Three highlights to build the trip around — a Super Formula race, a Japanese baseball game, and a relaxing countryside spa. Happily, the October dates line up beautifully with the route.
Japan's premier open-wheel championship — the fastest racing series outside Formula 1 — closes its season at Fuji Speedway, right beside the Hakone & Mt. Fuji leg of the trip.
Rounds 9 & 10 of the 2026 championship run across the weekend with practice, qualifying, and two races under Mt. Fuji.
In Oyama, Shizuoka — a short trip from Hakone. You can base in Hakone for onsen and Fuji views, and reach the circuit by shuttle/local transport on race day.
Next to the Hakone legWith the trip running Oct 2–21, Kyoto comes first (Oct 5–8), then Hakone (Oct 9–11) lands on the race weekend. Catch one or both race days, then continue on to Osaka.
Timing mattersBuy grandstand tickets in advance via the official Super Formula / Fuji Speedway sites once they're released. Dates are from the 2026 calendar — reconfirm closer to the trip, as motorsport schedules can shift.
Baseball (野球, yakyu) is gloriously fun in Japan — relentless chanting, brass bands, and bento in the stands. In October you're into the postseason, which means high-stakes games if the timing and teams line up.
The NPB playoffs run roughly Oct 10–21. Final-stage games are hosted by each league's top team — potentially the Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo) or Hanshin Tigers (near Osaka).
~Oct 10–21The championship finals begin Oct 24, after the trip ends on Oct 21 — so focus on Climax Series games instead.
From Oct 24Koshien Stadium near Osaka (Oct 12–14) is the best window during the trip, or Tokyo Dome if playoff games fall on Oct 2–4 or Oct 19–21.
Tokyo · OsakaThe regular season ends in early October, so the action during Oct 2–21 is the Climax Series playoffs. Which cities host depends on which teams qualify — confirm fixtures and grab tickets once the standings are set.
For a proper unwind away from the cities, nothing beats a rural hot-spring town — soaking in mineral baths, strolling in a yukata, and a multi-course kaiseki dinner at a ryokan.
A storybook hot-spring town on the Sea of Japan coast, reachable from Kyoto/Osaka. Guests wander between seven public bathhouses in yukata and geta sandals — the quintessential countryside spa experience.
One of Japan's three most celebrated hot springs, tucked in the mountains and easy to pair with the Takayama & Japanese Alps leg. Silky waters said to be great for the skin.
You bathe without swimwear, after washing at the stations first. If tattoos are a concern, many ryokan offer private (kashikiri) baths you can reserve — a lovely option for couples.