If you travel to Japan, October is one of the greatest months for almost every activity and most spots. Not only the beautiful autumn leaves everywhere, it’s the most comfortable time of the year with the temperature of 14-23℃ on average in most areas (but it could be below 10℃ in Hokkaido; up to 27℃ in Okinawa). Let’s take a look at the 8 best things you can do during this exciting period!
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Travel to Kyoto
Yes, visiting Kyoto is basically recommended all year round, but autumn provides completely different scenery with beautiful leaves that should be seen at least once if possible. Indeed, it’s the peak time for local (i.e. Japanese) people too, and you will see many groups of students in school uniform in temples and shrines enjoying their school trips at this time. The best season for autumn leaves could be in November depending on the weather, but here are some special spots that you can expect to see the leaves in fall colors in October.
Hieizan Enryakuji 比叡山 延暦寺
Hiking up 848.3 meters of Mt. Hiei, you will meet nearly 100 temples along the way as the entire mountain is the precincts of Enryakuji, a World Heritage Site. There are shuttle buses as well as a trail course, and you will be amazed by the magnificent view of some 2,000 maple trees and 1,000 sakura (cherry) trees in beautiful colors going along with the historical architecture. During the Momiji (maple tree) Festival taking place in late October each year, the leaves are lit up to make the scenery even more majestic.
- Official Website: Hieizan Biwako Panoramic Route
Hakuryuen 白龍園
Hakyuen is a Japanese-style garden where you can enjoy elegant scenery throughout the year. Usually reserved for private use, the garden is open to the public only during the spring and autumn for a special exhibition for about a month and a half for both periods. In 2023, it is scheduled to be open from October 13th (Friday) to December 3rd (Sunday).
- Official Website: Hakuryuen (Japanese Only)
Explore Nikko (Tochigi)
Nikko, at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters above sea level in the hills of central Japan, is another popular tourist destination all year round with many famous spots such as the World Heritage “Nikko Toshogu Shrine”, and it is easy to access from Tokyo – only about 2 hours by bullet train. There you can enjoy extraordinary scenery with colored leaves in October and later into autumn.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine 日光東照宮
What makes Nikko special is its 1,200 years of history, with which its own culture and spiritual faith have been developed and preserved. One signature place of Nikko is the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which was built after the death of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Edo Bakufu Government, as his mausoleum and to house his spirit. The main shrines are designed with a unique style called Gongen-zukuri 権現造, which exudes dignity.
Lake Chūzenji 中禅寺湖
Lake Chūzenji, located in Oku-Nikko area, is Japan’s highest natural lake at an altitude of 1,269 meters. The lake is surrounded by numerous sightseeing spots such as Kegon Falls (Kegon no Taki 華厳の滝), one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, Ryuzu Falls (Ryuzu no Taki 竜頭の滝), and the mountain drive route called Iroha-zaka (いろは坂). You can take a cruise on the lake to look around these spots and enjoy the view of the mountains, which are colored with beautiful autumn leaves in October.
- Official Website: Nikko Official Guide
Kinugawa Onsen (Hot Spring) 鬼怒川温泉
At the end of the day trip from Tokyo, we recommend checking in at a place around the Kinugawa area. There are over 80 options, ranging from traditional Japanese ryokans to modern style hotels, most of which have onsen venues inside or outside the accommodation to heal your body.
- Official Website: Hot Springs in Nikko
Go For A Hike To Mountains
Needless to say, October is the best month for hiking because of the comfortable climate and the beautiful scenery with colored leaves. Here are just some of the mountains that are easy to climb, and are at their best of the season for autumn leaves during October.
Mount Tanigawa 谷川岳 (Gunma and Niigata)
Mount Tanigawa is a 1,977 meter mountain on the border of Gunma and Niigata Prefectures, and is regarded as one of the 100 most popular mountains in Japan because of its easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area (2 hours by train). If you live or stay in Tokyo, you just need to wake up early in the morning and get on a train, and you can find yourself back home by nightfall after a day of wonderful hiking.
- Official Website: Tanigawadake Ropeway
Mount Kumotori 雲取山 (Tokyo, Saitama and Yamanashi)
Mount Kumotori sits on the border of Tokyo, Saitama and Yamanashi Prefectures. At 2,017 meters high, the summit is the highest point in Tokyo and it takes as much as 5 and a half hours to climb it from the base. Along the long trail, you can enjoy different views depending on the elevation. Among these, the larch trees colored in yellow at the ridges during October are a must-see.
- Official Website: Go Tokyo
Afternoon Tea for a Taste of Autumn
As the Japanese saying goes “Shokuyoku no Aki 食欲の秋 (Autumn Appetite)”, October is one of the most attractive months for foodies as well. Among all the fresh veggies, new rice and fruit of the harvest season, we recommend trying out a luxurious taste of autumn this year. In Japan, afternoon tea has recently become known as a voguish activity among the younger generations who consistently seek a “photogenic” moment, and thus a lot of hotels and cafes now offer seasonal afternoon tea plans ranging from 3,000JPY up to 8,000JPY. Here is a list of popular venues and autumn-featured plans:
Lounge & Dining G at Tokyo Marriott Hotel (Tokyo)
Tokyo Marriott Hotel Official Website
“Afternoon Tea -Autumn Fruits Basket-” from Sep 1 – Nov 30
- Price: 7,500JPY
- Reserve: Lounge & Dining G Reservation Site
Metropolitan Grill at Hilton Tokyo (Tokyo)
“Autumn Meat Afternoon on a Broom” from Aug 29 – Oct 31
- Price: 6,300JPY (weekday) / 6,800JPY (weekend)
- Reserve: Metropolitan Grill Reservation Site
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto (Kyoto)
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Official Website
“Autumn Kyoto Afternoon Tea” from Sep 1 – Nov 30
- Price: 7,000JPY (weekday) / 7,800JPY (weekend)
- Reserve: Four Seasons Reservation Site
Watch Kabuki
Regardless of the season, watching Kabuki is one of the must-dos while staying in Japan. Here are the Kabuki venues across Japan and what you need to know before buying a ticket for a show.
Witness Modern Ninja
If you have tried all kinds of sports and athletic activities and seek a new experience, why don’t you meet ninja in person and learn some acrobatic techniques? There are several theme parks and amusement parks across Japan with ninja that exhibit traditional combat tools and offer training experiences using shuriken and also ninja performance shows.
Attend Kawagoe Festival 川越まつり (Saitama)
Kawagoe Festival Official Website
Kawagoe Festival is one of the three major festivals in the Kanto region taking place every October. The festival has continued for more than 360 years and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. “Hikkawase 曳っかわせ” is the highlight of the two-day event, where several two-story floats with gorgeous decorations gather in one place to compete with music and dance. The wonderful lighting at night makes the Hikkawase even more solemn and breathtaking in the historical town.
- Date: October 13th (Saturday) – 14th (Sunday) 2023
- Access: From Shinjuku Station to Kawagoe Station, it is about 50 minutes using JR Saikyo Line Express train
- Official Website: Kawagoe Festival
Attend Asagiri Jam 23’ 朝霧JAM’23 (Shizuoka)
Asagiri Jam 23’ Official Website
If you are a fan of music, we’ll give you one recommendation for October: Asagiri Jam ‘23. This annual outdoor music festival started in 2001 at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and gathers over 24,000 music fans each year. In 2023, it was announced that there will be nearly 30 musicians from various genres who will perform over the two days (more than last year!)
- Date: October 21st (Saturday) – 22nd (Sunday) 2023
- Access: Official bus tour plans are available with the venue tickets here
- Official Website: Asagiri Jam 23
Also Read
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Summary
We have introduced the 8 best things to do in Japan during October. We hope this article helps you find some activities or spots that you find attractive, and it makes this autumn even more colorful and tasty for you!
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