Japan in October: What to Know Before You Go

Japan in October is not a single experience but includes multiple ones. -

• North (Hokkaido): Autumn is vibrant in Hokkaido, with crisp air and colourful forests, offering an early look at nature's beauty.
• Midland (Tokyo, Kyoto): Perfect conditions define the midland areas. With little rain, cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are ideal places to visit in Japan for exploring shrines, glass towers, and ramen stands.
• South: While October brings cooler weather and vibrant autumn scenery, southern Japan is still at the tail end of typhoon season. Though major disruptions are rare, occasional heavy rain or strong winds may occur. Always check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s forecast before travelling and keep flexible plans.

Flexibility is key when deciding what to pack for an October trip to Japan.

• Pack shirts, sweaters and jackets
• Wear durable and comfortable shoes to help you explore further.
• If heading to southern regions, include rain gear in your travel bag.
• A scarf or sweater for chillier nights in Hokkaido.

Autumn is the best time to visit Japan, which bursts into a vibrant display of colours, a seasonal show that begins in the north and progresses southward. October marks the start of Japan’s famous fall foliage season, with northern regions turning first.

• Kyoto: Visit Tofuku-ji or Kiyomizu-dera to see stunning foliage. The Sagano Scenic Railway offers breathtaking views, showing the art in nature and engineering.
• Nikko: With its laid-back pace, Nikko presents temples, trails, and colourful forests to explore.
• Fuji Five Lakes: Witness Mount Fuji's beauty as it is reflected in Lake Kawaguchi-Ko, enhanced by autumn’s light and leaves.
• Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido): The first place to show colourful leaves in Japan, offering a raw autumn experience.
• Rikugi-en (Tokyo): This Edo-period garden experiments with beauty, delivering impressive results each October.
• Minoo Park (Osaka): Near the city, Minoo Park features a scenic trail leading to a waterfall, highlighting nature’s allure.

Festivals in October highlight Japan’s cultural richness:

• Takayama Autumn Festival: This event turns town streets into a museum, where enormous floats parade by, showcasing local craft and culture.
• Jidai Matsuri: On October 22 every year in Kyoto, a living timeline with thousands in traditional costumes. It’s a journey from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine that represents their history.
• Tokyo International Film Festival: A significant event for film enthusiasts, offering a rich selection of films that bridge art and commerce.
• Kurama Fire Festival: On October 22, this festival is celebrated in the Kurama village area of northern Kyoto every year. Kyoto hosts this festival featuring large torches that brighten the night streets, invoking ancient fire rituals.
• Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival: This festival is held annually in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima, with about 3,000 glowing red paper lanterns decorating the large floats called Taikodai. 

• The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is one of the top things to do in Japan (Kyoto), a ritual of preparing and serving matcha green tea with mindfulness and respect, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
• Explore local markets for seasonal mushrooms, chestnuts, and persimmons, with Kyoto's Nishiki Market being a prime spot for local produce.
• Engage with traditional arts, such as ikebana or origami, to gain a deeper understanding of creativity and intent.
• Join a moon-viewing festival ("Tsukimi")—a poetic celebration under the full moon, featuring rice dumplings as the highlight.
• Enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets crafted from sweet potato, pumpkin, and chestnuts, offering a narrative in taste and tradition.
• Relax in an onsen after a day of exploration, embracing ancient mineral waters that heal travel fatigue.

1. Getting Around: The Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited rides on Shinkansen and JR trains, making travel distances manageable. Local subways and buses offer efficient transport.
2. Staying: October is popular among travellers. Reserve accommodations early for flexibility. Choose a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for cultural immersion, a hotel for amenities, or a mix for variety.
3. Weatherproofing: Layer clothing and carry a compact raincoat to be prepared for any weather, ensuring you stay comfortable and adaptable.
4. Communication & Currency: In cities, credit cards are widely accepted, while cash remains crucial in rural areas. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals and translation apps are recommended for connectivity and convenience.

October brings Japan to its sharpest point: a mix of nature’s performance and cultural recurrences. A trip to Japan in October is not only a sightseeing trip but also allows you to experience the season, making your trip unforgettable. Sharp mornings attract the walkers through golden ginkgo trees. Afternoons invite you to taste delicious hot and spicy ramen or have a relaxing tea ceremony. The evenings are illuminated with lanterns, festivals and the rustle of the red maple leaves. For an unforgettable experience! Pickyourtrail is here for you. Plan your trip hassle-free and book your personalised Japan tour packages now.