October is one of the most vibrant and festive times of year in Takayama. As the mountain air turns crisp, the towns come alive with brilliant autumn colours, harvest flavours, and one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals — the Takayama Autumn Festival.
This month offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural tradition and natural beauty. From the dazzling parade of floats through Takayama’s Old Town to the fiery red and golden leaves in Kamikochi, Shinhotaka Ropeway, and Mt. Norikura, October is a time when the region is at its most photogenic.
Weather in October
October brings crisp, comfortable weather to Takayama, making it one of the most pleasant months of the year to visit. Daytime highs usually range from 15–18°C, while evenings can drop to 5–8°C, so a warm jacket or layered clothing is recommended if you’re out at night for the festival or exploring the Old Town.
Rain is occasional but usually light, and the clear mountain air creates perfect conditions for enjoying the autumn foliage. By late October, the higher peaks around Takayama may even see their first dustings of snow, adding to the beauty of the surrounding scenery.
Major Festivals & Events in October
Takayama Autumn Festival (October 9–10)
The highlight of October, the Takayama Autumn Festival is ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Elaborate floats parade through the streets of the Old Town, decorated with intricate carvings and illuminated by lanterns in the evening. Marionette performances and the festive atmosphere draw visitors from across Japan, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Morning Markets – Autumn Harvest (Takayama, daily)
Takayama’s morning markets brim with colour and flavour in October. Seasonal produce such as apples, chestnuts, persimmons, and mountain vegetables are in abundance, alongside handmade crafts and snacks. It’s an excellent way to taste the harvest season and meet local producers.
Seasonal Highlights in October
Takayama’s Old Town in Autumn
The historic streets of Sanmachi Suji take on a unique charm in October. Lanterns, shopfronts, and seasonal displays bring an added warmth to the wooden merchant houses. Strolling the Old Town in the crisp air, visitors can enjoy local snacks such as mitarashi dango and Hida beef skewers while soaking up the autumn scenery.
Brilliant Autumn Colours
October marks the peak of autumn foliage across the Hida region. In the highlands of Kamikochi and Mt. Norikura, fiery reds and golden yellows sweep across the valleys, creating some of the most stunning landscapes in Japan. Closer to Takayama, the Higashiyama Walking Course and temple gardens glow with autumn hues, making even a short stroll feel special. In Shirakawa-go, the farmhouses are framed by mountains gradually transforming into a patchwork of seasonal colour.
Onsen in Cooler Weather
With the air turning crisp, there’s nothing better than relaxing in an open-air hot spring while surrounded by autumn leaves. Okuhida Onsen and Gero Onsen are particularly popular in October, offering scenic rotenburo baths where you can unwind after a day of exploring.
Featured Tours in October
Seasonal 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor – Shinhotaka Ropeway & Kamikochi
October transforms Kamikochi and the Shinhotaka Ropeway into some of Japan’s most colourful autumn landscapes. Wander Kamikochi’s riverside trails lined with golden larch trees, then ascend the ropeway for sweeping views of the fiery mountain ranges.
Highlights:
- Stroll through Kamikochi’s stunning autumn foliage.
- Ride Japan’s only double-decker gondola at Shinhotaka Ropeway.
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Alps.
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama & Shirakawa-go
October is an ideal month to explore Takayama’s historic streets and Shirakawa-go’s World Heritage farmhouses. With crisp mountain air and autumn scenery framing the towns, this tour combines cultural tradition with breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights:
- Walk Takayama’s Old Town during the festive season.
- Explore Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri farmhouses amid autumn colours.
- Take in views from the Shirakawa-go lookout point.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
Mt. Norikura: Alpine Flower Fields & Autumn Peaks Tour
October is when Mt. Norikura’s highlands shine with rich autumn colours. From the Tatamidaira Plateau, enjoy easy walks through flower fields now glowing in reds and golds, along with views stretching across the Japanese Alps.
Highlights:
- Visit one of Japan’s tallest accessible peaks by road.
- Walk through alpine meadows coloured by autumn leaves.
- Enjoy sweeping vistas from Mt. Fujimi and Mt. Mao.
More Ways to Visit Takayama
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer charters and other travel options to Takayama. 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 Takayama and surrounding region.
Local News & Travel Updates
- Festival Crowds & Travel Tips - With the Takayama Autumn Festival drawing thousands of visitors, expect the Old Town to be very busy on October 9–10. Arriving early in the day is highly recommended, and accommodation around these dates often sells out well in advance.
- Transport Updates - October is one of the busiest months for buses and trains connecting 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.
- Onsen Towns in Season - October is also a busy time for hot spring resorts such as Gero Onsen and Okuhida. Many ryokan offer autumn-themed kaiseki meals alongside open-air baths surrounded by colourful foliage, making this one of the most rewarding months to visit.
Where to Stay in October
October is one of the most popular times to visit Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and the wider Hida region, and choosing the right place to stay can shape the kind of experience you’ll have. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the energy of the festival crowds, retreat to a quiet mountain village, or relax in a hot spring town, the region offers a wide range of bases that highlight the best of the season. Each area has its own charm in autumn, and planning ahead will ensure you enjoy the atmosphere you’re looking for.
- Takayama City – The best base if you’re here for the Autumn Festival or want to explore the Old Town, morning markets, and nearby highlights on foot. Staying in the city gives you easy access to cultural attractions and dining.
- Shirakawa-go – For travellers wanting a quieter village atmosphere, Shirakawa-go is especially scenic in October. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses are framed by autumn leaves, and an overnight stay lets you enjoy the village after day-trippers have left.
- Onsen Towns (Gero, Okuhida) – Ideal if relaxation is your priority. Both towns offer traditional ryokan and open-air hot springs surrounded by autumn colours.
- Mountain Bases (Norikura, Kamikochi area) – Great for hikers and nature lovers wanting to wake up close to the trails and foliage at its peak.
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 Takayama.
Plan Your October Visit
October in Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and the wider Hida region is when tradition and nature meet at their best. From the spectacle of the Takayama Autumn Festival to the fiery mountain scenery of Kamikochi and Norikura, the season offers a rich mix of culture, flavour, and landscape. Pair this with the comfort of hot spring towns like Gero and Okuhida, and you have one of the most rewarding months of the year to visit. With so much happening 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.
If you’re visiting this October, explore our seasonal tours and let us help you experience the highlights of Takayama with ease and comfort.