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What is Weather Like in Japan in October? Overview
October in Japan marks a comfortable transition into autumn, with pleasant and mild weather. Nationally, the average temperature sits around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F).
- National Average Temperature: 15∘C to 22∘C (59∘F to 72∘F)
- Average Rainfall: Approximately 128 mm for the month.
- Warmest Region: Okinawa, where cities like Naha can have high temperatures around 28∘C (82∘F).
- Coolest Region: Hokkaido, where cities like Sapporo can have low temperatures around 7∘C (45∘F).
Autumn Season in Japan: Fall Foliage Spots & Itineraries (2025 Forecast)
October Weather Across Japan's Regions: Chilly North & Warm South
October delivers Japan's most reliable weather of the year. The rainy season is long gone. Typhoons rarely appear. Humidity drops from summer's oppressive 80% to a comfortable 65%. But temperatures vary dramatically depending on where you go.
| Region | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 22°C (72°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 234mm | Perfect walking weather, occasional rain |
| Kyoto/Osaka | 23°C (73°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 136mm | Drier than Tokyo, ideal for temple visits |
| Hokkaido | 16°C (61°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 112mm | Crisp autumn air, peak foliage, possible frost |
| Okinawa | 28°C (82°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 152mm | Still beach weather, less crowded |
| Japanese Alps | 17°C (63°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 165mm | Mountain colors, cold nights |
Tokyo and Central Japan Weather in October: Mild and Dry
In Tokyo, the weather is very comfortable. Days are usually sunny and dry. Temperatures are mild, around 15°C to 22°C (59-72°F). You only need a light jacket for the cool evenings.
Central Japan, like Japanese Alps, is cooler than Tokyo. This is where you will see the best autumn leaves. The air is crisp and clear, which is perfect for hiking. For the mountains, you should pack warmer clothes, such as a fleece jacket. Hike to Breathtaking Vistas of Japan >>
Autumn Season in Japan: Fall Foliage Spots & Itineraries (2025 Forecast)
Kyoto Autumn Foliage: Visiting Time, Spots & Itinerary (2025 Guide)
Hokkaido and Northern Japan Weather in October: Perfect Weather for Autumn Leaves
October in Hokkaido and Northern Japan is cool and beautiful. It is the peak season for autumn colors. You will see amazing red, yellow, and orange leaves everywhere.
The weather is chilly, with temperatures around 5°C to 14°C (41-57°F). The air feels crisp and fresh, perfect for visiting national parks.
You will need to wear warm clothes. A warm jacket, a sweater, and long pants are essential, especially for the cold mornings and evenings. It feels like winter is just around the corner in this part of Japan.
Okinawa and Southern Japan: Still Warm for Swimmer & Snorkeling
October in Okinawa and Southern Japan is very pleasant and warm. The intense heat of summer is gone, but the weather still feels like a mild summer.
In Okinawa, the days are often sunny with temperatures around 22°C to 28°C (72-82°F). The sea is still warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
Other parts of Southern Japan, like Fukuoka and Kagoshima, are also comfortable and warm. You can wear short-sleeve shirts during the day. It is a good idea to bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Where to Go in Japan in October for Early Autumn Foliage? Just to Hokkaido & Japanese Alps
October kicks off Japan's famous koyo (autumn leaves) season, but timing varies wildly by location. Hokkaido leads the show, with colors peaking October 10-20. Central mountain regions follow around October 20-30.
Major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto must wait until November.
Hokkaido's October: Japan Foliage Superstars
Hokkaido in October delivers Japan's most spectacular autumn display. The entire island transforms into red and gold, peaking October 10-20. Sapporo serves as your base, with easy access to multiple foliage spots.
The Jozankei Onsen area, 30 minutes by bus, combines hot springs with maple valleys. Evening illuminations (October 1-21) reflect colors in the river.
Eastern Hokkaido offers wilder experiences. Akan National Park's three lakes—Akan, Mashu, and Kussharo—reflect autumn mountains in their pristine waters. Wildlife viewing peaks as bears feast before hibernation (maintain safe distances).
The Blue Pond near Biei, famous for its azure water, looks even more striking surrounded by golden birch trees.
Central Japan's Mountains: October's Most Accessible Foliage
Nikko, just two hours from Tokyo, explodes with color around Lake Chuzenji and Ryuzu Falls from October 15-25.
The Japanese Alps around Kamikochi close November 15, making October your last chance for high-altitude hiking among golden larches. Hike to Breathtaking Vistas of Japan >>
Best (& Cheapest) Time to Visit Hokkaido: Weather Wise
Not for Autumn Colors? Best Places to Visit Japan in October (for Classic Photos, Outdoors & More)
No.1 Tokyo - Urban Adventures Meet Autumn Traditions
October Tokyo balances modern excitement with traditional charm. Mt. Takao, 50 minutes from Shinjuku, provides accessible autumn colors from mid-October. Cable car up, hike down Trail 1 for temple visits and city views.
Cosmos flowers peak in October at Showa Memorial Park and Hamarikyu Gardens. These pink and white fields provide Instagram gold. Night illuminations begin mid-October at Rikugien Gardens—autumn colors lit from below create otherworldly scenes.
Tokyo International Film Festival (October 24-November 2) screens 200+ films across Roppongi. The Kanda Used Book Festival (October 23-November 1) transforms sidewalks into endless browsing.
Tokyo Ramen Festa at Komazawa Park (October 24-November 4) lets you sample Japan's best ramen without traveling nationwide.
Tokyo Tourist Attractions | Things to Do & Places to Visit in Tokyo
Kyoto and Osaka—Cultural Immersion Peaks
October Kyoto enjoys perfect weather. Temples stay open later, taking advantage of comfortable evenings. Fushimi Inari's thousand torii gates glow orange in October's lower sun angle.
Philosophers Path remains green, but October's temperatures make the 2-kilometer walk pleasant rather than sweaty.
Kyoto's October festivals showcase authentic tradition. The Kurama Fire Festival (October 22) fills this mountain village with massive torches and primal energy. Trains pack beyond capacity—consider staying overnight in Kurama.
The Seiryu-e Blue Dragon Festival at Kiyomizu Temple (October 15) features elaborate dragon puppets and martial arts demonstrations.
Osaka becomes Halloween central for western Japan. Dotonbori's neon reflects off elaborate costumes as thousands parade the entertainment district. American Village in Shinsaibashi hosts street parties and costume contests.
Osaka Castle Park provides respite with cosmos flowers and food festivals most weekends.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto | Kyoto Destinations & Must-See (for First Timers)
Top Things to Do in Osaka: 11 Best Osaka Attractions & What to See
Takayama - A City of Festivals and Autumn Charm
This beautifully preserved town in the Japanese Alps offers sake breweries, morning markets, and traditional architecture. October temperatures make walking comfortable. Try Hida beef—Japan's finest—at prices half of Tokyo's.
The highlight is he famous Takayama Autumn Festival, one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. You can see large, ornate floats called yatai. At night, the floats are lit with lanterns, which looks magical.
How to Get to Takayama from Tokyo: Direct or Transfer Options?
Hida Takayama Map: Tourist, Old Town & Walking Map (2025)
Kanazawa - Historic Charm and Garden Colors
Kanazawa is a wonderful city to visit in October. The weather is cool and comfortable, which is perfect for exploring. The city's most famous attraction, Kenrokuen Garden, is especially beautiful during this time.
You can see the maple and cherry trees begin to change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
You can also enjoy walking through the historic Higashi Chaya geisha district and the Nagamachi samurai district. The old streets feel very special in the crisp autumn air. It is a great month to experience Kanazawa's rich culture.
Kanazawa Map: City, Loop Bus & Tourist Map (2025)
3 Ways from Tokyo to Kanazawa: Which is Better (2025)
Kyushu in October: Festivals & Onsen
Kyushu stays warm enough for comfortable southern exploration. Nagasaki's complex history becomes more poignant in autumn light. Beppu's hot spring "hells" steam dramatically in cool October air.
Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, offers hiking when conditions permit—check current volcanic warnings.
Beyond Sightseeing: What to Do in Japan This October (Festival Fun)
Takayama Autumn Festival (October 9-10) ranks among Japan's three most beautiful festivals. Eleven elaborate floats, some 300 years old, parade through this mountain town's historic streets.
Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto (October 22): Over 2,000 participants wear period-accurate costumes from the Heian era through Meiji Restoration. The procession takes five hours, starting noon at the Imperial Palace and ending at Heian Shrine.
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (October 7-9): Chinese dragon dances, Dutch-influenced floats, and Japanese traditions merge into spectacular performances. Main events happen at Suwa Shrine.
Halloween Goes Japanese
Tokyo's Halloween grows wilder each year, though 2025 brings new crowd control measures. The party hasn't stopped—it's relocated.
Roppongi emerges as the new Halloween hub, with clubs hosting massive costume parties. Ikebukuro focuses on cosplay culture with its Halloween Cosplay Festival (October 25-26).
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka delivers Hollywood-level Halloween Horror Nights from early September through November 3. Japanese horror themes blend with Western monsters—expect zombies wearing kimonos and yokai-themed haunted houses.
Disney: Both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea run special Halloween programs throughout October. Unique to Japan: adults can wear full Disney character costumes on select dates (check official calendar).
What to Pack for Japan October's Weather
Master the three-layer system for October comfort. Start with breathable base layers—cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics work well. Add a middle layer like a cardigan or light fleece for temperature control. Top with a water-resistant jacket for sudden rain showers or mountain winds.
Regional adjustments matter. Tokyo visitors can skip heavy coats. Hokkaido travelers need proper autumn jackets. Mountain hikers should bring gloves and warm hats for early morning starts.
Cost of Visiting Japan in October : Best-Value Advantage
October sits in Japan's "shoulder season"—busier than summer, calmer than November's peak foliage. Hotels cost 20-30% more than September but less than November's premium rates.
Ryokan (traditional inns) offer October advantages. Many include elaborate kaiseki dinners featuring seasonal ingredients—matsutake, chestnuts, persimmons. The outdoor onsen experience peaks in October's cool evenings. Find Your Perfect Onsen >>
Save money by traveling midweek, eating breakfast at convenience stores (¥500 for quality options), and taking advantage of lunch sets at restaurants that charge double for dinner.
And Book a group tour also can save money. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel, Our Tokyo experts offer discounted Japan group tours with local support.
How to Plan Your Itinerary: 1 Week in Japan in October
A week in Japan during October is a wonderful idea. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it easy to travel. Here are two different plans for your one-week trip, each offering a unique experience.
1 Week in Japan in October (for First Timer)
For first-time visitors, the "Golden Route" is the best choice. You will start in the busy city of Tokyo. You can see famous spots like the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shibuya Crossing. Then, take a fast bullet train to Kyoto.
In Kyoto, you can explore beautiful temples like Kinkakuji and Kiyomizudera. You will also visit Nara to see the deer in Nara Park. Your trip ends in Osaka, where you can enjoy places like Osaka Castle and the bright lights of Dotonbori.
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival
Day 2: Tokyo Tour (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market)
Day 3: Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Day 4: Kyoto (Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Kiyomizudera Temple)
Day 5: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka (Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park)
Day 6: Osaka (Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi-suji & Dotombori)
Day 7: Osaka Departure
1 Week in Japan in October (for Autumn Colors)
If you want to see early autumn colors, a trip through central Japan is perfect. This journey starts in Nagoya and takes you to the mountain town of Takayama. You can explore its old streets.
Then, visit the historic village of Shirakawa-go with its unique farmhouses. Your trip continues to Kanazawa to see the beautiful Kenroku-en garden. This route is excellent for enjoying nature and the start of autumn.
Day 1: Nagoya Arrival
Day 2: Nagoya - Takayama (Sanmachi Suji District, Takayama Jinya, Yoshijima Traditional House, Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan)
Day 3: Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa (Miyagawa Morning Market, Shirakawa-go (Wada House, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck)
Day 4: Kanazawa (Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle Park, Omicho Market, Nagamachi Samurai District)
Day 5: Kanazawa (Oyama Shrine, Higashi Chaya District, Gold Leaf Work Shop (DIY), 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (Closed on Mondays)
Day 6: Kanazawa - Nagoya (Osu Shopping Street, Nagoya Castle)
Day 7: Naogoya Departure
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