The Charm of Japan in November | Introducing Events and Popular Spots

November in Japan is a time when the seasons transition from autumn to winter, with climates varying greatly by region. In urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, the days are pleasant while mornings and evenings become significantly cooler, and Hokkaido begins to receive news of snow. During this period, atmospheric phenomena characteristic of Japan’s seasonal beauty can be observed, as reflected in seasonal words like “kogarashi” (cold winter wind) and “shigure” (sudden shower).

In November, autumn foliage reaches its peak across the nation, with vibrant landscapes captivating tourists in Kyoto and Tokyo. Additionally, traditional events and festivals such as the Fire Walking Festival, Gion Odori, and the Grand Sumo Tournament Fukuoka Basho are held in various locations, offering deep experiences of Japanese culture. Here, we introduce tourist destinations to visit in Japan during November.

もみじ回廊の奥の細道エリアは色付きのピークを迎え、落葉が始まっています。
メインエリアも見頃の木が増え、内側も赤色が見え始めました🍁
なお、紅葉まつりは11月24日の富士山マラソン準備の関係で11月20日で終了となり、それ以降はライトアップは行いませんのでご承知おきください。#紅葉まつりpic.twitter.com/ctwSCHeUVV

— 富士河口湖町観光情報【公式】 (@fk_kankou) November 18, 2024

November in Japan is a season transitioning from autumn to winter. In cities on Honshu such as Tokyo and Osaka, average temperatures are around 10-17°C, with pleasant daytime weather while mornings and evenings become significantly cooler. In Hokkaido’s Sapporo, temperatures drop to 0-8°C, with snow sometimes beginning to fall in late November. Meanwhile, Okinawa maintains a warm climate at 18-24°C with relatively comfortable weather continuing.

During this period, cold northern winds called “kogarashi” blow, and rain called “shigure” can be seen on the Sea of Japan side. Conversely, “koharu-biyori” (pleasant Indian summer weather) sometimes occurs when the cold temporarily moderates, providing many perfect days for sightseeing.

Autumn foliage reaches its peak nationwide, allowing visitors to enjoy vibrant landscapes at places like Arashiyama in Kyoto and Meiji Shrine Outer Garden in Tokyo. Since temperature differences vary greatly by region in November, it’s important to prepare clothing appropriate for your destination when planning travel.

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In November, traditional ceremonies and special seasonal events are held throughout Japan. Hiroshima’s Fire Walking Festival is known as a Buddhist ritual, while Kyoto’s Gion Odori is a dance performance by geiko and maiko that’s popular with tourists. Additionally, Fukuoka hosts the November Grand Sumo Tournament, captivating sumo fans from both domestic and international audiences.

The ability to experience regionally distinctive festivals and performing arts during the peak autumn foliage season is a unique charm of November. Here, we’ll explain each event in detail.

The “Fire Walking Festival (Itsukushima Great Buddha Fudo Myoo Grand Festival)” held at Daisho-in Temple on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture is a Buddhist ceremony held annually on November 3rd.

Starting at 1:00 PM, the “Saitō Dai-Goma-ku” ritual is performed, burning prayer sticks to pray for the good health and fulfillment of wishes for worshippers. This is followed by the “Fire Walking Ceremony” around 2:00 PM, where participants walk barefoot over the remaining burning charcoal, known as a ritual demonstrating devotion to Fudo Myoo.

Tourists can participate if they wish, and tea and sweets are served on the temple grounds. This participatory event creates special memories while offering a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.

“Gion Odori,” held in Gion Higashi, one of Kyoto’s five geisha districts, is a splendid stage performance representing autumn in Kyoto. Held for ten days from November 1st at Gion Kaikan, it features dance performances by geiko and maiko in nagauta and kiyomoto styles, concluding with Gion Higashi Kouta. The programs are composed of original scripts each time, with the characteristic that the four seasons of Gion can be felt throughout the stage.

This is the only performance staged in autumn among the five geisha districts, becoming a regular event for domestic and international tourists to enjoy alongside autumn colors in Kyoto. It’s a must-see event for those wanting to experience elegant and traditional Japanese culture.

The “Grand Sumo Tournament Fukuoka Basho” held from November 10th to 24th at Fukuoka Kokusai Center is the final tournament of the six annual official tournaments. Over 15 days, wrestlers from yokozuna to makushita engage in intense battles, drawing significant attention as the year’s concluding matches.

The venue is located in the city center, and after watching, visitors can enjoy Hakata’s gourmet cuisine and hot springs. With luck, you might even spot wrestlers around town. This is a special opportunity to experience both sports viewing and Japanese culture simultaneously, making it a recommended event even for tourists new to sumo.

朝晩は肌寒くなってきました😲

秋の気配を感じます。

去年(2020年)の嵐山の紅葉写真です🍁

今年の色づきが楽しみです！局員

#そう京事務局pic.twitter.com/owXpiRPzKe

— そうだ 京都、行こう。事務局【JR東海公式】 (@souda_kyouto) October 12, 2021

November in Japan marks the peak of autumn foliage, with tourist destinations across the country gaining attention where visitors can simultaneously enjoy nature and culture. Here, we introduce four Japanese tourist spots to visit in November.

Arashiyama, a representative tourist destination in Kyoto, is one of the especially recommended autumn foliage spots in November. Visitors can enjoy autumn colors while walking through Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Grove Path, and from Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area, they can overlook the Hozu River and surrounding mountains.

Even more popular is the “Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Romantic Train).” Running 7.3 kilometers in about 25 minutes, passengers can enjoy the nearby canyon beauty colored in red and orange from the train windows. Along the river, visitors can also experience walking in Hozu Gorge and river boat rides, with landscapes where nature and culture harmonize coloring the journey.

For those wanting to enjoy Kyoto’s history and autumn foliage simultaneously, Arashiyama is the ideal tourist destination.

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Meiji Shrine Outer Garden becomes one of the capital’s premier autumn foliage spots in November. The 300-meter tree-lined avenue features 146 ginkgo trees over 100 years old arranged in order, creating a golden tunnel in mid-November. The yellow leaves spreading overhead and those carpeting the ground create a scene like a painting.

The annually held “Jingu Gaien Icho Festival” features local gourmet food stalls and stage events, bustling with tourists. With good access from Shinjuku and Shibuya, it’s also attractive as a spot to drop by between shopping and sightseeing.

This is a uniquely Tokyo place where visitors can experience the beauty of nature in the center of a major city.

Lake Kawaguchi is particularly popular among the Fuji Five Lakes as a tourist destination, gaining attention in November as a place where visitors can simultaneously enjoy autumn foliage and Mount Fuji’s spectacular views. The annually held “Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival” colors the lakeside “Momiji Corridor” in red and orange, with nighttime illumination creating a fantastical atmosphere.

The “Momiji Tunnel,” about a 15-minute drive from the main venue, is also a popular photography spot where visitors can capture the beautiful contrast between Mount Fuji and autumn foliage in photos. Using the loop bus, visitors can also extend to Lake Saiko and Lake Yamanaka, fully enjoying the nature of the Fuji Five Lakes. The charm of Lake Kawaguchi lies in its good access from the city center and ability to accommodate various plans from day trips to overnight stays.

Hakone, famous as a hot spring destination, is an excellent spot for simultaneously enjoying autumn foliage and tourism when visited in November. The surrounding mountains are colored in red and golden hues, with cable cars and ropeways offering panoramic views of the magnificent landscape. At Lake Ashi, boat tours are popular for viewing autumn foliage and Mount Fuji reflected on the lake surface.

During autumn foliage season, hiking courses are also attractive, with routes accessible to families and beginners being well-maintained. The major attraction is being able to leisurely heal fatigue at various hot spring inns after sightseeing.

Hakone also has museums and historical buildings scattered throughout, allowing visitors to enjoy both nature and culture. Hakone, where healing and tourism can be balanced, is recommended as an autumn travel destination for a wide range of generations.

November in Japan is a season where autumn foliage, traditional events, and regionally different climates harmonize to offer diverse attractions to travelers. Natural and tourism-fused spots are spread throughout the country, including Arashiyama’s autumn foliage, Mount Fuji viewed from Lake Kawaguchi, the golden tree-lined avenue of Meiji Shrine Outer Garden, and Hakone where hot springs and culture can be enjoyed.

Furthermore, events like Gion Odori and the Fire Walking Festival allow visitors to experience Japanese traditional performing arts and faith up close, making travel memories even richer. While clothing preparation is essential due to large temperature differences, the ability to experience the distinctive climate and scenery of each region is also a unique charm of November.

For those wanting to simultaneously enjoy natural beauty and cultural experiences, November in Japan can be said to be an ideal travel destination.

*This article is based on information available as of September 2025.