Japan in October: Weather, Events & Best Hotels

Temperature

14–24°C (57–75°F)

Crowds

High

Weather in Japan in October

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Temperature

14–24°C (57–75°F)

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Conditions

Ideal weather — mild, dry, clear blue skies. Early autumn foliage in northern regions. Almost no typhoons after mid-October.

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What to Wear

Light jacket or cardigan, comfortable layers. Perfect for outdoor activities.

Crowd Level

High

Hotel Prices

Medium to high hotel prices, particularly for popular foliage spots. Shibuya area surges around Halloween (Oct 31). Book foliage-season hotels early.

Events & Festivals in October

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Early autumn foliage (紅葉) in Hokkaido (early Oct) and Nikko (mid-to-late Oct)
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Shibuya Halloween — October 31, thousands gather in Shibuya for Japan's most famous street Halloween
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Tokyo Ramen Show (東京ラーメンショー) — late October, Komazawa Olympic Park
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Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) Kyoto — October 22, historical procession of 2,000 period-costumed participants
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Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu — November 3 procession, visible late October preparations

Travel Highlights

Nikko autumn leaves — dramatic red maples surrounding Toshogu Shrine in mid-October
Hokkaido koyo (紅葉) — Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo Gorge, and Noboribetsu in vivid autumn color
Kyoto's Eikando and Tofukuji temples preparing for autumn peak (best late October)
Shibuya Halloween experience — one of the world's most spectacular street costume parties

Book Hotels for October in Japan

Compare hotels in Nikko with dates pre-set for October travel. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Expedia Agoda

Dates pre-set: 2026-10-15 → 2026-10-22 · Nikko

Recommended Itineraries for October

Japan Autumn Foliage 7days →Japan Koyo Guide 7days →Japan 7days →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is October a good time to visit Japan?+

October is outstanding — weather is perfect (15–24°C), typhoons are rare, autumn colors are beginning, and there's a great mix of festivals and outdoor activities. It's consistently voted one of the best months by visitors.

Where can I see autumn foliage in Japan in October?+

October foliage hotspots: Hokkaido (Sounkyo, Daisetsuzan) — peak early October. Nikko — peak mid-to-late October. Japanese Alps (Kamikochi, Tateyama) — mid-October. Tokyo and Kyoto reach peak foliage in November.

What is Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto?+

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) on October 22 is one of Kyoto's three major festivals. A procession of 2,000 people in authentic costumes representing Kyoto's history from 794 AD to 1868 walks from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.

Is Shibuya Halloween worth seeing?+

Shibuya Halloween on October 31 is a remarkable urban spectacle — thousands of costumed revelers fill Shibuya crossing and streets. Note that authorities have increased crowd control and some restrictions. Most fun as an observer or mild participant in costume.

How is the weather in Japan in October?+

October has some of Japan's most pleasant weather — clear blue skies, low humidity, temperatures 14–24°C in most regions. Light layers are perfect. This is ideal weather for hiking, cycling, and long days of sightseeing.

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