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. 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. Hokkaido in Autumn Colors

October is the time to enjoy variegated fall foliage in Hokkaido, as the autumn leaves season has not come in other regions of Japan. You can soak in the colorful world in Sapporo Maruyama Park, Mt. Moiwa, Mt. Hakodate, or Otaru Canal.

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, last Kyushu and Okinawa islands.

Takayama Streets

2. Takayama with Big Autumn Celebration

Japanese Alps is also beautiful for travelling in autumn. 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.

3. Kyoto: Jidai Matsuri

Kyoto is always popular for the various historical sites and cultural remains. In mid-late October, Jidai Matsuri, the festival of ages, is absorbing. On every October 22nd, the famous parade go through the streets in Kyoto, where the precessions reproduce the scenes of major stories in different eras. It's the same in 2025. You may learn the history of Kyoto via the parade. Besides, the autumn leaves season arrives in late October.

In addition, Mt. Fuji, Nakasendo trail hiking, and more attractions or events are welcomed likewise.