Best destinations to visit in October in Asia
Best destinations to visit in October in Asia
October counts among the best months of the year across much of Asia, as the wet season eases and clearer skies take over.
India's monsoon has typically fully retreated by October, leaving behind lush landscapes and some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year for sightseeing. Mainland Southeast Asia follows a similar pattern, with the wet season winding down and drier conditions gradually spreading across the region. East Asia enters one of its best stretches too, as autumn foliage begins appearing in Japan and Korea, starting in the north and higher elevations before spreading further south. Typhoon season also eases considerably as the month goes on. Mountain regions across the continent remain comfortable and largely dry throughout, a reliable option even before the lowlands fully dry out.
The destinations on our list for Asia reflect that same shift into one of the continent's most reliable travel windows.
Lists by region
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
At the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula just north of the equator, Singapore has a Formula One night race on the streets around Marina Bay in early autumn, with concerts and fireworks nearby. October has short afternoon thunderstorms followed by clear evenings, so rooftop bars and hawker centers are busy.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
After a humid summer, Tokyo in October is dry and mild, so walkers cross the city between the Senso-ji temple and its gardens. Cosmos flowers bloom pink and red in Showa Kinen Park while neighborhood restaurants serve sanma, grilled Pacific saury, a fish that is in season in autumn.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Every October 22 a long parade winds through the city for Jidai Matsuri, the Festival of the Ages. Marchers wear costumes from different eras. That night villagers in Kurama carry flaming torches through the streets. Temples are calm before the November leaf crowds. Highs sit in the low 70s.
Town in Japan
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
Fall color starts early here. Maples at Lake Chuzenji and the marshland of Senjogahara turn red in early to mid October. Kegon Falls drops about 320 feet from the lake. Toshogu Shrine, covered in gold leaf, glows beneath the changing trees. Cedar forests line the old stone paths.
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Weeks ahead of Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido has autumn color in October, with maple and ginkgo leaves red and gold in the Jozankei hot spring valley. Sapporo has a tree lined avenue at Hokkaido University, while hikers and onsen bathers enjoy cool crisp days without summer crowds.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Rice terraces in the Paro and Punakha valleys turn gold in October. Harvest comes under clear skies with sharp views of Himalayan peaks. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, which clings to a cliff nearly 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Black necked cranes start arriving in Phobjikha late in the month.
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