What to Wear in Tokyo in October and November: A Garden Guide's Tips for Your E-Bike Tour
Updated: Oct 18
It's mid-October in Tokyo, and the mornings now carry a cool edge. Yet on a sunny afternoon, a T-shirt still feels just right. It's the time of year when packing gets a little tricky.
One of the questions we hear most often after a booking is: "What should I wear, and what should I bring?" It's on our FAQ page too, so here is a fuller answer for October and November, written by a guide who is also a professional gardener.
This photo is from a tour on October 10. The sky was blue, and a short-sleeved shirt, jeans and comfortable sneakers were all our guest needed. All the photos in this post were taken on that day's tour.
Are there any rules about clothing or belongings?
No special rules. Please wear comfortable clothing. You don't need any special equipment, but we recommend:
Comfortable walking shoes
Season-appropriate clothing
A backpack or shoulder bag
Helmets and all the other gear you need are provided by us, so you can travel light.
Tokyo weather in October and November
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 averages, Tokyo's daily high and low are about 22.0°C / 14.8°C (72°F / 59°F) in October and 16.7°C / 8.8°C (62°F / 48°F) in November. With a 7–8°C swing between afternoon and evening, layers are your best friend.
October: short or light sleeves, plus one layer
On a sunny day, short sleeves can be enough at midday, as you can see in these photos. The autumn sun is stronger than you might expect, so a cap or hat helps. Evenings cool down quickly, so keep a light cardigan or windbreaker in your bag.
November: long sleeves, plus a fleece or light down
By November, some mornings dip below 10°C. On an e-bike you feel the breeze, so it feels a little cooler than the thermometer says. Go for long sleeves with a fleece or a packable down jacket. In late November, gloves and a neck warmer are worth bringing.
A gardener's tips on what to wear
Shoes: comfortable sneakers
Japanese gardens and temple grounds are full of stone paths, gravel and tobi-ishi (stepping stones). Flat, non-slip sneakers are much easier than heels or loose sandals. Stepping stones are designed to slow you down: as you watch your feet and move one stone at a time, the view slowly changes around you.
Trousers are easiest
You'll be getting on and off the bike many times, so trousers or jeans are the most comfortable. If you wear wide-leg trousers or a long skirt, just take a little care that the hem stays clear of the wheels.
Bags: keep your hands free
A backpack or a cross-body shoulder bag lets you hold the handlebars with both hands. In the gardens, free hands also make it easier to take photos.
Handy things to bring
A drink: you get thirstier than you think on a sunny autumn ride
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: October sun can still be strong
A light rain layer: autumn is also a rainy season in Tokyo
An IC card (Suica or PASMO) or some cash: for tea at a garden teahouse, festival stalls or a vending machine
Your phone or camera: you'll want plenty of photos
Wondering what happens if it rains? See Rainy Day in Tokyo? What Happens to Your Garden Tour.
One thing unique to Japanese gardens: shoes off
If you join a tea ceremony or sit in a traditional house to look out at the garden, you'll take your shoes off before stepping inside. Shoes that slip on and off easily, and a pair of socks, make this simple. In Japanese homes, the entrance (genkan) clearly separates outside from inside. A garden is outdoors, yet many were designed to be enjoyed from inside, looking out from the tatami room.
From late November, autumn leaves start to color Tokyo's gardens. Bring a warm layer and come see the season change by e-bike. If you're unsure what to pack, just ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Are there any rules about clothing or belongings?
No special rules. Please wear comfortable clothing. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, season-appropriate clothing, and a backpack or shoulder bag.
Q. Do I need to bring my own helmet?
No. Helmets and all necessary gear are provided by us.
Q. What should I wear in Tokyo in October?
Short sleeves or a light long-sleeved top are comfortable on most days, but mornings and evenings get cool, so bring one extra layer.
Q. What should I wear in Tokyo in November?
Long sleeves with a fleece or a light down jacket on top. In late November, gloves are a good idea.
Q. Is there anything to know about entering a tea room or a traditional house?
You take your shoes off before stepping inside, so shoes that slip on and off easily, and socks, are a good choice.
Ready to explore Tokyo's autumn gardens? Book your tour here, or contact us through the Contact page or by email.
Besides e-bike tours, we also offer walking tours and tours by public transport, family-friendly and private tours, and tea ceremony experiences in Japanese gardens.
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