Comprehensive Guide to October 2025 Events in Japan

October in Japan is a vibrant and inviting month, characterized by pleasant autumn weather, stunning fall foliage, and a rich array of traditional festivals and modern events across the country. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing and experiencing the depth of Japanese culture. The weather is generally cool and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F), significantly lower humidity than summer, and more frequent sunny days as rainfall decreases compared to September.

While typhoon season is past its peak, early October can still see some activity. Crowd levels are generally more favorable in the first three weeks compared to peak tourist seasons, though popular attractions in major cities can still be busy, especially on weekends and during festivals. Theme parks, in particular, are often crowded due to popular Halloween events. October is also a prime month for viewing vibrant autumn leaves in northern regions like Hokkaido (late September to early October) and Tohoku (mid-October to late November), as well as higher elevations such as the Japanese Alps and Nikko (early to mid-October). Major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto typically see their foliage peak later, from late November to early December.

Major Traditional Festivals

Japan’s October calendar is packed with historical and culturally significant festivals, many celebrating bountiful harvests or preserving ancient traditions.

Takayama Autumn Festival (Gifu Prefecture)

Held annually on October 9th and 10th, centered around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, with parades in the Shimomachi area. This is one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals and is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (late 2016) as part of “Takayama Matsuri no Yatai Gyoji” (encompassing both spring and autumn festivals). It features 11 magnificent floats called yatai, intricately decorated with carvings and gold leaf. Some floats also boast karakuri marionettes performing traditional dances. The evening festival (Yoimatsuri) on October 9th sees these floats illuminated with lanterns, creating a magical spectacle. The festival expresses gratitude for a fruitful harvest.

Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto)

Known as the “Festival of Ages,” this grand historical parade takes place in Kyoto annually on October 22nd. It is one of Kyoto’s three most famous festivals. Over 2,000 participants, in meticulously recreated costumes from approximately 1,100 years of Japanese history, process in reverse chronological order (from the Meiji Restoration back to the Heian Period) from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine. This spectacular two-hour parade, complete with traditional music and portable shrines (mikoshi), offers a grand glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. While often referred to as UNESCO-recognized, the Jidai Matsuri is not individually inscribed but is part of the broader UNESCO inscription titled “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan,” which encompasses 33 float festivals from various regions.

Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto)

A dramatic fire festival, known as Kurama no Hi Matsuri, held annually on October 22nd in Kurama village, Kyoto, around Yuki-jinja Shrine and village streets, beginning at dusk (~6 PM). This festival reenacts a 940 AD ceremony and features a powerful procession of hundreds of people carrying flaming pine torches (taimatsu) of various sizes, including massive ones (up to 100 kg and 4-5 meters long) borne by adult men, and smaller ones carried by children. Participants wear traditional attire, including loincloths and rope skirts, as they parade through the town. The spectacle climaxes with heavy portable shrines (mikoshi), weighing between 500 kg and 1 ton, being rushed down the Yuki Shrine steps. The festival was registered by the Japanese government in 1987 as an “intangible folk-culture property” but is not listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site or on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Kawagoe Festival (Saitama Prefecture)

Celebrated annually on the third weekend of October (for 2025, October 18th and 19th), this traditional festival fills the historic Kurazukuri district (“Little Edo”) of Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. The festival is known for its massive, elaborately decorated floats (dashi), some dating back to the Edo period, adorned with dolls, traditional music, and dance. A highlight is “Hikkawase” (musical battles) where floats engage in spirited Matsuri Bayashi performances. The festival is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan (2005) and was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016 as one of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals in Japan,” preserving the Edo Period “Tenka Matsuri” style.

Nada Fighting Festival (Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture)

This fierce festival, known as Nada no Kenka Matsuri, is held annually on October 14th and 15th at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in Shirahama-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Renowned for its vigorous “fighting” aspects, it involves a grand ritual where three portable shrines (mikoshi) are forcefully crashed into each other, and seven elaborately decorated floats (yatai) from seven districts compete in a vigorous parade. Participants, often wearing loincloths, believe these actions please the gods and bring good fortune. The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture and is part of the broader “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan” UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inscription (2016).

Niihama Taiko Festival (Ehime Prefecture)

One of Shikoku’s major festivals, this heroic autumn event, with over 1,000 years of history, takes place annually in mid-October, typically from October 15th to 18th (for 2025, October 15th to 18th) in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, with events throughout the city including Yamane sports field. Famous for its massive “taiko-dai” (drum floats or chosa), which are 5.5 meters tall, weigh 2.5-3 tons, and are elaborately decorated with gold-thread embroidery, these floats are paraded by approximately 150 men each to celebrate a good harvest. The highlight is the “Kakikurabe” (float-lifting competition), where several floats gather and are hoisted on the shoulders of the men without wheels, earning it the nickname “Men’s Festival” (Otoko-matsuri). While its performances are designated as nationally important intangible folk cultural properties, the festival is also part of the broader “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan” UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inscription (2016).

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (Nagasaki)

This vibrant festival, held annually from October 7th to 9th at Suwa Shrine and other locations throughout Nagasaki City, is a 400-year-old celebration of food, fun, and Nagasaki’s diverse cultural past, reflecting its Chinese and Dutch heritage. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, it is not a UNESCO World Heritage site and is not part of the collective “Yama, Hoko, Yatai” UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing. The festival features diverse folk performances (dashimono) by rotating “dance towns” every seven years, including the dynamic ja-odori (dragon dance), shishi-odori (lion dance), oranda manzai (Dutch-inspired comedy), and kokkodesho (a performance involving tossing a heavy float), along with elaborate floats (hikimono, kasaboko).

Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Fukushima Prefecture)

Held annually on the first Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of October (for 2025, October 4th, 5th, and 6th), this shrine festival is centered around Nihonmatsu Shrine in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Dating back to 1643, it features seven giant “taikodai” (lantern floats), up to 11 meters tall, each adorned with approximately 300 real-candle paper lanterns (totaling ~1,500 candles per float). These floats are paraded through the streets to festive music, creating an energetic atmosphere with taiko drums and chants. Considered one of Japan’s top three lantern festivals, it is designated as an “important intangible folk cultural property by Fukushima Prefecture” but is not a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Nikko Toshogu Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival (Tochigi Prefecture)

Held annually on October 16th and 17th at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, this festival honors Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main event is a procession of 1,000 fully armored samurai warriors reenacting the transfer of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s spirit, along with demonstrations of longbow and horseback archery.

Kanuma Buttsuke Autumn Festival (Tochigi Prefecture)

Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list as part of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan,” this festival is held annually on the weekend before the second Monday of October. It features 26 hand-carved wooden floats, with a highlight being “buttsuke,” where three to seven floats compete in a spirited Japanese orchestral showdown.

Nagoya Festival (Aichi Prefecture)

One of Nagoya’s largest autumn events, typically held in mid-October but scheduled for late October in 2025. This festival takes place across central Nagoya, including Hisaya Ōdori Park, Sakae, and Nagoya Castle, with parades from Nagoya Station to Yaba Town. The highlight is a “Hometown Heroes Parade” reenacting Japan’s Warring States period, featuring Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The festival also includes traditional floats (Dashi, Kagura) with karakuri puppets, sacred music, dances, stage performances, cultural exhibitions, and food stalls. While Nagoya is recognized as a UNESCO City of Design, the Nagoya Festival itself is not individually listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for float festivals, though five other Aichi Prefecture float festivals are part of that broader inscription.

Paantu Festival (Miyakojima, Okinawa)

This unique ancient purification ritual is held annually in early October (traditionally based on the 9th lunisolar month, with specific dates often announced shortly before the event) on Miyakojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, primarily in Shimoji District (Hirara) and Nobaru (Ueno area). It involves male villagers dressing as “Paantu” (supernatural beings) covered in mud, branches, and wooden masks. They roam the village smearing sacred mud on people, new homes, and vehicles, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and health. The festival is officially registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (2018) as part of “Raihojin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes,” and is also an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Miyakojima.

Other Notable Events & Activities

Beyond the traditional festivals, October offers a wide range of activities that showcase Japan’s natural beauty and modern culture.

Autumn Foliage Viewing

October is a prime month for experiencing Japan’s stunning autumn colors, known as “koyo” or “momiji.” Vibrant autumn leaves can be seen in northern regions like Hokkaido (late September to early October) and Tohoku (mid-October to late November), as well as higher elevations such as the Japanese Alps, Nikko (early to mid-October), and Kamikochi. Major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto typically see their foliage peak later, from late November to early December.

Halloween Events

Japan has enthusiastically adopted Halloween, with various themed attractions emerging throughout October. Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) hosts events from early September to early November, including terrifying “Halloween Horror Nights” with “Street Zombies” and the family-friendly “HAHAHA! Halloween Party” featuring Pokémon and Minions. Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea) celebrates “Disney Halloween” from September 17 to October 31, 2025, with a villains-themed parade at Disneyland and “Lazos de la Familia” (Día de los Muertos inspired) at Tokyo DisneySea. Guests can wear full Disney character costumes on September 16-30 and October 16-31, 2025 (though it’s requested to refrain from October 1-15). In Shibuya (Tokyo), large-scale street celebrations have been officially curbed since 2024, with a year-round ban on public drinking (6 PM-5 AM) in effect; increased police presence and cordoned-off areas are expected, making organized club parties popular alternatives to street gatherings.

Food Festivals

October is a key month for celebrating seasonal foods. The Tokyo Ramen Festa (also known as Tokyo Ramen Show), Japan’s largest outdoor ramen festival, is held annually in late October/early November at Komazawa Olympic Park Central Square in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (for 2025, October 23rd to November 3rd). It offers a wide variety of regional ramen from across Japan; park admission is free, but ramen requires tickets (approximately ¥1,100 per bowl). Other food festivals, such as the Hokkaido Food Festival and regional events focusing on specific seasonal catches like Pacific saury, are also common.

Cultural Experiences

Opportunities abound for relaxing in natural hot springs (onsen) surrounded by fall foliage, exploring serene temples and shrines, and participating in traditional tea ceremonies. For the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2025, conflicting dates are reported, so visitors should verify exact dates with official sources, though it typically occurs in October at venues like Hama-rikyu Gardens and the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Numerous workshops are also available in Tokyo and Kyoto for traditional arts like pottery (including Kintsugi repair), Ikebana (flower arrangement), calligraphy (Shodo), kimono wearing/sewing (Yukata), Urushi (lacquerware), indigo dyeing (Aizome), and Zen meditation. Additionally, hiking in scenic areas like Mount Takao and moon viewing (Otsukimi) festivals, celebrating the harvest moon, are popular around early October.

Art and Design Events

October is a vibrant month for art and design. DESIGNART TOKYO, Japan’s largest citywide festival celebrating the intersection of art, design, interiors, and fashion, is scheduled for October 31 to November 9, 2025. Other notable events include the scheduled opening of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto on October 7, 2025, the Aichi Triennale 2025 in Nagoya (a contemporary art exhibition with performing arts), and various Tokyo Biennale 2025 Pre-Action events across Tokyo.

Film Festivals

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), attracting international and domestic filmmakers and enthusiasts, is held annually in late October/early November. The 38th edition in 2025 is scheduled for October 27th to November 5th at various venues across Tokyo, primarily in Hibiya, Ginza, Yurakucho, and Roppongi.

International Events

The Deutschland Fest (late October/early November in Tokyo) celebrates the friendship between Japan and Germany with German food, beer, and pretzels. Oktoberfest events are also held in various cities.

Lantern and Light Festivals

The Odaiba Sea Lights Lantern Festival, held in early October, transforms Odaiba Marine Park with thousands of colorful lanterns and features live performances. The Onomichi Lantern Festival in Hiroshima lights up 16 temples and other locations with over 30,000 candles and lanterns. Additionally, Yomiuriland Jewellumination in Kanagawa, a large-scale LED light show, typically begins in late October (e.g., October 24, 2024, extending into 2025).

Sports Day (Supōtsu no Hi – National Holiday)

Observed annually on the second Monday of October, this public holiday falls on October 13th in 2025. It promotes sports and an active lifestyle, often featuring school field days (Undō-kai) with track and field, team games (e.g., tug-of-war, giant ball roll), and group calisthenics, encouraging the enjoyment of sports and cultivation of a healthy mind and body.

Chrysanthemum Festivals

Many places in Japan hold chrysanthemum festivals around October, honoring the flower highly regarded as a symbol of the Imperial House of Japan. Notable examples include the Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival (mid-October to mid-November at Kasumigajo Castle Grounds in Fukushima, featuring dolls adorned with chrysanthemums), the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival (late October to late November at Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki), and the Itsukushima Shrine Chrysanthemum Festival (annually on October 15th in Miyajima, Hiroshima). Various temples and shrines in Tokyo and its vicinity also host Kiku (Chrysanthemum) Flower Festivals from mid-October to mid-November, such as Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Outdoor Activities

The mild temperatures make October ideal for walking, hiking, climbing, visiting national parks, and cycling (e.g., Shimanami Kaido).

October’s mild temperatures and low humidity make it an excellent time to visit Japan, offering a diverse array of experiences from ancient traditions to contemporary celebrations.

Photo link by Shion MURAKAMI