October is one of the best months to visit Japan. The summer heat is gone, the rainy season is over, the skies are clear and blue, and autumn foliage begins spreading south from Hokkaido. Crowds are significantly lower than during the cherry blossom season. Prices are reasonable. This is the Japan that many repeat visitors return to.
Quick Answer: October in Japan: Comfortable temperatures (15 to 25 degrees across most of the country), clear skies, low humidity, early autumn foliage in the north and mountains, Jidai Matsuri festival in Kyoto on October 22, and the lowest crowd levels of the autumn season, one of Japan’s two or three best months to visit.
Japan Weather in October
Tokyo
Average highs of 21 to 23 degrees in early October, dropping to 17 to 19 degrees by late October. Evenings cool to 12-15 degrees. Low humidity compared to summer. Clear blue sky days are the norm. A light jacket or cardigan is needed for evenings from mid-October onward.
Kyoto and Osaka
Slightly warmer than Tokyo. Highs of 22 to 25 degrees in early October, dropping to 17 to 21 degrees by month’s end. October is one of Kyoto’s driest months with an average of only 7 to 8 rainy days. See the full Kyoto in October guide for what to do and when to do it.
Hokkaido
Significantly cooler than Honshu. Sapporo averages 12 to 16 degrees in early October, dropping to 6 to 10 degrees by late October. Winter approaches by the end of the month. Pack warm layers for Hokkaido in October.
Packing for October in Japan
Layers are essential. Days can be warm enough for a t-shirt in Tokyo in early October, while evenings require a jacket. A light down jacket or fleece works well throughout the month. Rain is infrequent, but a compact umbrella is still worth carrying. See the Japan packing guide for the full seasonal breakdown.
Autumn Foliage in October
October marks the beginning of Japan’s autumn foliage season (koyo), one of the country’s two great seasonal events alongside cherry blossoms. The colours move from north to south as temperatures drop.
Hokkaido
The entire island peaks in early to mid-October. Daisetsuzan National Park is Japan’s first major foliage destination each year, with peak colour typically in late September to early October. The Shiretoko Peninsula and the Tokachi area are also spectacular. See the Hokkaido guide for how to visit.
Nikko, Tochigi
Two hours from Tokyo by limited express, Nikko peaks in late October to early November. The cedar-lined approach to Toshogu Shrine, the surrounding mountains, and Chuzenji Lake turn vivid orange and red, making it one of the most accessible foliage day trips from Tokyo. See the Nikko guide.
Japanese Alps
Kamikochi alpine valley in Nagano peaks in October and closes in mid-November. The most dramatic mountain foliage in Japan is found at high altitudes. Worth the trip specifically for the October colour.
Kyoto and Osaka in October
Foliage has not yet peaked in Kyoto or Osaka in October. The ginkgo trees begin turning yellow from late October, but the famous maple foliage at Tofuku-ji and Eikan-do peaks in mid-November. October in Kyoto is excellent for visiting without crowds, but not yet for peak colour. See Osaka in October for what is actually worth doing.
October Festivals in Japan
Jidai Matsuri, Kyoto (October 22)
The Festival of the Ages is one of Kyoto’s three great annual festivals. A 2-kilometre procession of 2,000 participants in historically accurate costumes representing 12 periods of Japanese history, from the Meiji Restoration back to the Heian period. The procession departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace at noon. Free to watch from the roadside.
Kurama Fire Festival, Kyoto (October 22 evening)
On the same evening as Jidai Matsuri, the small mountain village of Kurama, north of Kyoto, holds one of Japan’s most atmospheric fire festivals. Torchlight processions up the steep village streets. Crowds are large, so arrive before 6 pm.
Takayama Autumn Festival (October 9 to 10)
One of Japan’s most beautiful festivals is held in the mountain town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Elaborate Edo-era floats called yatai are pulled through the historic streets. Book accommodation months in advance. See the Takayama guide.
Where to Go in Japan in October
Hokkaido for Foliage
Peak foliage, far fewer crowds than Honshu, and cooler temperatures that feel refreshing after Japan’s humid summer. The lavender fields are finished, but the landscape is spectacular. Hokkaido guide
Nikko for a Day Trip from Tokyo
Peak foliage in late October. One of the best day trips from Tokyo at this time of year. Nikko guide
Kyoto for Crowds and Culture Without the Peak Rush
October in Kyoto has comfortable temperatures and far fewer tourists than in November. The major temples are accessible without the hour-long queues that characterize mid-November. Kyoto in October
Takayama for the Festival
If your trip falls on October 9- 10, the Takayama Autumn Festival is one of the finest reasons to visit Japan. Takayama guide
Is October a Good Time to Visit Japan?
Yes, October is one of the best months to visit Japan. It offers the combination of comfortable weather, clear skies, the start of the foliage season, major festivals, and significantly fewer crowds than spring or peak November. Prices are lower than peak season. Accommodation is generally available. Early October, in particular, is an underrated sweet spot for a trip to Japan.
FAQ
Does it rain a lot in Japan in October?
No. October is one of Japan’s drier months across most of the country. The rainy season ends in July, and the next significant wet period does not arrive until winter. Average number of rainy days in Tokyo in October:-o 10. In Kyoto: 7 to 8. Carry a compact umbrella, but do not expect it to dominate the trip.
Is October peak season in Japan?
October is considered shoulder season, trending toward high season. It is busier than June or September but nowhere near as crowded as late March to April (cherry blossom) or mid-November (foliage peak). Domestic Japanese travellers are active in October, but international tourist volumes remain moderate.
Should I visit Japan in October or November?
October offers lower crowds, more stable prices, and a more relaxed experience. November, particularly mid-November, has the most spectacular foliage but also the highest tourist volumes of the autumn season. If foliage colour is your primary goal, time your visit for the second or third week of November. If the overall experience in Japan matters more than peak colour, October is the better choice.
