October in Japan feels like the country exhales after the intense heat of summer. The air turns crisp, the light softens, and the mountains begin their slow burn from green to fiery reds and golds. For travelers planning a 2026 trip, October is the Goldilocks month — comfortable weather (15–22 °C / 59–72 °F in most places), fewer crowds than spring, and a calendar packed with some of Japan’s most beautiful and authentic festivals. Whether you’re drawn to ornate parade floats, blazing torches in a mountain village, or simply wandering temple paths carpeted with maple leaves, October 2026 delivers experiences you’ll still be talking about years later.
Why October 2026 Is Perfect for First-Timers and Repeat Visitors Alike
- Mild temperatures and low rainfall make sightseeing pleasant almost everywhere except Okinawa.
- Autumn foliage (kōyō) starts in Hokkaido early in the month and sweeps south, reaching Tokyo and Kyoto by late October.
- National holidays: Health and Sports Day falls on Monday, October 12, creating a long weekend that locals use for short trips — book accommodations early if you’re near major sites.
- Post-pandemic travel has stabilized, but popular festivals still sell out fast — especially Takayama.
Where to Catch the Best Autumn Colors in October 2026
While peak kōyō in Tokyo and Kyoto usually arrives mid-to-late November, October offers stunning early color in higher elevations and northern regions:
- Nikkozan (Tochigi) – Often peaks mid-October; Kegon Falls surrounded by crimson is unforgettable.
- Lake Kawaguchi & the Fuji Five Lakes – First and second weeks of October for reflected Mt. Fuji framed in red.
- Oze National Park (Gunma/Fukushima) – Grasslands turn gold; great hiking weather.
- Kyoto highlands – Arashiyama, Kibune, and Ōhara start changing the last week of October.
Top Traditional Festivals in October 2026
1. Nagasaki Kunchi (October 7–9, Nagasaki)
One of Japan’s most joyful harvest festivals, held at Suwa Shrine. Each year different city districts perform centuries-old dances, including the spectacular Dragon Dance. The blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences reflects Nagasaki’s history as a trading port.
Japanese locals often say Kunchi feels like “Nagasaki’s soul on display.” Neighborhood teams practice all year, and children grow up dreaming of the day they’ll carry the dragon. Visitors are warmly welcomed — just step aside when the performers charge past!
2. Takayama Autumn Festival (October 9–10, Takayama, Gifu)
Ranked one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals (alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Chichibu’s night festival). Eleven ornate yatai (floats) dating back to the 1600s are pulled through the narrow streets of Takayama’s old town. At night they’re illuminated by hundreds of paper lanterns, and karakuri marionette performances take place on top of the floats.
Locals in Takayama treat the festival as a family reunion. The floats belong to specific neighborhoods, and generations work together to polish the lacquer and tune the mechanical puppets. Many residents told reporters they feel “the weight of history” when pulling the ropes — and they’re genuinely happy when overseas visitors appreciate the craftsmanship instead of just taking selfies.
3. Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) – October 22, Kyoto
A 2,000-person historical parade that starts at the Imperial Palace and ends at Heian Shrine. Participants dress as famous figures from every era of Kyoto’s 1,200-year history, beginning with the Meiji Restoration (1868 and marching backward in time to the founding of the city in 794.
Kyotoites describe Jidai Matsuri as “quietly proud.” Unlike rowdier festivals, this one feels like a living history lesson. Many locals participate once in their lifetime and spend months preparing authentic costumes.
4. Kurama Fire Festival (Kurama no Hi Matsuri) – October 22, Kurama (northern Kyoto)
Same day as Jidai Matsuri, but a completely different energy. In the tiny mountain village of Kurama, nearly every household lights massive torches — some weighing over 100 kg — and men and men in loincloths parade them through the streets shouting “Sa-re-ya! Sa-ryō!” while children carry smaller ones. Sparks fly everywhere; the smell of pine smoke is overwhelming.
This is perhaps the most “insider” festival on the list. Locals emphasize it is a religious event to welcome the gods, not a show. In recent years some residents have expressed mixed feelings about tourism numbers — the village only has one narrow street — but most still say they’re happy if visitors are respectful and don’t block the torch bearers.
Modern October Fun: Halloween in Japan
By late October, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Osaka’s Osaka, and Universal Studios Japan go all-in on Halloween. Costumes are elaborate, streets turn into impromptu parades, and theme parks host spectacular horror nights. Japanese Halloween is more cute-spooky than scary — think Disney characters mixed with anime cosplay.
What Japanese People Really Think About These Festivals
In interviews and social media posts, a common theme emerges: pride mixed with protectiveness. Older residents love that young foreigners are interested in traditions that some Japanese youth take for granted. At the same time, they gently ask visitors to remember these are often religious events — no climbing on floats, no flash photography during Shinto rituals, and please! The phrase you’ll hear a lot: “O-matsuri wa minna no mono desu” — “The festival belongs to everyone.” When tourists join in that spirit, locals open up and share festival snacks or explain the meaning behind each dance.
Practical Tips for October 2026 Travel
- Book Takayama hotels 6–12 months ahead — the town only has ~6,000 rooms and fills completely.
- Train reservations open one month in advance; use them for festival days.
- Bring layers — mornings can dip to 10 °C in the mountains.
- Download translation apps and learn basic phrases; smaller festivals have almost no English signage.
- Cash is still king at festival food stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions About October Events in Japan
Q: Will autumn leaves be at peak in Kyoto during October 2026?
A: Early color starts late October in higher areas (Arashiyama, Kibune, Kibune, Ōhara). Full peak usually arrives mid-November, but the last week of October 2026 should be beautiful with some temples already glowing red.
Q: Which festival is the most crowded?
A: Kurama Fire Festival has become extremely popular with overseas visitors; the village street gets shoulder-to-shoulder. Takayama also fills up but has more space. If you dislike intense crowds, choose Nagasaki Kunchi or smaller local matsuri.
Q: Can I wear a yukata or kimono to these festivals?
A: Absolutely — encouraged! Many Japanese do. Just make sure it’s tied properly (most rental shops help) and wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and hills.
Q: Are the festivals free to watch?
A: Yes! All the ones listed are free street events (though some shrines charge tiny entry fees). Paid grandstand seats are available for Takayama and Takayama and Jidai Matsuri if you want a guaranteed view.
October 2026 in Japan is more than a vacation — it’s a chance to watch an entire country pause, give thanks for the harvest, and celebrate its living history. Whether you’re standing mesmerized as a 400-year-old float rolls past lantern-lit streets in Takayama, or watching sparks fly under the stars in Kurama, these moments stay with you long after you’ve gone home. Book your ticket, pack a light jacket, and come ready to say “kirei!” a hundred times a day. Japan in autumn is waiting.
