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Best destinations to visit in October in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savor sushi at a local eatery
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
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