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.
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.
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
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
🚄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.
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
Book film festival screenings early—popular nights sell out within hours once the lineup drops.
Tokyo bans alcohol and loitering in Shibuya on Halloween night—expect heavy police presence if you go.
Carry a compact umbrella; October averages ~7 rainy days but they're short-lived.
Early morning is best for fall garden strolls—Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen open by 9am.
Layer smart: mornings can feel chilly, but you'll warm up quickly walking.
Some neighborhood Halloween events are locals-only—stick to registered or public parades to avoid surprises.
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
Yes—it’s Tokyo’s driest and clearest month, with early foliage, cultural events, and Halloween.
Average highs are 23 °C / 73 °F with low humidity. It’s sunny, crisp, and ideal for walking.
Yes—for parades or theme park parties. Street gatherings like Shibuya’s are unofficial but still packed.
It can drop to 15 °C / 59 °F. Bring a light jacket, especially for evening events.
Late October marks the beginning of leaf color change—peaks in city parks often hit early to mid-November.
Layered outfits, comfy shoes, a small umbrella, and maybe a light scarf for cooler nights.
No closures, but some subway exits in Shibuya may be restricted Oct 31 night for crowd control.
Yes—everything stays open, though venues near screenings may be busier.
Try Don Quijote, Loft, or vintage shops in Shimokitazawa and Harajuku.
Yes—many films have English subtitles or are in English. Check listings when booking.
What to eat in Tokyo in October: Seasonal delicacies
1/5
Yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato)
Street vendors serve these piping hot from stone-heated trucks. October marks peak season—look for purple-skin satsumaimo, with sweet, fluffy centers. Where to eat: Near parks like Ueno, Yoyogi, or Asakusa side streets.
Matsutake gohan (pine mushroom rice)
Delicate and aromatic, this luxurious rice dish appears briefly in autumn. Some upscale restaurants serve it with chestnuts or dashi broth. Where to eat: Kanda Matsuya, Nihonbashi.
Kuri dorayaki (chestnut pancakes)
A fall twist on a classic sweet—sweet azuki bean paste layered with roasted chestnuts between fluffy pancakes. Where to eat: Usagiya, Ueno
Sanma shioyaki (grilled Pacific saury)
This oily fish is at its tastiest in autumn. It’s grilled with salt and served whole with daikon. Where to eat: Local izakayas in Ebisu or Shinbashi
Kabocha tempura (pumpkin tempura)
Crispy outside, sweet inside—October’s kabocha squash is seasonal gold. Pair with dipping salt and beer. Where to eat: Tendon Tenya branches across the city
