As the temperatures gently cool and festival season reaches its peak, the city of Nagoya and its surrounding areas offer a vibrant blend of traditional events, natural beauty, and seasonal food. Whether you’re admiring early autumn leaves on Mt. Gozaisho, sipping local sake made from freshly harvested rice, or watching a parade of samurai march through downtown Nagoya, October is one of the most rewarding times to visit the region.
Weather in October
October weather in Nagoya gradually becomes more mild and pleasant, making it one of the best months for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Early in the month, daytime highs can reach 25°C, gradually dropping to around 20°C by the end of the month. Evenings can be cooler, occasionally dipping below 16°C, so packing a light jacket or layered clothing is recommended.
Rainfall decreases as the month progresses, and clear skies are common, perfect for attending festivals or exploring gardens and parks. If you're planning trips to higher elevations like Kamikochi, Takayama, or Mt. Gozaisho, expect cooler temperatures and prepare accordingly.
Seasonal Highlights in October
Early Autumn Colors
While Nagoya itself is still mostly green in early October, nearby mountain areas offer some spectacular foliage:
- Kamikochi (October): Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is a must-visit for nature lovers. This breathtaking highland valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, transforms into a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows each autumn. The crisp mountain air and serene landscapes make it an ideal spot for hiking.
- Mt. Gozaisho (Mid to Late October): The autumn leaves begin changing at the summit of Mt. Gozaisho (1,212 meters), gradually descending to the Yunoyama Onsen resort below. A ropeway and sightseeing lift provide panoramic views of the red and orange slopes — perfect for a crisp nature walk and a warm meal with a view.
- Shirakawago (Mid to Late October): In October, the persimmon trees in Shirakawa-go begin to bear fruit, especially around historic properties like the Wada Residence. From mid-October, the foliage in and around Shirakawa-go transforms into vibrant shades of red and yellow. And as the harvest season nears its end, the village celebrates the joy of the harvest with the Doburoku Festival. This traditional event features prayers for family safety and peace in the mountain village and is known for its lively and unusual character.
Fall Flowers
October marks peak bloom for cosmos, dahlias, and autumn roses in two of Japan’s most celebrated flower parks, Nabana no Sato and Bokka no Sato.
- Dahlia Festival at Nabana no Sato (Oct–Nov): Featuring over 200 varieties, including giant blooms admired by dahlia lovers across Japan.
- Kochia Carpet at Bokka no Sato (Late Sept–Mid Oct): The neatly aligned kochia turn bright red creating a stunning view framing the chapel.
Featured Tours in October
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail / March - June & September - December
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare.
This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
**A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace. Please read the tour page for more information about joining this tour as a non-hiker.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Kamikochi – Enchanting Landscapes & Seasonal Beauty / May - mid-November
Escape the city for a day and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Japan Alps. Tour a vibrant flower park, a charming mountain farm, and the iconic Kamikochi region of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Hike the well-maintained trails to Kappa-bashi—as your guide points out unique flora and fauna along the way—and capture stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
This full-day tour from Nagoya allows you to journey to the Japan Alps and experience its natural beauty to the fullest as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Yoro Falls & Mt. Gozaisho Scenic Ropeway
Embark on a captivating journey to two of Nagoya’s most iconic destinations for stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking seasonal views. Start your day with an easy yet scenic hike through Yoro Park, renowned for its 3,000 cherry trees that transform the park into a stunning sea of pink each spring. Visit the impressive Yoro Waterfall, and explore the surreal Site of Reversible Destiny, a unique art installation that invites you to experience the unexpected.
Next, take a thrilling gondola ride to the summit of Mt. Gozaisho, where panoramic views of Ise Bay, the Japan Alps, and Mt. Fuji (on clear days) await. Enjoy easy access to summit observation decks and gentle walking trails, perfect for taking in the seasonal colors below. This tour offers unforgettable photo opportunities and a perfect blend of art, nature, and seasonal beauty, led by an experienced, English speaking guide on this unforgettable one-day trip from Nagoya.
More Ways to Visit
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer charters and other travel options to/from Nagoya. These are perfect for travelers who prefer private transport, customized itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re traveling 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.
If you're looking for help planning your itinerary around Central Japan in October, be sure to check out our Best Day Trip Tours and Itineraries from Nagoya page for more information.
Festivals & Events in October
Aichi Autumn Sake Festival
- October 4th (Sat) and 5th (Sun), 2025
- Hisaya Odori Park, Edion Hisaya Plaza (Nagoya City, Naka Ward)
- 11:00-20:30
Enjoy tastings from 27 local breweries featuring seasonal sake, live music, food stalls, and events.
Tokugawa Garden Moon Viewing Party
- October 4th (Sat) and 5th (Sun), 2025
- 09:30-20:30 (The final admission time on October 4th and 5th is 8:00 PM. The illuminations will begin at sunset.)
- Tokugawa Garden
Experience the autumn atmosphere and the beauty of the harvest moon with an illuminated Japanese garden. On Saturday, October 4th, a classical music concert will be held from 3 pm and 6 pm (free) and a festival market will sell handmade goods and other items.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya's Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of Nagoya's titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Ise Festival
- October 11th (Sat) and 12th (Sun), 2025
- 09:40～21:00
- Around Iseshi Station
A massive two-day celebration with parades, performances, and over 140 booths. Experience local culture, crafts, and food in one of Japan’s most sacred towns.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines provides you with the chance to marvel at the natural beauty of the Ise-Shima region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Seki Zenkoji Invitational Knife Show
- Saturday, October 11th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 12th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Seki Zenkoji Temple
Meet top Japanese knife makers, attend demonstrations, and pick up handcrafted blades. The event also includes raffles, exclusive goshuin stamps, and food stalls.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle.
Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword, meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife, and stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food under the shadow of Japan's oldest original castle.
Kiyosu Castle Nobunaga Festival
- October 12, 2025
- Kiyosu Castle
Step into Sengoku-era Japan with a historical parade honoring Oda Nobunaga, plus family-friendly performances and local food around the castle grounds.
Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River in Gifu
- Concludes October 15th (Wednesday), 2025
Witness a 1,300-year-old fishing tradition under torchlight. Watch master fishermen in traditional garb use trained cormorants to catch sweetfish.
Nagoya Festival
- Saturday, October 18th, 11:00-20:00, Sunday, October 19th, 10:00-19:00 (varies by venue)
- Hisaya Odori Park
Nagoya’s biggest festival features armored samurai parades, floats, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Includes entry to Nagoya Castle and other attractions.
NAGASHIMA ZOMBIE ISLAND
- October 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th.
- Nagashima Spa Land
As night falls, zombies overrun the amusement park in this high-energy Halloween event. Zombie Island also features “idol zombies” and a concert for more Halloween celebration.
Halloween Party at Legoland
- October 3, 2025 (Friday) - November 3, 2025 (Holiday)
- 10:00-17:00 (Open until 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays)
- LEGOLAND® Japan Resort
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with special shows, costumed characters, themed attractions, and the two-night-only Halloween Night Party on October 25–26.
Aichi International Art Trinale
- Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Aichi Arts Center / Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum / Downtown Seto City
Japan’s largest international art festival returns with cutting-edge exhibitions in Nagoya and Seto, featuring global contemporary artists and interactive installations.
Local News & Travel Updates
- Transport Updates: October is one of the busiest months for buses and trains connecting Nagoya to Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kamikochi. Extra services are sometimes added during peak foliage season, but seats fill quickly. By booking one of the tours in the section above with us, all your transport is reserved in advance. You can relax knowing you won’t miss out on seats or connections, and instead focus on enjoying the scenery.
- What to Wear in October in Nagoya: October in Nagoya brings mild, comfortable autumn weather, but conditions shift throughout the month, so dressing in layers is key.
Where to Stay in October
October is one of the most popular times to visit Nagoya and its surrounding areas, so booking early is strongly advised.
- Nagoya City: Ideal for festival-goers, city explorers, and those using Nagoya as a base to visit nearby attractions like Mt. Gozaisho or Nabana no Sato. Central districts like Sakae and Meieki offer convenient transport, dining, and shopping.
- Onsen Towns (Yunoyama Onsen): Just under two hours from Nagoya, Yunoyama Onsen at the base of Mt. Gozaisho is perfect for a quiet, scenic retreat with hot springs and foliage.
Plan Your October Visit
October in Nagoya is a vibrant blend of tradition, color, and celebration. From sake under the stars and parades through city streets to blooming flower fields and fiery mountain landscapes, this month offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're here for the Nagoya Festival, a hot spring getaway, or a family-friendly Halloween event, planning ahead is key.
Many events draw large crowds, and accommodations can fill quickly. To make the most of your visit, consider joining a guided tour that includes transport and tickets — especially for Mt. Gozaisho, Nabana no Sato, and regional festivals.
Ready to discover Nagoya in October? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best the region has to offer, from fall flavors and flowers to samurai and zombies.
