Top things to do and places to visit

November Travel Overview

• November is peak sweater-wearing time in most of Japan—the weather turns chilly and you should definitely bring a warm coat with you when you head out.
• studyIn November, Japan’s autumn leaves are not to be missed.
• You can also catch an early light show, a fall festival or a sumo tournament.
• November is when the fall foliage is at its most gorgeous, and many gardens, temples, and shrines attract crowds of tourists. Kyoto also sees more tourists than usual this time of year.

Japan prides itself on its four distinct seasons, and one of the most vibrant months is November, when many of Japan’s trees turn a deep red. As long as you don’t mind a bit of a chill, November is pleasant, especially toward the end of the month; Japan’s November skies are crisp and bright, making for a delightful time to eat a roasted sweet potato or sip a hot cup of green tea.

With autumn leaves so beautiful that they’ve inspired everything from historical poetry to modern pop songs, fall really does draw a lot of tourists to Japan, especially in already popular areas like Kyoto. While not as busy as Japan’s cherry blossom season, be sure to plan ahead and consider visiting smaller parks and temples if you want to see more foliage than people.

Popular events and things to do in November

Viewing autumn leaves in Japan

The bright red and yellow autumn trees are the absolute centerpiece of Japan’s fall season. Red LeavesFall foliage viewing, or maple picking, is one of the main reasons why visitors come to Japan in November, and you should definitely take advantage of the opportunity, even if it’s just by taking a stroll through your nearest park.

The best time to view the fall foliage varies depending on the weather and region. In Hokkaido, the leaves are usually visible as early as late October, while southern regions such as Fukuoka or Kagoshima usually don’t see the leaves until mid-December., The autumn leaf season is usually in late November or early December.

There are many places to enjoy fall foliage in Tokyo, from local parks to famous gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen. Complete Guide The best places to enjoy autumn leaves in and around Tokyo. Best Hikes Travel to various parts of Japan to see autumn leaves.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Great Taki Fire Festival

Attend a Fall Festival

Autumn festivals are held throughout Japan every November to celebrate and pray for a good harvest, a safe winter, and good luck for children. Many festivals are held at shrines and natural landmarks. There are many festivals to choose from, but the main ones include the following events:

Fushimi Inari Taisha Great Taki Fire Festival

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the most famous shrine dedicated to Fushimi Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It is also the site of one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring fire festivals, held every year on November 8. Festival highlights include performances by priestesses Kagura Dancing and bonfires are held in the main courtyard of the shrine.

Bird City

This is a multi-day festival held every November, in the year of the Rooster in the lunar calendar. In order to pray for prosperous business and abundant wealth, Bear Out Amulets can be purchased at the Torii-no-Ichi festival. The most famous of these festivals is held at the Torii Shrine in Asakusa, but it is celebrated at many shrines and temples across the country.

Qiwushan

Families across the country celebrate Shichi-Go-San, a traditional coming-of-age ceremony for children aged 3, 5, and 7. In November, you might see adorable children dressed in elaborate kimonos at shrines, celebrating another year of peaceful growth.

Watch a sumo match

If you plan to go to Japan to watch sumo wrestling, you can go to Fukuoka to watch the November sumo tournament. The sumo tournament is held from the second to the fourth Sunday of each month, and tickets go on sale about two months in advance.

The Grand Sumo Tournament in November is held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, which is easily accessible from Fukuoka Airport by subway or bus. There are also buses from Tenjin and Hakata. If you are coming from Tokyo, you must fly into Fukuoka. Consider Explore the Area and the Kyushu region during your stay.

See the winter lights

While November may not feel like winter, let alone Christmas, Japan starts its winter illuminations early each year. It often feels like they wait until the stroke of midnight on November 1 to take down the Halloween decorations and put up the Christmas lights. Whether you think it’s too early or not, Japan’s winter illuminations are gorgeous.

From the Christmas tree at Yebisu Garden Place to the illuminations at Tokyo Midtown, Iconic flashing lights November stroll.

The best destinations to visit in November

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is a popular year-round destination, with stunning views of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake, but the view is particularly stunning in November when surrounded by crimson foliage.

Don’t miss the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, which runs all month long. In addition to spectacular views, there are food stalls, performances, and illuminations.

The famous autumn leaf tunnel, just 3 km from the lake, is also popular. From sunset to 10 pm, the tunnel sparkles in bright red under the lights.

Lake Kawaguchi is about two hours from central Tokyo and can be reached by train or highway bus. The weather at the lake is cooler than in Tokyo. Be sure to bring warm sweaters and jackets, especially if you plan to attend festivals at night.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku is especially busy in early November when the Meiji Jingu Autumn Festival is held. The week-long festival includes traditional performing arts on a central stage in front of the main shrine. One of the highlights is It prevailed A (Japanese horseback archery) performance was held on November 3.

Meiji Jingu Gaien is also known for its Namikii-cho In autumn, the streets of Ginkgo Avenue are covered with yellow leaves.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is easily accessible from JR Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro Meiji Jingu-mae Station.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

November is arguably one of the best times to visit Kyoto, as the weather is pleasant and the leaves are turning red and yellow. One of the most famous spots for viewing fall foliage in Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The red and orange leaves are even more vivid next to the temple’s iconic three-story pagoda, and there’s even a special illumination event in late November where the leaves glow. Admission is 400 yen.

Higashiyama is also worth a visit while visiting Kiyomizudera. Be aware, though, that it can get very crowded. The temple is always popular, but it’s especially so during the cherry blossom season, especially at sunset when the lights start to come on. If you don’t like crowds, there are plenty of other temples to visit in Kyoto that aren’t as crowded.

Travel Tips and Advice

Packaging Tips

Overall, November is a great time to visit Japan. The weather isn’t too cold yet, and the drop in humidity brings blue skies and crisp temperatures. However, that’s not to say you don’t need warm clothing. You may want to pack a sweater, jacket, and gloves, especially if you plan on visiting northern Japan.

transportation

Public transport runs as normal in November. Trains and buses are fairly reliable just after typhoon season and before snowfall, but always check the weather for unusual conditions if travelling long distances.

Accommodation Recommendations

November is a popular time to travel to Japan, so there are many accommodation options in Japan, but be sure to book in advance. Japanese Inn If you want to experience real hospitality, this is always a good choice. Consider staying at Hot Spring Town You can also use it to warm up after a long day of exploring the cold outdoors.

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