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Best destinations to visit in October

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Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Autumn foliage begins turning red and gold across Kyoto's temple gardens through October. The Philosopher's Path follows a canal lined with maples that color as the month goes on. Fushimi Inari's thousands of vermilion torii gates climb a wooded hillside. Mild weather suits long days of walking between temples.
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
Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
8.7
Oktoberfest traditionally runs into early October at the Theresienwiese grounds. Beer tents fill with brass bands, pretzels and roast chicken during the festival. The Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall performs daily in Marienplatz. Mild autumn weather suits walking through the nearby Viktualienmarkt food market.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city views
  • 🏰 Visit the grand Nymphenburg Palace and gardens
  • 🍺 Raise a stein at Oktoberfest in Theresienwiese
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
Toshogu Shrine, the elaborately carved resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, dates to the 1600s. Autumn foliage peaks around Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Falls through October. Mild days suit walking the shrine complex's forested paths. A winding mountain road called Irohazaka offers views over the changing colors.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, stands where two rivers meet in a valley. Clear October skies often give some of the year's best mountain views. Tiger's Nest monastery clings to a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro valley. Thimphu's Tshechu festival often falls in autumn with masked dances.
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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