Japan in November

Autumn leaves in Kyoto and Tokyo: excellent weather, peak hotel prices mid-to-late month.

• Hokkaidō · Sapporo, Nisekocool

  Snow Dec–Mar (ski season); the only main region without a real rainy season.

• Honshū cities · Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshimabest weather

  Rainy season June to mid-July; humid heat July–August; typhoon risk peaks in September.

• Okinawa · Naha, Ishigakibest weather

  Subtropical; rainy season May–June, typhoons July–September.

• Kansai: Kyoto / Osaka · Kansai basin and baybest weather

  Rainy season (tsuyu) June to mid-July; Kyoto's basin holds heat — 35 °C+ days in August; typhoons Aug–Sep can shut KIX for a day.

• Kyoto17° / 8°, 8 rain days
• Osaka18° / 10°, 6 rain days
• Tokyo17° / 9°, 8 rain days
• Nagoya17° / 8°, 7 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Autumn leaves (kōyō)

  Mid-Nov – early Dec

  Kyoto temples crowded and hotels at peak prices; night illuminations add evening crowds.

• Autumn leaves and illuminations check

  Mid-November to December · Osaka

  Ginkgo turns gold along Midōsuji; light displays from Umeda to Namba.

• Tokyo International Film Festival check

  Late October – early November (check) · Tokyo

  Screenings with English subtitles; open to the public.

• Tori-no-ichi fairs check

  Rooster days in November (two or three a year) · Tokyo

  Night fairs selling decorated bamboo rakes for luck; crowded late into the night.

• Winter illuminations

  Mid-November to December or February · Tokyo

  Free light displays along main streets; crowded on weekends before Christmas.

Crowds · Japan

High

Prices · Japan

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• Honshū cities

  Best weather of the year (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima)

• Okinawa

  Best weather of the year (Naha, Ishigaki)

• Kyoto

  Autumn-leaf peak; mornings only in Higashiyama/Arashiyama.

• Osaka

  Leaves at the castle park.

• Tokyo

  Leaves late November.

• Nagoya

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov

• Fukuoka

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (mild, before/after the rains)

• Hiroshima

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (mild, cherry blossom or autumn colour)

• Yokohama

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (mild, and clearer harbour views)

• Nara

  Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov (cherry blossom or autumn colour in the park)