What to Wear in Japan in October: Outfit Ideas
Figuring out what to wear in Japan in October can feel tricky, right? The weather’s that perfect in-between, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings.
But once you get the balance right, October becomes one of the easiest months to dress for.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through Japan october outfit ideas and packing tips to help you stay comfortable (and stylish) all month long.
Japan weather in October
October is one of my favorite months to be in Japan. You can walk for hours without feeling sticky or overheated. It’s such a nice change after summer.
Here’s a quick look at how it feels across the country:
- Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka: Warm and sunny during the day (around 20 °C / 68 °F) and cooler in the mornings and evenings. Early October still feels mild, while late October brings that crisp autumn air.
- Hokkaido: Proper fall weather! Cool days, chilly nights, and colorful leaves everywhere. Expect daytime temps around 15 °C (59 °F) and colder mornings that hint at winter.
- Kyushu: Mild and comfortable with more sunshine than rain. Early October feels warm; by the end of the month, the air turns cooler and drier.
- Okinawa: Still feels like summer. Warm breezes, plenty of sunshine, and daytime highs around 27 °C (81 °F). You might catch a quick shower, but it passes fast.
What to wear in Japan in October
October is one of the best months to dress for Japan. You don’t need bulky coats yet, but you’ll want clothes you can mix and match easily as the temperature changes throughout the day.
Here’s a quick look at what works best:
Tops
- Long-sleeve tees or blouses: comfy for daytime exploring.
- Light sweaters or knits: ideal once the sun goes down.
- Thin button-ups or shirts: great for layering under jackets or cardigans.
Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton, linen blends, or light wool. They’ll keep you comfortable even if you’re moving between warm trains and cooler outdoor spots.
Outerwear
- Denim or bomber jacket: enough for early October warmth.
- Trench coat or quilted jacket: perfect for later in the month when it’s chillier.
- Compact rain jacket: handy for light October showers.
Unless you’re heading up north or into the mountains, you won’t need anything heavier than this.
Bottoms
- Jeans or chinos: reliable and easy to style.
- Midi skirts or dresses: pair them with tights if you get cold easily.
- Stretchy travel pants or leggings: practical for long travel days.
Choose pieces that are easy to rewear and comfortable for walking. Japan involves more steps than most travelers expect!
Shoes
- Comfy sneakers: your go-to for sightseeing and city walks.
- Ankle boots: great for cooler evenings and dressier dinners.
- Slip-on shoes: perfect for temples or ryokans where you’ll need to remove footwear.
Make sure they have good grip. Wet leaves and smooth streets can get slippery in October.
Accessories
- Light scarf or wrap: adds warmth and looks stylish in photos.
- Compact umbrella: typhoon season is over, but rain still happens.
- Crossbody bag or small backpack: keeps your hands free for photos and snacks.
- Thin gloves or a beanie: optional, but nice if you’re heading north.
October color palette ideas
Neutral tones like beige, navy, and olive always work well, but I love adding a pop of color with burgundy, mustard, or forest green. They look amazing against Japan’s autumn leaves.
Japan october outfit ideas
City sightseeing (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)
For city days in Japan, comfort is everything. You’ll be walking for hours through side streets, temples, and maybe even a few shopping arcades, so go for something easy to move in but still photo-ready.
My go-to outfit:
- Long-sleeve top or knit sweater
- Jeans or straight-leg trousers
- Light jacket for cooler evenings
- Comfortable sneakers with good grip
I love this combo because it works anywhere, exploring Asakusa in Tokyo, wandering through Kyoto’s Gion District, or spending a full day in Osaka’s Dotonbori. If you’re taking trains between cities, this is also a perfect travel outfit for Japan in October.
Visiting temples and shrines
When visiting temples in Japan, it’s nice to dress modestly out of respect for the setting. You don’t need to overdress, but short skirts or crop tops can feel out of place.
What I’d wear:
- Pants with a neat top
- Cardigan or scarf to cover shoulders
- Slip-on shoes for easy removal
This kind of outfit works beautifully for a day visiting Kyoto’s temples or Kamakura’s shrines. It’s comfortable for walking yet still polite for sacred spaces.
Nature walks and autumn foliage trips
If you’re heading to see Japan’s autumn leaves in October, like in Nikko, Hakone, or the Japanese Alps, the weather can change quickly. Dress in layers that are easy to add or remove as you hike or move through higher elevations.
Simple layering idea:
- Breathable long-sleeve top
- Fleece or hoodie for warmth
- Windbreaker or light rain jacket
- Stretchy hiking pants or leggings
- Sneakers or trail shoes
Evenings out and dinners
For dinner or a night stroll, I like to swap my sneakers for ankle boots and go for a more polished look.
Easy evening look:
- Knit sweater or blouse
- Tailored coat or trench
- Midi skirt or smart trousers
- Boots or loafers
If you’re heading somewhere scenic like an onsen town or a rooftop restaurant in Tokyo, add a light scarf. It keeps you warm and looks great in photos.
Relaxing at a ryokan or onsen town
If you’re staying at a traditional ryokan, you’ll probably be given a yukata (cotton robe) to wear around the inn, so no need to overthink your outfit there. But for travel days or short walks outside, keep it relaxed and comfortable.
What I bring:
- Slip-on shoes
- Soft joggers or leggings
- Lightweight top or cardigan
What not to wear in Japan in October
Even though October weather in Japan is mild and easy to pack for, a few things will just take up space or make you uncomfortable. Here’s what I’d leave out:
- Bulky winter coats: too heavy for October unless you’re heading to snowy Hokkaido.
- Thick jumpers: indoor heating can make them too warm to wear comfortably.
- High heels or dress shoes: Japan involves a lot of walking, and narrow pavements aren’t heel-friendly.
- Shoes that are hard to remove: you’ll take them off often at temples, ryokans, and traditional restaurants.
- Fragile or high-maintenance fabrics: rain, wind, and packed trains don’t mix well with delicate materials.
Before you go
Still planning your trip? Have a quick read of my guide on the best time to visit Japan. It’ll help you pick the right season for what you want to see (and wear).
When you’re ready to start packing, my Japan packing list covers everything I’ve learned to bring (and leave behind) after years of travel here. It’ll make your prep so much easier.
For anyone chasing those beautiful fall leaves, you’ll love my Kyoto autumn foliage spots guide is a must-read. It’s full of beautiful spots and photo ideas you don’t want to miss. And while you’re at it, treat yourself to some Japanese desserts to try in autumn.
Thinking about staying in a ryokan? My post on how to choose your first ryokan walks you through what to expect and how to make it extra special.
Happy packing and have the best October trip!
