October is, arguably, the best month to travel to Japan (although this will depend on what you want to experience!). Temperatures in most places are still warm, but the intense humidity and increased rainfall of summer have subsided. Fall leaves begin appearing at higher elevations and more northern latitudes. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Japan in October.

Weather

In October, the weather is warm but not too hot in most parts of Japan. In the major cities of Honshu and Kyushu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka), average October highs remain in the low 70s degrees Fahrenheit, but overnight lows drop to the high 50s (around 15°C), so you'll need a sweater.

Hokkaido is much cooler, and you can begin to see its extended winter creeping up, with highs in Sapporo of around 62°F (16°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). Subtropical and tropical Okinawa remains hot, but not as hot as in the summer, with average October highs in Naha of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 73°F (23°C). 

October sees very low rainfall throughout the country, and average sunshine hours are high. So, if you prefer moderate temperatures and dry conditions (as many travelers do), October is a good time to travel to Japan.

Crowds & Costs

While foreign tourist numbers begin to pick up in October, this isn't such a busy time for Japanese tourists, so many popular places won't be incredibly busy in October. For example, during other busy times in Japan, book accommodation and transport as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment or having to pay higher prices than you'd like.

The exceptions are regions where autumn arrives a little earlier, such as Hokkaido, the Tohoku region of northern Honshu, and the higher elevations of the Japan Alps and other mountain towns elsewhere in Honshu. Japanese tourists love following the fall foliage, and anywhere where you can see this in October is likely to be busy. 

Where to Go

Whether you're more interested in cities and culture or nature and the outdoors, many places are worth heading to in Japan in October. Keen hikers should head to Shikoku or the Japan Alps area of Honshu. Conditions are good in October for hiking, as temperatures are pleasant and conditions are dry. A great thing about doing multiday hikes in Japan is that in many areas, these walking trails have been around for centuries, so there are inns and guesthouses to stay in along the way, for an ideal mix of nature and culture.

If you've always wanted to see one of Japan's most iconic attractions, Mount Fuji, October is a good time to do so. The mountain is quite close to Tokyo, but it's not always visible because of the humidity in the air. Head to the Fuji-go-ko (Fuji Five Lakes) or Hakone areas for the best chances of views, as well as boat rides, gentle hikes, attractive temples, hot spring attractions, and more.

Kyoto is a highly popular destination, and for good reason—the modern city contains a huge number of old temples, shrines, and gardens, as well as traditional neighborhoods with old architecture. It'll be quite busy with foreign tourists in October, but conditions are good for wandering the bamboo groves and manicured gardens, so it's a worthwhile destination regardless.

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What to Do

As mentioned above, October is a great time to hike in Japan, whether on a multiday trek (such as the Nakasendo Trail) or easier day hikes around Nikko, the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, and more.

General sightseeing is a good option in October because many popular Japanese destinations offer a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. You can check out fantastic museums and galleries, stroll through landscaped gardens and parks, take a river or harbor cruise, and enjoy delicious—and regionally diverse—Japanese cuisine.

With cooler nights, October is also a great time to head to an onsen, a quintessentially Japanese experience. The Japanese have perfected hot spring bathing, and there are gorgeous bathing complexes all over the country. Some are indoors, and others are burrowed into natural caves. They're available year-round but are actually more comfortable when the weather's cool.

Events in October

Matsuri festivals. The Matsue Suitoro in the western Honshu city of Matsue is a light and water festival centered around the city's castle. The Asama Onsen Taimatsu Matsuri is a fire festival held near Matsumoto (a worthwhile destination in its own right, thanks to its beautiful castle and proximity to the northern Japan Alps). During the Kurama-no-hi Matsuri in the mountains near Kyoto, men carry burning torches through the village of Kurama while wearing loincloths!

Traveling to Japan in October? Check out these great itineraries

Explore Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima - 14 Days. This trip takes you to the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, where you'll experience a mix of modern culture and timeworn traditions. You'll also venture to the temples and shrines in Nikko and a hot springs retreat in Hakone. 

Self-Guided Walking Tour on the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days. Take a walk through time on this self-guided tour of the Nakasendo Trail, part of feudal Japan's original network of highways. 

Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days. On this two-week journey to the four corners of Honshu, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy its unmissable attractions. You'll visit sacred temples and shrines, go bike riding through the countryside, and roam around the capital's most famous neighborhoods. 

More Helpful Information

Japan in September
Japan in November
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

 

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