My husband and I are visiting Tokyo in October for 5 days. My husband and I are more outdoorsy, adventurous types—What are some quintessential Japanese events and cultural activities (and maybe some hiking?) we could do while we’re there?
Be aware October is in typhoon season, so if you plan hiking or rural activities, keep track of the weather forecast. A trip I took to Japan pre pandemic was interrupted by an October typhoon, I had to alter my plans on the fly to avoid the most heavily hit and flooded area of the country, trains were disrupted, etc.
5 days is a bit tight time-wise.
I highly recommend checking out two areas in the Japanese Alps. You should be able to see foliage at high altitudes.
Kamikochi (breathtaking national park with good hiking) -Takayama (old town)-Shirakawago (quaint village) - Kanazawa - (bonus destination) Tateyama Kurobe (series of cable cars, ropeways, with hiking if time allows)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6040.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5950.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5900.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2167.html
Nakasendo: Tsumago, Magome, ... village towns along an ancient transit route.
https://www.japan-guide.com/ad/nakasendo/
For a mountain experience visit beautiful Takayama,
You have been given some great ideas!
This foliage map should help you make decisions:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html
If you go to Nikko, you will see foliage. It's a bit far from Tokyo and I suggest you stay at an onsen ryokan/hotel for one night for the ultimate Japanese experience.
Don't forget to check my recent trip report. I was in Japan for the cherry blossom season in Mar 2023.