Key Takeaways
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If you are visiting Japan for the first time, November is a great month to plan your trip, especially to experience the country during autumn. Autumn brings colourful landscapes, comfortable sightseeing conditions, and plenty of seasonal experiences across Japan.
November also makes it easier to combine Japan’s best places to visit with nearby destinations, without planning around the intense summer heat or the colder conditions of winter.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a November trip to Japan, including the weather, best places to see autumn leaves, seasonal festivals and events, itinerary ideas, and practical tips for your trip.
Japan Weather in November
November is cool and comfortable, making it one of the best months to visit Japan, with mild afternoons and colder mornings and evenings. It is a noticeable change from the heat and humidity of summer, but winter has not fully set in across most of the country.
In much of central Japan, daytime temperatures are generally around 15°C to 20°C, while nights can fall to around 5°C to 10°C. Northern areas are colder, with temperatures dropping further as the month progresses. Southern Japan remains milder.
What to Wear in Japan in November
Layers are the easiest option for November. Pack clothes that you can add or remove as the temperature changes rather than relying on one heavy coat.
- Long-sleeved tops
- Sweater or fleece
- Light to medium-weight jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
- A warmer layer for colder regions
For most of Japan, a light jacket and a few layers are enough during the day. If you are heading to colder northern or high-altitude areas, pack a warmer jacket and check the local weather forecast before you leave.
Best Places to Visit Japan in November
After the cherry blossom season, autumn brings another side of Japan to life, with red maple leaves, golden ginkgo trees, and colourful landscapes appearing across cities, temples, and mountain areas.
November is one of the best months to experience these autumn colours, but the timing varies by region. Northern and higher-altitude areas usually change earlier, while central and southern Japan tends to reach its best colours later in the month.
For a first trip, you can add autumn scenery to a city itinerary in Tokyo or Kyoto, while Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko offer more opportunities to see the season outside the major cities.
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is a great place to see autumn colours. Many parks, gardens, and temple grounds have trees that turn yellow, orange, and red in November.
Meiji Jingu Gaien is known for its row of ginkgo trees, which turn bright yellow during autumn. Shinjuku Gyoen is another place where you can see different types of trees and spend some time away from the busy city streets.
If you are staying for a few days, you can add these places to your sightseeing plans without changing your whole Tokyo itinerary.
2. Kyoto
Kyoto is a natural stop for anyone planning to see autumn leaves in Japan. The city’s temples, gardens, and wooded areas take on shades of red, orange, and yellow throughout November.
Some places to add to your list are Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, Eikando Temple, and Tofukuji Temple. The exact timing of the autumn colours changes each year, so check the foliage conditions closer to your travel dates.
3. Mt. Fuji Area
Mount Fuji viewing spots give you a chance to see autumn colours with views of the mountain. In November, trees around the lakes and nearby areas change colour, creating great photo spots when the weather is clear.
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the main places to visit in this area. The Momiji Corridor, near the lake, is also worth adding to your plans during the autumn season.
Kawaguchiko can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. Staying overnight is a good option if you want more time to see the lake and the surrounding area.
4. Hakone
Hakone is another place to see autumn colours while enjoying the area’s hot springs, lakes, and mountains. In November, the trees around Hakone Gora Park, Lake Ashi, and parts of the Hakone Tozan Railway route start changing colour.
You can enjoy autumn scenery while travelling through Hakone rather than spending the whole day in one place.
5. Nikko
Nikko is located outside Tokyo and is surrounded by forests and mountains. In November, the changing leaves add colour to the area’s temples, shrines, and natural surroundings.
Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls are at higher elevations, so the leaves there can change colour earlier than in lower areas. You can also visit Toshogu Shrine and see the autumn colours in the surrounding trees.
Nikko is a day trip from Tokyo, so you can see a different side of Japan without spending several days away from the capital.
When to See Autumn Leaves in November
Autumn leaves do not change across Japan at the same time. The colours usually appear first in northern and higher areas before moving towards central and southern parts of the country.
Early November
The first week of November is when autumn colours are most likely to appear in northern Japan and higher-elevation areas. In other parts of the country, many trees may still be green, with the colour change happening later in the month.
Mid-November
During the second and third weeks of November, autumn colours start appearing across more parts of Japan. Higher areas in central Japan are more likely to have colourful foliage during this period, while lower areas may still be changing.
Late November
By the last week of November, autumn colours are more common across many parts of central Japan. Some areas may already be past their peak, while others may just be reaching their best colours.
So if you are travelling to Japan for the first time, mid to late November is the best time to see autumn colours across a wider part of Japan. Early November is more suitable if northern Japan or higher-elevation areas are part of the itinerary. Those travelling during the final week of the month have more opportunities to see autumn colours in central Japan, including areas that change later in the season.
Recommended November Festivals and Events to Experience in Japan
November brings several festivals and cultural events across Japan that are worth adding to a travel itinerary. From local festivals and cultural performances to traditional celebrations, these events add more to a November trip beyond autumn leaves.
1. Tori no Ichi (Tokyo)
Held at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, Tori no Ichi is a traditional market festival where people buy decorated Kumade lucky rakes for good fortune, while food stalls and festival shops fill the shrine grounds, making it a lively part of Tokyo’s November calendar.
2. Shichi-Go-San (Across Japan)
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional celebration for children aged three, five, and seven, when families take them to Shinto shrines dressed in colourful kimonos or formal clothes to pray for their health and growth. Seeing families celebrate Shichi-Go-San gives you a glimpse of an important Japanese family tradition.
3. Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Kyoto)
Held near the Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival features decorated boats, traditional performances, and other cultural activities, making it a memorable part of your Kyoto trip in November.
4. Gion Odori (Kyoto)
Gion Odori is an annual November dance performance by geisha and maiko from Kyoto’s Gion Higashi district, with traditional music, costumes, and dances that provide you with a closer look at Kyoto’s performing arts.
5. Karatsu Kunchi (Saga)
Karatsu Kunchi is a major autumn festival where 14 large hikiyama floats are pulled through the streets of Karatsu alongside music, food stalls, and local celebrations, and it will give you a chance to see one of Saga’s major traditional festivals.
Planning Your Japan Itinerary in November
For most first-time visitors, 10 to 13 days in Japan is enough to explore the main highlights at a comfortable pace without rushing.
- 1-2 days: Spend your time in Tokyo, covering the city’s main attractions and autumn spots such as Meiji Jingu Gaien and Shinjuku Gyoen.
- 3-4 days: Divide your time between Tokyo and Kyoto, spending around 1-2 days in each city. This gives you enough time to enjoy autumn foliage, major sights, and Japan’s nightlife.
- 5-6 days: Split your time between Tokyo and Kyoto, with a day trip to Mt. Fuji or Hakone, giving you a balance of city sightseeing and autumn scenery.
- 7-8 days: Spend two days around Mt. Fuji or Hakone, with the remaining time split between Tokyo and Kyoto for sightseeing and evening activities.
- 9-10 days: Cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko, with enough time for autumn foliage, day trips, sightseeing, and evenings in Tokyo.
- 10-13 days: Cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko at a comfortable pace, with extra time for autumn foliage, day trips, sightseeing, and evenings in Tokyo.
Practical Tips for Visiting Japan in November
A little planning can make a Japan trip in November much easier, especially when you are travelling during the busy autumn season.
- Book your stay early: Hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other popular areas can fill up quickly in November, especially near major autumn foliage spots.
- Plan train journeys ahead: If your Japan itinerary in November includes several cities, book long-distance trains in advance and leave enough time for transfers.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Sightseeing often means long walks, stairs, and plenty of time in train stations, so comfortable footwear matters.
- Start early at busy spots: Popular temples, gardens, and autumn foliage spots in Japan can become crowded as the day goes on.
- Check opening hours: Before heading out, check the timings for temples, museums, gardens, and November festivals in Japan, as some have limited hours or specific dates.
Final Thoughts
Japan in November has a distinct autumn feel, from red momiji leaves and golden ginkgo trees to clear days, illuminated temples, and warm evenings at an onsen. With the right travel week, you can pair the seasonal scenery with Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, or Nikko and make the most of a 10-13 day trip.
Make your November plans easier with Dimaak Tours. From choosing the right route to arranging the details of your Japan holiday, the team can help turn your plans into a well-organised trip.
FAQs About Japan in November
1. What are the best places to see Mount Fuji in Japan during November?
For a first trip, Tokyo and Kyoto cover the main city sights and autumn scenery. Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko can be added for mountain, lake, and foliage views, while November festivals add seasonal experiences to the itinerary.
2. How is the weather in Japan in November and what should I pack?
Central Japan usually has 15°C-20°C days and 5°C-10°C nights. Pack layers such as long-sleeved tops, a sweater or fleece, a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and a compact umbrella.
3. How many days are enough for Japan in November?
10-13 days give first-time visitors enough time to cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko at a comfortable pace, with time for autumn foliage, sightseeing, and day trips. Shorter trips are better kept to fewer destinations.
4. Where can you see autumn leaves in Japan in November?
Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko are all places where you can see autumn colours in November, but the timing differs by location. Northern and higher areas change earlier, while central Japan usually reaches its best colours from mid to late November.
