November brings cool, dry weather and a fiery canopy of leaves to Tokyo. Ginkgo-lined avenues and tranquil gardens turn golden, while the city's temples and parks host quiet rituals and autumn flower shows. This is prime time for photography, leaf-peeping, and soaking up Tokyo's contemplative side. Weekends can get crowded at foliage hotspots, so aim for early visits or explore midweek.
Tokyo in November 2025 at a glance
🌧️Weather
Crisp, dry days average 17 °C / 63 °F; nights dip to 9 °C / 48 °F.
☀️Daylight
~10.5 hours; sunset around 4:30pm.
🎉Key events
Fall foliage peak, Culture Day (Nov 3), Torinoichi markets.
👥Crowds
High on weekends at parks and shrines; midweek is calmer.
🛋️What to pack
Jacket or coat, scarf, comfortable shoes for garden strolls.
Rikugien Garden glows with colored lights after dusk, highlighting its blazing red maples and traditional teahouses. Entry is often timed—arrive early to walk the lit paths at a relaxed pace and savor this fleeting beauty.
Stroll the ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien
When: Mid to late November
Tags: Outdoors, Explorer
Golden ginkgo leaves line a straight boulevard near Aoyama—it’s one of Tokyo’s most iconic fall sights. Visit before 10am for quiet snaps and coffee at a sidewalk terrace.
Visit the Chrysanthemum Festival at Shinjuku Gyoen
When: November 1–15
Tags: Seasonal, Cultural experience
The inner garden showcases intricate floral displays and giant blooming sculptures—Japan’s imperial flower in full autumn splendor. Great midweek escape; closed Mondays.
Take a tea ceremony at Hamarikyu Gardens
When: Daily 10am–4pm
Tags: Cultural experience, Tour
Sip matcha while overlooking a saltwater pond framed by red leaves and skyscrapers. Traditional tea houses offer ceremonies with English explanations—reserve ahead if possible.
Cruise Tokyo Bay at sunset
When: Clear November evenings
Tags: Tour, Romantic
Cool skies and sharp visibility make autumn perfect for twilight harbor cruises. Many boats leave from Hinode Pier around 4–5 pm—catch golden hour light on the skyline.
Recommended experience:
Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise in Tokyo
November hosts Tokyo’s final sumo training month—watch rikishi train at stables in Ryogoku. Some allow visitors from ~7 am; book a guide or request by email.
Recommended experiences:
Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable
Tickets to Sumo Morning Training in Tokyo
Sumo Stable Morning Practice Small-Group Guided Tour with Lunch
The historic lanes of Yanaka light up with maple and ginkgo color. Quiet, atmospheric, and near old-town shops—great for golden-hour wanderings and photography.
Relax in an onsen day spa
When: Any chilly November day
Tags: Wellness, Indoors
Warm up like locals at a Tokyo onsen—Ooedo-Onsen in Odaiba or Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku are easy picks. Expect indoor/outdoor baths and optional massage add-ons.
Offbeat experiences in November
Browse the Torinoichi rooster markets
Lucky charms & lantern-lit stalls Held on specific "rooster days" in November, these shrine fairs sell elaborate good-luck rakes. Go at night to enjoy street food, crowd energy, and fortune shouting rituals. 📍Where: Ootori Shrine, Asakusa
Cycle around the Imperial Palace moat
Leafy laps on car-free Sundays On Sunday mornings, the roads around the Imperial Palace open to cyclists. Rent a free bike and pedal past golden trees, old walls, and clear autumn skies. 📍Where: Marunouchi area
Photograph the Icho Namiki ginkgo tunnel
Tokyo’s most symmetrical fall shot This dramatic, perfectly aligned row of ginkgos is peak Instagram bait in late November. Try a sunrise visit for near-empty shots. 📍Where: Meiji Jingu Gaien
Warm up with a whiskey tasting
Smooth sips for cooler nights Taste Japanese whiskey at bars like Tokyo Whisky Library or distillery-themed venues in Ebisu. Staff can guide you through flavor notes from smoky to citrusy. 📍Where: Minami-Aoyama or Ebisu
Climb Mt. Takao for foliage views
Mini-hike with maximum leaf payoff Less than an hour from the city, Mt. Takao’s trails are ringed in color. Ride the cable car or hike up and enjoy soba noodles at the summit. 📍Where: Hachiōji, west Tokyo
Pop-up exhibitions and Japanese artisan goods—good for gifts or browsing after visiting nearby museums.
Pro tips for visiting Tokyo in November
Popular parks like Rikugien or Shinjuku Gyoen are calmest before 10am.
Plan outdoor activities by 4pm—sun dips early and many gardens close by 5pm.
Visit foliage hotspots midweek to avoid weekend bottlenecks and tour groups.
Days are pleasant but nights chill quickly—bring a scarf and layers.
Some close Mondays (including during Culture Day week).
Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen often offer timed night entries—book ahead.
Stable visits are easier to book early month before rikishi leave town.
Street snacks and Torinoichi stalls may not accept cards.
Skip Meiji Gaien if you're sensitive—fallen leaves can irritate.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Tokyo in November
Yes—clear weather, peak foliage, and cultural events make it one of the best months.
Layers: sweater or hoodie by day, a coat at night. Scarves help with cold evenings.
Weekends at leaf-viewing spots are busy; weekdays are calmer, especially outside central parks.
Rare—Tokyo’s typhoon season typically ends by October.
Yes—garden light-up entries, weekend restaurants, and sumo stable tours.
Traditional shrine fairs on rooster days selling decorative rakes for luck. Great food and energy.
Most are—and many offer free entry or special events on Nov 3.
Rikugien, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu Gaien, and Mt. Takao for views.
Yes—normal schedule applies; note that garden light-ups may finish before last trains.
Yes, but expect snow at the summit. Consider lake area views instead of climbing.
What to eat in Tokyo in November: Seasonal delicacies
1/5
Yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato)
Sold hot from trucks or stalls, these sweet, caramelized potatoes are a nostalgic snack best eaten curbside. Where to eat: Throughout parks like Ueno or at seasonal street stands.
Matsutake dobin-mushi
Earthy pine-scented mushrooms steamed in teapots with broth, lime, and seafood. Autumn-only delicacy. Where to eat: Tempura Kondo, Ginza
Chrysanthemum salad (shungiku)
Mildly bitter chrysanthemum greens tossed with sesame and tofu dressing. Light, fragrant, and seasonal. Where to eat: Daigo (vegetarian kaiseki), Minato
