October is one of the best months to visit Tokyo: crisp autumn air, mild temperatures perfect for walking, early fall colors painting the parks, and a calendar full of cultural festivals. The summer crowds have thinned, the humidity has dropped, and the city feels more relaxed—making it ideal for exploring neighborhoods, temples, and world-class dining.
October weather in Tokyo: 10–18°C (50–64°F) with occasional light showers. Perfect for long walks, temple visits, and outdoor dining. Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings.
Why visit Tokyo in October?
October offers the sweet spot between summer heat and winter chill. The weather is comfortable for extensive walking, the autumn foliage begins to show in parks and gardens, and the city hosts several traditional festivals. Plus, you'll avoid the peak tourist seasons while still enjoying pleasant conditions.
- Perfect walking weather—not too hot, not too cold
- Early autumn colors in parks and temple gardens
- Fewer crowds than summer and cherry blossom season
- Traditional festivals and cultural events
- Comfortable conditions for day trips to nearby areas
- Mild daytime temperatures ideal for sightseeing
- Cool evenings perfect for izakaya hopping
- Occasional light rain (usually brief)
- Low humidity—much more comfortable than summer
- Clear skies on many days for city views
Weather & what to expect
October in Tokyo brings comfortable temperatures and generally pleasant conditions:
- Temperatures: ~10–18°C (50–64°F)—mild days, cool nights
- Rain: Occasional light showers, usually brief; average 8–10 rainy days
- Sunshine: Plenty of clear days, perfect for outdoor activities
- Humidity: Much lower than summer months—very comfortable
October mornings can be cool (around 10–12°C), warming up by midday. Evenings drop back down, so layers are essential. A light jacket or sweater is perfect for most days.
Top neighborhoods to explore
Tokyo is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. October's pleasant weather makes it perfect for walking between areas.
Shibuya & Harajuku
The heart of Tokyo's youth culture and fashion scene. Visit the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, explore Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and discover hidden cafes and vintage shops.
Asakusa & Ueno
Traditional Tokyo at its finest. Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is one of Tokyo's oldest temples, while Ueno Park offers museums, a zoo, and early autumn colors. The area feels authentic and historic.
Shinjuku
Skyscrapers, neon lights, and incredible food. Explore the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free city views, wander through Omoide Yokocho's tiny bars, and experience the energy of one of Tokyo's busiest districts.
Shimo-Kitazawa
A bohemian neighborhood known for vintage shops, independent cafes, and a laid-back vibe. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon away from the tourist crowds.
Ginza & Tsukiji
Luxury shopping in Ginza and the famous Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and street food. The area combines high-end retail with authentic food experiences.
Pro tip: Tokyo's neighborhoods are best explored on foot. October's weather makes it perfect for walking 15–20k steps per day. Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks at local cafes.
Must-see attractions
Temples & shrines
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to 628 AD. The approach through Nakamise shopping street is iconic, and the temple grounds are beautiful in autumn light.
Meiji Shrine (Shibuya) A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, surrounded by a forest. October brings a golden glow to the grounds, and it's a perfect escape from urban bustle.
Tokyo Skytree At 634 meters, it's the tallest structure in Japan. October's clear skies offer excellent visibility from the observation decks.
Parks & gardens
Ueno Park Home to several museums, a zoo, and beautiful walking paths. Early October sees the first hints of autumn color in the park's many trees.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden A stunning park with Japanese, French, and English gardens. October is perfect for leisurely strolls, and the garden hosts seasonal flower displays.
Yoyogi Park A popular spot for locals to relax. On weekends, you might catch cosplayers, musicians, and food vendors creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Museums & culture
Tokyo National Museum (Ueno) Japan's largest art museum, housing an incredible collection of Japanese art and cultural artifacts.
TeamLab Borderless / Planets Immersive digital art experiences that are unlike anything else. Book tickets in advance.
Edo-Tokyo Museum Learn about Tokyo's history from the Edo period to modern times. Currently housed in a temporary location—check before visiting.
Food & dining experiences
Tokyo is a food lover's paradise, and October's weather makes it perfect for exploring different dining styles.
Must-try experiences
Izakaya hopping These casual Japanese pubs are perfect for October evenings. Try small plates, local sake, and experience Tokyo's social dining culture. Areas like Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku) and Nonbei Yokocho (Shibuya) are atmospheric choices.
Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market Start your day early with fresh sushi breakfast. The market opens around 5 AM, and the early morning atmosphere is electric.
Ramen exploration October's cool evenings are perfect for warming bowls of ramen. Each neighborhood has its specialties—try different styles across the city.
Kaiseki dining Experience traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine. October's seasonal ingredients make this a special time for kaiseki.
Street food in Harajuku Takeshita Street offers everything from crepes to takoyaki. Perfect for a casual lunch while exploring.
Many restaurants in Tokyo are small and don't take reservations. Arrive early (especially for popular spots) or be prepared to wait. October's comfortable weather makes waiting outside more pleasant.
October events & festivals
Autumn festivals
Kishimojin Festival (Mid-October) A traditional festival at Kishimojin Temple featuring food stalls, performances, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Tokyo International Film Festival (Late October) One of Asia's most prestigious film festivals, showcasing international and Japanese cinema.
Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament (September–October) If your visit overlaps, watching sumo is a unique cultural experience. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Seasonal highlights
Autumn foliage viewing (Koyo) While peak colors come in November, October sees the first beautiful changes in parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen. Temple gardens are particularly lovely.
Halloween in Shibuya If you're visiting around October 31st, Shibuya becomes a massive Halloween celebration. It's wild, crowded, and uniquely Tokyo—experience it once, then escape to quieter neighborhoods.
Day trips from Tokyo
October's pleasant weather makes it perfect for day trips. Here are top options:
- Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage temples and autumn colors
- Kamakura: Historic temples, the Great Buddha, and coastal walks
- Hakone: Hot springs, Lake Ashi, and views of Mount Fuji
- Mount Takao: Hiking trails with city views (great in October)
Mount Fuji visibility: October often offers clearer skies than summer, improving your chances of seeing Mount Fuji from Tokyo or Hakone. Early mornings are best.
Practical travel tips
Getting around
JR Pass considerations If you're only visiting Tokyo, a JR Pass isn't necessary. Get a Suica or PASMO card (reloadable transit card) for trains and buses. You can add it to your phone's wallet.
Walking is your friend Tokyo is incredibly walkable, and October's weather is perfect for it. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in areas like Asakusa and Ueno.
Taxi basics Taxis are clean and safe but expensive. Useful for late nights or when you're tired. Most drivers don't speak English, so have your destination written in Japanese or show on a map.
Money & payments
- Cash: Still important for small shops, temples, and some restaurants. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept international cards.
- Cards: Widely accepted at hotels, department stores, and many restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are most common.
- IC cards: Suica/PASMO work at many vending machines, convenience stores, and some restaurants.
Language & communication
- English: Limited but improving. Tourist areas have more English speakers. Download Google Translate with camera feature.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi spots are common, but a pocket Wi-Fi rental or eSIM is highly recommended for navigation and translation.
- Manners matter: Learn basic phrases (arigatou gozaimasu = thank you), bow slightly, and remove shoes when required.
Etiquette essentials
- Trains: Queue, let people exit first, keep phones on silent, avoid eating/drinking
- Temples: Be respectful, don't photograph during prayers, wash hands at purification fountains
- Shoes: Remove at temples, some restaurants, and traditional accommodations
- Trash: Public bins are rare—carry trash with you or use convenience store bins
- Tipping: Not expected and can be awkward—service is included
Photography: Always ask before photographing people, especially in traditional settings. Some temples and museums prohibit photography in certain areas—look for signs.
Where to stay
Best areas for first-time visitors
Shibuya: Central, well-connected, vibrant. Good for nightlife and shopping.
Shinjuku: Major transport hub, lots of dining options, good for exploring different parts of the city.
Ginza: Upscale, quieter, excellent for luxury shopping and fine dining.
Asakusa: Traditional feel, close to Senso-ji, more budget-friendly options.
Roppongi: International area, good restaurants, convenient for museums.
Hotel location tip: Stay near a major JR or subway station. Tokyo's transit system is excellent, so you can easily reach anywhere. October's weather makes walking from stations pleasant.
Sample 7-day itinerary
- Arrive, check in, get Suica card
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Explore Shibuya area, dinner at local izakaya
- Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street
- Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
- Traditional lunch, explore Ueno area
- Meiji Shrine in the morning
- Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Omotesando)
- Shinjuku evening: Omoide Yokocho, city views
- Early morning at Tsukiji Outer Market
- Ginza shopping and lunch
- Afternoon at Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Full day exploring temples and nature
- Return to Tokyo for evening
- TeamLab experience (book in advance)
- Tokyo Skytree for city views
- Evening in Shimo-Kitazawa or Roppongi
- Return to favorite neighborhood
- Last-minute shopping or temple visit
- Departure
Budget considerations
Tokyo can be expensive, but October offers some advantages:
- Accommodation: Prices are moderate (between summer peak and winter)
- Dining: Range from budget-friendly convenience store meals to high-end kaiseki
- Attractions: Many temples and parks are free; museums are reasonably priced
- Transportation: Efficient and relatively affordable with an IC card
Money-saving tip: Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) offer excellent, affordable meals. Perfect for breakfast or a quick lunch, leaving budget for special dinners.
Final tips for October travel
- Book accommodations early: October is popular with both domestic and international travelers
- Layer your clothing: Mornings and evenings are cool, afternoons can be warm
- Bring an umbrella: Light, compact umbrella for occasional showers
- Comfortable shoes: You'll walk a lot—invest in good walking shoes
- Reserve popular restaurants: Some high-end places require advance reservations
- Download helpful apps: Google Maps, Google Translate, Japan Travel by NAVITIME
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October in Tokyo is magical—perfect weather, beautiful early autumn colors, and a city that's both ancient and cutting-edge. Take your time, walk the neighborhoods, try the food, and soak in the unique energy of Japan's capital. You'll leave planning your next visit.