Japan in November 2026 — Complete Travel Guide

What defines this month

Weather across Japan this month

Best cities to visit this month

Ranked by how much is happening there

12 major events happening this month

Karatsu Kunchi

November 2–4

Karatsu, Saga

Karatsu's grand autumn festival with 14 elaborate, lacquered floats (hikiyama) — some over 5m tall — pulled through the town. UNESCO-registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tori-no-Ichi Rooster Market

All Rooster days in November (typically 2-3 dates)

Tokyo, Tokyo

Businesspeople and shopkeepers flock to Otori Shrine on the Rooster days of November to buy elaborate 'kumade' (bamboo rakes decorated with lucky charms) for the coming year's prosperity.

Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition

November 7, 2026 (Sat), 17:30–20:00 (rain date Nov 14)

Tsuchiura, Ibaraki

One of Japan's Big Three fireworks competitions (alongside Omagari and Nagaoka), and the country's premier autumn firework event. About 20,000 shells launched over the Sakura River as pyrotechnicians compete for the Prime Minister's Cup.

Nikko National Park

October 15 – November 5

Nikko, Tochigi

One of Japan's most spectacular autumn spots. Brilliant reds and golds surround ornate UNESCO shrines and temples. The cedar-lined avenues turn golden in October.

Arashiyama

November 15 – December 1

Kyoto, Kyoto

Kyoto's scenic western district blazes with autumn color. The hillsides along the Hozu River turn deep red and orange, complementing the bamboo groves and temples.

Kiyomizudera Temple

November 15 – November 30

Kyoto, Kyoto

The iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizudera surrounded by fiery maple trees is one of Japan's most photographed autumn scenes. Night illuminations make it magical.

Lake Towada

October 20 – November 5

Towada, Aomori

A volcanic caldera lake surrounded by forests that turn vivid red and orange. The reflected colors on the still water create mirror-like reflections.

Korankei Valley

November 10 – November 25

Toyota, Aichi

A narrow valley packed with over 4,000 maple trees. During the annual fall festival, the valley is illuminated at night, turning the gorge into a glowing sea of red.

Nabana no Sato Illumination

Late October – May

Kuwana, Mie

Japan's most spectacular winter illumination. Millions of LED lights create dazzling tunnels and landscape scenes across this botanical garden. The 'tunnel of light' is unmissable.

Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination

November – January

Ashikaga, Tochigi

The flower park famous for wisteria transforms into a winter wonderland. Over 4 million lights recreate the famous wisteria blossoms in glowing light forms.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market

Late November to December 25

Yokohama, Kanagawa

Germany-style Christmas market at Yokohama's historic Red Brick Warehouse. Wooden huts sell mulled wine, sausages, and ornaments, all lit by fairy lights against the brick facades.

Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo)

November to mid-February

Tokyo, Tokyo

1.2 km of Tokyo's Marunouchi Naka-dori decorated with 1.2 million champagne-gold LEDs. The most photographed illumination in central Tokyo, and free to walk.

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