November is an excellent time of year to visit Japan. There are fewer crowds, the autumn colours are at their peak and the temperature is ideal for exploring. I spent the entire month of November travelling around Japan. It was the perfect time of year to visit.
In this post, I’ve shared everything you need to know about visiting Japan in November. This includes the weather in November, what to pack for your November trip to Japan and the best places to visit.
Read next: all you need to know about a solo trip to Japan
Japan weather in November
When it comes to the weather, November is a great month to visit Japan. The temperatures are moderate, there are often clear skies and the beautiful fall foliage (Momiji) has begun. With both the typhoon season and the rainy season officially over, November is also one of the driest months in Japan.
The weather in Japan in November can be very diverse. Japan is a large country and the weather conditions vary.
The popular tourist areas in Honshu which include Tokyo and Kyoto can still see mild temperatures in November. For my first week in Japan, I only had to wear a t-shirt. By mid-November and late November, the temperatures were much cooler and a warm jacket was needed. Snow is unlikely in the Honshu area before early December, although there was a light dusting while I was in Kyoto.
In Northern Japan, the area of Hokkaido is much cooler and it’s the start of the winter months. In fact, it’s not uncommon for there to be snow in November. The average temperature for the city of Sapporo (Hokkaido) in November is 5.2°C (41 F) compared to 12.5°C (54.5 F) in Tokyo (Honshu). The autumn colours can start a few weeks earlier in Hokkaido.
If you’re heading down to the southern tropical-like beaches of Okinawa, the weather tends to stay very mild, but still bearable.
Temperatures will vary depending on where you plan to visit in Japan, but one thing that tends to stay consistent around the country is the clear skies and minimal rain.
I was in Japan for almost four weeks and only had a couple of days of rain in November. The clear skies also make it an excellent time to see the iconic Mount Fuji.
Is Japan crowded in November?
November is a busy time of year in Japan. The temperatures are cooler, the beautiful autumn foliage is at its peak and accommodation tends to be a little cheaper.
While this does attract the crowds, it’s worth noting that November can still be a lot quieter than other months, especially compared to the Cherry Blossom Season. I found the crowds in the major cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo overwhelming at times. But they certainly weren’t at their busiest.
Japan is a beautiful country and often, tourists focus on the same few destinations. If you want to escape the crowds in Japan, consider going off the beaten path.
Despite there being fewer crowds, November can still be busy so it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and activities ahead of time. I found budget accommodation in the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto had sold out a few weeks ahead of my visit in November.
I find Klook the best option for booking activities and rail passes in Japan. I booked everything through this website and had no issues at all.
Best places in Japan to visit in November
Japan is full of epic must-visit destinations all year round but there are a few which shine during the month of November.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan in November, here are some of the top destinations to include on your Japan itinerary.
Hakone
Hakone is an easy day trip from Tokyo as well as the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing. It’s known for stunning mountain scenery, views of Mount Fuji and for being one of the best places to experience an Onsen (hot springs).
November is one of the best times of year to visit Hakone. With clear skies and minimal rain, Mount Fuji is often visible from spots around the area. It’s also an epic destination for the famous Momiji (autumn colours).
If you’re visiting Hakone from Tokyo, consider getting the Hakone Free Pass. This includes your journey to Hakone and transport around the area such as the famous Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise.
Planning a trip to Hakone? Check out my Hakone guide and itinerary.
Fuji Fives Lakes
The Fuji Fives Lakes area is another must-see spot in November. The autumn colours light up the area and make a beautiful frame for the iconic Mount Fuji.
Lake Kawaguchi is an absolute must visit while in the Fives Lake area. It’s home to the famous “Momiji Kairou” or Maples Corridor, a stunning display of autumn colours. The best time to see this incredibly display is from late October to mid-November.
It’s also a popular place for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
The Mishima Skywalk is one of the best places to see the incredible Mount Fuji.
Nikko
The city of Nikko and the surrounding area is a great destination in November. The area lights up with autumn colours and there is plenty to see and do. The Ryuzu Waterfall, Lake Chuzenji and the Shoyoen Garden are all popular spots to see the colours of fall. In fact, many people say that Nikko is one of the best places in Japan to see the autumn colours.
It’s possible to visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo as I did, but it’s better to stay overnight if you can. The areas with the best autumn colours are out of the main city so you want to give yourself time to visit them.
Tobu Railway offer the Nikko World Heritage Pass which is worth buying if you’re visiting Nikko from Tokyo. It includes return transport and transport around the area itself.
The Kansai Area (Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima)
The month of November is the perfect time to visit the famous Kansai region of Japan. This includes popular spots such as Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji and Hiroshima.
Kyoto is especially beautiful in November. There’s no place quite like Kyoto. Walking through Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama Ward offers an incredible insight into Japan’s history and ancient traditions. It’s an absolute must-do on any visit to Japan whenever you visit.
For autumn colours near Kyoto, consider visiting the nearby Nara. Nara is known for its wild deer who often bow to receive food, but Nara Park is also an epic spot to see the autumn foliage.
Arashiyama is a scenic mountain area just outside of Kyoto. It’s an absolutely stunning area, but autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit. For a ride through the golden colours, consider a journey on the Sagano Romantic Train.
Minoo Park is another great spot to visit during November. It’s an easy day trip from Osaka and boasts incredible autumn colours as its Maple Trees turn red, especially around Minoo Falls.
While in the Kansai region, be sure to visit the famous Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were no crowds whatsoever on the day I visited in November. In the Spring, Himeji is a great spot for the Cherry Blossoms.
If you’re travelling around the Kansai Region, consider purchasing the Japan Rail Kansai Pass. This saved me a lot of money during my trip.
Tokyo
Tokyo is known for its long and humid summer days. By November, the weather is much more bearable making it a great time to visit Japan’s capital city.
For a chance at seeing the autumn foliage in Tokyo, visit Yoyogi Park, one of the city’s biggest green spaces. Another epic spots in Tokyo to witness the reds, oranges and golds of autumn is the Meiji Jingu Gaien and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
A short day trip from Tokyo is the iconic Mount Takao which boasts some of the best autumn colours in Japan. It’s also home to the Autumn Leaves Festival held in November. It can get very crowded here so avoid weekends if possible.
Okinawa
If you want to explore the white beaches of Japan without the scorching heat, consider visiting Okinawa in the south of Japan.
This beach destination boasts incredible white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. While you won’t get to see the autumn foliage, you will be able to relax on the beach without overheating. It’s sometimes still possible to swim in the ocean during November.
November events and festivals in Japan
November sees a variety of festivals and cultural events take place all over Japan. The below is a few highlights to consider when planning your Japan itinerary.
Sumo Match
One of Japan’s most important Sumo matches happens in November. The Sumo match takes place in the city of Fukuoka. You’ll need to be lucky to grab tickets to this famous Grand Tournament.
Winter illuminations
Japan loves to put on a show and November is no exception. November often sees the start of many of the winter illumination festivals and shows. These famous light illuminations take place all over the country.
One of the most famous winter illuminations in Japan takes place in Kobe. It’s known as ‘Luminaire’ and is an Italian-inspired light show. Another popular winter illumination is the Rikugien Garden Autumn Illumination. This can be found in Japan’s capital, Tokyo.
Cultural events
With festivals and cultural events throughout the year, Japan is one of the world’s culture capitals. November sees several cultural events take place.
In Kyoto, you’ll find the Gion Odori, where you can find traditional dance and music in the Gion area. Over in Miyajima, there’s the famous Fire Walking Ceremony at Daiganji Temple. This unique event sees brave priests and visitors walk across scorching hot coal in bare feet.
‘Culture Day’ is also celebrated across the country on November 3rd. The day is a public holiday and with the aim of promoting the arts and culture. ‘Labour Thanksgiving Day’ is another famous public holiday which takes place in November across the country.
Autumn leaves festivals
With the red, gold and orange colours of autumn at their best, November sees various festivals to celebrate this incredible wonder of nature.
One of the best autumn festivals is the Fuji Kawaguchi Autumn Leaves Festival. The shores of Lake Kawaguchi are one of the best places in Japan to see the autumn colours including the famous “Momiji” tunnel.
Mount Takao is another great Autumn Leaves Festival.
What to wear in Japan in November
Packing for Japan in November isn’t the easiest of tasks. The weather is changing and it’s hard to predict at what point the mild temperatures end and the cooler begins.
What you pack for your trip to Japan also depends on where you plan to visit. For those heading to Northern Japan (Hokkaido), you’ll want warmer clothes. If you’re heading to Okinawa, you’ll likely find clothes for warmer weather sufficient. For visitors to Honshu (Tokyo’s main tourist area), you’ll need both clothes for warmer and colder weather.
Ultimately, layers are the simple solution when it comes to packing for Japan in November.
Here are some essential packing items for those visiting Japan in November and heading to the popular areas of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka:
- Long-sleeved shirt or top: make sure to take a couple of warmer base layers such as a long-sleeve top.
- Light jacket: you can use this in cooler weather to layer. Even in early November, you might find the weather is cool in the evening so taking a light or down jacket is a sensible idea.
- Fleece or warmer jumper/sweaters: pack at least two warm and cosy layers such as a fleece or fluffy sweatshirt. This will help to keep you warm and allow you to layer.
- Rain jacket: despite being one of the driest months in Japan, November can still see rain. Pack a waterproof rain jacket in case you get stuck in a storm.
- T-shirts: November can still be a warm month in Japan, especially earlier in the month. Have several t-shirts to wear during the day.
- Skirt or dress: while I was in Tokyo in early November, the daytime temperatures reached 25°C and it was still quite humid. Have a couple of options for those potential warmer days (if you’re visiting in late November, don’t worry about this).
- Comfy shoes: whatever the time of year you visit Japan, it’s essential to pack comfortable shoes you can walk long distances in. I’m not sure I’ve ever walked as much around cities as I did in Japan.
- Swimwear: November is the perfect time to relax in an Onsen (hot springs), remember to pack swimwear.
If you’re visiting Japan at the end of November and into December, you might find a winter coat is necessary. Otherwise, I’d focus on layers to make your packing as easy as possible.
Summary: Is November a good time to visit Japan?
Yes! November is a great time to visit Japan. In fact, I would argue it’s one of the best times of year to visit this incredible country.
I loved my trip to Japan in November. The temperature was perfect for exploring, the autumn colours were incredible and the crowds were bearable (aside from a couple of the very popular spots).
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