10 Best Things to Do in Kyoto in October
What to see and to do in Kyoto in October
October is one of the best months to visit Japan as well as Kyoto a perfect full autumn season. When you can witness various autumn-related events and festivals which are the main highlight celebration. It offers a delightful experience with its blend of natural beauty and the magical transition of the leaves turning into vibrant colors red, orange, and yellow.
If you are looking for things to do in Kyoto in October this article is for you. Here I will share some best things to do in Kyoto, events, and information.
October in Kyoto
The weather in Kyoto during autumn is cooler and milder with an average temperature from 13°C to 22°C in the daytime. Perfect time to enjoy sightseeing and walking around as the city transitions turning into a magical scene of the vibrant colors of leaves turning red, yellow, and orange.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal attractions such as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple a famous tourist destination to see autumn leaves and other highlight events held in October, traditional foods, drinks, ceremonies, and rituals featuring the cultural richness and autumn beauty of Kyoto. October is not crowded as well giving you a pleasant time to explore outdoor activities and discover Kyoto.
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1. Autumn Leaves Viewing
Autumn leaves viewing is the main highlight of the celebration of the autumn season. Popular tourist destinations like the Kiyomizu-Dera temple are one of the perfect places for autumn leave viewing surrounded by maple trees when leaves turn red and orange, giving more beauty to the panoramic view of the city.
For more information about Autumn Leaves spots, check out the following articles!
▶︎Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Kyoto 2024
▶︎10 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
2. Enjoy Autumn Events and Festivals
Various events and festivals are held throughout Kyoto in celebration of the autumn season, featuring cultural and traditional celebrations such as parades, rituals, ceremonies, performances, and other activities. In October the Jidai Festival (Festival of the Ages) and Kurama Fire Festival are the two popular festivals held during this month. Visitors can witness the deep Japanese cultural history since ancient times.
For more information about autumn events, check out the following article!
▶︎8 Best Autumn Leaves Events in Japan 2024
3. Explore Kyoto at Night
In October various events and festivals are held during this time in celebration of the autumn season, offering a variety of activities and things to do even at night that give a unique experience of the historical, cultural, and natural beauty of Kyoto. The weather is cooler and pleasant it is perfect for walking around the cities, visiting temples and shrines at night, and at night markets.
For more information about Kyoto at night, check out the following articles!
▶︎Kyoto at Night: 5 Best Temples in Kyoto to Visit at Night
▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Kyoto at Night
4. Nijo-Castle Autumn Light-Up and Illumination
Visiting Nijo Castle in October offers a unique experience with a cooler temperature perfect to explore and enjoy the castle. During the autumn season, various events are held featuring Japanese culture and history. Even at night, you can enjoy the castle’s autumn light-up and illumination.
For more information about this event, check out the following articles!
▶︎Nijo Castle Autumn Light-Up by NAKED 2024
5. Explore Arashiyama
The Arashiyama is one of the must-visit destinations in Kyoto known for its natural beauty offering various activities and sights. As the leaves begin to transform into a vibrant color of red, orange, and yellow that gives more beauty and a magical experience of autumn season. Enjoy and explore popular attractions such as Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Romantic Train), Monkey Park, Temples, and many more activities.
For more information about Arashiyama, check out the following articles!
▶︎Kyoto Arashiyama and Sagano: 10 Best Things to Do
▶︎Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kyoto
▶︎Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
6. Experience Kaiseki Dining
If you are looking for a unique and authentic taste of Kyoto, try the Kaiseki meal a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that originated in Kyoto. Many traditional restaurants around Kyoto offer Kaiseki meals where you can enjoy the food and the ambiance.
For more information about Kaiseki Dining, check out the articles below!
▶︎13 Best Kaiseki Restaurants in Kyoto
7. Experience Traditional Japanese Costume Rental
Exploring the City while wearing traditional Japanese costumes is always the best thing to do when visiting Kyoto in all season. It gives a memorable experience along with the other events held in the cities. Taking an amazing photo with the popular spots gives a Japanese cultural experience. Plenty of shops in the city have Japanese dress rentals which are very popular in the area where you can choose your desired color and design of Japanese traditional garments and accessories.
For more information about kimono rental, check out the article below!
▶︎5 Best Kimono Rental in Kyoto
8. Visit Gardens and Temples
Having cool and pleasant weather in the autumn season is the perfect time to visit gardens and temples in Kyoto. Various popular Japanese gardens and temples are good to visit because of their attractive scenery with plenty of plants and flowers in addition to colorful foliage in autumn.
Check out the following articles below for more information.
▶︎Rurikoin Temple Kyoto: Picturesque Temple with Maple Leaves
▶︎7 Best Instagram Worthy Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
9. Experience Tea Ceremony
Experience the best well-known activity in Kyoto allowing you to taste good and high-quality tea as Kyoto is known for having good matcha (powdered green tea) and witnessing rich ancient Japanese culture. Available in many serene tea houses and historic temples.
Check out the following articles for more information about tea ceremonies and activities in Kyoto.
▶︎Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences
▶︎Best Tours and Activities in Kyoto
10. Shopping and Explore Kyoto City
Exploring Kyoto in October offers a lot of things to do, the pleasant weather makes it the perfect time for both shopping and sightseeing. Kyoto City offers a wide range of shopping experiences from traditional to modern such as markets, arcades, and Kyoto Station where you can find plenty of department stores, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.
For more information about shopping in Kyoto, check out the following articles below!
▶︎Kyoto Shopping Guide: 15 Best Places to Shop in Kyoto
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Written by
Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.