November is Tokyo's reward for the summer: crisp, clear and red.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | ~17°C / 63°F, clear, dry |
| Nights | ~9°C / 48°F |
| Rain | Low |
| Leaves | From mid-month; peak last week into early December |
October before, December after.
The leaves#
Ginkgo first: the avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien, Showa Kinen Park, the University of Tokyo's Hongo campus. Maples after: Rikugien (lit at night), Koishikawa Korakuen, Kyu-Furukawa, Mount Takao an hour west. For the hills, Nikko peaks late October to early November and Hakone in mid-November. Japan autumn leaves 2026 has the forecast and the full list.
What's on#
- Tori no Ichi: two or three rooster-day fairs in the month, Hanazono Shrine and Otori Shrine, decorated rakes and lanterns until late.
- Shichi-go-san, around the 15th: children of three, five and seven in kimono at shrines.
- Illuminations switch on from mid-month: Marunouchi, Roppongi, Shibuya, Yebisu Garden Place.
- Labour Thanksgiving Day, 23 November: a national holiday; a long weekend in some years.
What to do#
The gardens, a leaf walk at Takao, the neighbourhoods in a jacket, the first oden and nabe, an illumination evening. Things to do, the 7-day itinerary, day trips.
Prices#
High in the second half. The first ten days are the value window. Where to stay, Tokyo on a budget.
Pack#
A jacket, a layer, a coat for late-month evenings, walking shoes. What to wear in Tokyo.
With a Tokyoite#
A Tori no Ichi night, a maple garden lit after dark, the nabe restaurant with no sign: post your dates on Roavi Community and a Local Friend can show you.
Tokyo for the autumn leaves? See them with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Tokyo in November?
Cool, dry and clear: highs around 17°C (63°F), lows around 9°C (48°F), little rain, crisp mornings and bright afternoons. A coat for evenings by the end of the month.When are the autumn leaves in Tokyo?
From mid-November, peaking in the last week and into the first week of December. Ginkgo turns first (the Gaien avenue, Showa Kinen Park), maples later (Rikugien, Koishikawa Korakuen, Mount Takao). Nikko and Hakone peak earlier, in late October and early November.Is November a good time to visit Tokyo?
One of the two best months with October: dry, clear, cool, with autumn colour and the first illuminations. It's busy and priced accordingly in the second half; the first half is quieter.What is Tori no Ichi?
Rooster-day fairs in November at shrines dedicated to Otori, the biggest at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku and Otori Shrine in Asakusa: thousands of decorated bamboo rakes sold for luck, food stalls, lanterns, late into the night. Dates follow the zodiac calendar; two or three fall each November.
