November Weather in Japan 2024: Events, Food and Travel Tips

November in Japan

November is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Japan. With relatively mild weather conditions, stunning autumn foliage scenery, and a wealth of seasonal foods and events, travelers are in for an experience of a lifetime!

In this article, we’ll discuss details regarding November weather in Japan by region, as well as events, seasonal delicacies, and other valuable travel tips!

November Travel in Japan

November Weather in Japan
- November Weather in Tokyo
- November Weather in Osaka and Kyoto
- November Weather in Hiroshima
- November Weather in Hokkaido
- November Weather in Fukuoka and the Kyushu Region
November Events and Festivals in Japan
1. Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival (Tokyo)
2. Rikugien Garden Autumn Illumination (Tokyo)
3. Hakone Daimyo Procession
4. Gion Odori (Kyoto)
5. Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Kyoto)
6. Sagamiko Illumination near Tokyo
7. Nabano no Sato Winter Illumination (Mie)
Seasonal Food in November
Top Destinations in November
Kyoto and Nara: For Fall Foliage
The Greater Tokyo Area
Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Fukuoka and Northern Kyushu
Mie

Weather in Japan in November

Due to its unique geography Japan’s climate is quite varied from region to region, and the country can experience a range of weather conditions in November. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect in some of the major areas.

November Weather in Tokyo

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The average daytime temperatures in Tokyo during November are usually around 14 degrees Celsius, with highs of around 17 degrees and nighttime temperatures dipping as low as 4 degrees. In 2023 the average temperatures in the capital were 14.4 degrees Celsius, with highs of 19.2 and lows of 10.3.

Overall, conditions in and near the capital tend to be relatively mild and dry, with low to moderate rainfall. November is considered one of the best times to catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji, as viewing conditions are at their clearest between the months of November and February.

Recommended clothing for the season includes jackets, sweaters, and layers in general - be prepared to possibly lose a layer during the warmer midday hours, or add an extra one as temperatures drop towards the evening. As shops and public transportation will generally be using heating by November, be sure to wear outer clothing which can be easily taken off when indoors!

November Weather in Osaka and Kyoto

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The average November temperature in Osaka in 2023 was 16 degrees Celsius, with a low of 7 degrees. The average temperature in Kyoto was 17.7 degrees Celsius, with a low of 11.6. Both cities saw very little precipitation.

Though Kyoto is known for its hot summers and cold winters, temperatures don’t usually drop very low until December - so November is among the most comfortable months to visit the city!

Recommended clothing is similar to Tokyo - make sure to have jackets or sweaters handy, in case of temperature drops!

November Weather in Hiroshima

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Weather conditions in Hiroshima during November tend to be very mild, with temperatures similar to those in Kanto and Kansai.

The average November temperature in Hiroshima in 2023 was 17.5 degrees Celsius.

The city experiences moderate rainfall, though it is a relatively dry month considering Hiroshima’s overall rainfall each year.

Temperatures can drop during the evening, so recommended clothing items include jackets and sweaters. It may also be wise to bring a folding umbrella, just in case!

November Weather in Hokkaido

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Average temperatures in Hokkaido are considerably colder than Tokyo, with some areas experiencing temperatures as low as around 1 degree Celsius at night. In 2023 the average temperatures in the regional capital Sapporo ranged between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius, with some areas experiencing lower averages.

Precipitation also tends to be moderately high in November, with it generally being quite a wet month in Sapporo.

November in Hokkaido is considered by many to already be the end of fall and beginning of winter, with some areas even experiencing light snowfall. Autumn colors can still sometimes be seen in Biei, but may have already ended in many parts of the region.

Warm clothing is an absolute must when traveling to Hokkaido during the fall/winter months - northern Japan can experience dramatic temperature drops during November, and items such as winter coats, down jackets and winter gloves are highly recommended.

November Weather in Fukuoka and the Kyushu Region

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Kyushu generally experiences very mild and pleasant conditions during November, with average temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius in 2023, and lows of 10 degrees.

The region usually sees moderate rainfall during this month.

Though daytime temperatures can be relatively warm, they often drop towards the evening, meaning that jackets are a must.

Events to Look Forward to in November

Japan comes alive with festivals and shows during the month of November, so be sure to celebrate the fall season by visiting one of these exciting events!

1. Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival (Tokyo)

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Mount Takao’s crimson fall foliage is truly breathtaking, and the mountain ranks high amongst the very best places in Tokyo to see autumn leaves.

Throughout the month of November the area hosts the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival (or Momiji Matsuri), during which a variety of events can be enjoyed against the backdrop of Takao’s stunning seasonal scenery. Centered around the Kiyotaki cablecar station, these events include musical and dance performances such as traditional taiko drumming.

The performances themselves are generally only held on weekends and holidays, however the beauty of Mount Takao itself can be enjoyed any day of the week, and during November a ride up the mountainside via cablecar is highly recommended!

2. Rikugien Garden Autumn Illumination (Tokyo)

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Perhaps central Tokyo’s premier autumn illumination event, the beautiful fall scenery of the historical Rikugien Garden is magically lit up each year, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

Among Tokyo’s most beloved traditional landscaped gardens, Rikugien is famed for its changing beauty throughout the seasons. Late November is considered by many to be the best time to enjoy the garden’s stunning fall foliage.

3. Hakone Daimyo Procession

Held every year on November 3rd, the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu is a stunning parade featuring over 100 performers in period costume, as they pass through the Hakone-Yumoto area.

The event is a reenactment of the historical processions of Samurai lords which took place during the Edo Era (1603 - 1867), as they journeyed to the capital.

The fall festival serves as a striking reminder of the area’s fascinating history.

4. Gion Odori (Kyoto)

Taking place each year from November 1st until 10th, Gion Odori is among Kyoto’s most well known events, and offers a rare chance for the public to see a performance by the area’s highly skilled Geisha.

During this event Gion’s accomplished Geiko engage in traditional dance and musical performances, conveying stories deeply connected with Japan’s history.

Gion Odori is held at the Gion Kaikan, a venue located close to the iconic Yasaka Shrine, and in one of the city’s most atmospheric traditional areas.

Gion Odori website: https://www.gionhigashi.com/gion.html (Japanese)

5. Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Kyoto)

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Taking place on the second Sunday of November, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival celebrates the season in one of Kyoto’s most picturesque areas.

During fall Arashiyama’s mountainsides burst into color, becoming a stunning patchwork of green, red and gold. As well as breathtaking autumn scenery, the festival features traditional music and theatrical performances. Perhaps most popular among these is the incredible reenactment of Heian Era nobles traveling by boat down the area’s famed Oi River.

6. Sagamiko Illumination

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Held each year from early November, Kanagawa’s grand Sagamiko Illumillion is the largest illumination event of its kind in the Kanto area. During the event the Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest is spectacularly lit up with approximately 6 million colorful LED lights, and features many uniquely themed light installations and exciting light shows.

The resort is also home to hot spring baths, which offer a great way to relax as temperatures begin to drop during fall!

Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest: https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/en/

7. Nabano no Sato Winter Illumination (Mie)

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Mie Prefecture’s beloved Nabana no Sato flower gardens host possibly one of the nation’s most extravagant illumination events - one which famously utilizes over 5 million LEDs to create a mesmerizing and expansive tunnel of light. The event goes far beyond its iconic tunnel, however, as each year the park features several stunning light installations and hauntingly illuminated gardens.

Located not too far from Kyoto and Nagoya, it’s the perfect setting for those searching for an atmosphere of pure magic and romance this November!

Seasonal Food to Enjoy in November

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Fall is renowned in Japan for being a particularly delicious time of year. Many say that the nation’s very best seasonal cuisine is its autumn fare, and there’s a truly incredible wealth of food to be experienced during November!

Whether you have a sweet tooth or are a seafood lover, November’s top class cuisine will not disappoint!

1. Japanese Pumpkin (kabocha)

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A popular fall vegetable for centuries, Japanese pumpkin is one of the foods most deeply associated with the arrival of autumn. About half of all pumpkin grown in Japan today come from Hokkaido, and the region’s ‘kuri kabocha' variety are famously creamy and delicious!

Used in both sweet and savory dishes, one of the most popular traditional ways to eat Japanese pumpkin is as ‘kabocha no nimono', where the vegetable is cut into square pieces and cooked in soy sauce. Another delicious and hugely popular Japanese pumpkin dish is kabocha tempura. Many modern desserts such as tarts use pumpkin as a flavoring, and these have become a popular feature on cafe menus during November!

2. Japanese Sweet Potato

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Sweet potatoes are a true autumn staple in Japan, and a favorite fall treat. Japan's particularly sweet varieties are often used in desserts, and during November you’ll see a wide variety of seasonal sweet potato confectionary items popping up in convenience stores and supermarkets across the country.

Perhaps the most delicious way to enjoy them however is the traditional way - by eating a piping hot ‘yaki imo’, or grilled sweet potato. Sold at most supermarkets as well as some convenience stores, you’ll usually know the moment you enter whether this tasty treat is available, as a distinctive, caramel-like scent fills the air!

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Another popular way to enjoy this seasonal favorite is by eating ‘daigaku imo’ - or candied sweet potato. This divine dessert literally tastes like cake, but with far more nutrients and is much more filling!

There are several varieties of sweet potato eaten in Japan, with each having their own unique taste profile and texture. Anno Imo are often touted as the sweetest and most dessert-like variety, whilst Murasaki Imo are famed for their more subtle flavor and deep purple coloring. There are many other types however, and all are delicious!

3. Seasonal Fruit - Persimmons, Apple, Japanese Pear, Chestnuts

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Autumn fruit is beloved across the world, and the quality and exquisite flavors of Japan’s fall fruit are second to none.

One of the nation's most beloved November delicacies are its ‘kaki’, or persimmons. Often enjoyed as a traditional seasonal dessert, they are known for their truly exquisite and delicate sweetness. For those who’d like to sample an even sweeter version, a popular fall treat to try are ‘anpo kaki’, or semi-dried persimmons - these are succulently soft, fabulously sweet and absolutely delicious!

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Another popular seasonal fruit are ‘nashi’, or Japanese pears. In contrast to European pears, ‘nashi' are larger, rounder, and have their own distinctive flavor. Like persimmons, they are known for their exquisitely delicate sweetness, and are an autumn delight.

Fall is of course apple season, and Japanese apples are renowned for their sweetness and juiciness. Aomori Prefecture is the nation’s top producer, and Fuji apples are by far the most popular across the country.

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The final entry on this list are Japanese chestnuts, or ‘kuri’. Traditionally used in both sweet and savory dishes, popular ways to enjoy this fall favorite include with rice, in traditional sweets such as ‘yokan’, and roasted. Much like roasted sweet potatoes, the comforting and delicious scent of roasting chestnuts is another sure sign of the season’s arrival.

4. Yuzu Citrus Flavor

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A popular ingredient in Japanese cooking, yuzu has an incredibly rich aroma and distinctive tartness which perfectly complements many of the other flavors in Japanese cuisine. Unlike many other citrus fruit, it maintains its flavor even at higher cooking temperatures, making it ideal as a method of seasoning.

Yuzu features in both sweet and savory dishes, and is famously used in ponzu - a soy based sauce with a citrus tang. It is also used to flavor teas as well as other drinks, due to its refreshing taste.

The fruit fully ripen from November onwards, turning from green to the distinctive golden yellow color they are known for.

5. Crab

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Japan’s seafood is renowned worldwide for its quality, and among its most beloved fall/winter delicacies are its many varieties of crab.

Two particularly popular types enjoyed in November are the snow crab and red snow crab.

Caught in the Sea of Japan, particularly off the coast of Niigata’s Sado Island, these large crab varieties are famed for their succulent flesh and unique flavor - a combination of sweetness and savory umami. Red snow crab tends to be slightly sweeter, as well as more affordable.

Popular ways to enjoy these types of crab include boiled in the shell and in crab shabu shabu.

Japan’s Best November Spots

Japan's seasonal beauty and events can be experienced nationwide - below we highlight five of the country's most popular autumn travel locations:

1. Kyoto and Nara

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Two of Japan’s most traditional cities, Kyoto and Nara both offer visitors the chance to experience fall season against the breathtaking backdrop of iconic historical sites and traditional architecture. Towards the end of November is when this scenery tends to be at its most vibrant.

Among Kyoto’s most beloved spots to enjoy the season are Arashiyama, Tofukuji Temple and Kiyomizu Temple, where the numerous surrounding trees erupt into color.

Popular spots to experience autumn colors in November in Nara include Todaiji Temple and Nara Park - the sight of trees surrounding Ukimido Pavilion, built over Sagiike Pond, is particularly atmospheric.

2. The Greater Tokyo Area

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Home to many parks and green spaces, Tokyo has a huge number of places even within the city area where visitors can feel the season. Among the most popular are the Hamarikyu Gardens, Rikugien Garden and Hibiya Park.

It’s well worth venturing outside of the main Tokyo metropolitan area however, as nearby Hakone and Nikko are both famed for their truly magnificent fall scenery. The area around Nikko’s Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls is heralded as being home to some of Japan’s most stunning fall views.

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Many of Hakone’s mountainsides turn crimson red during November, and the area’s famed pampas grass fields can often still be enjoyed at the beginning of the month! Due to the generally clear conditions, November is also a great time to get a glimpse of Mount Fuji!

3. Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

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With its clear, cool weather and stunning scenery, Hiroshima is a top spot to visit during autumn.

By far one of Hiroshima city's most popular areas for seasonal sightseeing is the beautiful Miyajima Island; home to famed Momijidani Park. Literally translated as ‘Maple Valley’, the park’s numerous maple trees transform into stunning hues of red and gold during the month of November.

For those with an adventurous side, why not also venture outside of the main city area? Shobara City’s Taishakukyo Gorge is home to some of Hiroshima Prefecture’s most breathtaking November scenery, and is well worth the trip.

4. Fukuoka and Northern Kyushu

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November is usually the best time of year to experience fall foliage in Fukuoka and northern Kyushu.

The many parks and green spaces in Fukuoka city and Kitakyushu city make them great places to see autumn leaves - beloved spots include Kokura Castle, Momiji Hachimangu Shrine and Yusentei Park (which is colorfully illuminated at night).

Fukuoka hosts a range of illuminations and other events during this month - among the most distinctive and memorable are the Hakushu Festival Suijo Parade and Kanmon Kaikyo Candle Night.

5. Mie

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Mie’s fantastical illumination festival at Nabano no Sato makes it one of the prefecture’s most popular spots to visit during fall, and the event’s incredible beauty and scale are sure to leave an impression.

It’s not the only place where visitors can enjoy stunning autumn scenery however, as the prefecture is also home to many natural spots known for their stunning seasonal beauty.

Among these are the Akame 48 Waterfalls hiking trails, where the fall scenery is particularly magical. The area holds Yugen no Take-Akari, an enchanting illumination event where over 1000 elegant bamboo lanterns are lit within the area’s forested surroundings.

Discover Japan’s Distinct Seasonal Beauty this November!

Fall is among the best times to travel to Japan and experience the nation's beauty and cuisine, with November being perhaps the best month to enjoy all the season has to offer! So if you're planning a trip, definitely consider visiting during this time!

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