October Weather in Japan 2024: Events, Food, and Travel Tips

October in Japan

Cosmos fields in Nokonoshima Island Park, Fukuoka. Photo by Pixta

October is a great time to visit Japan as the average daytime temperatures are pleasant compared to the summer months. In the northern regions, you can already feel cooler temperatures and can usually start to see the autumn foliage.

It is still typhoon season, though, so we suggest keeping your travel plans flexible in case of traffic disruptions.

October in Japan is a great time to enjoy festivals and events, many of which are related to harvest celebrations and Halloween. It is also when beautiful cosmos flowers and chrysanthemums bloom! For those looking for a more food-focused trip, this is the perfect time to visit as many types of fruits and vegetables are in season.

Read on to learn information on October weather and average temperatures in Japan by region, along with travel tips for this time of the year.

October Travel in Japan

October Weather in Japan
- October Weather in Tokyo
- October Weather in Osaka and Kyoto
- October Weather in Hiroshima
- October Weather in Hokkaido
- October Weather in Fukuoka and the Kyushu Region
October Events and Festivals in Japan
1. Halloween at USJ Osaka
2. Halloween at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki
3. Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
4. Takayama Autumn Festival
5. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
6. Kyoto Jidai Matsuri
7. Kawagoe Festival near Tokyo
Seasonal Food in October
- Yaki-imo: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Fruits in Season
- Matsutake Mushrooms
- Chestnuts
- Sanma (Pacific Saury)
Top Destinations in October
Hokkaido: For Fall Foliage
Tohoku: Yamagata, Iwate, Aomori
Nagano: Karuizawa, Matsumoto
Nagasaki: For Halloween and Fireworks at Huis Ten Bosch
Tokyo: For Seasonal Events

October Weather in Japan

The weather in Japan varies greatly by region, but generally, October marks the transition from late summer to autumn.

Average October temperatures range from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in most regions. Northern areas like Hokkaido are cooler, while southern regions such as Kyushu and Okinawa remain milder.

Rainfall and humidity levels tend to drop in October, making it one of the drier months, with much more comfortable weather than the summer months.

Autumn colors in Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido. Photo by Pixta

October is also when autumn foliage begins to appear, especially in northern areas like Hokkaido and the mountainous regions, adding beautiful colors to the landscape.

Overall, October is considered a pleasant month to visit Japan, with comfortable weather and vibrant autumn scenery. Continue reading to find weather information by region.

All the information regarding average temperatures in this article is based on data published by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

October Weather in Tokyo and What to Wear

The Hamarikyu Gardens in October. Photo by Pixta
In 2023, Tokyo’s highest average temperature was reported to be 23.7℃ (74.66℉), while the lowest average was 14.7℃ (58℉) (*Source: JMA). Due to the high temperatures recorded during the summer, we can expect warmer temperatures this year.

October is still considered typhoon season, so it would be best to have a rainy-day outfit ready. Consider wearing long pants or shorts with light tops or T-shirts for daytime activities. Bring a sweater or cardigan for the evening as the sun sets and the temperature drops.

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October Weather in Osaka and Kyoto

Photo by Pixta
Osaka’s highest average recorded temperature in October last year was 24℃ (75℉) and the lowest average being 15.6℃ (60℉).

Kyoto’s highest recorded temperature was 23.7℃ (74.66℉) with the lowest being 14.1℃ (57.38℉) which is quite similar to Osaka.

Expect a few rainy days since it will still be typhoon season in Japan. Pack your long pants or denim pants with light tops or T-shirts for your daytime activities. Be sure to pack a sweater or two for the evening as the temperature drops and becomes slightly chilly.

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October Weather in Hiroshima

Photo by Pixta
In 2023, the average high recorded for October in Hiroshima was 24.4℃ (75.92℉), while the average low was 14.5℃ (58.1℉) (*Source: JMA). The average rainfall for Hiroshima in October was 8.5 mm, which is relatively low compared to past years.

Although last year’s reported rainfall was low, it is still a good idea to pack for a rainy day or two. Consider packing long pants and long-sleeve shirts, along with a sweater or a light jacket if you plan to be out in the evening.

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October Weather in Hokkaido

Photo by Pixta
Hokkaido usually experiences cooler weather earlier than other prefectures due to its northern location.

The city of Sapporo recorded the highest temperature in October 2023 at 17.9℃ (64.22℉) and the lowest at 9.3℃ (48.74℉). Expect cooler temperatures during the morning and evening hours, with warmer temperatures during the day.

If you’re visiting Hokkaido, pack a jacket along with plenty of long pants and long-sleeve shirts.

If you’re wondering about Hakodate, you’ll be happy to know that the recorded temperatures were similar to those in Sapporo. Although rainfall recorded in Sapporo was 88.5 mm and rainfall in Hakodate was 62.5 mm, it would be a good idea to pack at least one rainy-day outfit just in case.

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October Weather in Fukuoka and the Kyushu Region

Photo by Pixta
Fukuoka and the Kyushu region experience slightly warmer temperatures in October, with the highest average temperature recorded at 24.3℃ (75.74℉) and the lowest at 16.1℃ in 2023.

Fukuoka also recorded 23 mm of rainfall, which is relatively low compared to past reports. This year, Japan has seen more typhoons hit towards the end of August and into September, making it hard to predict whether others will occur, as their paths may change.

The Kyushu region, located in the southern part of Japan, is more susceptible to typhoons. So, if you plan to visit, be sure to pack essentials for rainy days, as well as long pants and short-sleeved shirts. Don't forget to bring a few sweaters or cardigans for the evening hours when outdoors.

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October Events Around Japan

1. Halloween at USJ Osaka

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Universal Studios Japan is renowned for its annual Halloween events, which becomes more exciting every year. In 2024, attend the "Hahaha! Halloween Party" where you can see characters like DJ Pikachu, DJ Gengar, and two new friends Pumpkaboo and Litwick.

Fans of Sanrio will also get a chance to see their favorites with the “My Melody and Kuromi’s Happy Halloween Welcome Show.” Minions and the Sesame Street friends will also be joining the fun welcoming everyone throughout the park.

As night comes so do the zombies! Watch as the streets fill with zombies all around the park, and partake in other spooky events held around USJ. Not all night events may be suitable for children but there will be a section of the park where it will be zombie-free.

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2. Halloween at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Visiting Nagasaki? Experience a European Halloween at Huis Ten Bosch, where you can enjoy a Halloween parade, as well as the best part about Halloween, trick-or-treating!

Have fun with Miffy and friends as they welcome every park-goer. As night begins to fall, take a walk around the illuminated Halloween night walk, where jack-o-lanterns and other illuminations guide you throughout the pathway. With spooky music, Huis Ten Bosch creates the perfect Halloween atmosphere for all ages.

Guests of age can indulge at the Autumn Gourmet Festival where they’ll have a selection of over 100 wines. Don’t miss the Lantern Night Show (will not be held on the day of the fireworks on October 7th) which was extended.

Another event not to miss is Kyushu’s biggest fireworks festival held this year on October 7. Watch as 22,000 fireworks fill the sky!

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3. Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony

Photo by Pixta
Experience Japanese culture by partaking in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Tokyo!

The Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony was founded in 2008 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Arts Council Tokyo to spread traditional Japanese culture throughout Japan and overseas. The event has become an autumn highlight in Tokyo offering several programs that cater to beginners and those with experience.

In 2024, the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony will be held on October 19 and 20 at the Edo-Tokyo Open-air Architectural Museum and October 26 and 27 at the Hamarikyu Gardens.

The event also offers programs in English so do consider taking part to learn more about tea ceremony culture. It's a very popular event so we recommend booking in advance.

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4. Takayama Autumn Festival

Photo by Pixta
A festival that is ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals, the Takayama Autumn Festival is celebrated in Takayama city, Gifu Prefecture. It is held every year on October 9 and 10 at the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.

The streets are filled with beautifully adorned floats that showcase the artisanal craftsmanship of local artists. A performance called Karakuri is held twice a day at the Hotei-dai of the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine; this captivating performance is not to be missed.

Another event is the procession that involves a few hundred participants and lasts two days and one night. During this procession, you can see a variety of performances, including lion dancers, cockfighting musicians, gagaku musicians, and guards wearing traditional formal attire.

You will notice that parishioners waiting by their homes are said to be forbidden from looking at the procession from a high place, so be mindful of this if you decide to attend.

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5. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

Photo by Pixta
The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is held every year from October 7 to 9 at Nagasaki’s Suwa Shrine. A fun fact is that “Kunchi” comes from the northern Kyushu dialect and means autumn festival.

Considered Nagasaki’s most famous festival, there is much to look forward to if you decide to attend. Throughout the festival, you can see cultural influences from the Netherlands, Portugal, and China, all of which have contributed to Nagasaki’s rich history.

Another reason to attend the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is that every seven years, each town gets to hold its own dashimono (*1), which means you would not see the same dashimono again for another seven years.

*1 Dashimono: A word used during Nagasaki Kunchi that refers to the dance and floats that appear during the festival.

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6. Kyoto Jidai Matsuri

Photo by Pixta
Known as one of Kyoto’s Three Great Festivals, the Kyoto Jidai Matsuri is a perfect display of Japanese culture. In 2024, the Kyoto Jidai Matsuri will be held on October 22 at the Heian Jingu Shrine.

Marvel at 2,000 participants dressed in traditional Japanese attire representing various eras, from the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889) to the Enryaku period (782-806). The festival commemorates the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto).

The procession begins at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends at the Heian Jingu Shrine. With few chances to glimpse historical attire in real life, this is a festival that should not be missed.

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7. Kawagoe Festival near Tokyo

Photo by Pixta
Listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, the Kawagoe Festival is held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. The festival features an array of beautifully decorated floats called hikiyama.

The Kawagoe Festival not only showcases Japan’s rich history but also preserves it. It features an Edo-style performance called the Edo Tenka Matsuri, where several spectacular floats leave spectators in awe of their size and adornments. The Edo Tenka Matsuri is one of the main events at the Kawagoe Festival that should not be missed.

Another highlight is the Hikkawase, where several festival floats face each other and compete through a hayashi (*1) performance. Spectators are encouraged to cheer and chant as the floats are paraded by the locals, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

*1 Hayashi: A traditional Japanese musical performance group comprised of flutes, drums, handbells, and dancing

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Seasonal Food to Enjoy in October

Yaki-imo: Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Photo by Pixta
Yaki-imo, or roasted sweet potatoes, can be found all season long, but their fragrance truly screams autumn. The sweet aroma emanating from the small ovens where they’re baked fills the streets, enticing passersby to purchase one.

You can find them at some supermarkets, at Don Quijote stores, or, if you’re lucky, you might hear the song vendors play from their small trucks as they drive through the neighborhoods.

Regardless of where you purchase one, be sure to treat yourself to this delicious autumn treat. Enjoy it by itself (without the skin), with a little salt, or with some butter. Whichever way you choose, eating yaki-imo is certainly the perfect way to get into the autumn spirit.

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Fruits in Season

Photo by Pixta
October is when persimmons, apples, Japanese pears, and grapes are in season. Apples are especially notable, as many orchards offer apple picking, a traditional autumn activity.

If you’ve never had persimmons, you’re in luck. They look like orange tomatoes but have a sweet and tangy flavor. When you walk into a supermarket, you may see these fruits on display.

The Japanese pears appear much larger than what you may be used to, but they are still packed with rich flavor. Japanese grapes are considered a luxury fruit, so when you’re at the supermarket, be sure to check the pricee before purchasing. Although these fruits are in season, their prices can vary depending on the area that produces them.

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Matsutake Mushrooms

Photo by Pixta
If your palate enjoys fungi, you may want to prepare yourself to taste one of Japan’s most expensive mushrooms: matsutake. These mushrooms are notorious in Japan for their distinct spicy aroma.

But don’t let this mushroom fool you; it comes with a hefty price tag and is treated as such. Matsutake mushrooms are on par with truffles, often featured on high-end restaurant menus where they are usually served with minimal toppings. Be sure to add this mushroom to your list of must-try foods while you're in Japan!

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Chestnuts

Photo by Pixta
Just like yaki-imo, you will find small stands selling roasted chestnuts or yaki-guri in popular areas like Shibuya. The autumn breeze carries the scent of roasted chestnuts, enticing people to buy them.

You can enjoy the taste and flavor of chestnuts in various ways, from kuri-an (chestnut paste) filled dorayaki to sweet desserts like mont blanc or even mixed with rice. As you explore Japan, you will notice many dessert shops selling chestnut treats.

If you’d like something to take home, keep an eye out for the seasonal KitKat flavors, which will likely include a chestnut option.

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Sanma (Pacific Saury)

Photo by Pixta
The fish of autumn, sanma, or Pacific saury should be on your list of foods to eat. The main production areas are Hokkaido, Iwate, and Miyagi so if you’re in the vicinity, stop by a sushi restaurant to enjoy a fresh bite.

If you aren’t a fan of raw fish, no worries, sanma can be enjoyed grilled. Don’t miss out on the fresh taste of sanma at its peak season, and add this fish to your list of must-eats.

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Top Japan Destinations to Visit in October

October is an excellent month for travel in Japan as the temperatures are more pleasant than in the summer months and yet not so low as in winter.

We recommend visiting northern regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku to catch the earliest autumn foliage, or the Tokyo area and the southern regions for events.

Hokkaido Travel in October

Photo by Pixta
Hokkaido, located in the north, experiences autumn foliage first - as early as late September in Daisetsuzan National Park and October for Sapporo and Hakodate.

Some of the best places to see the autumn foliage in Hokkaido include Lake Toya, Jozankei Gorge, and Kosetsuen Garden, to name a few.

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Tohoku: Fall Foliage in Yamagata, Iwate, and Aomori

Photo by Pixta
October brings the fall colors to the Tohoku region; the mountainous areas are especially beautiful around this time of the year.

Around Lake Tazawa, the autumn foliage is expected to appear in late October this year, while in Zao as early as mid-October.

If you’re planning to visit Yamagata, be sure to take a ride on the Zao Ropeway, where you can enjoy a stunning view from above of the beautiful mountains and the autumn foliage.

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Nagano: Karuizawa and Matsumoto

Photo by Pixta
Nagano’s mountainous areas are a great destination for October trips. The Kamikochi area is expected to see the first autumn foliage in late October.

Karuizawa, although beautiful at any time of the year, has a special charm in late October - early November when the foliage turns red and yellow. Be sure to visit Kumoba Pond for splendid autumn views.

Matsumoto, with its majestic castle and excellent art museums, is also a great destination with many photo-worthy spots.

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Nagasaki: For Festivals and Fireworks

Picture courtesy of Nagasaki Tourism Association
Nagasaki is a great place to visit in October, filled with festivals and events that entertain all ages.

One of Nagasaki’s biggest and most famous festivals is the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, held every year in October. Enjoy the joyful atmosphere that fills the streets, energized by the performers.

Head over to Huis Ten Bosch for a Halloween-filled day, featuring trick-or-treating for kids, fireworks, and a lantern-lit night walk.

Nokonoshima Island Park in October. Photo by Pixta

Kyushu boasts some of the most beautiful cosmos fields in Japan. If you travel to Nagasaki in October, do stop by Fukuoka, too, and take in the splendid seasonal views in Nakanoshima Island Park!

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The Tokyo Area: For Festivals and Events

The Kawagoe Festival. Photo by Pixta
While it's still early to see the autumn foliage, some of the best events and festivals in the Tokyo area are held in October due to the enjoyable temperatures.

Some of the major October events around Tokyo include the Kawagoe Festival, the Sawara Grand Festival, and the Nikko Toshogu Shrine Festival, among others.

Tokyo's Showa Kinen Park is hosting its cosmos flower festival in October, making it a must-see for photography enthusiasts.

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Enjoy Traveling to Japan in October

October is an excellent time to visit Japan and enjoy early autumn foliage in the north and seasonal events. We hope these tips help you take advantage of all the wonderful events happening in October.

Main image by Pixta