October is one of the best months to visit Japan, as the weather becomes pleasant in autumn and the typhoon season is basically over. Meanwhile, October is a nice period with less crowds and at a relatively lower price before November - the peak time of autumn leaves season in Japan.

There is not much rain in October around Japan. In particular, there may be light rain showers sometimes in the first half of October for possible typhoons. Then, you could see a clear sky, with a few clouds, at most times.

Long-sleeve shirt, blouse, hoodie, and sweatpants are wearable during October in Japan, meanwhile a jacket, thin overcoat or trench coat can be added on the top when the temperature drops. Generally, wearing in layers would be better to adapt to Japan weather in October, and do wear thick when travelling to Hokkaido and northern Honshu.

1. Autumn Leaves Season & Hiking

October is the start of autumn leaves season in Japan, and also the best time to enjoy variegated fall foliage in Hokkaido. Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu, Jozankei west to Sapporo city, and more places are stunning to discover the beauty of autumn in Hokkaido. It’s also nice to go hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park and more areas in the big island, to explore nature of Japan in depth.

Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

In other regions, the leaves would change into fantastic colors by the end of October: first the Japanese Alps and the north of Honshu, followed by the central area and Shikoku. Japanese Alps is also beautiful for travelling in autumn, for not only brilliant autumn leaves since mid-October but also multiple great hiking destinations, like Senjojiki Cirque in Nagano, Nakasendo Way, Kamikochi and Tateyama Kurobe Route. To last days of October, it’s superb to see Mt. Fuji with bright-colored red leaves, too.

2. Big Autumn Celebration in Takayama

Takayama Streets

In the Japan’s Alps, Takayama hold the remarkable autumn festival celebration around October 9th and 10th every year. There is the festival parade with some old high floats in traditional Japanese style, which is the one of two chances to see the scene there. They call the floats as mikoshi, actually mobile shrines. At night, it’s also ablaze with lights, as lanterns are hanging on floats in the procession still in high spirits.

3. Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto

Jidai Matsuri, the festival of ages, is absorbing. On every October 22nd, the famous parade goes through the streets in Kyoto, where the precessions play the roles of historical figures and reproduce the scenes of major stories in different eras. You may learn the history of Kyoto via the parade. Besides, the autumn leaves season arrives in late October.