Hakone Weather in October

Season: autumn
Weather Condition: mild temperature, 6 rainy days on average

Red Leaves in Hakone Shrine

Temperature

Average Temperature: 17.6℃ (63.7℉)
Average High Temperature: 22.7℃ (72.9℉); in recent years, the actual highest temperature reached 32.2℃ (90℉)
Average Low Temperature: 12.8℃ (55℉); in recent years, the actual lowest temperature was 5.3℃ (41.5℉)

Hakone in October is not too hot or too cold. Data of the recent years shows that in only a few days, the highest temperature exceeded 30℃ (86℉). Generally, the temperature is decreasing. Sometimes in the second half of October, the highest temperature is below 20℃ (68℉). At that time, it is a little cold in the early morning and evening and when it rains.

Rainfall

Average Rainfall: 149mm
Average Rainy Days: 6 days

According to recent years’ data, it is mainly light rain and heavy rainy days are very few. Sometimes, typhoon happens and this influences the running of Hakone Ropeway and Pirate Ship.

In addition, occasionally, fog is heavy and makes visibility very low. For visitors planning to visit Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, and other outdoor attractions, it is suggested to adjust the itinerary according to the real-time weather conditions.

Sunrise, Sunset, and Day Length

Sunrise (1st → 31st): roughly 5:40 → 6:05
Sunset (1st → 31st): roughly17:25 → 16:50
Average Day Length: about 11h 20 min

In October, the day length would reduce day by day. The opening hours of many attractions are roughly 9:00/ 10:00 - 17:00. If your Hakone travel plan includes many attractions, 1 day is not enough. It is suggested to either add an extra day for Hakone or skip some places.

Red Leaves Season Starts in Late October

Usually, the red maple leaves season arrives here in late October and lasts till early December. The leaves around the windy Lake Ashi in the high-altitude areas would first turn red, such as Owakudani Valley and Sengokuhara in late October; later are Gora Park, Hakone Museum of Art, and Kowakudani in early November; and then in the lower-altitude Hakone Yumoto.

Red Leaves around Lake Ashi

What to Pack for Hakone in October

Coming to Hakone in October, you need to wear: summer clothes when it is sunny and at noon; autumn clothes, when it rains or in the early morning and evening.

Upper: T-shirt, shirt, and thin coat

Lower: summer pants, autumn pants in case the temperature drops

Shoes: casual shoes or sneakers

Top Things to Do in Hakone during October 2025

1. Appreciate red leaves from Hakone Ropeway in late October

Like Sakura blossoms in spring, the red leaves in autumn are also seasonal highlights of Japan. In Hakone, the earliest time and place to watch the red maple leaves is late October and around Hakone Ropeway. Sitting in the ropeway carriage, you would see the orange, yellow, and a part of green color dying the whole mountain.

2. Soak in the warm hot springs

As it gets colder and colder, soaking in the warm onsen is an enjoyment for your body. As a famous onsen resort in Japan, Hakone has the 5th highest volume of hot springs. Some onsen hotels have outdoor pools. In autumn, you can appreciate red leaves while soaking in warm water. In addition, in Hakone’s onsen streets, there are many traditional Japanese buildings. After soaking in the hot spring, you can further experience the life of locals by wearing Yukata (a Japanese wear) and strolling down the street.

3. Lake Ashi Cruise by Pirate Ship

Usually, from the early October, the summit of Mount Fuji begins to be covered by snow gradually. Standing on the deck of Pirate Ship, you can clearly watch the Mount. In addition, the Lake Ashi and Pirate Ship are 2 name cards of Hakone, which should not be missed. Standing on the Ship, the expansive Lake Ashi surrounded by mountains may let you forget trifles temporarily.