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Updated: September 19, 2023
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. But best of all, perhaps, is the autumn foliage. Vibrant hues of gold and crimson can be enjoyed in October in the mountainous areas of western Tokyo.
The average temperature is around 18ºC (64°F) during the day, and 14ºC (57°F) at night. It is also good to be prepared for the occasional rainy day, and to be on the alert for typhoons. But the weather in October is generally not humid and the temperature is 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.
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 "Kuromi / Black / Witch." There will be plenty to enjoy at Puroland, including limited edition food and merchandise that incorporates the color black.
Held at Komazawa Olympic Park from October 26 to November 5, the Tokyo Ramen Festa 2023 is one of Japan's largest outdoor events dedicated to ramen. Visitors can try many unique styles of ramen from all over Japan. The show has been running annually since 2009 and promotes interest in Japan's regions.
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. Around 5,000 of them are charcoal-grilled, garnished with grated daikon and kabosu (a type of citrus fruit), and given away for free! Meguro Citizens' Festival also features many food stalls selling local products from across the country. At the festival square you can enjoy taiko drumming and other performances. And the Kodomo no Hiroba (an area for children) offers fun family activities, which include a giant cardboard maze.
The best place in Tokyo for viewing autumn foliage in October is the Mt. Mitake area, which is less than a 2-hour train ride from central Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy the leaves' gold and crimson hues against a crystal-blue backdrop of the Tamagawa River. Take in the sight of the fall foliage reflected on Lake Okutama, or explore one of the many nearby walking paths.
Tokyo Festival is an international performing arts festival held every autumn in the Ikebukuro area of Toshima City. This year, 19 performances and events will be held from September to October under the theme, "Downside Up: A Positive Spin on the World."
Tokyo Yosakoi is held in October as the second half of the Fukuro Matsuri festival, an Ikebukuro autumn tradition. During the event, over 5,000 dancers—split into more than 100 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.
The Kanda Used Book Festival is held annually in Jimbocho, Tokyo's "book town." A 500-meter corridor of books for sale appears on Yasukuni-dori, the main street. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Antiquarian Book Hall hosts special used book sales, exhibitions of rare volumes, and talks by authors.
Tokyo International Film Festival is a big attraction for all film fans. Festival events include open-air screenings, screenings accompanied by commentary, and appearances by actors. Seminars, symposiums, and workshops related to the film industry are also held.
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