Is October a good time to visit Tokyo?

Yes. October in <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="JQsHq0t5" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68125e165fbe43b5f5b97324" text="Tokyo" uid="www.tickets-tokyo.com" lang="en" /> is one of the easiest months for first-time visitors because temperatures are usually around **15–23°C (59–73°F)**, humidity drops, and you can spend much longer outdoors than in summer.

How crowded is Tokyo in October?

Crowds are usually moderate. You will notice busier conditions on weekends, around **Sports Day on October 12, 2026**, and in late October when Halloween and seasonal events start drawing bigger evening crowds.

Does Tokyo have autumn leaves in October?

Yes, but mostly toward the **end of the month**. October is the start of the foliage season in Tokyo. If full red-orange garden scenes are your priority, November is the stronger month.

What should I wear in Tokyo in October?

Pack light layers: T-shirts, a long-sleeve top, a thin sweater, and a light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes matter more than heavy outerwear, though evenings can feel cool on observation decks.

Does it rain a lot in Tokyo in October?

Rain is moderate, not extreme, but early October can still catch some leftover typhoon-season weather. A compact umbrella and flexible indoor plans make the month much easier.

Is October better than September for Tokyo?

For most travelers, yes. September is warmer, more humid, and shaped by **Silver Week** and higher typhoon risk. October is milder, calmer, and much more comfortable for long walking days.

Can you see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo in October?

Sometimes, yes. October’s clearer air improves your odds compared with summer. Your best chances are on crisp mornings or from higher viewpoints like **TOKYO SKYTREE** and **Shibuya Sky**.

Should I book TOKYO SKYTREE in advance in October?

Yes, especially for sunset and weekend visits. October is a popular month for skyline views because the air is clearer, so the best timed entries can fill several days ahead.

Is teamLab Planets worth doing in October?

Yes. It works especially well in October because it balances outdoor-heavy sightseeing. If you get a rainy afternoon or want one dependable indoor anchor, it is a smart pick.

Are there any public holidays in Tokyo in October?

Yes. **Sports Day** falls on **October 12, 2026**. Expect more domestic travel, busier trains on the long weekend, and some pressure on central hotel prices.

What are the best October foods to try in Tokyo?

Look for **sanma**, chestnut sweets, sweet potato desserts, richer ramen, and early hot pot menus. October is when Tokyo’s food scene starts shifting into proper cool-weather mode.

Do I need a subway pass for Tokyo in October?

Not always. A subway pass is best if your itinerary is packed with **Tokyo Metro** and **Toei Subway** stops. If you are riding **JR Lines** a lot, an IC card like Suica or Pasmo is more flexible.

Is October a good month for a Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo?

Yes. October is one of the better months for Fuji visibility and comfortable day-trip weather. Clear weekends are popular, so book a few days ahead once your forecast looks favorable.

What are the best neighborhoods to focus on in October?

**Asakusa**, **Shibuya**, **Harajuku**, **Marunouchi**, **Ginza**, and **Ryogoku** are all especially good in October because walking between stops feels practical again and evenings are comfortable.

Is Tokyo expensive in October?

It is not a peak-price month across the board, but costs rise around **Sports Day weekend**, late-October Saturdays, and clear-weather day trips. Compared with cherry blossom season, October is usually easier on the budget.

Tokyo in October 2026 | Autumn Colors & Crisp City Walks

Tokyo in October at a glance

🌧️

Weather

Maximum temperature: 23°C

Minimum temperature: 15°C

☀️

Daylight

Around 11 hours 18 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 5:47am

Sunset: 5:05pm

🎉

Key events

Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival, Ikebukuro Halloween Costume Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), Sports Day

👥

Crowds

Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.

🧳

What to pack

Light jacket, umbrella, camera for foliage, comfortable shoes, scarf for cool evenings, allergy medicine.

🍽️

Seasonal treats

Chestnut wagashi, autumn ramen, kabocha (pumpkin) sweets, grilled sanma, Halloween-themed desserts.

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Tokyo in Autumn: How October compares

Category	September	October	November
Weather	22–29°C (72–84°F), humid, with higher typhoon risk	15–23°C (59–73°F), milder and easier for walking	9–17°C (48–63°F), cooler, drier, and sharper
Crowds	Moderate to high during Silver Week	Moderate, with spikes on weekends and late-month events	High at top foliage gardens and illuminations
Atmosphere	Late summer energy, festivals, indoor-heavy afternoons	Balanced month: clear air, long city walks, and early autumn color	Full autumn mode with peak maple season
Key events	Tokyo Game Show, September Grand Sumo Tournament, Silver Week	Sports Day, Tokyo International Film Festival, early foliage, Halloween events	Peak autumn foliage, Culture Day, Shichi-Go-San, Tokyo Ramen Show
Public holidays	Respect for the Aged Day on September 21, 2026; Autumnal Equinox on September 23, 2026	Sports Day on October 12, 2026	Culture Day on November 3, 2026; Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23, 2026
Budget	Higher around September 19–23 because of Silver Week	Mostly steady; rises around the long weekend and late-October Saturdays	Higher on foliage weekends and evening illumination dates
Best for	Gamers, sumo fans, festival travelers	First-timers, city walkers, mixed indoor-outdoor trips	Garden lovers, photographers, repeat visitors
Book early?	Yes for Silver Week hotels and September sumo	Yes for Sports Day weekend, skyline slots, and Fuji weekends	Yes for garden illuminations, popular hotels, and autumn day trips
Transport tips	Build in extra time during Silver Week	Subways run smoothly; holiday Monday and weekend evenings get busier	Expect fuller trains to major gardens and day-trip hubs

Festivals and events in Tokyo this October 2026

Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival

Dates:October 1, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu stages noh, kyogen, and bugaku in its forested precincts. It suits culture-focused visits. Arrive early for better viewing lines.

Ikebukuro Halloween Costume Festival

Dates:October 25, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Stazione di Ikebukuro

An officially licensed Halloween cosplay event takes over Ikebukuro’s east side. Costumes get complex. Follow rules on changing and photo zones.

Kawagoe Festival

Dates:October 1, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Kawagoe

Day-trip float festival in Kawagoe, with ornate wagons and hayashi musicians on Edo-era streets. Crowds build by evening. Go early for transit.

Rikugien Autumn Illuminations

Dates:October 25, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Giardino Rikugien

Rikugien lights up maples and its landmark tree after dark during koyo season. Tickets can sell out. Book ahead for peak nights.

Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF)

Dates:October 1, 2026
Event type:Film & cinema
Location:Hibiya

Tokyo’s major film festival brings Japanese and international premieres to the Hibiya and Ginza area. Outdoor screenings add atmosphere. Buy public tickets early once listings publish.

Sports Day

Dates:October 12, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Tokyo

This national holiday brings community athletic events and free entry at some public sports facilities. Parks fill with local activity. Arrive early if you want to participate.

Tokyo Tattoo Show

Dates:October 1, 2026
Event type:Exhibitions
Location:Tokyo

An international tattoo convention showcases contemporary body art and irezumi culture at a convention venue. It draws a mixed crowd. Check the venue and rules before buying tickets.

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Planning your October visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
2–3 months ahead	Central Tokyo hotels for October 10–12	Book before early August if you want good-value rooms around Sports Day weekend	October 10–12: +10–20% vs mid-week October rates in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza
2–4 weeks ahead	TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria Tickets	Clear-weather weekends and sunset slots go first; aim for weekday sunset if possible	Weekend sunset slots: often +5–15% vs weekday daytime equivalents
1–2 weeks ahead	Mount Fuji Highlights Tour	Book as soon as the forecast starts looking promising; October weekends fill quickly	Clear weekend departures: +10–20% vs weekday or shoulder-time departures
1–2 weeks ahead	teamLab Planets TOKYO Tickets	Rainy-day demand spikes fast in October; morning and evening slots disappear first	Wet weekends: +5–15% vs standard weekday slots
1–2 weeks ahead	Tokyo: Premium Sumo Show with Wagyu Dinner, Unlimited Drinks & Geisha Dance in Asakusa	Friday and Saturday evenings move faster than weekday shows	Fri–Sat evening seats: typically +10–15% vs earlier-week availability
3–7 days ahead	Tokyo Subway Tickets for 24/48/72 Hour	Best booked once your itinerary is fixed so you do not waste activation time	Usually stable; price movement is minimal compared with attraction tickets
3–5 days ahead	Tokyo restaurants, especially Ginza sushi, Ryogoku chanko, and autumn tasting menus	October dinner demand is strongest on cool, clear weekends	Friday–Saturday dinner slots: +5–10% vs weekday set menus at some venues
2–5 days ahead	Tokyo Subway e-Tickets for 24/48/72 Hour	No strong seasonal pressure; buy once your neighborhood plan is set	Flat across October
2–5 days ahead	The Classic Sumo Show — Live Bouts, Q&A with Wrestlers & Souvenir Photo · Shinjuku	Good rainy-night fallback and popular with first-timers	Weekend evening dates can run +5–10% vs weekday sessions

What to eat in Tokyo in October: Seasonal delicacies

1/5

秋刀魚の塩焼き (Sanma shioyaki) [Grilled Pacific saury]

October keeps sanma in season, order at izakaya with grated daikon, pair with a crisp highball.

Where to get: Tokyo

天ぷら (松茸) (Matsutake tempura) [Matsutake tempura]

October is prime for matsutake tempura, choose a specialist counter, eat immediately for crunch, skip takeout.

Where to get: Tokyo

ラーメン (醤油) (Shōyu rāmen) [Soy sauce ramen]

October marks peak ramen season with new menus, order shoyu for clarity, go late afternoon to dodge lines.

Where to get: Tokyo

和菓子 (栗) (Kuri wagashi) [Chestnut sweets]

Autumn chestnut wagashi appear September to November, buy in depachika in October, pair with matcha tea.

Where to get: Tokyo

ウイスキー (Whisky) [Japanese whisky pour]

October’s cooler nights suit Japanese whisky bars, order a Yamazaki highball, pair with small plates not sweets.

Where to get: Tokyo

Pro tips for visiting Tokyo in October

• Book Tokyo International Film Festival tickets as soon as the schedule is released, as popular screenings sell out quickly.
• Go early to Rikugien Garden for autumn foliage, as night illuminations draw crowds after dark.
• Reserve tables at ramen shops for seasonal menus, as October–November is peak ramen season.
• Head to Meiji Jingu for the Autumn Grand Festival’s traditional performances.
• Choose department store food floors for chestnut wagashi and autumn sweets.
• Avoid Shibuya on Halloween night if you dislike crowds, as unofficial street parties can be overwhelming.
• Book accommodation near Ginza or Marunouchi for easy access to film festival venues and quieter evenings.
• Skip outdoor sightseeing during rainy spells and opt for museums or shopping instead.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting Tokyo in October

Yes. October in Tokyo is one of the easiest months for first-time visitors because temperatures are usually around 15–23°C (59–73°F), humidity drops, and you can spend much longer outdoors than in summer.

Oedo Antique Market

Location: Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005
When: 1st and 3rd Sundays in October
Hundreds of dealers spread out under the forum’s glass canopy selling old ceramics, prints, kimono fabric, and small lacquerware pieces.
Tip: Go before noon for the best finds; later hours are better for bargaining on smaller items.

Autumn produce at the UNU Farmers Market

Location: United Nations University, 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8925
When: Saturdays and Sundays in October
This is where Tokyo cooks shop for pears, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, honey, and small-batch pantry goods in a relaxed outdoor setup.
Tip: Start here, then walk to Omotesando or Cat Street while the weather is still cool.

Single-act kabuki at Kabuki-za

Location: Kabuki-za Theatre, 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
When: Daily on performance days in October
If a full kabuki program feels like too much, the single-act ticket is the easier move. You get the atmosphere without blocking half a day.
Tip: Check the act list first; dance-heavy sections are easiest if you do not speak Japanese.

Late-October garden walk at Rikugien

Location: Rikugien Garden, 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021
When: Weekdays in late October
The trees are only beginning to turn, but the garden is calm, spacious, and noticeably quieter than it will be in November.
Tip: Visit in the last hour before closing for softer light and fewer group visitors.

Sumida Hokusai Museum after Ryogoku lunch

Location: 2-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0014
When: Tuesdays–Sundays in October
Pair Edo-period prints with a chanko lunch and a walk around sumo-country for a side of Tokyo many first-timers skip.
Tip: Do the museum first, then eat late to avoid the noon restaurant rush.

Yanaka cemetery sunrise walk

Location: 7-5-24 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
When: Any clear October morning
Cool air, quiet lanes, and older Tokyo streets make Yanaka feel completely different from Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Tip: Bring coffee with you; the best part is the silence before shops open.

Kawaguchiko and Chureito Pagoda

Travel time: About 2hr from Shinjuku by direct bus
October brings some of the year’s cleaner Mt. Fuji views, and early fall color starts showing around the lakes.

Hakone

Travel time: About 1.5hr from Shinjuku by Odakyu Romancecar
Cooler air makes ropeway rides, shrine stops, and lakeside walking much easier than in summer. Visibility is still weather-dependent.

Kawagoe

Travel time: About 40min from Ikebukuro
Mid-October is especially strong if your dates line up with the Kawagoe Festival and you want Edo-style streets without a long transit day.

Kamakura

Travel time: About 50min from Tokyo Station by JR Yokosuka Line
Temple walks feel good in October, and you avoid the wet heat that makes Kamakura tougher in early summer.

TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria

Why this month: October’s clearer air gives you better long-distance views across Tokyo, the Sumida River, and sometimes Mt. Fuji.
Best time: 4pm–6pm for daylight shifting into night.
Book by: 5–7 days ahead for sunset slots; earlier for weekends.
Crowds: Moderate to high on weekends, lighter on weekday afternoons.
Two decks, two different perspectives, and much better visibility than in humid summer.
Don't miss: The 450m glassy Tembo Galleria if the forecast looks clear.
Insider tip: If rain is predicted, book later in your trip and keep a flexible indoor option for the wettest day.
Matching experience: TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria Tickets

Imperial Palace East Gardens & Edo Castle Guided Walking Tour

Why this month: October is cool enough to enjoy the former Edo Castle grounds without summer heat wearing you down.
Best time: 9am–11am.
Book by: 3–5 days ahead.
Crowds: Low to moderate, especially on weekday mornings.
Stone walls, old castle remains, and broad garden paths work best in this kind of weather.
Don't miss: The contrast between the quiet gardens and nearby Marunouchi towers.
Insider tip: Pair this with a Marunouchi lunch instead of rushing straight to another landmark.
Matching experience: Tokyo: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Edo Castle Guided Walking Tour

Shibuya City Walk with Entry to Shibuya Observation Deck

Why this month: You can actually enjoy walking Shibuya, Cat Street, and Miyashita Park in October without melting.
Best time: Sunset tour on clear days; night tour for fewer golden-hour crowds.
Book by: 1 week ahead for Friday–Sunday.
Crowds: High around sunset, moderate at night.
Street-level energy plus rooftop views make more sense in October’s mild evenings.
Don't miss: The city lighting up after dark from Shibuya Sky.
Insider tip: Wear layers; the deck can feel much cooler than the streets below.
Matching experience: Shibuya City Walk with Entry to the Shibuya Observation Deck

teamLab Planets TOKYO

Why this month: It is a reliable rainy-day save, and October’s mixed weather makes one indoor anchor a smart move.
Best time: First timed entry or weekday evening.
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead.
Crowds: High most days, but lighter at opening.
Barefoot installations, mirrored rooms, and water spaces balance out a trip heavy on temples and shopping.
Don't miss: The water rooms and flower-filled spaces when the venue is quieter.
Insider tip: Wear pants and bring quick-dry clothing; some areas can leave you damp.
Matching experience: teamLab Planets TOKYO Tickets

Tokyo National Museum

Why this month: October is ideal for museum time between walking-heavy days, especially if you hit Ueno in the afternoon.
Best time: 1pm–4pm on weekdays.
Book by: A few days ahead is usually enough.
Crowds: Low to moderate outside school groups and holiday dates.
Japan’s oldest museum rewards a slower visit, especially when weather is good enough to stroll the grounds after.
Don't miss: The Main Building first; it gives you the clearest overview of Japanese art history.
Insider tip: Leave extra time for Ueno Park if late-October trees are starting to turn.
Matching experience: Tokyo National Museum Admission Tickets

Tokyo: Premium Sumo Show with Wagyu Dinner

Why this month: Cooler evenings make a long cultural dinner show feel timely, and hot pot-style dishes suit the season.
Best time: Evening.
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead; earlier for Business and First-Class seats.
Crowds: Moderate, but better seats go first.
You get live sumo-style bouts, a geisha performance, and a full meal in one compact night out.
Don't miss: The chanko-nabe and A5 Wagyu upgrades on the higher tiers.
Insider tip: Request vegetarian or vegan meals at least 2 days in advance if needed.
Matching experience: Tokyo: Premium Sumo Show with Wagyu Dinner

Mount Fuji Highlights Tour

Why this month: October is one of the better months for Mt. Fuji visibility and early autumn color around Kawaguchiko.
Best time: Full-day trip with an early departure.
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead for weekends; 4–5 days for weekdays.
Crowds: Moderate to high on clear Saturdays and Sundays.
Better air clarity and fall light make classic Fuji photo stops more rewarding now than in summer.
Don't miss: Chureito Pagoda framed with Fuji if the skies stay clear.
Insider tip: Check forecasts the night before; even October can swing from crystal-clear to clouded-in.
Matching experience: Mount Fuji Highlights Tour: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, & More

Shibuya & Kabukicho 90-Min Go-Karting Experience

Why this month: October gives you the right mix of dry, cooler weather and comfortable evening street temperatures.
Best time: Late afternoon into early evening.
Book by: 1 week ahead.
Crowds: Moderate, with heavier street traffic on Friday and Saturday nights.
The longer route covers Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Kabukicho when the city looks sharpest.
Don't miss: The Shibuya Scramble segment once lights start coming on.
Insider tip: Double-check your driving documents before you fly; missing one means no ride and no refund.
Matching experience: Tokyo: Shibuya & Kabukicho 90-Min Go-Karting Experience by JAPANKART

Families with kids

Must-experience: teamLab Planets TOKYO Tickets for barefoot, interactive art spaces that keep kids moving. Book a morning slot.
Better in October: Outdoor transit between attractions is much easier than summer, so combining Toyosu with Odaiba actually feels manageable.

Couples

Must-experience: TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria Tickets at sunset, then dinner by the Sumida River.
Better in October: Clearer air and cooler evenings make skyline dates feel sharper, quieter, and less sweaty.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Tokyo National Museum Admission Tickets, then a late walk through Ueno Park.
Better in October: You can split the day between gallery time and park time without weather forcing you indoors.

Solo travelers

Must-experience: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Edo Castle Guided Walking Tour for structure, then wander Marunouchi alone.
Better in October: Comfortable weather makes solo walking days longer, cheaper, and more spontaneous.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Depachika food-floor shopping in Ginza or Shinjuku for chestnut sweets, seasonal wagashi, and gift boxes.
Better in October: Autumn products are everywhere, and you avoid the heavier holiday shopping crush of December.

Friends groups

Must-experience: Sky Hop Bus: Tokyo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or Shibuya City Walk with Entry to the Shibuya Observation Deck.
Better in October: You can stay outside longer, split up less often, and keep a full-day group plan on track.

Foodies

Must-experience: Tokyo: Premium Sumo Show with Wagyu Dinner, Unlimited Drinks & Geisha Dance in Asakusa.
Better in October: Cooler nights suit richer dishes, hot pots, and longer dinners far better than August.

Adventure seekers

Must-experience: Tokyo: Shibuya & Kabukicho 90-Min Go-Karting Experience by JAPANKART or a clear-day Mt. Fuji trip.
Better in October: Road and walking conditions are easier, and visibility is usually better than during humid months.

Morning: Start at Senso-ji by 8am while the temple approach is still quiet and shop shutters are just lifting. October mornings are cool enough for a slow walk through Nakamise-dori without heat or dense peak-season foot traffic. If you want a view-driven first day, head next to TOKYO SKYTREE and use a prebooked timed slot rather than buying same-day.
Breakfast: Grab coffee and something light near Asakusa before the crowds thicken, or wait and eat in the Tokyo Solamachi area after your tower visit.
Midday: Take the subway to Ryogoku for a sumo-flavored lunch zone and a stop at the Sumida Hokusai Museum. The east side of Tokyo feels especially good in October because you can walk neighborhood-to-neighborhood without needing constant indoor breaks.
Lunch: Eat chanko-nabe or a set meal around Ryogoku; cooler weather makes the area’s sumo food hit differently.
Afternoon: Ride to Ueno Park for Tokyo National Museum if you want a strong cultural block that still leaves time for the park.
Evening: Finish in Akihabara for lights, arcades, and dinner. Use Tokyo Subway e-Tickets for 24/48/72 Hour if your route is Metro-heavy; they are especially useful on cross-city sightseeing days like this one.

Morning: Begin at Meiji Jingu around 9am, when the forest paths still feel calm. October is one of the best months for this stop because the shade is pleasant rather than necessary. After the shrine, walk into Harajuku and let the mood change completely from gravel paths to fashion streets.
Breakfast: Stop for coffee in Omotesando or Harajuku; this is a good district for a slower breakfast because shops and side streets wake up gradually.
Midday: Walk Cat Street, check out side alleys, and take your time moving toward Shibuya. The whole Harajuku–Shibuya stretch is one of Tokyo’s best October walks: long, dense, and varied without feeling punishing.
Lunch: Eat in Shibuya, then keep the afternoon flexible. If rain appears, swap in teamLab Planets TOKYO Tickets. If the sky stays clear, keep things neighborhood-based.
Afternoon: Join the Shibuya City Walk with Entry to the Shibuya Observation Deck. It bundles the crossing, backstreets, and skyline into one well-paced plan.
Evening: Stay for Shibuya Sky after sunset, then have dinner nearby before moving on to Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. Trains and subways run smoothly, but give yourself extra time on Friday evenings.

Morning: Head to the Imperial Palace East Gardens for the Tokyo: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Edo Castle Guided Walking Tour. This part of Tokyo reads better in October than in midsummer because you can pay attention to the stonework, moats, and scale instead of just hunting shade. From there, walk into Marunouchi and around Tokyo Station for a look at the business core.
Breakfast: Take coffee in Marunouchi and keep it simple; this is a transit-friendly start with easy access to several subway lines.
Midday: Move to Tsukiji Outer Market if you want a food-first lunch. October is a great month for seafood browsing because the weather is still mild enough for outdoor market wandering.
Lunch: Eat sushi, grilled fish, or tamagoyaki in Tsukiji, then continue to Hamarikyu Gardens for a slower afternoon.
Afternoon: Cross to Toyosu for teamLab Planets if you did not use it as a weather backup on Day 2. If you want a more classic finish, choose TOKYO SKYTREE instead and keep the bay for another trip.
Evening: End in Asakusa or Ginza depending on your energy. For a full final-night program, book the Tokyo: Premium Sumo Show with Wagyu Dinner in Asakusa and let someone else handle the evening pacing.

Pro tips for visiting Tokyo in October

What to eat in Tokyo in October: Seasonal delicacies

1/5

秋刀魚の塩焼き (Sanma shioyaki) [Grilled Pacific saury]

October keeps sanma in season, order at izakaya with grated daikon, pair with a crisp highball.

Where to get: Tokyo

天ぷら (松茸) (Matsutake tempura) [Matsutake tempura]

October is prime for matsutake tempura, choose a specialist counter, eat immediately for crunch, skip takeout.

Where to get: Tokyo

ラーメン (醤油) (Shōyu rāmen) [Soy sauce ramen]

October marks peak ramen season with new menus, order shoyu for clarity, go late afternoon to dodge lines.

Where to get: Tokyo

和菓子 (栗) (Kuri wagashi) [Chestnut sweets]

Autumn chestnut wagashi appear September to November, buy in depachika in October, pair with matcha tea.

Where to get: Tokyo

ウイスキー (Whisky) [Japanese whisky pour]

October’s cooler nights suit Japanese whisky bars, order a Yamazaki highball, pair with small plates not sweets.

Where to get: Tokyo

Tokyo in October at a glance

🌧️

Weather

Maximum temperature: 23°C

Minimum temperature: 15°C

☀️

Daylight

Around 11 hours 18 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 5:47am

Sunset: 5:05pm

🎉

Key events

Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival, Ikebukuro Halloween Costume Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), Sports Day

👥

Crowds

Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.

🧳

What to pack

Light jacket, umbrella, camera for foliage, comfortable shoes, scarf for cool evenings, allergy medicine.

🍽️

Seasonal treats

Chestnut wagashi, autumn ramen, kabocha (pumpkin) sweets, grilled sanma, Halloween-themed desserts.