Japan in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

November is an excellent time to visit Japan. The heart of fall offers a delightful combination of pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery.

As the country embraces autumn, expect comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant momiji and kōyō painting the landscape in stunning reds, oranges, and yellows.

While crowds can increase during peak foliage weeks in popular areas, November generally sees fewer visitors compared to spring, making it a good choice for your balanced travel experience.

Japan in November has average temperatures of 63°F (high) and 50°F (low). In central and southern locations like Tokyo, you can enjoy comfortable highs and lows while pursuing outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, exploring temples, and visiting gardens.

Embrace the cooler fall weather in the north in places like Hokkaido, where the highs average 46°F and the lows 34°F. You can indulge in cozy pursuits like visiting museums, savoring delicious ramen, or unwinding in relaxing onsens.

Nara • Best Place for Great Weather

When you think of great weather, you may consider warm days with plenty of sun, but Nara’s typical fall weather turns the town into a gorgeous display of gold, auburn, and orange leaves surrounding famous shrines and temples. Few places showcase the vibrant beauty of fall better than the ancient capital city.

During November, the temples, shrines, and deer parks of Nara are serene, allowing plenty of time for leaf peeping and photography. Cool nights also intensify the dazzling palette of autumn colors, meaning early mornings or dusk offer exceptionally stunning light over the red and orange leaves.

Hakone • Best Place for Families with Children

Hakone has a plethora of hot springs, and the iconic views of Mount Fuji become an idyllic retreat to soak up autumn's splendor as a family.

The surrounding mountains drape themselves in vibrant shades of amber, crimson, and gold during November, creating picture-perfect scenes to admire from a cable car with panoramic views or while cruising the rich colors reflected on tranquil Lake Ashi.

Along with relaxation at its famous onsens, your family can appreciate Hakone's natural beauty on a boat ride or gentle hiking trails that showcase the vibrant maple leaves.

Kyoto • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

Kyoto transforms into a magical wonderland during autumn. Stroll through the grounds of ancient temples like Kiyomizu-dera or the fiery red Eikando Temple, then enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in the charming Gion district.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a photographer's dream, and the fall foliage makes it truly enchanting. Take a romantic boat ride down the Hozugawa River for even more idyllic views. As the crimson maple leaves reflect across the waters, couples can soak up the atmosphere hand-in-hand before stopping for a glass of warm sake at a riverside cafe overlooking the colors of fall.

With so many romantic backdrops around Kyoto in November, it's the ultimate honeymoon destination or place to rekindle relationships amid the inspiring beauty.

Shikoku Island • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Largely overlooked by tourists, the island of Shikoku offers a more authentic and peaceful experience of Japan’s fall beauty.

With gorges displaying crimson maples, cycling across bridges connecting scenic islets, and soaking in secluded hot spring baths, Shikoku provides a retreat into nature without the crowds.

Discover farmhouse lodgings, hike through the remote Iya Valley, and roam through villages seemingly frozen in time to embrace the charms of the harvest season.

Witness the Vibrant Fall Foliage

As autumn descends, Japan’s landscapes, from Sapporo to Kyushu, erupt in dazzling fall hues. Follow trails under canopies of crimson leaves in Nikko’s shrines, photograph ancient gardens lit up in Kyoto, or ascend mountain slopes blanketed in warm colors to behold a majestic Mount Fuji framed by fiery foliage. With endless sites across Japan to admire the vivid maple foliage, November invites you to soak up the visual feast and embrace the fleeting beauty of the season.

Enjoy Traditional Illumination Festivals in Kyoto

When night falls in Kyoto, the temples, shrines, and maple trees glow under the soft light of lanterns during light-up events across the city. Against the backdrop of autumn’s vivid foliage, stroll down paths lined with illuminated bamboo, creating a magical tunnel of light. Marvel at the breathtaking juxtaposition of fiery maple leaves and pure white buildings, each gaining a new dimension of beauty as the city is bathed in the warm glow of the illuminations.

Embrace the Typical Seasonal Cuisine of Japan

The autumn chill brings hearty, seasonal specialties to Japan’s tables, like scallop hotpots, sweet potato tempura, and sticky rice cakes. Sip mugs of warming ginger tea as you browse market stalls piled high with persimmons and chestnuts.

Don't miss the chance to savor matsutake mushrooms in steaming sukiyaki, their unique aroma filling the air, or indulge in a sweet treat like wagashi, which is made with fragrant chestnuts and the delicate sweetness of maple syrup.

With pleasant autumn conditions perfect for viewing changing leaves, delicious seasonal cuisine, and fewer crowds than other times of year, November is truly one of the best months for visiting Japan. Cool but comfortable weather allows you to fully embrace the great outdoors and scenic nature across the country as the fall colors crescendo into vibrant displays of red, gold, and orange.

For more inspiration on planning the perfect fall trip, explore our Japan tours or find new ideas and insights with our Japan travel guide.