Tokyo in October 2025

October in Tokyo brings crisp air, blue skies, and the start of autumn colors. It's ideal for walking tours, garden visits, and fall events without the springtime crowds. From rooftop bars to shrine festivals, this month blends energy with elegance. Bonus: It’s Tokyo’s driest month.

Tokyo in October 2025 at a glance

🌧️Weather

Clear skies and 23 °C / 73 °F highs with low humidity.

☀️Daylight

~11.5 hours; sunrise ~5:50am, sunset ~5:20pm.

🎉Key events

Halloween street parties, Tokyo International Film Festival.

👥 Crowds

High with international visitors; slightly lower than sakura season.

🛋 What to pack

Light jacket, umbrella, walking shoes, layered outfits.

🍽️Seasonal treats

Chestnut sweets, grilled sanma fish, early yuzu-flavored drinks.

Top things to do in Tokyo in October

See Tokyo Tower lit up against crisp skies

  • When: Evenings throughout October
  • Tags: Outdoors, Explorer

Cool, dry air makes October the clearest month to enjoy Tokyo’s skyline. Head to Tokyo Tower or nearby Zojoji Temple around sunset. Fewer summer hazes mean great views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Recommended experiences:

  • Tokyo Tower Tickets
  • Tokyo Tower Top Deck Tickets
  • Tokyo Tower Diamond Tour

Join a themed cafe crawl in Akihabara

  • When: Any day
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Explorer

October's mild weather makes exploring Akihabara’s quirky maid cafes, anime-themed eateries, and retro arcades more fun. Try a cat, robot, or haunted-style cafe between shopping sprees.

Stroll Meiji Shrine under changing leaves

  • When: Late October
  • Tags: Outdoors, Cultural experience

Tokyo’s ginkgo trees begin to turn gold in late October. Visit Meiji Shrine for a tranquil walk amid towering woods, especially near sunset for golden light filtering through.

Cruise the Sumida River with a fall breeze

  • When: Daytime or dusk
  • Tags: Tour, Outdoors

Hop on a river cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba. October's breeze and scenery make this ride especially scenic. Book before 4pm to catch the sunset glow.

Recommended experiences:

  • Asakusa Yakatabune Cruise with Meals & Drinks
  • Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise in Tokyo

Catch an art exhibit in Roppongi Hills

  • When: All month
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Indoors

Museums like Mori Art Center roll out top fall exhibitions in October. It’s a great escape if a typhoon brings rain. Bonus: the city views from the observation deck.

Recommended experience:

  • Tickets to Tokyo City View at the Roppongi Hills Observatory

Sip seasonal sake at a local izakaya

  • When: Evenings
  • Tags: Foodie, Cultural experience

Autumn sake and grilled sanma are fall specialties. Settle into a cozy izakaya for a chill dinner. Look for seasonal menus featuring matsutake mushrooms and chestnut rice.

Visit the Ghibli Museum

  • When: By advance reservation only
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Tour

This whimsical museum is perfect in October—cooler temps make the walk from Mitaka Station pleasant. Reserve tickets at least 1 month ahead; they sell out fast.

Recommended experiences:

  • Studio Ghibli Museum Tickets with Guide
  • Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum & Film Appreciation Tour

Experience a university cultural festival

  • When: Weekends, late October
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Seasonal

October is campus festival season. Local universities host open days with food stalls, performances, and games. Free entry and a festive vibe, especially at Waseda or Todai.

Offbeat experiences in October

Ride a pedal boat in Inokashira Park

Float across a tree-lined pond with early foliage above. Locals say couples risk breakup if they paddle here together—go solo or with friends if you’re superstitious.
📍Where: Inokashira Park, Kichijoji

Hunt for Halloween-themed vending machines

Some machines dress up for the season with spooky sounds or jack-o-lantern wraps. Keep an eye out in Harajuku and Shibuya.
📍Where: Multiple locations, esp. Harajuku

Try a guided haunted walking tour

October is ghost-story season. Some companies offer night walks through Tokyo’s older districts, mixing urban legends with local history.
📍Where: Kanda or Asakusa areas

Relax at an open-air rooftop sento

The weather’s perfect for a soak. Some public baths like Thermae-Yu offer rooftop tubs with city views.
📍Where: Thermae-Yu, Shinjuku

Explore Yanaka Cemetery in fall color

Old Tokyo vibes and golden ginkgo trees make this peaceful cemetery a low-key favorite. Great for photographers or a solo stroll.
📍Where: Near Nippori Station

Festivals and events in Tokyo this October 2025

Tokyo International Film Festival

Asia's biggest film fest features global premieres and Q&As with directors. Buy tickets early; popular screenings sell out fast.

Kawasaki Halloween Parade

Thousands in costume parade with DJs and floats. Pre-register if you want to join; spectating is free.

Tokyo Vegefood Festa

  • Dates: 19–20 Oct 2025 (TBC)
  • Event type: Food Festival
  • Location: Yoyogi Park

Vegan and organic food fair with 100+ stalls. Great for lunch on the lawn; bring cash.

Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri

Okinawan drumming and dance troupes energize the streets. Come early to grab front-row curb space.

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Light-Up

Golden ginkgo trees lit at dusk. Most vibrant around Halloween weekend. Tripods not allowed; bring a steady hand.

Highlights for different traveller types

Families with kids

  • Visit Ueno Zoo for mild-weather animal watching and hop next door to the National Museum of Nature and Science with hands-on exhibits.
  • Head to Asobono indoor play center on a cooler or rainy day. Safe, clean, and stroller-friendly.
  • Ride the water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba – bridges, skyline, and space to roam.

Couples

  • Stroll hand-in-hand at Rikugien Garden’s early foliage displays, especially during evening light-ups.
  • Book a table at a rooftop bar like Two Rooms in Aoyama for golden-hour city views. -
  • Dress up and people-watch at Shibuya’s Halloween weekend street surge.

Culture vultures

  • See classic and indie films at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Many have English subtitles.
  • Tour Nezu Museum’s fall exhibits, then linger in its serene garden.
  • Attend a university cultural fest for student-run theater and jazz sets.

Solo wanderers

  • Walk Yanaka Ginza’s nostalgic alleyways and sample seasonal street snacks.
  • Unwind in an open-air sento, like Jakotsuyu in Asakusa.
  • Join a small-group haunted walking tour in the Kanda area for folklore and conversation.

Foodies

  • Slurp grilled sanma skewers at Ameyoko market stalls. October is peak season.
  • Reserve dinner at a kappo-style restaurant with seasonal matsutake mushroom courses.
  • Sip limited-edition autumn sake at a Tokyo sake tasting bar like Kurand.

Night-owls

  • Dress up and join Tokyo’s Halloween club crawl – Shibuya and Roppongi get wild.
  • Catch late-night jazz at Pit Inn in Shinjuku or Bar Martha in Ebisu.
  • End with ramen at 2am from Ichiran or Afuri, both open late.

Your perfect 3-day Tokyo in October itinerary

  • Morning: Start at Tsukiji Outer Market for grilled fish skewers and tamagoyaki.
  • Breakfast: Grab a matcha latte and onigiri from Turret Coffee nearby.
  • Midday: Tour Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple. Clear skies mean Fuji views.
  • Lunch: Try lunch sets at Toraya Akasaka for seasonal wagashi.
  • Afternoon: Cruise Sumida River from Hinode Pier to Odaiba.
  • Evening: Dine and browse in DiverCity, stay for Odaiba’s bay sunset.
  • Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple early to beat crowds; walk Nakamise-dori.
  • Breakfast: Sweet potato pastries and drip coffee at Sumida Coffee.
  • Midday: Explore Akihabara’s themed cafes and arcades.
  • Lunch: Order curry at CoCo Ichibanya – spicy and fast.
  • Afternoon: Meiji Shrine stroll amid golden trees.
  • Evening: Watch sunset from Shibuya Sky deck, then sip sake nearby.
  • Morning: Browse Mori Art Museum, then rooftop garden for views.
  • Breakfast: Parisian croissant and espresso at Le Pain Quotidien in Roppongi.
  • Midday: Pedal boat at Inokashira Park, then shop Kichijoji alleys.
  • Lunch: Chestnut pasta at Il Chianti (Inokashira branch).
  • Afternoon: Relax at Thermae-Yu bathhouse rooftop sento.
  • Evening: Don a costume and hit Shibuya Halloween street bash.

Best day trips from Tokyo in October

Nikko

🚅Travel time: ~2 h by train from Asakusa or Shinjuku

October foliage peaks here earlier than Tokyo. Visit ornate Toshogu Shrine and walk the Lake Chuzenji trail. Bring layers for cooler mountain temps.

Explore Nikko with Nikko Pass

Kawagoe

🚄Travel time: ~1 h by train (Tobu Tojo or JR Kawagoe Line)

A historic "Little Edo" town with kurazukuri warehouses. October weekends host local food fairs and lantern displays.

Mount Takao

🏋️Travel time: ~1 h by train (Keio Line from Shinjuku) Perfect for light hiking under early autumn colors. Snack on mountain yam and dango at trail rest stops.

Enoshima & Kamakura

🚋Travel time: ~90 min by train (Odakyu or JR lines)

Ocean views + temples = fall magic. Visit the Great Buddha and walk the coastal trails in a sea breeze.

Kamakura day trip

Go shopping in Tokyo in October

This boho hub is prime for October browsing. Stores roll out Halloween costume deals, and the weather makes for pleasant lane-hopping.

  • When: Year-round
  • Where: Locations in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ginza

Check the top floors for Halloween crafts, fall bento gear, and autumnal home goods. A one-stop shop for quirky, high-quality souvenirs.

This dessert theme park spotlights chestnut and pumpkin treats in October. Pastry counters double as edible art galleries.

If you're into sewing or crafts, this street of textile shops is a must. Fall colors and cozy textures dominate displays in October.

Pro tips for visiting Tokyo in October

  1. Book film festival screenings early—popular nights sell out within hours once the lineup drops.

  2. Tokyo bans alcohol and loitering in Shibuya on Halloween night—expect heavy police presence if you go.

  3. Carry a compact umbrella; October averages ~7 rainy days but they're short-lived.

  4. Early morning is best for fall garden strolls—Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen open by 9am.

  5. Layer smart: mornings can feel chilly, but you'll warm up quickly walking.

  6. Some neighborhood Halloween events are locals-only—stick to registered or public parades to avoid surprises.

  7. Department stores start autumn sales mid-month. Head to Ginza or Shibuya for discounts on jackets and boots.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Tokyo in October

Is October a good month to visit Tokyo?

Yes—it’s Tokyo’s driest and clearest month, with early foliage, cultural events, and Halloween.

What’s the weather like in Tokyo in October?

Average highs are 23 °C / 73 °F with low humidity. It’s sunny, crisp, and ideal for walking.

Do I need to book Halloween events in advance?

Yes—for parades or theme park parties. Street gatherings like Shibuya’s are unofficial but still packed.

Is it cold in Tokyo at night in October?

It can drop to 15 °C / 59 °F. Bring a light jacket, especially for evening events.

Are Tokyo’s fall leaves at peak in October?

Late October marks the beginning of leaf color change—peaks in city parks often hit early to mid-November.

What should I pack for Tokyo in October?

Layered outfits, comfy shoes, a small umbrella, and maybe a light scarf for cooler nights.

Do trains or attractions close for Halloween?

No closures, but some subway exits in Shibuya may be restricted Oct 31 night for crowd control.

Are shops and restaurants open during the film festival?

Yes—everything stays open, though venues near screenings may be busier.

Where can I buy a Halloween costume in Tokyo?

Try Don Quijote, Loft, or vintage shops in Shimokitazawa and Harajuku.

Are there English-language film options at the festival?

Yes—many films have English subtitles or are in English. Check listings when booking.