October is one of the most beautiful months across Japan, and a popular month to travel for international visitors. From vibrant autumn foliage in the mountains of Central Japan to cultural festivals in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, the entire country comes alive with color, celebration, and cooler weather. Whether you’re looking to spend your time shopping in Tokyo or relaxing in serene gardens in Kanazawa, there’s a perfect mix of natural beauty, traditional events, and exciting events to see in October.
Weather in October
October marks the transition time from summer to autumn, with temperatures and rainfall decreasing across most of Japan.
| Region | Early October Avg High | Late October Avg Low |
| Tokyo | 24°C | 14°C |
| Kyoto | 23°C | 12°C |
| Osaka | 24°C | 13°C |
| Nagoya | 25°C | 15°C |
| Nagano | 20°C | 10°C |
| Takayama | 19°C | 8°C |
| Kanazawa | 22°C | 13°C |
| Hiroshima | 24°C | 14°C |
| Sapporo | 18°C | 6°C |
Layered clothing is recommended, especially in the mornings and evenings. Mountain areas and northern cities (Nagano, Takayama, Sapporo) will feel significantly cooler.
Seasonal Highlights in October
Autumn Colors
- Nagano / Kamikochi / Norikura (Mid–Late October): The higher-elevation areas of the Japan Alps change into brilliant shades of reds, oranges, and yellows making October the perfect time for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Takayama (Late October): The picturesque old town becomes framed by red-leaved mountains.
- Kyoto / Arashiyama Hills (Late October): The fall color season begins late in the month with brilliant hues near temples and rivers.
- Sapporo / Jozankei Gorge (Early–Mid October): Hokkaido sees the earliest peak in autumn foliage.
Seasonal Flowers
- Cosmos Fields in Showa Kinen Park (Tokyo): Pastel pink and white cosmos stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Kochia Garden in the Hida Mountains (Gifu): Bright red bushes in full display against a cool mountain backdrop at Bokka no Sato.
- Autumn Roses (Mie): Nabana no Sato, just outside of Nagoya, offers a romantic setting ideal for photography and quiet strolls.
Moon Viewing & Harvest
- Mid-autumn moon viewing events take place at gardens, temples, and castles—especially scenic in places like Nagoya’s Tokugawa Garden and Himeji Castle.
- Seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, matsutake mushrooms, and freshly harvested rice appear on menus across the country.
Fall Flavors
October is also harvest season in Japan for many crops including rice, apples, chestnuts, and pumpkins. In mountainous areas, including Nagano, crisp apples, matsutake mushrooms, and soba noodles with mountain vegetables take center stage. Whereas in costal cities like Kanazawa and Sapporo, sweet shrimp, grilled sanma, salmon, ikura, and crab are at their best.
Perhaps one of the month's most interesting foods is Hiroshima's maple leaf-shaped momiji manju.
Featured Tours in October
SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY, HIDA FOLK VILLAGE AND LIMESTONE CAVES TOUR FROM TAKAYAMA / all year round
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Hida Folk Village, Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway
- Spots:
- TakayamaShinhotaka
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- Takayama
A short distance from Takayama city is this area of unrivaled beauty and splendor. The tour begins at Takayama Station before heading to the Hida Folk Village. This open-air museum showcases traditional farmhouses and architecture from the Hida region, giving you a glimpse into Japan’s rural past. Afterward, the journey continues to the Hida Great Limestone Cave, where dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, developed over centuries, captivate visitors. The final part of the tour takes you up the stunning Shinhotaka Ropeway, with the majestic Central Japanese Alps as your backdrop. Upon reaching the observation deck, you can take your time to explore and enjoy the breathtaking views at your leisure.
[Autumn Only] From Sapporo: Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen / Sep - Oct
Immerse yourself in Hokkaido's natural beauty with our seasonal Hoheikyo Tour. Starting from Sapporo, you'll first journey to the breathtaking Hoheikyo Dam—a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. After exploring the dam, you'll be brought to Hoheikyo Onsen, where you can relax in a natural outdoor hot spring bath surrounded by beautiful forest scenery. Ideal for those hunting Japan's koyo fall colors, we highly recommend visiting in the autumn when you'll be treated to a stunning panorama of crimson and amber foliage reflecting off the dam's turquoise reservoir.
Mount Takao Adventure : Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo / September - May
This tour gives guests the opportunity to experience nature and beautiful landscape in Tokyo! When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and greenery. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is a sacred site in Japan which has a rich history spanning over 1,200 years, perfectly blending culture and religion together. If you love nature, hiking and want to get off the beaten tourist path on an easy day trip in Tokyo, then this tour is for you! Make your Tokyo trip unique by visiting this hidden gem! You will learn all about Takao’s forna and flora at a local nature centre, ride a picturesque cable car to the half way point up the mountain, and explore the many famous landmarks and attractions of Takao including a monkey park and garden, suspension bridge, ancient Cedar Tree avenue and Takao’s temple. You will finish the tour at the summit, taking in spectacular views of Tokyo, the surrounding mountainous landscape and even Mount Fuji on clear days.
Major Festivals & Events Across Japan in October
Tokyo
- Shibuya Halloween (Late October): Japan’s biggest unofficial Halloween street party, with thousands in costume.
- Kawagoe Festival (Oct 19–20): Edo-period floats and music in a preserved old town just north of Tokyo.
- Jindaiji Chrysanthemum Festival (Late Oct–Nov): A peaceful flower festival near Chofu.
Kyoto
- Jidai Matsuri (October 22, 2025): A parade of historical figures in period costume from Kyoto’s imperial past.
- Kurama Fire Festival (Oct 22): Flaming torches and Shinto rituals light up this mountain village.
- Tea and Kiku Festivals at Temples: Seasonal flower displays and traditional tea ceremonies.
Osaka
- Danjiri Matsuri (Kishiwada – Oct 5–6): Towering wooden floats pulled at high speed through narrow streets.
- Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights: Haunted houses, zombies, and themed attractions.
- Expo ’25 Pre-Events: Osaka hosts events in anticipation of the 2025 Expo.
Hiroshima
- Saijo Sake Festival (Oct 12–13): One of Japan’s largest sake festivals, in a historic brewing town near Hiroshima.
- Hiroshima Flower Festival (Special Autumn Edition – Oct 26–27): A colorful mix of performances and floral displays.
- Peace Park Lantern Memorials: Autumn memorial ceremonies near the A-Bomb Dome.
Kanazawa
- Hyakumangoku Autumn Parade (Mid-October): Samurai procession celebrating the Maeda Clan’s legacy.
- Kenrokuen Garden Evening Illumination (Late October): Fall foliage and traditional lighting in one of Japan’s top gardens.
Nagoya
- Aichi Autumn Sake Festival (October 4-5): Enjoy tastings from 27 local breweries featuring seasonal sake, live music, food stalls, and events.
- Seki Invitational Knife Show (October 11-12): Meet top Japanese knife makers, attend demonstrations, and pick up handcrafted blades.
- Nagoya Festival (October 18-19): Nagoya’s biggest festival features armored samurai parades, floats, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Includes entry to Nagoya Castle and other attractions.
Takayama
- Takayama Autumn Festival (October 9–10): Lavish floats, traditional puppetry, and evening lanterns in a beautifully preserved old town.
- Hida Folk Village Autumn Craft Days: Hands-on experiences in woodworking, dyeing, and seasonal cooking.
Nagano
- Kamikochi Closing Ceremony (Late Oct): A spiritual farewell as the alpine valley closes for winter.
- Zenkoji Temple Night Visit (October Weekends): A rare chance to explore the temple by lantern light.
- Matsumoto Castle Moonlight Viewing: Classical music and moonrise over one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Watchmaking Experience (October 22): Participants will assemble their own mechanical wristwatch at the Gishodo Watch & Clock Museum, working side by side with expert technicians. Each guest will also receive a certificate of achievement to commemorate their craftsmanship.
Special Offer
1-day Luxury Watchmaking Experience Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumoto
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
Sapporo
- Halloween at Sapporo Factory: Kid-friendly activities and spooky decorations at this popular mall.
- Sapporo Autumn Fest (Until October 14): A massive gourmet event featuring Hokkaido’s seafood, dairy, and produce.
- Jozankei Autumn Leaves Festival: Hot spring town celebrations with illuminated foliage and footbaths.
Travel Tips & Local News
- Train Crowds: Book long-distance trains and buses early—especially for weekends and national holidays.
- Foliage Tours: Popular routes like the Alpine Route, Takayama to Shirakawa-go, and Tokyo to Nikko can sell out during peak leaf-viewing dates, so book your tours early.
- Festival Closures: Some roads and attractions may close temporarily during large parades or events. Always check local schedules.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for hikes along the Nakasendo trail, treks through Kamikochi, or historical districts like Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya.
Plan Your October Visit
From city-wide parades and moonlit castle nights to steaming hot springs framed by autumn leaves, October in Japan is a wonderful time to visit.
Tips for Planning:
- Book accommodations and transport early.
- Dress in layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Don’t miss local foods like matsutake mushrooms, kuri gohan (chestnut rice), and grilled sanma (Pacific saury).
- Join guided tours to avoid crowd-related stress, especially for foliage hotspots.
Ready to experience Japan in October?
With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can create a fully personalized, multi-day Japan itinerary by connecting our one-day tours—giving you ultimate flexibility, convenience, and expert local guidance every step of the way.
Learn how to create your one-of-a-kind itinerary or check out our recommended itineraries and start planning your October trip to Japan today.
