Japan Weather in November 2026: Foliage Timing & Travel Tips

Curated by Cynthia Li Updated Oct. 30, 2026
Find Japan's hidden gems with me.

The weather in Japan in November is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 64°F (7°C to 18°C). It marks the transition from autumn to winter.

November is the best time to see maple leaves in Japan. Kyoto, Tokyo, and the Mount Fuji area are great spots to enjoy the fall colors. It is peak travel season, so prices are higher, and early booking is recommended.

Below, you'll find information on average temperatures, rainfall, and travel tips for November in Japan.

Japan Weather in November—What It Actually Feels Like

November is one of the driest months of the year on Japan's main island. Our travelers through mid-November consistently report the same thing: weeks of sunshine and "not a single day of rain."

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 1991–2020 normals.

In Central Japan, mornings are cold, and afternoons are very comfortable.

Daytime runs 15–18°C (59–64°F). It is dry, sunny, and no humidity—the perfect hiking weather.

But nights drop to 7–9°C (45–48°F), a 10-degree daily swing. You need a real jacket for dinner, not just the light layer for the airport.

Indoors is hot. Trains, malls, and hotels run heated well before winter. You'll shed layers within minutes of stepping inside, so pack in layers you can strip quickly, not one heavy coat.

Sunset is at 16:30. In Tokyo, it falls from 16:46 on November 1 to 16:28 by month's end; Kyoto is a few minutes later. So plan outdoors before mid-afternoon, and save night illuminations for the evening.

Fall Foliage in November: When and Where to See It

This is the month for fall foliage. But the colors turn red from the north to the south and from higher places to cities. A common mistake is assuming Kyoto is covered in red leaves from November 1. See below for the timing and top places for fall foliage this month.

What If You Arrive Before the Peak?

Don't worry. You can head uphill to find fall colors. Every 1,000 meters of elevation moves the color up about a week.

Mt. Takao turns a week or two before Tokyo’s gardens. Around Kyoto, Kurama and Ohara peak one to two weeks before the downtown temples.

If you can only travel in the first half of the month, aim for Nikko, Takao, or Hakone, not Kyoto's city temples.

Tokyo—Late-November Color Plus the First Illuminations

Lighting in Tokyo

In Tokyo, maples at Rikugien Gardens peak in late November. The Ginkgo Avenue outside Meiji Shrine (146 trees, a 300-meter golden tunnel) turns at the end of the month.

Winter illuminations start this month. You will see the dazzling blue, white, and orange lights at Roppongi Hills, Marunouchi's champagne-gold avenue (close to Tokyo Station), and Yomiuri Land.

Disney's Christmas season starts in early this month. You will enjoy the festive Christmas decorations inside the Disney resort.

Kyoto—The Classic Autumn Place

Kyoto is the heart of your November trip. Old temples surrounded by red leaves are many people's dreams to come to Japan.

Kyoto's autumn colors move from the mountains to the city: early November for the mountains. In the city, it comes in the last week of the month (the JMC put the peak date as Dec. 11, 2026). Match the temples with your week as follows:

Kyoto is crowded in the fall season. So start your trip early, before 8:00 am. Fushimi Inari Taisha at 7:30 AM is almost empty.

Also visit the famous sites early in the morning, then spend the most crowded period (11 am-2 pm) on lunch or indoor activities. Finish your day with the illuminations (starting around 5:30 pm) at Eikando.

For a quiet experience, plan day trips to Uji or Kibune. 

For an immersive trip, visit Myoshinji for Zen experiences like meditation or sutra copying at Saihoji.

Saihō-ji Temple

Hokkaido and Northern Japan: Early Skiing

Skiing in Hokkaido

You will experience two seasons in this month—fall colors in the cities and snow views on the mountains.

Fall colors peak in cities the first few days in Sapporo and Otaru. Mountains such as Daisetsuzan and Niseko wear their first snow. 

For a classic autumn walk, head to Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Avenue.

Ski season starts late in the month. From 11/20, ski resorts open. Sapporo Kokusai and Sapporo Teine open first. Niseko, Rusutsu, and Kiroro follow toward the end of the month

The weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10°C (32 to 50°F). 

November in Hokkaido is the off-season, with few travelers and off-season hotels. 

For a full winter experience, check out this 14-Day Japan Highlights and Skiing in Hokkaido.

Okinawa and Southern Japan: Sunny and Cool

Playing Water Sports in Okinawa

As the wet season has passed, you could explore southern Japan with dry and warm weather of around 64–75°F (18–24°C).

The waters around Okinawa are still suitable for snorkeling and diving. During the day, the water temperature is about 72°F (22°C). If you're planning to swim, consider wearing a wetsuit to ward off the chill.

Besides the water activities, you could wander around the castles and streets with fewer crowds. For anniversaries or second honeymoons, take a sunset cruise and spend some private, romantic hours with your partner!

Keep Reading: Discover Okinawa Like a Local

5 Best Places to Visit in Japan in November

Autumn colors usually top the things-to-see bucket list for a November Japan trip. 

If you're travelling with kids, tame deer in Nara Park near Kyoto could be a highlight. For a natural hit, Nikko National Park north of Tokyo is a good place to enjoy outdoor fun.

To discover Japan at a comfortable pace, you might need at least 2 weeks.

1. Hakone: View Mt. Fuji from a Ryokan Inn with Private Hot Springs

Beautiful Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji in Autumn Season

By early November, the hillsides around Lake Ashi are ablaze with autumn colors.

Mt. Fuji is often clearly visible in the morning, with visibility reaching over 80% (according to the 2025 camera record). The best time for clear views is 10-11 a.m. from Lake Ashi.

You could capture a postcard-perfect shot: colorful leaves, Mt. Fuji, and bright skies in one frame. 

Hakone is a perfect stop between Tokyo and Kyoto. Slow down. Relax. Book a ryokan with a private bath. Enjoy the hot spring and kaiseki dinner here. 

Make your stay even more memorable with our 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Including Hakone Leisure.

2. Nara: Encounter Roaming Deer Under Autumn Trees

Feeding deer in Nara Park

Nara is a famous family destination in Japan, just 45 minutes by bullet train from Kyoto. Within its calming atmosphere, you and your kids could feed and interact with freely roaming deer in Nara Park.

History comes to life in the Todai-ji temple, the oldest and largest temple in Nara. In late November, this ancient temple becomes more impressive when decorated by autumn colors.

3. Nikko: Go for Outdoor Activities

Kegon Falls, in Nikko National Park, is surrounded by stunning seasonal landscapes.

Nikko National Park is an outdoor paradise with sacred temples, breathtaking waterfalls, and forested slopes.

Unlike in Tokyo or Kyoto, autumn foliage in Nikko peaks in early November. Away from the major cities, you could enjoy the beautiful scenery more peacefully.

You can wander through temples and parks strewn with colorful leaves or hike through the mountains to see the autumn colors. You could also admire its beauty from cable cars.

4. Shikoku: Mild Weather for Hiking and Onsen

Hoshin Dōjō, the First Stage of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Shikoku in November offers perfect weather (with temperatures of 63-67°F) for pilgrimage hiking and hot spring relaxation. Mid- to late November is the best time to enjoy autumn foliage in Shikoku, especially in the hidden valley gorges.

Having walked sections of the 88-temple pilgrimage myself, I recommend combining your hike with a visit to Dogo Onsen town or a nearby valley. This way, you can enjoy Buddhist culture while relaxing and easing your fatigue.

Dōgo Onsen

Dogo Onsen Town is a 3,000-year-old hot spring town in Matsuyama that inspired Miyazaki's animation. Enjoy an authentic Japanese onsen experience, soak in the baths, and stroll the streets in a yukata at night.

Nature lovers shouldn't miss Iya Valley in Tokushima, one of Japan's "three hidden regions" for autumn colors. Cross the vine bridge over emerald waters, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves. After exploring the valley, try the fresh river fish in a meal at a small restaurant on-site.

5. Fukuoka: Sumo Wrestling Tournament

Watching Sumo Wrestling

Fukuoka holds a sumo tournament every November. Many new wrestlers compete for the first time. You could experience the lively atmosphere and see spectators waving small cheering flags. After the tournament, you could indulge in a local specialty, sumo hot pot, and explore Fukuoka's local delicacies such as Hakata ramen, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and motsunabe (beef or pork offal hot pot).

To learn more about experiencing sumo in Japan, visit our Sumo Wrestling in Japan.

How to Dress in November

Dress for a 10-degree daily swing, not a monthly average.

Early November (Tokyo/Kyoto around 17–19°C/63–66°F days): long sleeves plus a light jacket or cardigan. You'll carry the jacket more than wear it.

Late November  (15–16°C / 59–61°F days, 7–8°C / 45–46°F nights): sweater or fleece plus a real coat. A thin down or a lined coat earns its place; a scarf does more than an extra shirt, as the wind makes it colder.

For night illuminations and temple queues: you'll stand still in the cold, which is colder than walking. So pack a proper coat, gloves, and a hat. Disposable heat packs (kairo) are handy, too. You can pick them up at convenience stores for around ¥100–300.

Temples are unheated, and you'll take your shoes off, so wear thick socks. 

The layering logic: base layer you'd be happy in at noon indoors, mid layer for the street, outer layer you can strip in two seconds. Interiors run warm; you will overheat in a heavy sweater on the subway or in restaurants. 

With our private tour, our guide can make a quick convenience-store stop if you want to pick up what you need. 

How to Avoid the Crowds in Kyoto? 

These tips come from our own experience and dozens of real travelers’ reports.

• Start early. Arrive before 8 a.m. You’ll find many temples still almost empty.
• Visit popular temples first thing in the morning. Save quieter spots and activities like tea ceremonies or kimono experiences for the rest of the day.
• Consider these quiet temples: Daikaku-ji, Enko-ji, and Nanzen-ji.
• Head north for quieter experiences: explore Kifune Shrine, Sanzen-in, and Lake Biwa, north of central Kyoto. They make a good day trip along the same route.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Japan

Learn about the weather in Japan for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.

Exploring Japan with Japan Highlights

At Japan Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We will be happy to personalize your private Japan tour that offers you an unforgettable Japan autumn!

Get inspiration from the below hands-on itineraries. All of them could be customized to your interests/schedule within 24 hours!

• 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour (Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto)
• 10 Days in Japan: A Romantic Autumn Escape for 2026