Let’s explore the exciting events and the best places to visit in autumn in Japan.
Weather in Japan in October
As Japan enters autumn, the weather in October is generally mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F), offering comfortable conditions across the country. In northern areas like Hokkaido, expect cooler sweater weather, while central regions like Tokyo and Kyoto experience mild temperatures with low humidity. For warmer weather, southern regions like Okinawa offer more tropical conditions.
When Does the Sun Set in Japan October?
In October, sunset in Japan occurs around 5:00 to 5:30 PM, depending on the region.
When Does the Sun Rise in Japan October?
Sunrise in Japan during October typically happens between 5:45 and 6:30 AM, varying by location.
What to Wear in Japan in October?
When visiting Japan in October, it’s essential to pack smartly for the varying temperatures. Layering is key, as mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in northern regions like Hokkaido. Light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a jacket are ideal for central areas like Tokyo and Kyoto, where daytime is mild but nights are cooler.
In rural or countryside areas, it’s important to be prepared for cooler, more variable conditions. In the countryside, particularly in the mountains or areas like the Japanese Alps, temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings and mornings. Pack warmer layers, such as thermal shirts, fleece jackets, and windproof outerwear for outdoor activities like hiking. Additionally, waterproof hiking shoes are recommended for those exploring trails, as paths can become slippery or muddy. A scarf and hat can provide extra warmth during early mornings or late evenings.
If you’re headed to Okinawa, lighter clothing such as short sleeves and light fabrics will suit the warmer, more tropical climate. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking and exploring. A compact umbrella may also be useful, as autumn can bring occasional rain.
Japanese autumn is a must-see, so do visit Japan in October to experience fall in Japan with the best autumn foliage. Known for its vivid natural beauty and comfortable weather, Japanese autumn is truly the best time of the year to visit Japan – along with its cultural events and places to visit in Japan.
Tanbo Art Festival
Date: June 3 – October 14
The Aomori town of Inakadate is definitely on the list for places to visit in Japan because of its famous Tanbo Art event held from early June until early October each year. “Tanbo” means rice field, and this ingenious art is created by growing different crops to paint enormous living murals. The murals can only be viewed from up high.
One observation point is the Japanese castle-themed village office (Inakadate Village Observatory), where you’ll see “The Gate Fence and the Girl with the Pearl Earring” rice paddy art. It will be open from June 3 to October 14.
You will be able to see the Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again anime art from the other observation tower, Yayoi no Sato Observatory, open from June 15 to October 14. Both towers cost ¥300 and are open from 9am to 5pm. A free 9-seater shuttle runs between the two venues.
How To Get There
From Shin-Aomori Station, take the Ou Line for 45 minutes until Hirosaki Station. Change to the Kuroishi Local Train and stay on for around 30 minutes to Tambo Art Station. From here, you can walk to the Yayoi no Sato Observatory in just 5 minutes.
M Music Festival
Date: October 19 – October 20
Join a vibrant music festival that combines music, culture, and fun under a starry sky. Over the two days at M Festival, you’ll discover heart-pounding live performances and experiences. There isn’t just one genre to groove to—get ready for reggae, rock, ska, electronic beats, and everything in between.
Along with fantastic sets and DJs, the festival invites you to explore its natural surroundings, from small babbling creeks to imposing wild mountains so you can see the best foliage in October in Japan.
Music Artist Lineup
The festival will feature a riveting lineup that includes bands and artists from around the world. Different acts will play on different days, so make sure to check the website for details.
On October 19, the lineup consists of Carribean Dandy, Midorinomaru, Gaya Goes Analogue, and other talented artists. On the 20th, artists such as AO Young, Rip Van Winkle, and African Bolero will be performing.
Tickets are ¥7,000 for one day and ¥13,000 for two days. Children under 12 get in for free. You can purchase your tickets here.
Nada no Kenka Festival
Date: October 14 – October 15
The Nada no Kenka Matsuri is held at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture in Japan in October. Described as a “fighting festival,” this cultural event can get violent, with certain activities only allowing men to participate in.
The first day of celebrations sees seven yatai floats from seven different districts transported to the shrine for ceremonies between 11 am and 2 pm. The following day sees three teams of younger men in fundoshi (loin cloths) carrying three huge mikoshi (portable shrines) where they jostle and violently crash into each other in the area around the shrine from 9am until midday. The jostling continues at 1 pm and again at 4:30 pm.
This mid autumn festival is a must-see place to visit in Japan for tourists who want to witness a cultural event that is incredibly energetic and dramatic. This festival is meant to honor the gods and pray for a good harvest, while showcasing the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the participants.
Kobe Port Fireworks Festival
Date: October 21 – October 25
In Japan, fall colors of orange, red, and green are not only seen in leaves but also in their fireworks. The Kobe Port Fireworks Festival is set to illuminate the Kobe waterfront in a series of captivating nightly displays. Held at Meriken Park, this small yet unforgettable firework event will run from 6:30 to 6:45 for five consecutive days.
Officially known as the “Kobe Port Marine Fireworks Festival,” this event is rated as one of the top fireworks festivals in the Kansai region. In past years, approximately a quarter of a million people have gathered to see 15,000 explosive projectiles shot into the night sky.
Meriken Park is the main free spot for viewing the fireworks but expect huge crowds. The fireworks are launched from barges located between Kobe Harborland and Port Island.
How To Get There
Meriken Park is a few minutes’ walk from the Minatomotomachi and Motomachi Stations on the Kaigan Subway line. This station, along with the nearby Hanakuma Station on the Kobekosoku Tetsudo line, will no doubt get incredibly busy, so we suggest taking the 15-minute walk from Kōbe station instead (if that’s where you’re traveling from).
Jidai Matsuri
Date: October 22
Kyoto is where to visit Japan if you want to witness a glimpse of Japanese history through the Jidai Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s biggest October events.
It commemorates the founding of Kyoto as the Imperial capital by the Emperor Kammu in 794, so this is definitely one for the history enthusiasts. The Jidai Matsuri is a procession of over 2000 people in costumes from every era of Japanese history, departing from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the morning and moving along a route several kilometers long to Heian Jingu Shrine.
Geisha also participate in the Jidai Matsuri, dressed in junihitoe kimono, some of the most elegant and complex clothing in the world. This festival, established in 1895, is all about authenticity — the costumes, music, and symbolism are all historically accurate.
The best places to view the parade are the Imperial Palace (in the morning) and Heian Shrine (around 2 p.m.) but get there early: the festival is mega popular. You can also check out the participants, like the Geisha, before and after the event.
How To Get There
Both of the venues are near Jingumarutamachi Station, and Heian Jingu Shrine is near Higashiyama Station.
Fire Festival of Kurama Temple
Date: October 22
Another iconic festival in Kyoto is the Kurama no Hi Matsuri, or the Fire Festival of Kurama Temple. Experience the warmth of autumn in Japan as bonfires, torches, shrines, and figures are all out in the streets for this vibrant Kyoto festival. Taking place in Kurama, a small village north of Kyoto proper, the Kurama no Hi Matsuri is a cultural event rather than a big party, but it has energy to spare.
The matsuri starts at about 6 pm in the evening when big kagaribi bonfires are lit along the village streets. Households display their family heirlooms, and a procession of local children and adults carrying taimatsu (flaming pinewood torches that vary from 5kg to 200kg in weight) snake through the streets to Yuki-jinja Shrine in the grounds of Kurama-deru Temple (a hidden gem in itself).
For the finale, teams of men carry mikoshi (elaborate palanquins) up the steep path to the shrine after a ritual involving the cutting of sacred rope. Enjoy the festivities until midnight, making your Japanese autumn experience an unforgettable one.
Miyazakijingu Festival
Date: October 26 – October 27
The Miyazakijingu Taisai (Miyazaki Shrine Grand Festival) is a traditional festival at one of Miyazaki Prefecture’s major Shintō shrines with a history of more than 140 years. The festival commemorates the legendary Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan.
Colloquially known as Jinmu-sama, the festival features a “procession of the gods” on both days from 1pm until 4pm. The festival features a grand parade with various vibrant floats, portable shrines called Gohoren. Participants in the parade wear traditional garb, and some will be on horseback.
The Miyazakijingu Festival is a must-see event that beautifully captures the rich history and folklore in Japan, further emphasizing Japan in October as the best time of the year to visit Japan.
Sea Lights Lantern Festival
Date: October 5 – 6
One of the most beautiful October festivals in Tokyo 2024 is this illuminating festival in the heart of Odaiba. Taking place at Odaiba Marine Park, the Sea Lights Lantern Festival transforms the beachfront into a mesmerizing landscape adorned with colorful lanterns.
Throughout the festival, there are a series of activities that you can enjoy – from live performances by local musicians to delicious meals at the beachside cafes, this festive atmosphere fully encapsulates the chill vibes of Japanese autumn.
The festival starts at 6:30pm and is free for all. Experience the cool and relaxing temperature of Japan in October as you set out a paper lantern by the beautiful beach strips of Odaiba.
Disney Music and Fireworks Festival
Date: September 2 – December 9
Since 2023, Disney has brought in beautiful fireworks and enchanting music across Japan. Fall in Japan has never been this brighter with Disney’s Music and Fireworks Festival!
Iconic and classic Disney songs will be synchronized to fireworks as the company commemorates 101 years. This year, Disney will focus on their hit movie “Frozen,” celebrating its 10th anniversary of its theatrical release in Japan.
Running from September to November, the festival will stop at various places depending on the date. For October, the event will be held at Yamanashi / Yamanakako Exchange Plaza Kirara on the 5th. If you’ll be around in Japan in November, you can drop by at Kagoshima Marine Port on November 9 and at Ibaraki / Hitachi Seaside Park on November 30 for this must-see Disney festival!
Doors will open at 3:30pm, with the start time at 6pm and the end time at 7:15pm. A basic ticket costs ¥9,900 for an adult and ¥4,400 to ¥6,600 for students. You can check out more details about the festival here!
Hagi Festival
Date: September 14 – October 1
Start your fall in Japan right by visiting the best place to see fall colors – the Hagi Festival! The festival aims for attendees to witness the best autumn foliage found in Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden and its variety of beautiful fall plants.
Walk through a long tunnel of hagi (bush clover) and enjoy this scenic and historic park built during the Bunka-Bunsei period. The garden is open from 9am – 5pm, with a ticket price of ¥150 for adults and ¥70 for elderly over 65.
How To Get There
You can travel to Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden in Tokyo by accessing the Tobu Skytree Line (TS5) from Higashi-Mukojima Station which is roughly around 380m away from the venue. You can also take a train from Hikifune Station and Keisei-Hikifune Station, both less than a kilometer away from the garden.
October: The Best Time of the Year to Visit Japan
October is truly one of the most enchanting times to explore Japan, as we witness the country’s best autumn foliage, unforgettable cultural festivals, and pleasant weather.
See Japan’s fall colors of red, orange, and gold come to life through their greenery and enjoy a hot bowl of ramen in the chill weather of Japan in October. Let Ramen Beast help you with that!
With a perfect blend of natural wonder and cultural festivals, Japan in October offers a memorable adventure for those wishing to experience autumn in Japan.
Stay Connected Effortlessly with Jetpac eSIM in Japan
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For those concerned about connectivity while exploring Japan’s diverse regions, Jetpac’s wide coverage across the country ensures you won’t miss a beat. From navigating the vibrant streets of Tokyo during festival parades to finding your way through peaceful temple trails, Jetpac provides uninterrupted access to maps, travel apps, and communication tools. You can stay connected without the need for physical devices like pocket WiFi, which often come with delivery, return, and rental costs.
Moreover, Jetpac offers flexible pricing, making it a perfect solution for budget-conscious travelers attending Japan’s autumn festivals. With no hidden fees or surprise charges, you can easily top up your data as needed. This means you’ll have peace of mind while traveling from one festival to another, from the lively streets of Kyoto to the enchanting countryside, knowing that your data needs are covered at all times. Learn more about Jetpac eSIM here.