Tokyo’s November Food Events: A Culinary Tour Through the Capital
November in Japan isn’t just about fiery red maples (momiji); it’s also recognized nationwide as Shokuyoku no Aki—the Season of Appetite. As the weather turns crisp and the harvests roll in, Tokyo’s festival calendar explodes with gourmet events that let you taste the best of the entire country, from award-winning curries to Japan’s largest seafood feast.
If you’re visiting the capital, plan your schedule around these major food and drink competitions to truly savor Tokyo’s culinary soul.
Early November: Spice and Sip
The beginning of November kicks off with events celebrating international flavors and regional beverages.
The Ultimate Curry Showdown
Tokyo’s Kanda district is famously known as the “holy land of curry” with over 400 curry shops. On November 1-2, the area hosts the highly competitive Kanda Curry Grand Prix Championship 2025. This festival is where the ultimate curry champion is decided by participant voting, offering a fantastic opportunity to sample multiple styles of this Japanese comfort food in one place.
Celebrating the New Vintage
Coinciding with the national holiday, Culture Day, the Yamanashi Nouveau Festival takes place on November 3rd at Shiba Park. This event celebrates the official release date for Yamanashi Nouveau, Japan’s new wine vintage from the leading wine production region, Yamanashi Prefecture. Visitors can taste over 60 wine varieties from 34 local wineries, making it a perfect spot for oenophiles to raise a glass to the season.
Late November: Noodles and the Sea
As the month closes out, the focus shifts to two of Japan’s most beloved staples: ramen and high-quality seafood.
The Great Ramen Battle
For noodle aficionados, the Japan Local Ramen Championship 2025 is a non-negotiable stop. Running from approximately November 26–30 in Shinjuku’s Okubo Park, this contest pits the top ten local ramen varieties from all 47 prefectures against one another. The grand champion is decided by guest voting, ensuring you get to slurp down the best bowls Japan has to offer.
Japan’s Largest Seafood Feast
Capping off the “Season of Appetite” is the massive SAKANA & JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025 in Hibiya Park. Running from November 28–30, this is described as one of Japan’s largest seafood events.
The festival features over 50 food stalls offering exquisitely prepared dishes made with seasonal ingredients from across the country. Highlights include:
- Seafood bowls (such as Hokkaido’s famous Ikura Don, or Salmon Roe Rice Bowl)
- Fisherman’s meals and regional specialties
- Spectacular Tuna dismantling shows, which highlight the skills of specialized craftsmen and are a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Make it a Culinary Weekend
The SAKANA & JAPAN Festival conveniently runs concurrently with the beginning of the Rikugien Garden Illumination (starting November 28th). This means you can enjoy a vibrant daytime food market full of life and flavor before transitioning to a serene, mystical nighttime experience viewing the illuminated autumn leaves reflected in the historic garden’s central pond.
In November, Tokyo truly becomes a gourmet capital, inviting visitors to taste every facet of Japan’s rich culinary landscape, from street food rivalries to fine wine releases.
