Tokyo in October: 10 Best Things to Do

What to do in Tokyo in October

Going to Tokyo in October?? Don’t miss special events and seasonal attractions only available in this time of year! In October, there are numbers of anticipating events coming up including Halloween, food festivals, special exhibitions and collaboration cafes. In this article, we are sharing the list of the best things to do and special events you shouldn’t miss in Tokyo in October, so let’s check them out 🙂


Tokyo in October

Why should you visit Tokyo in October? The capital of the country is the place with an agreeable climate in most months of the year. The average temperature in Tokyo in October changes from approximately 16°C to 20°C (from 60.8 °F to 68°F). We have less rain than the previous month which is known as a typhoon season. There are a variety of seasonal events related to culture and autumn food in Tokyo.

1. Halloween

Halloween has become one of the biggest events in Japan over the past decade. Numbers of Halloween related events and parties are held at many locations during the season which guests can participate with unique costumes such as Tokyo Disney Resort, Shibuya Halloween and Sanrio Puroland. Also many shops, restaurants, cafes and amusement parks features special Halloween decorations and themed items only available this time of year.

Best Places to Spend Halloween in Tokyo:

2. Hokkaido Food Festival

In autumn, numbers of food events are held in Japan since autumn is known as the season of appetites. One of the biggest food events in Tokyo through the year is Hokkaido Food Festival which is held annually at Yoyogi Park. The northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido is known as the land of gourmet and there are numbers of delicious signature dishes with flavours of local ingredients including seafood, meat and vegetables. The festival features food stalls offering various delicious Hokkaido dishes at affordable price as well as special Hokkaido themed events and performances that visitors can enjoy along with food.

Check out the more details about Hokkaido Food Festival!

3. Autumn Dessert Buffets

Colourful and photo-worthy, high-quality dessert buffets are available at numbers of venues in Tokyo with autumn/Halloween themes. Sweet potato, pumpkin, chestnuts, pear, grapes, etc.. a variety of desserts made with seasonal ingredients can be enjoyed with all-you-can-eat style!

Related article:

4. Kochia Carnival

One of the most popular flower events during autumn, The Kochia Carnival (コキアカーニバル) will be held for about a month from late September to mid October. The event features countless red Kochia (summer cypress ) covering the fields of Hitachi Seaside Park during autumn and offers the astonishing scenery! The park is situated in Ibaraki Prefecture and can be visited for a day-trip from Tokyo.

Check out the link below for more detail!

5. Cosmos Festival at Showa Memorial Park

Cosmos Festival is a popular flower event held at Showa Memorial Park (国営昭和記念公園), the largest park in Tokyo. Colourful and charming, about 30 kinds of cosmos flowers bloom and cover the vast fields at the park from mid September to late October every year. The park is located in Tachikawa City, the suburb of Tokyo which can be accessed within 40 mins from Shinjuku Station.

See the link below for more information about Showa Memorial Park!

6. Kappabashi Tool Festival

Kappabashi Tool Festival (かっぱ橋道具まつり) is an annual event held at Kappabashi Shopping Street, known as the mecca of kitchenware. The street is filled with shops dealing with various kinds of kitchenware products for both professional and home use from fine Japanese knives to unique displays for restaurants. The festival will be held for 7 days featuring special events and celebrations on the street as well as the big sale of kitchenware products.

Official Website: https://kappafes.net/

7. Tamagawa Fireworks Festival

Fireworks may be the icon of summer in Japan, yet you’ll still have a chance to see spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky in autumn. Tamagawa Fireworks Festival (たまがわ花火大会) is an annual fireworks event which has switched the event date from summer to autumn. It takes place by Tama River in Setagaya ward and features about 6,000 shots of dynamic and colourful fireworks.

Official website: https://www.tamagawa-hanabi.com/

8. Autumn Leaves

The best viewing time for autumn foliage in Tokyo usually starts from mid November, however, you can enjoy early autumn colours from late October in some places. In some spots in suburbs of Tokyo such as Asukayama Park, Showa Memorial Park, Mt. Mitake, Okutama, you can enjoy walk with pleasant nature away from the fuss in the city.

There are also some amazing places to visit from Tokyo for a day trip to enjoy spectacular scenery of autumn leaves!

Related article:

9. Tokyo Ramen Festa

Tokyo Ramen Festa (東京ラーメンフェスタ) started as one of great food events held in Tokyo in autumn. The event takes place in Komazawa Park, where Tokyo Ramen Show took place before. It features Ramen noodles, the most popular Japanese dish among international tourists today. The event is divided in 2 parts and on each period, there will be over a dozen of vendors of selected Ramen shops from all over the country serving their signature bowls of Ramen. If you are a Ramen lover, don’t miss an opportunity to taste various delicious regional Ramens while being in the heart of Tokyo 🙂

Official Website: https://ra-fes.com/

10. Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field

The pampas grass field at Sengokuhara in Hakone

Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field (仙石原すすき草原) is situated at Hakone, the popular Onsen getaway from Tokyo. During the season, the slope of the mountain is covered by with fluffy pampas grasses, which slowly turn into golden colour from late September to early November. Visitors can walk through the pampas grass field.

More info:


Planning a trip to Tokyo in the autumn? Why not consider our nice 1 Week Itinerary in Tokyo in Autumn as a reference?

Thanks for reading! Seems like there are many exciting events coming up in this October! Which one do you want to join the most?? For more information about travelling in Japan in autumn, here are some articles for you to check out 🙂

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈