Tokyo in November 2026: Weather and What to Wear, Autumn Leaves, Tori-no-Ichi and the First Illuminations
Published: 2026-10-21 · Last verified: 2026-10-20
November in Tokyo brings clear, comfortable days, and the autumn leaves turn in the second half of the month. Here are the temperatures and what to pack, when to see the leaves, festivals like Tori-no-Ichi and Shichi-Go-San, and when the illuminations begin.
The short answer
| Tokyo in November | |
|---|---|
| Temperature (average) | High about 17°C / low about 9°C |
| Weather | Many clear, crisp days; less rain than October |
| Sunset | Between 4:30 and 5 pm (getting earlier) |
| What to wear | Long sleeves and a light jacket by day, a coat for the evenings |
| Highlights | Autumn leaves (from mid-November), Tori-no-Ichi, Shichi-Go-San, the first illuminations |
| Public holidays | Culture Day on Tue Nov 3, Labor Thanksgiving Day on Mon Nov 23 |
Days and nights feel very different this month. Wear layers you can take off and you'll be comfortable all day.
Weather and what to wear
- Japan Meteorological Agency averages (1991–2020) put Tokyo's November at a high of 16.7°C and a low of 8.8°C.
- A long-sleeved shirt or sweater with a light jacket is fine by day, but evenings get cold. In the second half of the month, bring a coat.
- Trains and shops are warm inside, so layers work best.
- Clear skies make this a great month for city views. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory is free.
Autumn leaves
Jingu Gaien Ginkgo AvenueA golden tunnel of ginkgo trees. Usually at its best late November to early December.
RikugienA Japanese garden famous for its evening light-up. Usually best late November to early December.
Mt. TakaoAn easy day-trip mountain. It turns earlier than the city, usually mid to late November.- In central Tokyo, the leaves usually start turning in mid-November and peak from late November to early December.
- In early November, places outside the center such as Mt. Takao turn first.
- For spots and timing, see "Tokyo autumn leaves spots".
November festivals and events
Tori-no-IchiA festival for good business, with colorful bamboo rakes (kumade) for sale. In 2026: Sat Nov 7 and Thu Nov 19.- Tori-no-Ichi: held at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku and elsewhere. See "Tori-no-Ichi 2026".
- Shichi-Go-San: at large shrines such as Meiji Jingu, you'll often see families in their best clothes on weekends. It's a special family day, so if you take photos, keep children's and families' faces out of the shot.
- Find more on "Events in Tokyo" and "Tokyo this week", where you can filter by date and genre.
Illuminations and Christmas markets begin
- Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka: from November 5, 2026.
- Marunouchi Illumination: from November 12, 2026.
- Tokyo Christmas Market (Shin-Toyosu): from November 20, 2026. → "Tokyo Christmas Market 2026"
- See every spot on one map: "Tokyo illumination map"
- December plans are in "Tokyo in December".
Dates and lighting hours can change. Check the official sites before you go.
Things to watch out for
| When | What to know |
|---|---|
| Holidays on Nov 3 (Tue) and Nov 23 (Mon) | Popular sights and leaf spots get crowded |
| Peak-leaf weekends | Jingu Gaien and Rikugien get very busy. Weekday mornings are best |
| November evenings | Colder than you expect. Bring a jacket for night light-ups |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tokyo cold in November?
The average high is about 17°C and the low about 9°C. Days are pleasant, but mornings and evenings are cool, so bring a jacket or coat.
Can you see autumn leaves in Tokyo in November?
In central Tokyo the leaves usually start turning in mid-November and peak from late November to early December. In early November, Mt. Takao and other places outside the center turn first.
What events are on in Tokyo in November?
Tori-no-Ichi (November 7 and 19 in 2026), Shichi-Go-San (around November 15), and from early November the illuminations and Christmas markets begin.
What are the public holidays in November?
In 2026: Culture Day on Tuesday, November 3, and Labor Thanksgiving Day on Monday, November 23.
Official websites
- Japan Meteorological Agency: Tokyo averages
- Otori Shrine (Asakusa): this year's Tori-no-Ichi
- Roppongi Hills
- Marunouchi.com
- Tokyo Christmas Market
- Cabinet Office: national holidays
Hours and rules can change. Check the official sites for the latest before you go.
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