Visiting Japan in November offers one of the most rewarding seasonal experiences of the year. As summer’s heat fades and winter’s chill has yet to fully set in, the whole country undergoes a transformation: forests, gardens and city streets alike glow in rich shades of red, orange and gold. For photographers, nature lovers, culture seekers and culinary explorers, it’s a time when Japan feels like a wonderland. Crisp air, clearer skies, fewer rainy days, and a sense of calm make November an ideal time to travel. (Temperature averages and conditions support this. Japan sees moderate highs and lows, with pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activity.)
But of course, to make the most of Japan in November, you need more than just good timing. You’ll want to know the best places to visit in Japan in November, what to wear, the top things to do, and the many festivals that take place in November. In the sections below, each of those topics is covered in turn, with practical tips, local insights, and recommended itineraries to help you get the fullest autumn flavor of Japan.
I’ll first walk through some of the top destinations and seasonal highlights, then look at climate and packing advice, then festivals and special experiences unique to November. By the end, your readers should have both inspiration and actionable ideas for making a November trip to Japan unforgettable.
Kyoo nite mo
Kyoo natsukashi ya
hototogisu
Even in Kyoto
Longing for Kyoto
Hearing the Cuckoo
Matsuo Basho,
17th century haiku poet
When thinking about the best places to visit in Japan in November, the prime draw is autumn foliage (kōyō), which represents the turning leaves that create stunning palettes across forests, temple gardens, city parks and mountain slopes. Many of Japan’s top autumn color spots reach their peak in November, especially in central regions like Kyoto, Nara, and Nikko.
First, Kyoto is practically synonymous with fall beauty. The historic temples, shrines and gardens, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Tofukuji, Eikan-do, and many others, become radiant with crimson maples and golden ginkgos. Evening illuminations often extend viewing hours, letting visitors soak in the colors after dusk. Nearby Nara is also ideal. Deer wandering through tree-lined groves under autumn leaves make for a magical scene.
In eastern Japan, Tokyo in November is a must, partly because of its cityscapes decorated with bright yellow ginkgo avenues (for example, Meiji Jingu Gaien) and mid to late November illumination of street and park foliage. Also, places like Nikko, Hakone, and the Fuji Five Lakes region provide beautiful autumn scenery and views of Mount Fuji framed by vivid foliage.
Up north (e.g. Hokkaido) the leaves turn earlier, and by November parts may already be past peak or entering the colder season, so timing and weather become more unpredictable there. If you are willing to venture offbeat, regions like Tohoku, the Japan Alps, or Kyushu also offer quieter, spectacular autumn landscapes relatively untouched by crowds.
Keep in mind that the best places to visit in Japan in November often revolve around Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo and foliage-rich scenic regions, balanced with a bit of flexibility for regional timing.
Thinking about what to wear in Japan in November is important because the weather is cool, but conditions vary by region and time of day. Layers are your friend. Early November mornings and evenings tend to be quite crisp, while daytime sunshine can still feel mild, which is ideal for layering.
Start with a base of lightweight long-sleeve shirts or thermal tops. Over those, wear sweaters, cardigans or fleece layers. A midweight jacket or windbreaker is smart, since it is something that can block chilly breezes. For colder days or higher elevations, a light down or insulated jacket can make a big difference. Don’t forget scarves, gloves or light knit caps for the early mornings or after sunset.
For bottoms, comfortable jeans, travel pants or lined trousers work well. In some cases, people wear thin thermal leggings underneath. In cities you’ll be walking a lot, so comfortable shoes or boots with good grip are important (especially for slippery leaves or damp ground). Also pack umbrellas or a compact rain jacket. While November tends toward dry, sporadic rain can occur.
In terms of color and style, Japanese autumn fashion leans toward muted, earthy tones: browns, olives, maroons, mustard, dark greens, that harmonize with the natural palette. Also, dress respectfully when visiting shrines and temples. Finally, bring a small backpack or day bag for extra layers you may take on and off as temperatures shift throughout the day. Dressing in layers and preparing for variation ensures you will be comfortable no matter which corners of Japan you explore in autumn.
One of the joys of visiting Japan in November is that there is a rich mix of seasonal nature, cultural events, city life, and gastronomic pleasure. Here are some top things to do in Japan in November that your readers should consider adding to their itinerary:
Turning to the big city experience, Tokyo in November will leave you speechless. As the leaves shift, Tokyo’s parks, avenues and shrines take on golden and amber hues, particularly with ginkgo trees famously lining streets like Meiji Jingu Gaien (the ginkgo avenue) and street corridors in central Tokyo.
One standout event is the Dream Yosacoy Festival in early November. It is a dance festival that draws performers from across Japan (and sometimes abroad). You can experience street energy, color and performance in multiple Tokyo venues. Another Tokyo highlight is the Tori-no-Ichi Festival, held in locations such as Asakusa and Shinjuku, where decorative bamboo rakes (kumade) are sold as good luck charms.
Tokyo also has seasonal illumination and lighting events, especially after mid to late November, creating romantic, glowing cityscapes after dusk. Gardens and parks may extend hours for leaf viewing under ambient light. For instance, Rikugien Garden often stages autumn illuminations when its maples are at peak.
In terms of exploring neighborhoods, Tokyo in November invites wandering through districts like Shibuya, Harajuku, Ginza, Omotesando, or exploring cultural pockets like Asakusa, Ueno, and Yanaka. Museums, design galleries, cafes, and small side streets are perfect when weather is cool but crisp. Make time for scenic strolls in parks such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi, or along the Sumida River, catching falling leaves and urban backdrops.
Another plus: November tends to be a drier month with clearer skies, so views of Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and even glimpses of Mount Fuji (on particularly clear days) are more achievable.
Thinking of going off the beaten path? You should consider visiting Osaka in November, and you will get a city of lively energy, cultural flair and seasonal celebrations, tempered by glimpses of autumn’s beauty in urban green spaces. Though Osaka isn’t always the first city people think of for fall colors, it still offers several compelling November attractions and festivals.
One of the prominent events is the Yakiimo Matsuri (Roasted Sweet Potato Festival), held around November 8–17 in Osaka. Sweet potatoes (yakiimo) in season make a comforting autumn treat, and this festival celebrates that seasonal flavor. Also, Suminoe Art Beat, Mino Momiji Festival (on the second Saturday of November), and Hirakata Park Illuminations from early November add cultural and visual interest to the city. There’s also the Osaka Bay Fireworks on the first Saturday of November and Shinno-Sai Festival around November 22–23.
During November, Osaka’s parks and green areas can show autumn color, especially in quieter neighborhoods or public gardens. It’s a great time to combine food, architecture and local life. Osaka’s street food culture, night markets, and dense urban neighborhoods make walking and exploring appealing once the air cools.
Because Osaka is a major hub, it’s also ideal as a base for day trips to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe or Himeji, letting visitors experience top foliage spots while staying in the energetic heart of western Japan. The contrast of urban and natural within reach is one of the strengths of planning a November stay around Osaka.
No discussion of Japanese festivals in November would be complete without highlighting a selection of events that showcase seasonal, cultural, and local flavor. These festivals often add a wow factor to autumn travels.
Also, many local towns host illumination events, temple special night openings, local autumn fairs, and harvest celebrations in November. Beyond these major names, there’s often something happening in smaller towns.
Visiting Japan in November can be a magical decision and deliver brilliant autumn scenery, comfortable weather, cultural depth, and fewer crowds than the peak cherry blossom season. Some things you can enjoy are the golden ginkgo tunnels of Tokyo in November, the temples and maple gardens around Kyoto and Nara, or the rich traditions and Osaka offers.
When planning, be prepared for fluctuating temperatures by dressing in layers, and to orient the itinerary around core experiences: the best places to visit in Japan in November for foliage, the things to do in Japan in November like temple walking, hot springs, and festival participation, and to time visits around signature November festivals such as Tori-no-Ichi, Gion Odori, Karatsu Kunchi and Niiname-sai.
Read our Japan Off The Beaten Path article to learn about lesser-known places in Japan!
