Things to do in Shinjuku in October

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Overview

October is a good time to visit Shinjuku. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 56—71°F (13—22°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Shinjuku during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to Mount Takao and enjoy the autumn foliage on a scenic hike, visit the Samurai Museum and learn about the history of samurai culture, explore the Golden Gai district and discover hidden gem bars and izakayas, and more!

Shinjuku has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Shinjuku. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Shinjuku in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Shinjuku in October

Top experiences in October
Take a day trip to Mount Takao and enjoy the autumn foliage on a scenic hike
In October, Mount Takao is a popular destination for nature lovers seeking to witness the stunning colors of fall foliage. The mountain offers a range of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing a peaceful and rejuvenating escape from the bustling city. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, Mount Takao offers a memorable and picturesque outdoor experience in the autumn season.
Visit the Samurai Museum and learn about the history of samurai culture
October is a great time to delve into the fascinating world of the samurai, as the museum offers immersive exhibits and interactive experiences that showcase the traditions and customs of these legendary warriors. Visitors can also witness live demonstrations of samurai swordsmanship, providing a thrilling and educational insight into Japan's rich heritage.
Explore the Golden Gai district and discover hidden gem bars and izakayas
In October, the atmospheric alleyways of Golden Gai are filled with cozy and intimate bars and izakayas, offering a unique and authentic drinking experience. With its narrow streets and eclectic mix of establishments, Golden Gai provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in Shinjuku's nightlife and socialize with locals and fellow travelers.
Visit the Shinjuku Batting Center and try your hand at baseball
In October, the Shinjuku Batting Center offers a fun and recreational activity for sports enthusiasts and beginners alike. With its state-of-the-art facilities and friendly staff, the center provides a safe and enjoyable environment to practice your swing and experience the thrill of hitting a baseball in the heart of Tokyo.
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Visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
In October, the garden is filled with vibrant autumn foliage, making it the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The garden features a traditional Japanese landscape, a French formal garden, and an English landscape garden, providing a diverse and picturesque experience for visitors.
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and admire the cityscape at sunset
In October, the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially during the golden hour as the sun sets over the skyline. It's a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs and appreciate the beauty of Tokyo from a unique vantage point.
Take a nighttime stroll through the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho
In October, the vibrant district of Kabukicho comes alive with dazzling neon lights and bustling nightlife, creating a mesmerizing and electrifying atmosphere. From karaoke bars to izakayas, there are plenty of entertainment options to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the energetic and dynamic nightlife of Shinjuku.
Explore the Omoide Yokocho alleyways and try seasonal street food
In October, the narrow alleyways of Omoide Yokocho are bustling with locals and tourists alike, offering a wide variety of delicious street food options. From grilled skewers to savory pancakes, the autumn season brings a new array of seasonal flavors to savor in this lively and atmospheric area.
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Holidays in Shinjuku in October
October
  • Sports Day (October 14)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Shinjuku in October

Temperatures on an average day in Shinjuku in October

The average temperature in Shinjuku in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 71°F (22°C) to a low of 56°F (13°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Shinjuku, August, has days with highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 31°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Shinjuku in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
71°F
highs
56°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
37%
Chance of rain
0.318 in
Amount
12.8 mph
Wind speed
77%
Humidity
11.3 hrs
Daylight length
5:46 AM
Sunrise
5:06 PM
Sunset
51%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 71°F (22°C) and a low of 56°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Shinjuku in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Shinjuku has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Shinjuku that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Shinjuku for October.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
4.4
(4893)
Government office
Sights & Landmarks
Kenzo Tange-designed City Hall complex with views from the tallest building's observation decks.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.6
(37453)
Garden
Nature & Parks
This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
3. Shinjuku Golden Gai
4.3
(9370)
Business park
Sights & Landmarks
Festive, popular city district famed for its narrow, winding alleys & numerous snug taverns.
Samurai Museum
4. Samurai Museum
4.5
(3950)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Samurai museum featuring costumes that can be worn by visitors, regular sword battles & more.
Kabukicho
5. Kabukicho
Neighborhoods
Famed entertainment district best known for adult-oriented nightlife plus clubs, pubs & snack bars.
Isetan Shinjuku
6. Isetan Shinjuku
4.1
(22702)
Department store
Shopping
Started as a kimono store in 1886, this famous destination is now known for high fashion shopping.
Renka
7. Renka
3.9
(129)
Korean restaurant
Sights & Landmarks
Omoide Yokocho
8. Omoide Yokocho
4.1
(10586)
Sights & Landmarks
Business park
Landmark alleyway featuring a selection of food stalls for simple fare & alcoholic drinks.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
9. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
4.3
(4531)
Japanese-style business hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Relaxed rooms in a contemporary high-rise hotel featuring a cafe & an Italian eatery.
Kagurazaka
10. Kagurazaka
Neighborhoods
Cobbled-street neighborhood lined with fashionable shopping, cafes & French dining.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
11. Meiji Jingu Gaien
4.3
(13370)
Park
Nature & Parks
Well-known park with an indoor ice skating rink, driving range, baseball diamonds & tennis courts.
Hanazono Shrine
12. Hanazono Shrine
4.2
(7335)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Compact Edo-period Shinto shrine known for its serene atmosphere & yearly festivals.
Shinjuku Station West Exit Parking Lot
13. Shinjuku Station West Exit Parking Lot
3.4
(520)
Parking garage
Sights & Landmarks
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
14. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
4.3
(12688)
Baseball field
Fun & Games
Shinjuku Chuo Park
15. Shinjuku Chuo Park
4.1
(8122)
Park
Nature & Parks
Leafy park with paths, a playground & a small pool during the summer, plus space for sports.
Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku
16. Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku
3.8
(3510)
Department store
Shopping

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