Japan in November 2025: Festivals, Foliage, and Cultural Highlights

November is one of the best times to visit Japan. The air turns crisp, the landscapes glow in shades of gold and crimson, and the country comes alive with festivals that celebrate nature, food, and tradition. From ancient rituals in Kyoto to street parades in Tokyo, this is a month when every region of Japan has something special to offer.

Below, you’ll find a full overview of what makes November unique, along with links to the major events, festivals, and regional highlights that define Japan during this spectacular season.

Why Visit Japan in November

November sits at the heart of autumn, known locally as aki. It’s when Japan’s famous momiji (maple leaves) reach their peak and the countryside glows with fiery reds and warm golds. The weather is generally mild and dry, offering clear skies ideal for sightseeing and photography.

Average daytime temperatures range from 18–20°C in Tokyo and Osaka, dropping to around 10°C in the north. In Hokkaido and mountain areas, early snow may already dust the peaks, while the southern regions of Kyushu still enjoy gentle warmth.

Beyond the scenery, November is full of cultural and culinary activity. It’s the season of shokuyoku no aki—the “season of appetite”—when food festivals celebrate new harvests and regional flavors. Two national holidays, Culture Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day, punctuate the month with parades, art exhibitions, and traditional ceremonies.

National Holidays and Cultural Traditions

Japan celebrates two national holidays in November that shape much of its festival calendar.

Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) – November 3
Established in 1948, Culture Day promotes peace, freedom, and appreciation of the arts. In Tokyo, it coincides with the Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival, where visitors can see martial arts displays, Yabusame archery on horseback, and Noh theatre performances. Many museums and cultural venues across the country offer free or discounted entry during this time.

Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) – November 23
Rooted in the ancient imperial harvest ritual Niiname-sai, this modern holiday is dedicated to gratitude for work and production. It’s often celebrated quietly, but in agricultural regions like Niigata or rural Kyushu, harvest-themed events and food fairs mark the occasion.

Another November highlight is Shichi-Go-San, the family festival held around November 15. Parents dress their children—girls aged three and seven, boys aged five—in colorful kimono and visit Shinto shrines for blessings. For travelers, it offers a charming glimpse into Japanese family life, especially at major shrines such as Meiji Jingu in Tokyo or Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka.

The Beauty of Autumn: Momijigari and Foliage Festivals

November marks the peak of momijigari, the cherished tradition of “maple leaf hunting.” Across Japan, parks, mountains, and temples are illuminated with the glow of red maples and golden ginkgo trees.

Some of the country’s most stunning foliage events include:

• Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Kyoto): A riverside celebration with Heian-period boats drifting along the Oi River.

• Kawaguchiko Momiji Festival (Mount Fuji): A month-long event where fiery maples reflect in Lake Kawaguchi beneath snow-capped Fuji.

• Minoh Falls Autumn Festival (Osaka): A short train ride from the city, combining waterfalls, nature walks, and the unique snack momiji tempura—deep-fried maple leaves.

• Rikugien Garden Illumination (Tokyo): Nighttime light displays in one of Tokyo’s most elegant Edo-era gardens.

• Hachioji Ginkgo Festival (Tokyo): A community event celebrating 770 ginkgo trees that line a golden four-kilometre avenue near Mount Takao.

These events reveal the diversity of Japan’s autumn: from mountain trails and temple gardens to city streets lined with glowing foliage.

Food and Drink: The Season of Appetite

Autumn in Japan is not only about the colors—it’s also about flavor. November is nicknamed shokuyoku no aki, meaning “season of appetite,” and many cities host large-scale food festivals celebrating regional cuisine and seasonal ingredients.

In Tokyo, Hibiya Park’s SAKANA & JAPAN Festival showcases the country’s seafood culture with tuna-cutting shows, ramen, rice bowls, and grilled scallops. The Kanda Curry Grand Prix crowns the best curry restaurant in the capital, while the Yamanashi Nouveau Festival marks the release of Japan’s new wine on November 3.

Further north, Niigata’s Uonumarche festival honors the new rice harvest with live cooking and rice-ball tastings, while local markets in Kyoto and Osaka feature roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and steaming bowls of udon.

Whether you’re exploring a bustling Tokyo park or a countryside fair, November offers an endless parade of flavors to sample.

City Highlights: Where to Go in November 2025

Tokyo
Japan’s capital blends tradition and modernity in its November lineup. The Tori-no-Ichi Festival in Asakusa and Shinjuku draws crowds seeking lucky charms for prosperity, while the Rikugien Illumination and Hachioji Ginkgo Festival capture the city’s autumnal beauty. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the SAKANA & JAPAN Festival and the Japan Local Ramen Championship in Shinjuku.

Kyoto
The cultural heart of Japan glows in scarlet during the Arashiyama Momiji Festival. Visitors can also enjoy Gion Odori, an annual dance performance by Kyoto’s geiko and maiko. Many temples, including Eikando and Kiyomizu-dera, hold evening illuminations where maple leaves shimmer against ancient architecture.

Osaka
In November, Osaka contrasts bright city life with natural tranquility. The Minoh Falls Festival celebrates nature just outside the city, while the Osaka Castle Park Illuminations transform the historic site into a glowing night spectacle. At Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the Chrysanthemum Festival and Shichi-Go-San coincide, blending floral art and family tradition.

Other Regions
Beyond the major cities, Japan’s regional beauty shines through. The Kawaguchiko Momiji Festival near Mount Fuji offers postcard-perfect views of Fuji framed by red leaves. In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival transforms Odori Park into a floral exhibition, while Fukuoka’s Nomiyama Kannonji Temple provides a serene setting for viewing maple leaves in Kyushu’s gentle autumn light.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Weather and Clothing: Expect mild, dry weather in most regions. Layering is essential—light sweaters or jackets for daytime, heavier coats for evenings in northern or mountain areas.

• Crowds: November is a popular time for both domestic and international tourism. Book accommodation and train tickets early, especially for Kyoto and Fuji area festivals.

• Etiquette: At shrines, remain respectful during ceremonies and avoid photographing families during Shichi-Go-San unless invited.

• Cash: Many food stalls and smaller festival vendors do not accept cards or mobile payments, so carry yen for convenience.

A Month of Color and Celebration

Japan in November is where nature, culture, and cuisine meet in perfect balance. The maple-covered temples, the laughter of families at shrines, the aroma of freshly grilled seafood in Tokyo—all capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re traveling for scenic landscapes or authentic cultural encounters, November is one of the most rewarding months to experience a trip to Japan.