If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in October in Fukuoka for those who are interested in such things.
*The schedule of the events introduced here is subject to change. Please check the official website of the facility for the schedule.
To learn more about Fukuoka in autumn, check here!
Fukuoka in October
Weather
In October, temperatures gradually drop in Fukuoka, with average temperatures ranging from about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable, but mornings and evenings are cooler, so it is important to choose comfortable clothing.
Events
October in Fukuoka is a pleasant time of year as the lingering summer heat settles in and daytime temperatures become milder. Outdoor events and festivals are held, and the leaves begin to change color in late October. Some places are lit up at night during the fall foliage season, so it is recommended to check the information in advance before heading there.
Travel
October is the best time to enjoy the beauty of nature in Fukuoka. There are many spots where you can enjoy the autumn leaves and autumn scenery. Also, due to the pleasant temperatures, outside activities such as hiking and mountain climbing are recommended.
October Fashion
For a visit to Fukuoka in October, a layered style is recommended to cope with the temperature difference between day and night. A T-shirt and a light jacket or cardigan are appropriate during the day, while thicker clothing may be needed in the morning and evening. Also, comfortable walking shoes are appropriate for city tours and nature walks. It is advisable to wear clothes that are easy to take off and put on in case of sudden temperature changes.
Festivals held in October
Various events are held throughout the year in Fukuoka, but traditional festivals and events are also held in October. Please visit the venues and enjoy the lively people and the city that can only be enjoyed at that time of year.
Hakata Okunchi（博多おくんち）
Hakata Okunchi, held at Kushida Shrine, is a traditional event that has continued for about 1,200 years. It is an event to give thanks for the autumn harvest, and various rituals are held during the festival.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Okunchi Parade, where you can see the portable shrines run over by ox carts as they make their way around the streets of Hakata. Also, don’t miss the “Toumyo Watching,” in which tens of thousands of lanterns are displayed in the precincts of the shrine. A fantastic space will unfold.
Kanada/Kanzaki-Yamakasa Performance （金田・神崎山笠競演会）
Fukuchi Town’s “Kanada/Kanzaki-Yamakasa Performance” is usually held on the land after October 20. Visitors can see the implements used in the festival, called “Yamakasa,” and here they can see a shiny Yamakasa over 10 meters in length. The sound of flutes and drums inspire the Yamakasa carriers, and the venue is filled with excitement with loud shouts.
Enjoy outside activities!
October is the month when the lingering summer heat settles down and the weather finally becomes autumn-like. With pleasant daytime temperatures, this is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. Take a hike or a walk and enjoy the scenery and natural air of this time of year!
Kirin Brewery Fukuoka Factory “Cosmos Festa”（キリンビール福岡工場「コスモスフェスタ」）
This is the best place to see cosmos only at this time of the year. The “Cosmos Festa” is held every year from October to November at the “Kirin Kaen” (Kirin Flower Garden) at the Kirin Beer Fukuoka Factory. The approximately 10 million cosmos trees spread out before your eyes are a sight to behold. Many fans look forward to this event every year, and it is a very lively event.
During the event, traffic jams are expected, so public transportation is recommended. It takes about 15 minutes on foot from Tachiarai Station.
Kirin Brewery Fukuoka Factory also offers factory tours, so it is recommended to participate in this event together with the Cosmos Festa. Reservations are required for the factory tour, so please check the official website below.
Kirin Beer Fukuoka Factory official website: https://www.kirin.co.jp/experience/factory/fukuoka/
Cosmos Festa” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirinfukuoka_cosmos/
Mt. Tateishi（立石山）
Mt. Tateishi in Itoshima City is a popular sightseeing spot. It takes only about 15 minutes to reach the top, and the view from the top is famous as a photo spot. 360-degree panoramic view can be enjoyed, and the contrast between the sea and the mountains is extremely beautiful.
It is famous for the photo taken sitting on a rock with a spectacular view in the background. There are no railings or fences at the photo location, so please be very careful for your safety.
Autumn foliage season has arrived! Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots
It is finally time for the fall foliage season to arrive! The autumn foliage season in Fukuoka usually lasts from late October to late November, but in recent years, it has often been delayed due to warm weather. Before heading to a foliage viewing spot, it is recommended to check the foliage conditions on SNS and other social networking sites in advance.
Nomiyama Kannonji Temple（呑山観音寺）
The Nomiyama Kannonji Temple is located 20 minutes by car from Sasaguri Station. Every year in late October, the maple trees, dodan azaleas, and zelkova trees on the temple grounds begin to change color. Other seasonal flowers and snowy scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year, and the temple is especially popular during the hydrangea season in June and the season of autumn leaves.
Official Instagram of Nomiyama Kannonji Temple: https://www.instagram.com/nomiyama_kannonji_official/
Hyuugami Gorge（日向神峡）
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gradation of maple trees as they drive through Yame City’s “Hyuukagami Gorge”. The best time to view them is usually from late October to mid-November. The view from the nearby red arched bridge “Kehogi Bridge” is also spectacular. You can enjoy a powerful view like a Chinese landscape painting.
In fact, this spot is famous as a power spot for romance. There is a “Bell of Happiness ” on the bridge that wishes for the fulfillment of love, and it is a popular place visited mainly by women and couples.
Mt. Hiko（英彦山）
Mt. Hiko is a popular spot for viewing the autumn colors of maple trees and maples, which usually begin to change color in late October. Although it is a popular mountain visited by many mountaineering enthusiasts every year, there are many spots in Mt. Hiko.
Visitors can take a slope car to the “Hikosan Shrine” in the mountain, where they can see the walking autumn leaves and a magnificent view from the window. The shrine can be easily accessed by anyone using the slope car, but those who are confident in their physical strength may want to try climbing the 300 steps.
We also recommend Hikosan Daigongen, a hole in the wall of Mt. Hiko. Not only are the leaves changing colors, but the river running through the garden and the observatory are also worth seeing.
Official Instagram of Hikosan Shrine: https://www.instagram.com/hikosanjingu.official/
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