As October arrives, we can’t help but daydream about the arrival of fall with the vibrant hues of changing leaves, the crisp taste of apple cider, and the return of soft, cozy sweaters. To help you make the most of this beautiful season, we’ve rounded up a variety of exciting events happening across Japan, both indoors and out in nature. Whether you’re a foliage chaser or a festival-goer, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy as fall begins.

 

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Tokyo

 

Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2025

 

Organized by Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Arts Council Tokyo, the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony is a cultural event designed to preserve and share the beauty of the Japanese tea ceremony, both within Japan and abroad. It offers a rare opportunity for visitors of all backgrounds to experience this centuries-old tradition in an approachable and inclusive setting. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, the event features a variety of tea ceremonies, including indoor and outdoor sessions conducted in English, and a special indoor tea ceremony for children in Japanese at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Same-day tickets are available for most programs. Beyond tea, visitors can also enjoy other traditional cultural performances. Whether you’re new to Japanese culture or looking to deepen your appreciation, the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony is an enriching experience for all.

 

 

Note: The indoor tea ceremony in English will be held at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and the outdoor tea ceremony in English will be held at Hama Rikyu Gardens. A separate fee will be charged for Hama Rikyu Gardens.

 

Image Courtesy of Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony.

 

📍 Hama Rikyu Gardens/ Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Tokyo 

📅 October 4 & 5/ 18 & 19

💰 ￥800 (￥500 for children’s program)

 

For full details of the event, please visit the official website.

 

 

 

The 40th Kappabashi Tool Festival

 

 

Whether you’re a professional chef, restaurant owner, or simply a kitchenware enthusiast visiting Japan, chances are you’ve heard of Kappabashi, also known as Tokyo’s Kitchen Town. Located in the Taito neighborhood, this famous district is home to countless kitchen tool shops that cater to the restaurant industry. This year marks the 40th edition of the Kappabashi Tool Festival, and it’s making a much-anticipated return. A wide variety of shops will be participating, offering special deals and showcasing their unique wares. Visitors can also enjoy food stalls, live performances, and a festive atmosphere throughout the area. On October 13th, the final day of the festival, the entire street will be closed to vehicle traffic, allowing guests to stroll and explore the district with ease.

 

 

Image Courtesy of Kappabashi Dougugai Promotion Association.

 

📍 Kappabashi, Taito City, Tokyo

📅 October 7 ~ 13

💰 Free Admission

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

 

 

The 65th Kanda Used Book Festival

 

 

Many people may already be familiar with Jimbocho, known as Tokyo’s book town, but did you know that every autumn it hosts an equally fascinating event, the Kanda Used Book Festival? Held during the cooler, more comfortable season after the summer heat subsides, this major event brings together around 100 bookstores and features over a million books. It’s a rare opportunity to discover rare and valuable titles that you’re unlikely to come across anywhere else. Even if you can’t make it to the festival, Jimbocho is a must-visit destination for book lovers year-round.

 

Image courtesy of Kanda Antiquarian Bookstore Association

 

📍 Jimbocho Book Town, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

📅 October 24 ~ November 3

💰 Free Admission

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Ibaraki

 

Kochia

 

 

Every October, the “Miharashi Hill” at Hitachi Seaside Park is completely blanketed in vibrant red kochia bushes, creating a breathtaking scene that looks like a vast red carpet. The best time to visit is mid-October, when this magical landscape gives the impression of stepping into the pages of a storybook. The round, charming appearance of the kochia dotted throughout is a scene you’ll remember long after the season ends.

 

 

The park itself is expansive and thoughtfully divided into several areas, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alongside the kochia, you can also enjoy other beautiful autumn blooms such as cosmos and buckwheat flowers. Just two hours from central Tokyo by train, it’s a highly recommended destination for a day trip to enjoy the autumn season.

 

Image courtesy of Hitachi Seaside Park

 

📍 Hitachi Seaside Park (Miharashi Hill), Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki

📅 Mid-October ~ Early November

💰 ￥800

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Kyoto

 

Kyoto Coffee Chocolate Festival 2025

 

Image courtesy of Kyoto Coffee Chocolate Festival

 

Over two days, the Kyoto Coffee Chocolate Festival 2025 brings together 14 specialty coffee shops and 16 artisanal chocolatiers across Japan for a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. From expertly hand-dripped coffee to rich, bean-to-bar chocolates and sweets, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado, a chocolate lover, or just looking for a fun day out, this event is an easygoing way to experience Japan’s thriving coffee culture. Don’t miss this chance to connect with local makers, and experience first-hand why coffee and chocolate truly are the perfect pair!

 

📍 Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall), Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 

📅 October 18 & 19

💰 Free Admission

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Kanazawa

 

The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen: Autumn Illuminations

 

 

Recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokuen in Kanazawa transforms into a magical landscape each year with its autumn lighting event. Conveniently located next to Kanazawa Castle, the garden is renowned for its beauty across all four seasons. Visitors can wander through a landscape of serene ponds, sculpted hills, teahouses, and traditional pavilions, illuminated in a warm light. As the vibrant autumn foliage is lit up after dark, the garden reveals an entirely mystic and entrancing atmosphere.

 

Image courtesy of Kanazawa City.

 

A highlight of early autumn is the installation of yukitsuri (snow suspenders), a traditional technique used to protect the garden’s trees and shrubs from heavy winter snow. Seeing these elegant structures prop up against the illuminated autumn leaves is a uniquely Japanese seasonal experience.

 

📍 Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

📅 October ~ November (Illuminations on select days)

💰 Free

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Gifu

 

Takayama Autumn Festival

 

Held in the historic town of Takayama, the Takayama Festival is renowned for its towering, intricately crafted floats that parade through the streets and around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.

 

 

While the festival takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn, the autumn festival, known locally as the Hachiman Festival, is quite a seasonal spectacle to behold. With origins dating back over 350 years, this once modest village ritual evolved into a grand celebration as Takayama flourished through regional trades and increased local craft productions.

 

 

Today, the autumn festivities feature 11 extraordinary floats, each standing at 7 to 8 meters tall, adorned with elaborate carvings, gilded details, and traditional motifs that reflect the artistry of the Edo period. It’s especially a worthwhile sight to see at night as the lantern lit floats parade through the streets.

 

 

A must-see highlight is the Karakuri puppet performance, where skillfully controlled puppets perform atop the floats, and leaping from one to another, delighting audiences with their lifelike movements and vivid storytelling. For those wanting a closer look, the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan offers a year-round display of these masterpieces, allowing visitors to appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship and history behind one of the most iconic autumn festivals in Japan.

 

Image courtesy of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.

 

📍 Around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Takayama City, Gifu

📅 October 9 & 10

💰 Free

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Lorelai from Gilmore Girls once said, “It’s just my favorite time of the year, the whole world changes color.” And truly, there’s something magical about fall, especially in Japan, where the season paints the landscape in breathtaking shades. We hope this October event guide inspires your next autumn adventure. While there’s plenty to explore in the city, don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path, you never know what hidden gems you might discover in Japan’s lesser-known towns!