Japan in October 2025: Best Festivals, Weather & Travel Tips
- TOMOGO! Team
- Sep 11
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Visiting Japan in October is a dream for many travelers, and for good reason. The summer heat has faded, the typhoon season is nearly over, and autumn paints the country in vibrant shades of red and gold.
From historic festivals like the Kawagoe Festival to seasonal delights such as momiji (autumn leaves) viewing, October offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling through Kyoto’s temple gardens, enjoying crisp mountain air in Nagano, or joining locals in lively matsuri, October is one of the best times to experience Japan at its most colorful and festive.
Weather in Japan in October 🌤️
October marks the arrival of comfortable autumn weather across Japan. Average daytime temperatures range from 13°C–22°C (55°F–72°F), making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. It’s also one of the driest months, so you can expect plenty of clear skies for exploring.
13th Shibata Manjushage (Red Spider Lily) Festival
The "Manjushage" (Red Spider Lily), also known as the "Flower from Heaven," is said to bloom as a sign that something good is about to happen. Every September, over 500,000 red spider lilies bloom vibrantly in Shibata Town. You can also see rare white spider lilies, which are unusual in the Tohoku region.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: September 20 (Sat) – October 5 (Sun), 2025
Note: Dates may change depending on blooming conditions
✨ Event Highlights
The beloved autumn flower festival of Shibata returns this year at Funaoka Castle Park. Around 500,000 cluster amaryllis (red spider lilies) will bloom across the park, creating a breathtaking red carpet of flowers.
Alongside the stunning floral display, visitors can enjoy weekend fairs, stage performances, stargazing events, and special local products. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate autumn in Miyagi.
📍 Location & Access
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture
By Train: Take the JR Tohoku Main Line and get off at Funaoka Station. The park is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Website (Available in Japanese)
2nd Omitama Fireworks Festival 2025
The Omitama Fireworks Festival returns for its second edition in 2025, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Omitama City’s establishment. Held at Oido Lakeside Park, the show will launch approximately 8,000 fireworks over the lake and surrounding area.
🗓 Schedule
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 (postponed to October 5 in case of bad weather)
Time: 18:00 – 19:30 (venue opens at 15:00)
✨ Event Highlights
Fireworks reflected on the lake create a magical, water-surface mirroring effect unique to this location.
Large shells and consecutive starmine launches light up the crisp autumn sky.
The music fireworks bring a dramatic and emotional touch to the evening.
The event celebrates Omitama’s milestone anniversary, blending community spirit with stunning artistry.
📍 Location & Access
Oido Lakeside Park, Omitama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
By train & bus: From JR Ishioka Station, take the Kantō Railway Green Bus (~30 min), then walk ~25 min.
By car: Approx. 30 min from Ishioka-Omitama Smart IC.
💴 Admission
Admission: Paid entry only for Oido Lakeside Park (ticket holders). Free shuttle buses will operate from the former Tamari Higashi Elementary School site.
Paid Seats (reference price):
Table & chair seating for 2: ¥12,000
Details available on the official website
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Kyoto Bread Festival 2025 at Kamigamo Shrine
The Kyoto Bread Festival 2025 will be held at the historic Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine), a UNESCO World Heritage site, on October 4 (Sat) and 5 (Sun), 2025.
Known as one of Japan’s top “bread cities,” Kyoto gathers about 20 renowned bakeries and hotel patisseries from the city and beyond for this two-day-only celebration. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of artisan breads, pastries, and baked goods while experiencing the unique atmosphere of one of Kyoto’s most sacred shrines.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: October 4 (Sat) & October 5 (Sun), 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✨ Event Highlights
Taste and purchase breads and pastries from around 20 top bakeries and hotels
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Kamigamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Learn about Kyoto’s identity as one of Japan’s leading “bread cities”
A cultural and culinary festival that combines food with tradition
📍 Location & Access
Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine), Kyoto
From Kyoto Station: Take the Subway Karasuma Line to Kitayama Station, then transfer to City Bus No. 4 → “Kamigamo Jinja-mae (Misonoguchi-cho)” stop (short walk)
By City Bus:
No. 9 → “Kamigamo Misonobashi” stop (5-minute walk)
No. 4 → “Kamigamo Jinja-mae (Misonoguchi-cho)” stop (short walk)
💴 Admission
Free
(Food and drinks available for purchase)
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (in Japanese)
Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival 2025 in Fukushima
The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Nihonmatsu Shrine Grand Festival) is a spectacular autumn celebration with a history of over 370 years. First established in the 17th century by the local feudal lord Niwa Mitsushige, the festival was intended to strengthen community spirit and devotion. Today, it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Fukushima Prefecture.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: October 4 (Sat) – October 6 (Mon), 2025
✨ Event Highlights
Lantern-lit Floats: Each of the seven town districts decorates a massive float with hundreds of lanterns, creating a sea of light.
Yoi-matsuri (First Night): The only night when all floats gather together in front of Nihonmatsu Station.
Mikoshi Procession: The sacred portable shrine of Nihonmatsu Shrine is carried through the city.
Community Spirit: Visitors may sometimes join locals in pulling the festival ropes, sharing in the centuries-old tradition.
📍 Location & Access
Location: Nihonmatsu Shrine and central Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Nihonmatsu Station (Tohoku Main Line)
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Autumn Takayama Festival 2025 in Gifu
The Takayama Festival is held twice a year — the Spring Takayama Festival (Sanno Festival) and the Autumn Takayama Festival (Hachiman Festival) — and is regarded as one of the Three Most Beautiful Festivals of Japan. In December 2016, the float events of the Takayama Festival were inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Autumn Festival, dedicated to Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, showcases the craftsmanship of Hida artisans in its ornately decorated floats (yatai). These floats are adorned with detailed carvings, lacquer, and textiles, making them masterpieces of traditional art.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: October 9 (Thu) – October 10 (Fri), 2025
Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Yoimatsuri evening parade until around 9:00 PM on October 9)
✨ Event Highlights
Ornate Festival Floats (Yatai): Lavishly decorated floats crafted by Hida artisans, admired as cultural treasures.
Karakuri Puppet Performances: Traditional mechanical dolls that perform intricate movements on the floats.
Yoimatsuri (Evening Parade): Held only on October 9, when floats illuminated with lanterns parade slowly through the town, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere.
📍 Location & Access
Around Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
37th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival 2025 in Osaka
First launched in 1989 as a volunteer-organized community event, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival has grown into one of the largest and most popular summer festivals in Osaka.
The 37th edition will be held under the theme: “Laugh, Shine, and Draw the Future in the Naniwa Sky!”
🗓 Schedule
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 19:30 – 20:30
✨ Event Highlights
Enjoy fireworks “dancing” in sync with music
Twin waterborne starmine displays expanding across the Yodogawa River
Spectacular one-shot large shells (shakudama) lighting up the city
A finale that immerses the audience in a sea of dazzling colors
📍 Location & Access
Yodogawa Riverside, from Shin-Midōsuji Yodogawa Bridge to Route 2 Bridge, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
15-minute walk from Hankyu Railway Jūsō Station or Minamikata Station
15-minute walk from Hanshin Railway Himejima Station
15-minute walk from JR Tsukamoto Station or Mitejima Station
15-minute walk from Osaka Metro Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station
Note: Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on the day of the event.
💴 Admission
Admission: Free viewing area available
Paid Seats (reference prices):
Premium Seat: ¥18,000
Exciting Seat: ¥13,000
Group Seat: ¥12,000
Stage Seat: ¥13,000
Panorama Seat: ¥5,000
River Cruise Seat: ¥27,000
Children (ages 3–12) are half price
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Kawagoe Festival: (National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property near Tokyo
The Kawagoe Festival is one of Japan’s most celebrated autumn festivals, dating back to 1648 when Matsudaira Nobutsuna, lord of Kawagoe Domain, donated festival equipment such as lion heads and portable shrines to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This marked the origin of the festival, which has been carried on for over 370 years.
Designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the festival was also inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016, recognized for preserving Edo-period traditions known as the “Tenka Matsuri.”
🗓 Schedule
October 18 (Sat) & October 19 (Sun), 2025
✨ Event Highlights
The festival’s most thrilling spectacle occurs when floats meet at street corners.
Floats face each other in a dramatic musical showdown
Accompanied by flutes, drums, gongs, and dancers, the energy builds as the floats “compete”
At night, illuminated floats clash in a dazzling display, with lanterns glowing against the dark sky
📍 Location & Access
Kawagoe City Center
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Website (In Japanese)
Minato HANABI 2025: Five Nights of Fireworks in Kobe
Minato HANABI 2025 Five Nights of Fireworks in Kobe transforms the city’s waterfront into a spectacular autumn celebration. For five consecutive evenings, fireworks will light up the sky above Meriken Park, set against the backdrop of Kobe’s sparkling nightscape.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: October 20 (Mon) – October 24 (Fri), 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM (approx. 15 minutes each evening)
✨ Highlights
Daily fireworks shows blending music and pyrotechnics
A contrasting silent fireworks display for a unique atmosphere
Nighttime illumination “Luminous Glow” for evening strolls and photo moments
Scenic setting by Kobe’s waterfront, combining urban skyline views with festive ambiance
📍 Location & Access
Meriken Park, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Subway: 5-minute walk from Minato Motomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway)
JR / Hanshin Railway: 10-minute walk from Motomachi Station
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Vintage Market: Expo Flea Market 2025 Autumn at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
The Vintage Market – Expo Flea Market 2025 Autumn is one of Kansai’s largest vintage festivals, held at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita, Osaka. More than 150 vendors gather to showcase antique furniture, world décor, fashion, jewelry, tableware, and unique collectibles.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: October 24 (Fri) – October 26 (Sun), 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (same-day ticket sales until 4:00 PM)
✨ Highlights
Over 150 stalls offering antiques, vintage goods, furniture, décor, jewelry, clothing, and rare collectibles
Gourmet food area with coffee, pizza, and international bites
Re-Vintage JAZZ live stage performances by jazz musicians
Efficient treasure hunting thanks to curated displays and a wide variety of shops
📍 Location & Access
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, East Plaza
By Monorail: From Hankyu (Yamada, Minami-Ibaraki, Hotarugaike), Subway Midosuji (Senri-Chuo), Subway Tanimachi (Dainichi), or Keihan (Kadoma-shi), transfer to the Osaka Monorail and get off at Banpaku-kinen-koen Station or Koen-higashiguchi Station.
By JR: From JR Ibaraki Station or Hankyu Ibaraki-shi Station, take a local bus to the park.
💴 Admission
Advance ticket: ¥700 (available until October 25, 9:00 PM)
Same-day ticket: ¥1,000
Children (elementary school and under): Free
Disability discount: ¥500 each for the holder and one caregiver (available same-day only)
※ Please note that a separate Expo ’70 Commemorative Park admission fee is required: Adults ¥260 / Elementary–Junior High ¥80
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Hirosaki Park (Takaoka Park) Autumn Leaves Scenery
Hirosaki Park, also known as Takaoka Park, is one of Aomori’s most popular destinations for autumn foliage. With around 1,100 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees, the park transforms into a breathtaking palette of reds, yellows, and oranges each fall. The view of colorful leaves with the backdrop of Hirosaki Castle offers a uniquely atmospheric scene.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park hosts the Hirosaki Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival, featuring elaborate chrysanthemum displays and evening light-ups that create a magical atmosphere.
🗓 Schedule
Late October – Mid-November
(Peak typically early November; in 2024, the best viewing was from Nov. 1–18)
✨ Highlights
Hirosaki Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival
Dates: November 1 (Sat) – November 10 (Mon), 2025
Highlights:
Stunning chrysanthemum flower art, large arrangements, and cliff-style displays
Special evening light-up of the park from dusk until 21:00
Illuminated views of Hirosaki Castle surrounded by autumn leaves
📍 Location & Access
Hirosaki Park, Aomori
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Discover More Events and Fireworks with TOMOGO! this October in Japan
At TOMOGO!, we’re here to help you experience these moments up close, from the best viewing spots to insider cultural insights. Let us be your guide to discovering the heart of Japan, one unforgettable festival at a time. Discover the local events with TOMOGO! in Japan this September together!
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