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Is November the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?
November ranks as Tokyo's second-best month after April's cherry blossoms. You get spectacular autumn colors without extreme temperatures. The weather stays dry 70% of the time. Mountain views, including Mt. Fuji, appear crystal clear on most mornings.
The downsides? Major foliage spots like Rikugien Gardens see hour-long entry lines on weekends. Book accommodations 4-6 months ahead for decent prices.
Visit Japan in November: Weather, Fall Foliage Forecast 2025
Tokyo's November Weather Overview: Crisp, Comfortable & Sunny
| Week | High | Low | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1-7 | 66°F (19°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 2-3 |
| Nov 8-14 | 63°F (17°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 2-3 |
| Nov 15-21 | 59°F (15°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 3-4 |
| Nov 22-30 | 57°F (14°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 3-4 |
November in Tokyo offers crisp, comfortable autumn weather, making it an excellent time to visit. Daily high temperatures average around 17°C (63°F), with lows dropping to about 9°C (48°F) in the evenings.
It is one of the driest and sunniest months, with low rainfall and many clear, blue-sky days.
Autumn Season in Japan: Fall Foliage Spots & Itineraries (2025 Forecast)
When & Where to See Peak Autumn Foliage in Tokyo November
Tokyo's autumn show starts in late October but peaks dramatically from November 20-30.
You can enjoy beautiful colors throughout the month. If arriving in early to mid-November, head to higher elevations like Mt. Takao or see the brilliant yellow ginkgo trees, which often turn color before the maples.
By late November, central Tokyo parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien Garden are spectacular.
For a wider trip, plan your timeline from higher to lower elevations; start with mountain areas, then visit Tokyo and Kyoto, as their peaks often coincide in late November.
Best Dates for Autumn Colors in Tokyo - Early Predictions
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Best dates for yellow foliage: November 26
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Best dates for red foliage: November 30th
Tokyo's Autumn Peak: 3 Must-See Spots for Foliage in Mid-to-Late November
Meiji Jingu Gaien steals the show with its 300-meter avenue of 146 ginkgo trees. Visit November 25-December 5 for peak golden color. The trees form a perfect yellow tunnel that photographers dream about.
Rikugien Gardens delivers Tokyo's most romantic autumn experience. These Edo-period strolling gardens explode with maple colors from mid-November. The real magic happens after dark during the special illumination period (November 22-December 4).
They light up the maples from below, creating a fairyland of glowing red and orange leaves reflected in the central pond.
Shinjuku Gyoen combines three garden styles—Japanese, French, and English—each with distinct autumn personalities. The Japanese garden's maples peak around November 20. The French garden's plane trees turn golden by mid-month.
2 Perfect Spots Near Tokyo for Early November Foliage (Mountain Area)
Mt. Takao offers Tokyo's most accessible mountain foliage, just 50 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Trail 1 stays paved and easy, while Trail 4 offers quieter forest paths. Peak colors hit mid-November at the summit, late November at the base.
Showa Memorial Park in western Tokyo spans 165 hectares with two must-see ginkgo areas. The Canal Ginkgo Avenue stretches 200 meters with 106 trees forming a golden cathedral.
The separate Sports Plaza Ginkgo Road adds another 300 meters of yellow magnificence.
4 Best Day Trips and Regional Autumn Experiences from Tokyo
- Nikko: World Heritage Meets Autumn Splendor
- Hakone: Hot Springs and Mountain Views
- Kawaguchiko: Fuji's Autumn Frame
Nikko: Nikko delivers Japan's most dramatic autumn colors. The UNESCO World Heritage shrines sit amid mountains that explode with color from late October through mid-November.
Start at Toshogu Shrine, where gold leaf decorations compete with nature's golden maples. The famous "See No Evil" monkeys look even better framed by fall colors.
Lake Chuzenji sits 1,269 meters up, surrounded by mountains painted red and gold. The Akechidaira Ropeway (¥740 round-trip) lifts you to a panoramic viewpoint.
Hakone: Hakone combines three November treats: autumn colors, hot springs, and Mt. Fuji views. The Hakone Open-Air Museum displays sculptures against autumn mountains. Don't miss the foot bath (ashiyu)—free with admission, overlooking the valley's fall colors.
Lake Ashi's pirate ships seem touristy but deliver spectacular views. The 30-minute cruise from Togendai to Hakone-machi passes Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) with foreground autumn forests.
Kawaguchiko: The Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (November 1-23) celebrates maples around Lake Kawaguchi's north shore. The two-kilometer Momiji Tunnel creates a red ceiling over the walking path.
Tokyo Tourist Attractions | Things to Do & Places to Visit in Tokyo
November Illuminations and Evening Experiences
Tokyo's illumination season kicks off in November, transforming the city into a glittering wonderland after dark.
Tokyo Skytree Town launches "Dream Christmas" on November 7, featuring Germany's authentic Christmas market. The Skytree itself projects special lighting patterns visible citywide.
Yomiuriland amusement park creates magic with 6 million LEDs from mid-November. Their "Jewel Illumination" includes a 250-meter light tunnel and fountain shows every 15 minutes. Worth it for the illuminated Ferris wheel views over Tokyo's sparkling sprawl.
Tokyo Mega Illumination at Oi Racecourse (November 2-January 12) claims Japan's largest display. The Edo-themed zones recreate historical Tokyo in lights.
Caretta Shiodome starts November 15 with free Disney-themed shows every 20 minutes from 5-11 PM.
Indoor Alternatives for Rainy November Days (The Museum is the Star)
Tokyo's museums and indoor attractions shine when weather disappoints.
TeamLab Borderless in Odaiba creates digital art you walk through—perfect for gray days. Samurai Museum in Shinjuku combines armor displays with sword demonstrations and photo opportunities.
Tokyo National Museum in Ueno (¥1,000) houses Japan's finest art collection. Their November special exhibitions often feature autumn themes in historical paintings.
Department stores become destinations themselves. Ginza Six spreads art installations throughout its floors. Shibuya Parco targets younger crowds with pop-up shops and trendy cafes.
What to Wear in Tokyo in November? Tokyo Outfit in November Tips
Master the three-layer system for November comfort. Start with a breathable base layer (cotton or merino wool shirt). Add a middle layer like a light sweater or cardigan. Top with a windbreaker or light jacket. This combo handles Tokyo's 20-degree daily temperature swings perfectly.
Skip heavy winter coats—buildings blast heat indoors. Choose slip-on shoes since you'll remove them frequently at temples and restaurants.
| Essential Packing List | |
|---|---|
| 2-3 long-sleeve shirts | 1-2 sweaters or fleeces |
| 1 light jacket (water-resistant ideal) | Jeans or comfortable pants |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Light scarf for evening warmth |
Tokyo November Festivals & Events: Tori-no-Ichi Fair & More
| Event Name | Typical Dates | Location(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tori-no-Ichi Fair | Two or three specific days in November | Ohtori Shrine, Hanazono Shrine, etc. | 24-hour festival to buy good-luck rakes (kumade) for business prosperity |
| Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival | Mid-Nov to early Dec | Ginkgo Avenue (Meiji Jingu Gaien) | Festival celebrating a famous avenue of golden ginkgo trees |
| Hachioji Ginkgo Festival | Mid-November weekend | Hachioji City | A large community festival celebrating hundreds of ginkgo trees with parades, performances, and local food. |
| Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival | Throughout November | Mt. Takao | Weekend events and performances celebrating the peak autumn foliage on a popular hiking mountain. |
| Winter Illuminations | Starts early to mid-Nov | Marunouchi, Tokyo Midtown, Shinjuku, etc. | The start of spectacular city-wide light displays |
Tokyo in November: 10 Seasonal Foods You Can't Miss
November brings Japan's most anticipated autumn flavors to Tokyo's tables.
Matsutake mushrooms command astronomical prices (¥10,000+ per serving) but deliver unforgettable earthly aromatics. Try them at department store food halls where free samples let you taste before splurging.
Pacific saury (sanma) reaches peak fattiness in November—look for blue-smoke clouds outside izakayas grilling these silver fish with grated daikon and sudachi citrus. Taste Your Way Through Japan >>
Must Try Food in Japan: 20 Unique Japan Food & Cuisine in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.. 2025
Tokyo in November: Crowds, Costs, and Is It Worth It?
November is NOT a budget season for Tokyo travel. As autumn foliage peaks in mid-to-late November, it's actually the second most expensive time after cherry blossom season.
Hotels in popular areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya often charge premium rates, especially around famous viewing spots like Rikugien Garden and Meiji Jingu Gaien. Crowds flock to see the golden ginkgo trees and red maples.
However, you can still manage costs by booking accommodations in neighboring prefectures like Saitama or Chiba, visiting on weekdays rather than weekends, or considering early November before peak foliage with crowds.
Group tours through companies like Asia Odyssey Travel may help reduce costs through bulk bookings and included transportation.
How to Plan a Tokyo November Trip: With Itinerary
To maximize your November trip, planning your itinerary around the autumn foliage timeline is a brilliant strategy.
Consider starting your explorations in areas north of Tokyo or at higher elevations, like Nikko, where colors often peak earlier in the month, before moving to the city center.
A 7-day trip is ideal for a first visit. We suggest dedicating 2-3 days to Tokyo's main districts and another 3-4 days for stunning excursions.
For a longer trip, extending your journey to include Kyoto is highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors, as its historic temples provide a beautiful contrast to modern Tokyo.
his sample itinerary follows that logic, blending urban exploration with nature's peak beauty:
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival
Day 2: Tokyo Tour (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Tsukiji Fish Market, Senso-ji Temple)
Day 3: Tokyo Free Day
Day 4: Tokyo to Nikko World Heritage Tour (Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Shinkyo Bridge)
Day 5: Nikko Nature Tour to Tokyo (Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls)
Day 6: Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Tokyo (Arakurayama Sengen Park, Lake Kawaguchi (with Cruise), Momiji Corridor)
Day 7: Tokyo Departure
Tokyo Itineraries | Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Tokyo Japan
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