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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Key points
- Kyoto's autumn colours: Tofuku-ji, Eikando, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera and more — many temples hold evening illuminations.
- More foliage: Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Momijidani on Miyajima, Takachiho Gorge and Mount Takao near Tokyo.
- Autumn flavours: Pacific saury, new-crop rice, persimmons, chestnuts, mushrooms and the first sake of the season.
🌤 Weather and temperature
Tokyo averages about 13 °C with mostly sunny days, though winter is in the air by late November. Hokkaido moves into snow season.
| City | Average temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 5.2 °C | 114 mm |
| Tokyo | 12.5 °C | 96 mm |
| Osaka | 13.8 °C | 72 mm |
| Fukuoka | 14.2 °C | 85 mm |
| Naha | 22.5 °C | 119 mm |
Monthly averages based on Japan Meteorological Agency normals (1991–2020).
🚄 Crowds, holidays and prices
Kyoto at peak foliage (mid to late November) is as crowded and expensive as blossom season. The Culture Day (3 November) and Labour Thanksgiving Day (23 November) weekends are also busy.
🏮 Festivals and events
- Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (Ibaraki · Early November)
One of the three great competitions alongside Omagari. The starmine category is the highlight - Karatsu Kunchi (Saga · November 2–4)
Fourteen giant floats shaped like sea bream, lions and more. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - Saga International Balloon Fiesta (Saga · Late October to early November)
Over 100 hot-air balloons rise from the banks of the Kase River. One of Asia's largest balloon events - Takachiho Yokagura (Miyazaki · Mid-November to early February)
Each village performs all 33 sacred dances through the night. The land of the Amano-Iwato myth - Ohara Festival (Kagoshima · November 2–3)
20,000 dancers move to the "Ohara Bushi" and "Hanya Bushi" folk songs. The largest festival in southern Kyushu
Dates change from year to year; always check the official announcement.
🌸 Flowers and autumn colours
- Naruko Gorge (Miyagi · Late October to early November)
Autumn colour fills a gorge 100 m deep. Trains on the Rikuu East Line make a picture-perfect scene - Nikko Irohazaka and Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi · Mid-October to early November)
48 hairpin bends and Kegon Falls. The range of altitudes stretches the season to a month - Korankei (Aichi · Mid to late November)
Around 4,000 maples along the Tomoe River. The night illuminations are the finest in the Tokai region - Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto · Late November to early December)
Togetsukyo Bridge and a whole mountainside of autumn colour. Sagano scenic railway and Hozu River boat rides - Tofuku-ji Tsutenkyo Bridge (Kyoto · Late November)
Look down from the bridge on 2,000 maples filling the Sengyokukan ravine - Mount Takao (Tokyo · Mid to late November)
An hour from central Tokyo and the most-climbed mountain in the world, with 3 million hikers a year - Yabakei Gorge (Hitome Hakkei) (Oita · Early to mid-November)
Strange rock formations and autumn leaves. "Hitome Hakkei" means eight views taken in at a single glance - Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie · Late October to May (illumination); tulips in spring)
One of Japan's largest winter illuminations, plus tulip and begonia gardens in spring
🍣 Seasonal food and traditions
- Seafood in season: Snow crab (season opens), flounder, yellowtail
- Produce in season: Napa cabbage, burdock, mikan, yuzu, lotus root
- Traditions and daily life: Culture Day, Ritto (first day of winter), Shichi-go-san (15th), Tori-no-ichi fairs, Labour Thanksgiving Day, autumn leaves (Kanto to Kyushu)
📍 Where to go this month
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The 13 m 'stage' is built from interlocking timber without a single nail. Kyoto's most-visited temple, famous for cherry-blossom and autumn illuminations.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A 400 m path walled by 20 m bamboo. The rustling has been named one of Japan's '100 Soundscapes'.
Kenroku-en Garden
One of Japan's three great gardens. In winter, cone-shaped 'yukitsuri' ropes protect the pines from snow.
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Takachiho Gorge
Row a boat through a gorge of columnar basalt carved by Aso's lava, beneath the 17 m Manai Falls. At night, traditional kagura dances are performed.
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Itsukushima Shrine
A great torii standing in the sea. At high tide the whole shrine seems to float; at low tide you can walk out to the gate.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A three-storey pavilion covered in about 20 kg of gold leaf, mirrored in the pond. Magical on a snowy day.
🧳 What to pack
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Layers: September is still summer, November is almost winter
- Check typhoon forecasts in September
- Autumn leaves peak mid to late November: book lodging early
- Comfortable walking shoes
💡 Travel tip
In Kyoto, go before 8 am or to the evening illuminations to beat the crowds, and book accommodation months ahead.
🗓 Other months
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
Frequently asked questions
When do Kyoto's autumn leaves peak?
Usually from mid November to early December, shifting by about a week depending on the year; check the foliage reports.
Is Japan cold in November?
Days in Tokyo and Kyoto are pleasant at around 15 °C, but mornings and evenings are chilly; bring a light coat or jacket.
