October is the great month to celebrate the coming of autumn in Japan. There are amazing spots to enjoy the beautiful nature such as hiking and autumn leaves viewings. Also numbers of events are held this month such as Halloween parties and delicious food events. Here are 10 best things to do and places to visit in Japan in October!

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Japan in October

Why should you visit Japan in October? The middle of autumn is one of the best months to travel the country comfortably. The average temperature in October in Tokyo is 16-20°C (60.8-68°F) while it is a little chilly early in the morning and at night. It is colder in northern parts of Japan like Hokkaido and Tohoku Region and warmer in southern parts like Okinawa and Kyushu Region than Tokyo. The island country offers a diversity of seasonal events and other things to do you can experience only in autumn.

1. Hunt for Colourful Autumn Leaves of Japan (Koyo)

Autumn leaves (Koyo in Japanese) is a top attractions in Japan throughout the year. In contrast to pink cherry blossoms in spring, colourful leaves of red, yellow and orange can be admired across the country during autumn.

In cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, the peak season for autumn leaves viewing is usually in November, however in northern part and mountain areas of Japan welcome the autumn tint slightly earlier, and usually the peak season for the viewing is in October.

Some of recommended spots for autumn leaves viewing in Japan in October are:

Hokkaido ▷ 5 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Hokkaido

Nikko ▷ Best Things to Do in Nikko

Nagano ▷ Top 10 Things to Do in NAGANO

You can check the best time to enjoy autumn leaves from the following link,

2. Hiking at Mountains / National Parks

October is considerably the best month for outdoor activities in Japan as the weather is moderate (not too hot, not too cold), and hiking is a top activity. Especially mountains and national parks are popular destinations in autumn among nature lovers and hikers, and early autumn leaves can be enjoyed there ahead of cities. Even around Tokyo, there are several hiking spots that visitors can enjoy for a day-trip.

Here are some of recommended spots to hike in Japan
▶Best Spots to Hike in Japan

▶ Best National Parks in Japan

3. Kochia Carnival

One of the most popular seasonal events in autumn, Kochia Carnival is held at Kochia Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki Prefecture. The vast park is covered by cute and fluffy Kochia balls which are gradually turning its colour from green to burning red during autumn.

More info:

4. Food Festivals

Autumn is the season to celebrate the new harvest in Japan, and people often say the phrase of “Autumn’s Appetite” as there are various kinds of seasonal food and ingredients to try. Numbers of food events are held across the country during autumn.

One of the most anticipated food events in Japan is Hokkaido Food Festival which is usually held in early October. It’s an outdoor food event that is held for 4 days in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. The event features a large number of food vendors selling various Hokkaido specialties including seafood, ramen, desserts, etc.

More info: Hokkaido Food Festival in Yoyogi Park Tokyo

Another popular food event in autumn is Tokyo Ramen Festa, which is the biggest Ramen festival in Tokyo featuring nearly 30-40 different regional Ramen dishes. Only the greatest Ramen shops are qualified to serve their proud Ramen bowls at this event, and guests can actually vote their favourite Ramen. The event is usually held in late October to early November.

Check out more food festivals in Tokyo:

5. Autumn Dessert Buffets and Afternoon Teas

All-you-can-eat dessert buffets and afternoon teas have been one of food trends in Japan for the past years, and they are available at numbers of venues including luxury hotels and cafes, with different themes or seasonal ingredients through the year. One of the most popular theme for dessert buffets and afternoon teas is autumn/Halloween.

A wide range of high-quality, creative desserts are served with all-you-can-eat buffets or delightful afternoon tea sets, featuring cute and photo-worthy Halloween theme and made with the flavours of autumn such as pumpkin, sweet potato, chestnut and persimmon.

Check out the following links to find out the best dessert buffets and afternoon teas in Tokyo for this autumn/Halloween!

Date: September to October

More info:

6. Halloween

Halloween in Japan is becoming bigger and bigger every year. With economic perspective, it’s now apparently the second biggest event in Japan after Christmas. So, there are more Halloween events to be held in Japan during October, and also it’s becoming a huge attraction to tourists. Famous theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan hosts a Halloween events every year and it’s their big seasonal attraction! Besides events, there are also numbers of brands and companies releasing Halloween theme products including the mega-popular Starbucks Japan Halloween merchandise!

Here are some of best spots in Japan to spend Halloween:

▶Best Spots to Spend Halloween in Tokyo

▶ Best Halloween Events in Japan

Learn How to Spend Halloween in Japan: How to Celebrate Halloween in Japan

7. Shimanami Kaido

As I mentioned earlier, October is the best time for outdoor activities in Japan. One of the most recommended outdoor activities in Japan is cycling at Shimanami Kaido route. The route is often described as “the most ideal route for cyclists” and attracts cyclists from all around the world. The well-paved route is specially designed for cyclists with several stop-over points and scenic view spots.

More info:

8. Takayama Festival

Takayama Festival or Takayama Matsuri (高山祭) is a traditional festival held in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It’s counted as one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan along with Gion Festival in Kyoto and Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama Prefecture. Takayama Festival is held twice a year in spring (April) and autumn (October).

The autumn Takayama Festival is called Hachiman Matsuri which takes place at Hachiman Shrine and the old town of Takayama City and features traditional floats, decoration, procession and lanterns at night.

Related article:

9. Tamagawa Fireworks Festival

It’s not only during summer that you can enjoy spectacular fireworks in Japan. In October there are several fireworks festivals held across the country including Tamagawa Fireworks Festival (たまがわ花火大会) in Tokyo!

Official Website: http://www.tamagawa-hanabi.com/

10. Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field

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:

▽Check out this Japan Bucket List of 30 Best Things to Do throughout the year!▽

▼Check out the Travel Info in Japan in November!▼

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