October in Japan: Events, Culture and Seasonal Highlights

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October in Japan is crisp, colourful and busy!

Beautiful red and yellow autumn leaves begin to appear on the trees, and hundreds of autumn shrine festivals take place across the country.

It’s one of the most comfortable months for travel weather-wise, and one of the best times to experience seasonal traditions.

Whether you are visiting Japan or enjoying Japanese culture from home, October offers a rich mix of festivals, food and outdoor life!

Let’s take a look:

Table Of Contents

Festivals and events in October in Japan
Things to do in Japan in October
Japanese activities to try at home in October
Useful Japanese vocabulary for October

Festivals and events in October in Japan

Sports Day (Supōtsu no Hi)

Sports Day (スポーツの日 ) is a national holiday held on the second Monday of October (October 12 in 2026).

It celebrates physical fitness and community spirit. Some parks and community centres hold their own events featuring races, team games and family participation.

Schools also hold their own sports days, known as undōkai (運動会 / うんどうかい), around this time. Undōkai are a pretty big deal that children practise hard for. Families are invited to watch and often bring elaborate bentos or picnics.

Four children in Japanese PE uniform of white shirts, navy shorts, and red or white caps line up on a sports field, preparing for a race, with spectators and tents in the background—a lively scene typical of the sports festivals (undokai) held every October in Japan.

Typical games include tug of war, relay races, obstacle courses and dancing.

Autumn festival season (aki matsuri)

October is peak season for autumn shrine festivals across Japan! Many shrines hold their main annual matsuri (festival) at this time to give thanks for the harvest and pray for prosperity.

You’ll often see mikoshi portable shrines carried through streets, traditional music, performances and food stalls.

A group of people in traditional Japanese festival clothing carry a portable shrine (mikoshi) during a lively autumn street festival in an urban area with many signs and buildings visible in the background.

Even though most festivals are local, the autumn matsuri season itself is nationwide and very noticeable. If there’s one happening near you, follow the distinctive music and join in!

Halloween in Japan

Halloween is not traditionally celebrated in Japan, but in recent years it has become an increasingly popular event in large cities and theme parks!

People in costumes, including a large Mimikyu character, walk in a Halloween parade at USJ in Japan while spectators watch from behind barriers.

Shops decorate from early October, and themed food, drinks and merchandise appear in the shops.

Japan doesn’t really go for trick-or-treating, but there are lots of costume events and parties focused more on fun and atmosphere.

Autumn leaves begin

In northern regions and up in the mountains, autumn leaves start to appear in October. The foliage gradually spreads south over the following weeks.

I expect you know by now that Japan loves observing and appreciating the change in seasons! So the arrival of autumn leaves is reason to take a trip to the mountains and enjoy the sights.

Dense forested hills display vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow under a cloudy sky—a popular scene in October in Japan. A small traditional Japanese building is partially visible among the trees.

You will also see lots of leaf-themed seasonal treats, such as the famous momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped buns) from Hiroshima.

Two momiji manju - maple leaf-shaped cakes - are shown, one whole and one cut in half to reveal a dark bean paste filling inside—a treat often enjoyed during October in Japan. — Momiji manju: a maple leaf shaped cake traditionally filled with red bean paste. Image soruce:Ocdp, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Things to do in Japan in October

October is one of the best months for sightseeing and outdoor activities!

Attend a shrine festival and experience autumn matsuri atmosphere.
Enjoy cooler weather for walking, hiking and cycling.
Visit parks and gardens as autumn colours begin to emerge.
Try seasonal foods such as mushrooms, chestnuts and warm rice dishes.
Explore historic towns and temples without summer crowds.

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What is the weather like in October in Japan

October is mild and comfortable across most of Japan (finally!)

Tokyo and central regions usually range from 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F). Northern areas are cooler, while southern regions remain warm but less humid than summer.

Light layers are ideal, along with a jacket for evenings.

Japanese activities to try at home in October

October is perfect for autumn-themed activities!

Cook a Japanese autumn meal such as chestnut rice.
Watch a video of an autumn shrine festival to see mikoshi and performances.
Learn autumn-related Japanese vocabulary and expressions.
Enjoy an autumn walk and look out for changing leaves.
Do you have children or work with children? Try some Japanese undoukai games at home for a Japanese-style sports day! This site has lots of resources.
Some more October activities for children: this site has free cut-and-paste Japanese autumn scene printables.

Useful Japanese vocabulary for October

Supōtsu no Hi (スポーツの日 / スポーツのひ) – Sports Day (national holiday)
undōkai (運動会 / うんどうかい) – school sports day
aki (秋 / あき) – autumn
aki matsuri (秋祭り / あきまつり) – autumn festival
mikoshi (神輿 / みこし) – portable shrine
kōyō (紅葉 / こうよう) – autumn leaves
Halloween (ハロウィン) – Halloween
matsuri (祭り / まつり) – festival
kinoko (きのこ) – mushrooms