Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in October
Best things to do & places to visit in Japan in October
October is the great month to celebrate the coming of autumn in Japan. There are amazing spots to enjoy the beautiful nature such as hiking and autumn leaves viewings. Also numbers of events are held this month such as Halloween parties and delicious food events. Here are 10 best things to do and places to visit in Japan in October!
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Japan in October
Why should you visit Japan in October? The middle of autumn is one of the best months to travel the country comfortably. The average temperature in October in Tokyo is 16-20°C (60.8-68°F) while it is a little chilly early in the morning and at night. It is colder in northern parts of Japan like Hokkaido and Tohoku Region and warmer in southern parts like Okinawa and Kyushu Region than Tokyo. The island country offers a diversity of seasonal events and other things to do you can experience only in autumn.
What to Wear in Japan during Autumn: September, October and November
1. Hunt for Colourful Autumn Leaves of Japan (Koyo)
Autumn leaves (Koyo in Japanese) is a top attractions in Japan throughout the year. In contrast to pink cherry blossoms in spring, colourful leaves of red, yellow and orange can be admired across the country during autumn.
In cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, the peak season for autumn leaves viewing is usually in November, however in northern part and mountain areas of Japan welcome the autumn tint slightly earlier, and usually the peak season for the viewing is in October.
Some of recommended spots for autumn leaves viewing in Japan in October are:
Hokkaido ▷ 5 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Hokkaido
Nikko ▷ Best Things to Do in Nikko
Nagano ▷ Top 10 Things to Do in NAGANO
You can check the best time to enjoy autumn leaves from the following link,
2. Hiking at Mountains / National Parks
October is considerably the best month for outdoor activities in Japan as the weather is moderate (not too hot, not too cold), and hiking is a top activity. Especially mountains and national parks are popular destinations in autumn among nature lovers and hikers, and early autumn leaves can be enjoyed there ahead of cities. Even around Tokyo, there are several hiking spots that visitors can enjoy for a day-trip.
Here are some of the recommended spots to hike in Japan:
▶Best Spots to Hike in Japan
▶ Best National Parks in Japan
3. Kochia Carnival
One of the most popular seasonal events in autumn, Kochia Carnival is held at Kochia Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki Prefecture. The vast park is covered by cute and fluffy Kochia balls which are gradually turning its colour from green to burning red during autumn.
More info:
Kochia Carnival at Hitachi Seaside Park Autumn
4. Food Festivals
Autumn is the season to celebrate the new harvest in Japan, and people often say the phrase of “Autumn’s Appetite” as there are various kinds of seasonal food and ingredients to try. Numbers of food events are held across the country during autumn.
One of the most anticipated food events in Japan is Hokkaido Food Festival which is usually held in early October. It’s an outdoor food event that is held for 4 days in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. The event features a large number of food vendors selling various Hokkaido specialties including seafood, ramen, desserts, etc.
More info: Hokkaido Food Festival in Yoyogi Park Tokyo
Another popular food event in autumn is Tokyo Ramen Festa, which is the biggest Ramen festival in Tokyo featuring nearly 30-40 different regional Ramen dishes. Only the greatest Ramen shops are qualified to serve their proud Ramen bowls at this event, and guests can actually vote their favourite Ramen. The event is usually held in late October to early November.
Check out more food festivals in Tokyo:
5. Autumn Dessert Buffets and Afternoon Teas
All-you-can-eat dessert buffets and afternoon teas have been one of food trends in Japan for the past years, and they are available at numbers of venues including luxury hotels and cafes, with different themes or seasonal ingredients through the year. One of the most popular theme for dessert buffets and afternoon teas is autumn/Halloween.
A wide range of high-quality, creative desserts are served with all-you-can-eat buffets or delightful afternoon tea sets, featuring cute and photo-worthy Halloween theme and made with the flavours of autumn such as pumpkin, sweet potato, chestnut and persimmon.
Check out the following links to find out the best dessert buffets and afternoon teas in Tokyo for this autumn/Halloween!
Date: September to October
More info:
Best Autumn Dessert Buffets in Tokyo
Best Halloween Afternoon Tea in Tokyo
