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Updated: September 16, 2025

Best Things to Do and See in Tokyo in October

Is October a good time to visit Tokyo?

October is a very pleasant time of year to visit Tokyo. October features food shows, temple festivals, cultural arts events, film festivals, book festivals, and, of course, Halloween. It is a great month for experiencing many different faces of Tokyo.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in October?

The average temperature is around 20.6℃ (69°F) during the day. It can reach as high as 24.5℃ (76.1°F) and as low as 17.4℃ (63.3°F) . Temperatures gradually get cooler in the second half of the month. It is also good to be prepared for the occasional rainy day, and to be on the alert for typhoons. But because it steadily gets less humid throughout October, conditions are perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Carry a light jacket as it may get chilly at night. The mountainous areas of west Tokyo are a lot cooler than the central parts of the capital, so extra layers of clothing can help you enjoy Tokyo to the full.
Note: This guidance is based on meteorological data for 2024.

Best events, festivals, and other things to do in October

Tokyo Yosakoi

Tokyo Yosakoi is held in October as the second part of the Fukuro Matsuri festival, an Ikebukuro autumn tradition. During the event, around 5,000 dancers—split into more than 110 teams—gather from across Japan to show off their yosakoi dance routines, which are accompanied by energetic chanting. The finale on the last day, featuring all of the performers, is a must-see.

Meguro no Sanma Matsuri (Pacific Saury Festival)

This event—which is part of the larger Meguro Citizens' Festival—is all about Pacific saury ("sanma" in Japanese), a seasonal fish that heralds the arrival of autumn. These fish come from Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, a sister city of Meguro. They are charcoal-grilled, garnished with grated daikon and kabosu (a type of citrus fruit), and served for free (advance registration required). Meguro Citizens' Festival also features many food stalls selling local products from across the country. At the festival square you can enjoy bands and other performances. There is also the popular Kodomo no Hiroba area for families with young children.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Open-air Noh Performances (Mori no Takigi Noh)

Shinjuku Gyoen hosts the annual Mori no Takigi Noh event sometime between September and October. This event features traditional performances of Noh drama and kyogen (Japanese comedy) in a spectacular garden setting. Flaming torches light the stage. The garden is kept open late for this event, allowing you a rare nighttime glimpse of Shinjuku Gyoen.

Tokyo Ramen Festa 2025

Held at Komazawa Olympic Park from October 23 to November 3, the Tokyo Ramen Festa 2025 is one of Japan's largest outdoor events dedicated to ramen. Visitors can try many unique styles of ramen from all over Japan. The event offers the chance to experience local food cultures and learn about regional attractions from across the country.

Kanda Used Book Festival

The Kanda Used Book Festival is held annually in Jimbocho, Tokyo's "book town." Rows of bookshelves line Yasukuni-dori, the main street, while the Tokyo Antiquarian Book Hall hosts talk shows and special sales of rare books.

Halloween in Tokyo

In Ikebukuro, you can visit the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival, attended by tens of thousands of people dressed in their favorite manga and anime-inspired outfits, and more. Sanrio Puroland is hosting "PUROHALLOWEEN," a special event with the theme "Wizard." There's plenty to enjoy, including an authentic magic show, wizard-themed photo opportunities, and limited-edition food and merchandise.

© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN
©Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2024

Tokyo International Film Festival

Tokyo International Film Festival is a big attraction for all film fans. Festival events include open-air screenings, screenings followed by Q&A sessions with cast and crew, and screenings with appearances by the actors. Seminars, symposiums, and workshops related to the film industry are also held.

©2024 TIFF

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