Month guide · Hakone · Japan
Hakone in October
What October is really like in Hakone: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Hakone. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F), lows of 11°C (52°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 11.2 hours of daylight. Comfortable weather and golden susuki grass in Sengokuhara; weekends get busy.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 18°C (64°F) / 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Hakone: days average 18°C (64°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 11°C (52°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with September (23°C (73°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 13°C (55°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 05:49
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:09
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
Autumn (September–November). Golden silver grass in Sengokuhara, autumn leaves in November and clearer skies; weekends are busy.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is August at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in August). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Sengokuhara silver grass at its peak (usually October to early November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Experience · Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi
Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise
Mock pirate ships sail across Lake Ashi, a lake inside the Hakone caldera, between Tōgendai at the northern end and Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi in the south.
- Time needed
- 40 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Views
- Iconic
- Couples
Religious site · Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi
Hakone Shrine
Arrive early in the morning, before the boats bring day trippers, to photograph the lakeside torii without a long queue.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Photo spot
- History
Experience · Hakone-Yumoto
Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan's best-known mountain railway climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gōra on steep gradients, reversing direction at three switchbacks as it zigzags up the forested valley.
- Time needed
- 40 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Views
- Iconic
- Photo spot
Historic site · Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi
Old Tōkaidō road and cedar avenue
Walk the stone section downhill from Moto-Hakone towards Amazake-chaya; the stones are slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 18°C, lows near 11°C and 12 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Hakone?
One of the best months to visit Hakone, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April and November–December. Compare every month.
Hakone in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Hakone?
It is one of the best months to visit Hakone. Comfortable weather and golden susuki grass in Sengokuhara; weekends get busy.
+How warm is Hakone in October?
Average highs are around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Hakone in October?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.