October in Japan is early autumn, not too hot, not too cold, not too rainy. By this time of year, the harsh humidity of summer has disappeared, the weather is still mostly warm and there is still plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed. By October, beautiful autumn foliage can be enjoyed in many parts of Japan, particularly in the north of the country.

A time of celebration, some of Japan’s biggest festivals are also held in October. Another October highlight is Halloween and the uniquely Japanese way in which it is celebrated. Several different types of seasonal foods come into harvest in October, making this a great time to visit and feast on many delicious local delicacies.

October sees some of the best weather in Japan. By October, temperatures across Japan have fallen following the stifling summer, but the majority of the country will still be warm and sunny, particularly in the south.

October is also at the end of Japan’s typhoon season, which usually begins around May each year. By October, the worst of the typhoons have usually passed and there is less rainfall across Japan compared to September.

The average monthly temperature in October in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka is usually around 18-19 °C / 64-66 °F. Further south in Okinawa it will be noticeably warmer, with the temperature in Naha typically around 26 °C / 79 °F.

In the northern areas of Japan it is much cooler in October, particularly in Hokkaido. In the city of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, the average monthly temperature hovers around 16 °C / 60 °F. Go further north, and you’ll find the average is usually around 13 °C / 55.4°F in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture and Sapporo in Hokkaido.

As much of October in Japan is warm and sunny, you’ll want to bring clothes made of lighter fabrics so that you don’t get too hot. Longsleeved shirts or a light jacket are also recommended, as evenings can be somewhat cooler. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a good idea to protect you from the sun.

If you’re visiting the mountainsides or anywhere north of Tokyo, you’ll want to pack a few warmer clothes as the temperatures will be a lot lower than in the center and south of Japan. You’ll also need some extra layers for when the temperature drops in the evening and nighttime wherever you visit in Japan.

Rainy days are not uncommon in October either, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket too.

For the best weather in Japan in October, head to Okinawa. This island chain is the southernmost prefecture in Japan and the average temperatures are several degrees higher than elsewhere in the country. Some days in October may still be fairly humid, with the maximum temperatures in Okinawa reaching as high as 31 °C / 87.8°F.

And according to Japan Meteorological Agency data from 2022 to 2024, the average water temperature in eastern Okinawa was a comfortable 27.8°C (82°F) in October, compared to about 29–30°C (84–86°F) in July and August. This makes October a great time of year to hit Okinawa’s beaches or for a spot of scuba diving and snorkeling in its tropical waters.

Chiba Prefecture has plenty to offer for families visiting Japan with children. Located to the east of Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture is within very easy reach of the capital by train. By far the biggest tourist attractions in Chiba are the Tokyo Disney Resorts, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

A reason to visit in October is for the Halloween celebrations, when things at the two resorts turn a little spooky. There are several Disney-themed halloween events and special shows which take place from the beginning of October until early November. The main Halloween events are held at Tokyo Disneyland, including a parade through the resort featuring many of the most famous villains from several Disney films. There is also a special Halloween-inspired fireworks display held every night.

Large areas of both resorts are also dressed with Halloween-style decorations, including giant pumpkins and scarecrows. There is also plenty of Halloween-themed merchandise available as well as speciality dishes decorated with ghosts and ghouls on sale in the resort's restaurants.

Another popular attraction in Chiba Prefecture is Mother Farm, a wonderful day out for adults and young children alike. Mother Farm is a large park that is home to a wide variety of different breeds of animals, including alpacas, llamas as well as more traditional farm animals. Kids can get up close to cute animals including sheep, goats and capybara at the farm’s petting zoo, while there are also other amusements including zip-line rides and a Ferris wheel. The farm is also famous for its fields of colorful flowers, and by October the farm’s huge slope of summer cypress plants turn a brilliant bright red.

Naraijuku is a historic former post town located along the Nakasendo, an old trading route that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Dozens of post towns dotted the route between the two cities which were home to restaurants, inns and other types of accommodation intended for higher ranked members of society. Naraijuku is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan.

Naraijuku’s kilometer-long main street is still lined with grand and historic Edo-era homes, stores and restaurants, which retains the atmosphere and charm of the old Nakasendo route. A handful of the old houses in Naraijuku are open to the public, where you can step back in time and see what life would have been like in Japan during the Edo Period. You can also taste delicious plates of traditional Japanese cuisine at several of the town’s restaurants. But the real treat is in the evenings, when practically just a handful of overnight guests are about the town - meaning you can have all the magic to yourself.

Situated in the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture, Narai is surrounded by the forested Kiso Mountains. The area is particularly spectacular in the autumn, when the old town is surrounded by the rich autumn colors of the forest.

Matsuyama is the largest city on the island of Shikoku, which is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands. Shikoku is separated from Japan's main island of Honshu by the Seto Inland Sea and according to Japan tourism statistics from JNTO, the island sees far fewer visitors than almost all of the rest of Japan. As a result, Matsuyama is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

Matsuyama has a long history, which can be seen in its two most famous landmarks, Matsuyama Castle and the hot springs at Dogo Onsen. Matsuyama Castle is one of the few original castles still standing in Japan and was built in the early 17th century. Designated a National Important Cultural Property, the imposing castle sits at the top of Mount Katsuyama from where there are magnificent views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

The origins of Dogo Onsen lie even further back in time. One of the oldest onsen (hot springs) resorts in Japan, the hot spring waters at Dogo Onsen have drawn visitors for over 1,000 years. Built in 1894, the beautiful Dogo Onsen Honsen is one of the most famous public bathhouses in Japan and is often said to have inspired the famous bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. Besides Dogo Onsen Honsen, there are other popular public bathhouses nearby, including the more modern Tsubaki no Yu and Asuka no Yu. It is very common to see people strolling through the streets of Dogo Onsen wearing yukata as they make their way to the onsen.

Zao Mountain Range (Yamagata/Miyagi) - By October, there will be plenty of opportunities to see some of Japan’s stunning autumn foliage, particularly in the north of the country. The Zao Mountain Range crosses Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures and is perhaps most famous for being covered in snow in winter. However, in autumn, the mountain’s forests burst into a gorgeous range of orange and gold colors. The autumn colors can be enjoyed from various spots in the Zao Mountains, particularly from a cable car on the Zao Ropeway and around the beautiful Dokko-numa pond.

Jozankei Onsen (Hokkaido) - A little less than 30 kilometers south of Sapporo, the town of Jozankei is one of the most popular onsen resorts in Hokkaido. The picturesque town is nestled at the bottom of a valley on either side of the Toyohira River. From around mid-October, the trees that cover the valley on either side of the river turn shades of orange and red, making it a wonderful spot for viewing autumn colors.

Noboribetsu (Hokkaido) - Noboribetsu is another of Hokkaido’s popular onsen towns, located around two hours south of Sapporo by train. Noboribetsu’s most famous spot is the dramatic and volcanic landscape of Hell Valley. By October, the forest that covers the valley is blessed with beautiful autumn colors. Many hiking trails weave through the forests, making it a fabulous place to explore the region’s autumn foliage. You can even soak your feet in the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, the soothing hot spring waters that flow from the nearby Oyunuma Pond.

Hakone (Kanagawa) - Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is a very popular onsen resort that is famous for its many art galleries, steamy volcanic landscapes, and wonderful views of Mount Fuji. A popular day trip from Tokyo at any time of year, in October the town takes on a very autumnal appearance. Around this time the forests and trees that surround Hakone begin to turn many beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. One of the best ways to enjoy Hakone’s seasonal colors is on a pirate boat ride across Lake Ashi.

Okutama (Tokyo) - The region of Okutama is officially a part of Tokyo, even though it takes around two hours to reach from Shinjuku Station by train. Famous for its forest-covered mountains, pristine lakes and rivers and numerous hiking trails, Okutama is a wonderful place to escape the hubbub of the city. Okutama is also a popular hiking destination from October onwards thanks to the beautiful bright colors of the autumn foliage, particularly the hiking trails that lead to Mount Mitake and Mount Odake.

Chichibu (Saitama) - Chichibu is a city in Saitama Prefecture known for its fantastic natural beauty. Around 1 hour 20 minutes from central Tokyo by train, Chichibu is known for its enchanting mountain scenery, hiking trails and several historic shrines. Among the best spots in Chichibu to see magnificent autumn foliage from mid October onwards include Muse Park, famous for its three-kilometer stretch of bright yellow ginkgo trees, and the grounds of Mitsumine Shrine, one of the most beautifully decorated shrines in Japan.

Nara (Nara Prefecture) - Nara is easily the most popular day trip from Kyoto, thanks mainly to the 1,000 cute deer who live freely in Nara Park. Yet from mid-October onwards, Nara becomes even more photogenic as the park’s trees' autumn colors begin to come through. The addition of the autumn foliage makes this one of the most spectacular times of the year to visit Nara.

Hikone (Shiga Prefecture) - The small city of Hikone is less than an hour by train from Kyoto. The city sits on the banks of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, and its biggest attraction is Hikone Castle. Designated a national treasure of Japan, most of Hikone Castle’s buildings date from the 17th century and features a unique blend of architectural styles that is not seen in any of Japan’s other castles built in the same era. Next to the castle is Genkyuen Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden that was originally constructed in 1677 as part of the castle grounds.

Shigaraki (Shiga Prefecture) - Shigaraki is one of the most unique towns in Japan. The region has been home to many potteries for centuries, yet today Shigaraki is most famous for producing figurines and statues of tanuki, the raccoon dog that is said to bring good luck. If you’ve ever seen a tanuki figure standing outside a home or restaurant in Japan, it was most likely made in Shigaraki. A giant tanuki statue welcomes visitors outside Shigaraki Station and thousands more tanuki of all shapes and sizes and in all manner of poses can be found for sale throughout Shigaraki.

Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival (Tochigi; October 16-17) - This vibrant festival held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine features colorful parades, horseback archery, and religious ceremonies to honor the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The festival's highlight is a grand parade called the Procession of a Thousand Samurai, where 1,000 samurai dressed in colorful traditional attire reenact the journey that brought Tokugawa's remains to the shrine where he is buried.

Jidai Festival (Kyoto; October 22) - The Jidai Festival, meaning Festival of the Ages, is a historic annual celebration held in Kyoto to commemorate the foundation of the city in 794 AD. One of Kyoto's Three Great Festivals, the Jidai Festival was established by the city’s Heian Shrine in 1895, the year that it was built. The festival features a grand procession between Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and the Heian Shrine, with around two thousand participants dressed in elaborate costumes that represent different eras of Japanese history, from the Heian period to the Meiji Restoration.

Nada no Kenka Festival (Hyogo; October 14-15) - Also known as the Nada Fighting Festival, the two-day Nada no Kenka Festival is one of Japan’s most boisterous festivals. Held at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in the city of Himeji, the Nada no Kenka festival sees opposing teams of men violently crash highly decorated portable shrines into each other. The main action takes place on the second day of the festival, when three teams compete by ramming giant portable shrines placed on large floats against each other.

Paantu Festival (Okinawa; early October) - The unique Paantu Festival takes place on the Okinawan island of Miyakojima. The festival sees masked figures called Paantu, covered from head to toe in mud and leaves and carrying wooden facemasks, roam the island’s streets smearing mud on everything in their path, including people, homes, cars, and buildings. The sight of the Paantu often terrifies young children, and nobody is safe from their very muddy embrace. Being tarnished with the Paantu’s mud is believed to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune in the coming year.

Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto; October 22) - The dramatic Kurama Fire Festival is held in the town of Kurama just to the north of Kyoto and is one of Japan’s most famous fire festivals. The festival commemorates the relocation of the shrine to its current location in the 10th century, when the route taken to move the shrine was lit by thousands of torches. Beginning after sunset, local villagers dressed in traditional clothes chant as they carry huge, flaming torches that can weigh up to 80 kilograms through the streets to Yuki Shrine. Here the giant torches are laid together to create an enormous bonfire before two portable mikoshi shrines are paraded through the town’s streets.

Akamatsu Fireworks Festival (Tokushima; October 13, 2024) - Held at Akamatsu Shrine in the town of Minami, the Akamatsu Fireworks Festival dates back to the Edo period. The main attraction of the festival are the fireworks that are packed into a bamboo tube and placed at the top of a pole at a height of around 10 meters. When lit, a huge flurry of fiery sparks rains down to the ground for several minutes. As a thick spray of fireworks falls to the ground, participants chant as they circle the pole beneath a shower of bright orange sparks of fire.

Mount Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival (Yamanashi; early September - mid-October) - The Mount Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival takes place from early September until late October at the Fuji Motosuko Resort. While the resort is most famous for its springtime flowers, in autumn, the resort also hosts the Rainbow Flower Festival. During the Rainbow Flower Festival fifteen types of flowers of a variety of bright and bold colors are neatly arranged in front of a wonderful view of Mount Fuji.

Great Tug-of-War (Okinawa; October 13, 2024) - In October each year the biggest game of tug-of-war in the world takes place in Naha in Okinawa. A phenomenal spectacle, Naha’s giant tug-of-war sees two teams of around 15,000 people face off by pulling a 200 meter-long rope that weighs over 40 tons. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest tug-of-war contest in the world, the two competing teams represent the east and west sides of the city and is part of a day of celebrations that includes parades, exhibitions of martial arts and colorful lion dances.

Onomichi Lantern Festival (Hiroshima; October 12, 2024) - For one night a year, dozens of locations in the hillside town of Onomichi are connected by a beautiful trail of around 30,000 candles. A dazzling pathway of candles light the way between sixteen of Onomichi’s temples, as well as various other main areas of the town, including Onomichi Station and its main shopping streets. The lanterns are made and decorated with inscriptions by local children and lit from 6 PM onwards.

Fireworks (nationwide) - Huge fireworks displays are a staple event of Japanese summers and early autumn. Many of the most impressive fireworks displays in Japan are held in October. In Tokyo, the Tamagawa Fireworks Festival (Oct. 5, 2024) features a huge hour-long firework display. The Konosu Fireworks in Saitama (Oct. 5, 2024) is famous for its gigantic display of fireworks, which includes the shakudama, which is officially recognised as the largest fireworks in the world. In Shizuoka Prefecture, the Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival (October 14 & 19, 2024) is held several times a year, including once in October. Meanwhile, the Kobe Port Fireworks Festival has a 10-minute fireworks display every night over five consecutive days (October 21-25, 2024).

In recent years, Halloween has become a major event in Japan. The way in which Halloween is celebrated in Japan is centered much more around fancy dress and pumpkins than horror films and trick-or-treating. The most famous form of Halloween celebrations in Japan is seen in Shibuya, when thousands of people gather dressed in all manner of fancy dress costumes, including anime, manga, and computer game characters. The event is entirely unplanned and unofficial and local authorities have actively discouraged people from taking part in recent years for public safety.

Alongside the events already covered at Disney Resorts, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka also celebrates Halloween with a number of horror-themed shows, events, and parties for all age ranges from September through to November.

If you’re traveling with young children, they will enjoy the Omotesando Halloween Pumpkin Parade on October 27, 2024. This event sees youngsters under the age of 12 participate in a parade along Omotesando’s main street dressed as ghosts, ghouls, pumpkins and more.

Also in Tokyo is the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival, a three-day event (October 25-27, 2024) in which people dress up as their favorite anime and manga characters. Despite the name, the festival has only a loose connection to Halloween, with traditional cosplay being the event’s main attraction.

Japanese MotoGP - The Japanese MotoGP is a motorcycle race that takes place at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Tochigi Prefecture. First contested in 1962, the Japanese MotoGP forms part of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing season, and has been held at the Mobility Resort Motegi every year since 2004.

Japan Women's Open Tennis - The Japan Women's Open Tennis is an outdoor hardcourt tennis tournament that forms part of the international WTA Tour calendar. The tournament was first held in Osaka in 2009 and consists of both singles and doubles events.

Bonito - Also known as katsuo in Japan, bonito is in season twice a year, once in late spring and again in the autumn. Bonito fish are migratory and are caught in the waters off Japan’s coast and are full of extra fat and nutrients after feeding during the summer months. Bonito is typically served seared and cut into thick slices.

Saury - Similar to bonito, Pacific saury is another fish popular from early autumn in Japan. This small and silver oily fish is commonly served salted and grilled along with a helping of grated daikon and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Pacific oysters - Oysters are a much loved delicacy in Japan. Though the peak oyster season is not until winter, Pacific oysters begin to be harvested in the early autumn in October. Oysters are particularly popular in the areas close to where they are harvested, including Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and areas of eastern Tohoku region such as Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.

Apples - Japanese apples come into harvest throughout the autumn, beginning around October-time. Typically much larger than apples grown in most other countries, Japanese apples are usually served to share. The prefectures of Iwate, Nagano and particularly Aomori, are the most famous apple producing regions in Japan.

Persimmons - Persimmons are a symbol of autumn in Japan and typically harvested from September onwards. The national fruit of Japan, persimmons typically come in two different types, one of which is sweet and the other slightly bitter. Persimmons are loaded with nutritional goodness, including vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber.

Grapes - Grapes in Japan typically come into season towards the end of August and the beginning of October. Japanese grapes tend to be a lot larger than those grown in other countries, particularly the Kyoho variety. In Japan, grapes often have a thick skin which is sometimes peeled away before eating.

Sweet Potatoes - Sweet potatoes are another popular symbol of autumn in Japan. Packed with vitamin C and fiber, sweet potatoes are most commonly associated with the southern region of Kyushu - Kagoshima Prefecture is the country’s largest producer of sweet potatoes. When in Japan, keep an eye out for food trucks that sell yakiimo, or baked sweet potatoes, that have been cooked in an oven in the back of the van.

Mushrooms - Mushrooms are a major ingredient in Japanese dishes come autumn, used in a number of seasonal dishes such as stews, curries and soups. Alongside common types, such as enoki, shimeji, and shiitake, the most highly prized mushroom in autumn are matsutake, a rare type of mushroom that cannot be cultivated and is only grown in the wild.

Chestnuts - Chestnuts are another ingredient heavily associated with autumn in Japan, commonly used in sweet desserts as well as in savory dishes. One of the best ways to enjoy chestnuts in Japan is in “monburan”, a Japanese take on the French dessert mont blanc. In monburan, chestnut puree is piped over sponge cake and cream. The dessert is also topped with a sweet candied chestnut.

Ideal Weather: October offers mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it one of the best times to visit Japan. Northern areas like Hokkaido and Tohoku start showcasing autumn colors. Nevertheless, pack sunscreen and sunglasses.

Temperature Guide: Expect average daytime highs between 16°C and 24°C (61°F to 75°F), with cooler evenings.

Autumn Festivals: Enjoy the harvest season with local food events and festivals celebrating seasonal specialties.

Pack for Rain: Although rainfall is generally low, it's a good idea to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case.

Plan Ahead: Popular tourist spots (especially around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) and festival locations can get crowded, so book accommodations, tours, and attractions early to secure your spot.