October is one of Tokyo’s finest months. The summer humidity is gone, temperatures are mild and comfortable, and the city’s parks and street trees begin their transition into autumn colour by late in the month.
Halloween at Shibuya has grown into one of the most extraordinary street events in Asia. And the combination of clear skies and cooler air makes sightseeing more comfortable than any other month.
Quick Answer: Tokyo in October is a excellent conditions. Highs of 20 to 25 degrees, lows of 13 to 18 degrees. Low humidity, clear skies. First autumn colour arrives in late October at higher elevations and parks. Shibuya Halloween on October 31 is a major street event. One of the two best months to visit Tokyo (alongside May). See the Japan in October for the national Japan October guide.
Tokyo Weather in October
Early October (1 to 14)
Highs of 22 to 26 degrees. Lows of 15 to 18 degrees. Still warm enough for light layers but noticeably more comfortable than September. Clear blue sky days are frequent. The tail end of summer festival season.
Mid-October (15 to 24)
Highs of 20 to 23 degrees. Lows of 13 to 16 degrees. Optimal Tokyo weather. A light jacket for evenings. The first ginkgo and cherry trees begin to show colour in elevated spots. Outdoor sightseeing is at its most pleasant.
Late October (25 to 31)
Highs of 17 to 21 degrees. Lows of 11 to 14 degrees. A proper jacket is needed. The Shinjuku Gyoen ginkgo trees are beginning to turn yellow. Meiji Jingu Gaien’s ginkgo avenue (one of Tokyo’s finest autumn scenes) starts to turn colour in early November, but the first hints appear in late October.
Autumn Foliage in Tokyo in October
Tokyo’s main autumn foliage peak falls in November rather than October, but late October has the early colour at higher-altitude spots:
- Shinjuku Gyoen: the plane trees and some cherry varieties start turning in late October
- Ueno Park (see Ueno guide): ginkgo trees in the park begin yellowing
- Hamarikyu Gardens: mid-October sees the first autumn colour in the riverside garden
For the full Tokyo autumn foliage picture, see Japan autumn foliage guide, and for November’s peak, see Tokyo in November.
Halloween in Shibuya
Shibuya has become one of the world’s most extraordinary Halloween destinations. On and around October 31, the area around Shibuya Crossing (see Shibuya guide) fills with hundreds of thousands of costumed participants. Elaborate costumes, street performances, and organized groups make this a genuinely remarkable spectacle. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced crowd management measures in recent years (including alcohol restrictions and managed walking lanes) that have made the event safer and more organized. Worth experiencing even without a costume. Start arriving around 8 pm.
Events in Tokyo in October
- Tokyo International Film Festival: Usually held in late October to early November in the Hibiya and Roppongi areas.
- Design Festa: Japan’s largest art festival, typically held in November but sometimes with October events at Tokyo Big Sight.
- Tokyo Motor Show (alternate years): When held, at Tokyo Big Sight in late October.
- Chrysanthemum festivals: Several Tokyo shrines (Yasukuni, Meiji Jingu) hold chrysanthemum exhibitions in October and November.
What to Do in Tokyo in October
October’s comfortable weather makes outdoor Tokyo particularly rewarding. The Senso-ji guide precinct at Asakusa, the Meiji Shrine guide forest gardens, the Tokyo Skytree guide observation deck (clearest views of the year in October), and the Tokyo day trips all benefit from the crisp autumn air. Day trips to Nikko and Hakone are at their most scenic (autumn foliage begins at high altitudes in early October).
Crowds in Tokyo in October
October is the peak international tourist season. Major attractions are busy, but not at the extreme levels seen during cherry blossom season. Weekday visits remain manageable. Book accommodation and reserve a table at popular restaurants in advance. See the Tokyo planning guide.
Nearby Guides
- Japan in October
- Tokyo in November
- Tokyo in December
- Tokyo in September
- Kyoto in October
- Osaka in October
- Japan autumn foliage guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
Is October the best month to visit Tokyo?
October and May compete for the title. May has fresh green leaves and post-cherry-blossom calm. October has crisp autumn weather, the beginning of foliage colour, and Halloween in Shibuya. Both are excellent. See the best time to visit Japan for the full seasonal breakdown.
When does Tokyo autumn foliage peak?
The main Tokyo autumn foliage peak is in November, typically mid-November for ginkgo trees and late November for maple. October brings early colour at higher elevations and is the better time for day trips to Nikko. See the Japan autumn foliage guide.
Is Halloween in Shibuya safe?
Yes, with common-sense precautions. The city has implemented crowd management measures since 2018, and the event is significantly more organized than in earlier years. Pickpocketing is the main risk in dense crowds. Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
