Japan in November: A Fantastic Time to Visit!
- japansophy
- 27 minutes ago
- 8 min read
November is a great time to visit Japan. For many travel experts, it's the best time to visit and it's certainly the time of year that Japansophy recommends to our friends. Why? It's the colour – yellows, reds, and orange everywhere, against clear blue skies – and perfect sightseeing weather. Read on to find out about what you can expect for a November trip to Japan.
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What to pack for Japan in November
Tips for Japan travel in November
November marks the climax of the spectacular autumn foliage season in Japan, known as Momijigari (red leaf hunting). The stifling heat and humidity of summer are a distant memory, replaced by clear blue skies and crisp, mild days perfect for sightseeing.
This is the season when the entire country seems to glow, offering vivid crimson maples (momiji) in temples, gardens and forests and golden ginkgo trees lining city avenues.
If you are planning your dream trip, November really is the dream: the perfect blend of pleasant weather conditions, stunning scenery and cultural festivals that celebrate the transition from deep autumn into early winter.
Weather in Japan in November: crisp days, cool nights
November brings consistently mild, dry, and cool weather across Japan's main islands, making it ideal for walking, hiking, and long days of sightseeing. The air is typically clear, offering excellent visibility for iconic sights like Mount Fuji and azure-blue skies are the perfect backdrop for all those dazzlingly red leaves. You'll notice a distinct temperature shift from the warm, bright midday hours to the chillier mornings and evenings, with temperatures dropping from around 17°C (63°F) during the day in central Japan to an average of 10°C (50°F) at night. Of course, this will fluctuate a lot according to where and how high up you are: the cities will feel warmer, while you'll definitely need a few extra layers if you are visiting Nikko or Mount Fuji, for example.
Up in Hokkaido in the north, you can expect it to be around 10°C colder with the possibility of the first snow showers, while it's still warm enough (24°C / 75°F) to enjoy the beach down in Okinawa. November is one of the driest months, too, so there's less chance of your sightseeing being interrupted by rain.
What to pack for Japan in November
While for those of us from northern climes, 17°C is still practically shorts and t-shirt weather, others will find November decidedly chilly. The key to packing successfully efficiently for a November trip is strategic layering: you need clothes that can handle 18°C midday sunshine and an 8°C evening chill. We can recommend Uniqlo's "Heattech" range for light but insulating layers that are comfortable to wear and keep you warm without leaving you feeling like the Michelin Man. A light scarf that you can fold up and throw into your day-bag is also a good idea for staving off those chills when the sun goes down.
Don't be deceived by the lower temperatures: the UV index can still be quite high in November, so packing a sunscreen and sunglasses (which will be relatively hard to find in Japan at this time of the year) is recommended. Check out Japansophy’s Ultimate Japan Packing List for more tips on what to take when travelling in Japan.
What to do and see in November in Japan
Well, of course, November is peak Momijigari season across much of central Japan, but the month is also packed with unique cultural events and optimal weather for specific activities
The best fall foliage (momiji) spots
The Momiji front moves south, peaking in the major cities from mid-November onward.
Kyoto (late November to early December): Kyoto is the undisputed champion of autumn foliage, with the colours set against historic temples.
Eikan-do Temple: Famous for its incredible evening illuminations, where the maple trees surrounding the pond are bathed in light.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: The wooden stage overlooks a stunning sea of crimson and gold, especially beautiful at night.
Arashiyama: Visit the Arashiyama Momiji Festival (held in November) for boat rides on the Hozugawa River framed by fiery mountainsides.
Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko (mid to late November): This is the ideal time to photograph Mount Fuji. The clear, dry air offers amazing visibility.
Momiji corridor: Walk along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, where the red leaves frame the iconic snow-capped peak.
Arakurayama Sengen Park: Hike up for the classic shot of the Chureito Pagoda, Mount Fuji, and the autumn colours below.
Tokyo (late November): Tokyo's autumn-leaf season often peaks around the end of the month, but it is known for a different colour: ginkgo gold.
Meiji Jingu Gaien: Walk down the impressive avenue lined with hundreds of ginkgo trees that turn brilliant, golden yellow.
Ginkgo avenue leading up from the Imperial Palace to the national diet Building (Kokkai-Gijido).
Rikugi-en Garden: This Edo-period landscape garden hosts spectacular evening illuminations, reflecting the colourful maples in its ponds.
Nikko (early November): Although the high-altitude areas like Lake Chuzenji peak in October, the main town area of Nikko, including the iconic Shinkyo Bridge and the famous temples like Rinnoji Temple's Shoyoen Garden, often reaches peak colour during the first half of November, making it a fantastic day trip from Tokyo
Festivals and events:
November is filled with celebrations that transition into the cool weather:
Shichi-Go-San (November 15): This is a delightful festival celebrating children aged seven, five, and three. You will see families dressed in traditional kimono visiting shrines (especially Meiji Jingu in Tokyo) to pray for their children's health and happiness.
Tori-no-Ichi (Rooster Market) Fairs: Held at various shrines and temples, especially in Tokyo (like Asakusa), on the "Days of the Rooster" according to the lunar calendar. These fairs are lively, chaotic, and traditionally mark the preparation for the New Year, selling decorative bamboo rakes (kumade) believed to "rake in" good fortune.
Grand Sumo Tournament (Kyushu Basho): Held in Fukuoka, this is the final major Sumo tournament of the year. If you are in Kyushu in November, securing tickets is highly recommended for an immersive cultural experience.
Meiji Autumn Grand Festival: This festival is held annually on 1-3 November and features traditional music and dance as well as horseback-archery, noh and kyogen performances.
Japan November holidays
There are two public holidays in Japan in November: Culture Day (3 November), which also commemorates Emperor Meiji's birthday, and Labour Thanksgiving Day on the 23rd. While you can expect to see lots of special events on Culture Day in particular, keep in mind that certain shops or facilities may close on these days (or the day after) and that other spots, especially popular leisure facilities such as Disney or USJ, will be particularly crowded.
November activities
The pleasant weather in November makes it a perfect time for outdoor activities that might have been too much of a challenge in the summer.
Hiking: For a challenging and breathtaking adventure, the Japan Alps offer a network of stunning mountain trails for serious hikers, with rugged peaks, dramatic alpine scenery, and multi-day treks. Alternatively, for a more cultural (more leisurely) journey, the historic Nakasendo Trail provides a unique experience. Once a vital route connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo), its preserved sections allow for a leisurely walk through picturesque, ancient post towns, offering a tangible connection to Japan's rich samurai history
Momiji light-ups and the start of winter illuminations: Many temples, shrines and other sight-seeing spots, some of which may otherwise close in the late afternoon, organise light-ups after sundown to illuminate the autumn leaves. These events are incredibly beautiful and often have little stalls selling warm drinks and snacks. Mid-November is also the start of winter illumination events in the cities that also make a lovely backdrop for an evening stroll and festive photos.
What to eat and drink in November?
With November, the autumn is truly in full swing and you'll see seasonal ingredients focusing on warm, hearty flavours.
Kuri (chestnuts): Synonymous with the autumn. Chestnuts are used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Look for kuri gohan (chestnut rice), traditional sweets (wagashi) featuring chestnut paste, or the famous French-inspired Mont Blanc dessert, which is incredibly popular in Japan in autumn.
Sanma (pacific saury): This long, slender, oily fish is at its peak flavour in the fall. It is a humble but deeply beloved dish, typically served salted and grilled whole over charcoal (shioyaki), often accompanied by a dollop of grated daikon radish.
Kaki (persimmons): The quintessential orange fruit of Japanese autumn. There are two main types: the crisp, sweet Fuyu variety (eaten like an apple) and the Hachiya variety (used for dried persimmons, hoshigaki). Fruit tends to be relatively expensive in Japan but kaki are plentiful at this time of the year and are a cheap, delicious way of tanking up on vitamin C.
Shinmai (new rice sake): November sees the release of shinmai, or newly harvested rice. This fresh rice is quickly used to brew new batches of nihonshu (sake), which will have a particularly clean, fresh aroma.
Japansophy's recommendations for travelling to Japan in November
Book Kyoto early: While November isn't typically a very busy month in terms of international tourists, it's peak season for domestic tourism and the popular momiji spots in Kyoto will be bursting. Hotels, restaurants and tours in these areas will book out very quickly or be more expensive that usual, so plan in advance.
Enjoy an outdoor onsen: With the temperatures dropping, November is a great time to visit an onsen, especially the outdoor type (rotenburo) - just imagine yourself soaking in a hot, mineral-rich onsen, surrounded by autumn foliage! Many ryokan's have this sort of facility but you can also visit stand-alone onsens. There are even natural springs that you can visit free of charge.
Wrap up warm for higher altitudes: While the temperatures in the cities might still feel pleasantly mild in November, remember to take an extra layer or two if you are heading off on a tour into tourist spots at higher altitudes, even in central Japan (such as Nikko or Fuji 5th station), where it can be a lot chillier.
We definitely think November is an excellent time to visit Japan...
November truly represents Japan at its most beautiful, offering a near-perfect travel experience defined by stunning colors, delightful seasonal cuisine, and wonderfully crisp weather. The opportunities for photography and cultural immersion—from Sumo tournaments to serene onsen baths framed by fiery leaves—are unparalleled. Just be sure to book those Kyoto hotels and momiji tours well in advance.
Here are a few FAQs to help you with your planning.
FAQS
Is it cold enough to snow in November in Japan?
Yes, but only in the far north and high elevations. Hokkaido (Sapporo, Asahikawa) typically sees its first snowfalls and winter conditions in November. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, snow is extremely rare, but you should expect near-freezing temperatures overnight towards the end of the month.
Can I ski in Japan in November?
There will be some snow around in November but conditions are still unreliable and, crucially, ski resorts generally don't open before the end of the November at the earliest (and then , usually only those with artificial snow facilities). Your best bet is Hokkaido in any case but if you're planning your trip to Japan around skiing, it's probably best to wait until December.
Is Japan busy in November?
Yes, November is peak domestic tourist season, especially in Kyoto and around Mount Fuji, due to the gorgeous foliage. However, compared to the spring cherry blossom season, November crowds are slightly more manageable and tend to be focused specifically on the momiji viewing spots.
Have you been to Japan in November? Got any insider tricks for us? Let us know in the comments.
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