November is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful months. The city’s ginkgo trees turn a deep gold, the maples in temple gardens go red, and the combination of crisp, clear air and autumn colour makes both outdoor sightseeing and photography outstanding. It is also one of the busiest months, as both domestic and international visitors come specifically for the foliage.
Quick Answer: Tokyo in November: Cool and dry (highs of 15 to 20 degrees, lows of 8 to 13 degrees). Peak autumn foliage: mid-November for ginkgo, late November for maple. Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue is Tokyo’s most famous autumn scene. Busy month: book accommodation in advance. See Japan in November for the national Japan November guide.
Tokyo Weather in November
Early November (1 to 10)
Highs of 18 to 22 degrees. Lows of 11 to 14 degrees. Still comfortable with a light jacket. The ginkgo trees begin turning yellow at the start of the month.
Mid-November (11 to 20)
Highs of 15 to 18 degrees. Lows of 9 to 12 degrees. Peak ginkgo foliage. The Meiji Jingu Gaien Avenue is at its best. A proper jacket is needed. Excellent photography conditions with clear blue skies and golden leaves.
Late November (21 to 30)
Highs of 12 to 16 degrees. Lows of 6 to 10 degrees. Peak maple colour in temple gardens. The ginkgo is past peak, and leaves are falling. Winter is approaching. A warm coat is needed in the evenings.
Tokyo Autumn Foliage in November
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
The most famous autumn foliage scene in Tokyo. A 300-metre avenue lined with approximately 150 ginkgo trees that turn a vivid gold in mid-November. The avenue is adjacent to Aoyama and easily reached from Harajuku Station. The Meiji Jingu Gaien hosts an annual Ginkgo Festival in mid-November, featuring food stalls beneath the golden canopy. Peak: typically November 12 to 22.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Tokyo’s finest formal garden has excellent autumn colour with multiple tree species peaking at different times throughout November. The French formal garden section, with its plane trees, is particularly fine. Entry: 500 yen. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
Koishikawa Korakuen
Tokyo’s oldest surviving Edo-period garden (1629) has excellent maple colour in late November. Less visited than Shinjuku Gyoen and arguably more atmospheric. Entry: 300 yen.
Rikugien Garden
A Meiji-era garden in Bunkyo-ku is known for a single large weeping maple tree that turns a vivid red in late November. Evening illumination events during the peak week. Entry: 300 yen.
Ueno Park
The ginkgo trees along the main approach to Ueno Park turn gold in mid-November. Combined with a visit to the Ueno guide area museums, this makes an excellent autumn afternoon.
Day Trips for Autumn Foliage from Tokyo
November is the best month for day trips to see autumn foliage outside the city:
- Nikko guide: peak foliage mid to late October at high elevation; late October to early November in the shrine area. 2 hours from Asakusa by Tobu Line.
- Hakone guide: peak foliage late October to mid-November. A combination of mountain, lake, and foliage views.
- Kamakura guide: temple gardens peak late November to early December. Good for late-November visits after Tokyo peak.
See the Tokyo day trips and Japan autumn foliage guide for the full picture.
Events in Tokyo in November
- Tokyo International Film Festival: Usually runs into early November.
- Shichi-Go-San (November 15): The traditional coming-of-age ceremony for children aged 3, 5, and 7. Families dressed in kimonos visit shrines throughout Tokyo. The Meiji Shrine guide and the Senso-ji guide are particularly atmospheric on and around November 15.
- Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival: Usually mid-November, with food stalls and events along the ginkgo avenue.
Nearby Guides
- Japan in November
- Tokyo in October
- Tokyo in December
- Kyoto in November
- Osaka in November
- Japan autumn foliage guide
- Tokyo day trips
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
When exactly does Tokyo autumn foliage peak?
Ginkgo trees: typically November 12 to 22. Maple trees: typically November 22 to December 5. The exact timing shifts by about a week year to year, depending on temperatures. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation foliage forecast closer to your visit date.
Is November crowded in Tokyo?
Yes, particularly in the second and third weeks. The autumn foliage season draws both domestic tourists and international visitors. Accommodation books up in advance. Weekday visits are significantly more manageable than weekends. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for mid-November stays.
Can I combine Tokyo and Kyoto for autumn foliage in November?
Yes, and this is the most popular autumn itinerary in Japan. Tokyo’s peak is mid to late November; Kyoto’s is slightly later (late November to early December). A 5-day Tokyo trip and a 3-day Kyoto trip in the third week of November catch both at or near their best. See Kyoto in November and the 7-day Japan itinerary.
