Instead, October offers early autumn colours in higher-elevation areas such as Kurama, Takao, and Mount Hiei. Visiting these mountain temples in late October can reward you with brilliant patches of red and gold before the rest of the city changes.
Evenings grow longer, and temple illuminations begin to appear. Gardens and temple halls are lit softly, creating a completely different mood from the daytime visits. Walking through Higashiyama or Gion in the cool October night with lanterns glowing around you is a highlight of the season.
Food also changes with the season. Persimmons, chestnuts, and mushrooms make their way into local dishes, while wagashi confectioners showcase sweets decorated with autumn motifs. Even a simple tea ceremony feels richer in October, with matcha paired against the backdrop of seasonal flavours.
Featured Tours in October
Sacred Peaks and Ancient Paths: The Kurama-Kibune Hiking Experience
October is one of the best times of year to journey into the sacred mountains of northern Kyoto. The air is cool and refreshing, the first autumn colours begin to paint the cedar forests, and the spiritual path between Kurama and Kibune feels especially alive. This hike combines natural beauty, centuries-old temple traditions, and the quiet charm of two mountain villages linked by an ancient pilgrimage trail.
Highlights:
- Walk the forested temple path from Kurama-dera to Kibune Shrine, following in the footsteps of monks and pilgrims.
- Experience the mystical atmosphere of towering cedar trees touched with the first reds and golds of autumn.
- Enjoy the tranquil riverside setting of Kibune, famous for its shrines and seasonal cuisine.
Sacred Peaks and Scenic Views: Mt. Hiezan, Enryakuji Temple and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
October is an exceptional month to explore Mount Hiei, the spiritual heart of Japanese Tendai Buddhism. Crisp mountain air and the first touches of autumn colour create a serene backdrop for discovering Enryakuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most significant monastic complexes, and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, guardian of the mountain. This private tour blends panoramic views, sacred history, and seasonal beauty into a rewarding day beyond the city.
Highlights:
- Explore Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of Buddhist history.
- Visit Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the ancient protector of Mount Hiei, surrounded by nature in its autumn dress.
- Take in sweeping views over Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and the surrounding mountains, especially atmospheric in October.
Bamboo Artistry and Zen Serenity: A Day of Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto
October is a beautiful month to discover Kyoto’s eastern hills, where crisp autumn air and soft sunlight create a serene atmosphere around temples and gardens. This full-day experience combines the refined beauty of Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) with the delicate craftsmanship of Kyoto’s bamboo artistry. With seasonal colours beginning to brighten the temple grounds and quiet paths, it is an especially rewarding time to immerse yourself in Zen aesthetics and traditional design.
Highlights:
- Explore Ginkaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Zen gardens and understated elegance.
- Learn about Kyoto’s bamboo craftsmanship, discovering how this versatile material has shaped Japanese daily life and art.
- Walk the Philosopher’s Path in the refreshing October air, with hints of autumn foliage along the canal.
More Ways to Visit Kyoto
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer Private Charters in Kyoto. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of the village and surrounding region.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in October
- Crowd and Transport Management - Festival days are very busy. Especially October 22 for Jidai Matsuri + Kurama Fire Festival. Trains to Kurama get packed, viewing spots fill early. Using a guided tour ensures reserved transport and priority info.
- What to Wear – Layers are your friend. Daytime warm, evenings can get chilly. Comfortable walking shoes for temple grounds and possibly hikes.
- Photography Tips – Mornings and late afternoons offer better light for colours. For festivals, scout viewpoints early; some areas allow paid seating for better views.
- Timing Your Visit – If you want fewer crowds, avoid the exact festival dates, or do central spots early in the morning. Also early October before leaf color starts is less busy.
- Accommodation - Book in advance for festivals. Staying in areas outside central Kyoto (e.g. Kurama, Uji, Takao) can give quieter evenings and earlier access to natural sites.
Where to Stay in October
October is one of the most rewarding months to experience Kyoto, with cooler air, early hints of autumn foliage, and a lively festival atmosphere across the city.
- Central Kyoto districts (Gion, Higashiyama, Kawaramachi): Best for access to temples, restaurants, and nightlife. Great base for festival walks.
- Mountain / northern outskirts (Kurama, Kibune, Takao): More peaceful, scenic, closer to early foliage.
- Uji or Kameoka: For people interested in combining tea culture or shrine festivals like Izumo Daijingū with nature.
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 Where to Stay In Kyoto and Nara page.
Plan Your October Visit
October offers a blend of culture, nature, and seasonal change. From grand parades in historical garb (Jidai Matsuri) to fiery torch processions in the mountains (Kurama), and early glimpses of autumn colour, there’s something for both first-time visitors and returnees.
If you plan carefully—aligning tours with festival dates, choosing when to explore nature vs. city—you can avoid crowds, capture beautiful light, and experience Kyoto at a magical transitional moment. A guided tour helps smooth transport, local understanding, and knowing where and when to be.