places to visit in tokyo in november

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• Best Things to Do and See in Tokyo in November

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Updated: October 19, 2023

Is November a good time to visit Tokyo?

While the whole of autumn is a great time to visit Tokyo, the brilliant hues of the fall foliage are at their most vibrant in November. This is the best time of the year to see the beautiful rows of ginkgo trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien and the flowers of the Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. In addition to these natural highlights, November is a great month to take in cultural events, like the Tori-no-ichi Fair in Asakusa.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in November?

The average temperature is around 13ºC (55°F) during the day, and 4ºC (39°F) at night. Early November tends to be a bit warmer. Temperatures may fluctuate a bit during the day, and the evenings can get a bit chilly. It's a good idea to wear a lightweight jacket or sweater—especially in late November. November is relatively dry, with 96 mm (3.7 in) of rainfall on average.

Best events, festivals, and other things to do in November

Autumn leaves in tokyo.

In November the foliage reaches a peak of beauty, making this the best time to enjoy the autumn leaves in Tokyo. Visitors who want to appreciate this picturesque beauty can do so from many locations throughout the capital, including Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden), Hibiya Park , Yoyogi Park , and Rikugien Gardens .

Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival

Mt. Takao, a popular hiking location less than an hour from Shinjuku Station, hosts the Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival every November. Visitors can enjoy various performances and events throughout the festival, and also try local dishes such as the famous Mt. Takao grated yam soba. Note: Please check the website for more details and schedule information. For more information on how to enjoy autumn at Mt. Takao, please watch this introductory YouTube video .

Tori-no-ichi Fairs

Tori-no-ichi Fairs are held every November at shrines and temples on dates that the traditional lunar calendar designates as days of the rooster. People wish for health, good fortune, and prosperity. Merchants also sell beautiful kumade (ornamental rakes) decorated in gold and silver. In Tokyo, you can participate in the festivities by visiting areas such as Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Fuchu. The exciting atmosphere and wonderful items available for sale are imbued with the energy of old Tokyo.

Chrysanthemum Flower Beds Exhibition

From November 1 to 15, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden hosts an annual Chrysanthemum Flower Beds Exhibition . Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in Japan for centuries and have been displayed at Shinjuku Gyoen since the 1920s. This tradition is associated with the imperial family, and has been carried on to this day through this event. Brilliant displays are guaranteed. Please note: Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using sports equipment and musical instruments in the garden are prohibited. Please check the Shinjuku Gyoen website for the most up-to-date information on the garden's opening hours.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Management Office

Kokubunji Festival

The Kokubunji Festival is Kokubunji City's largest annual event. With a focus on people, industry, and commerce, the festival offers a wide range of events. Visitors can experience parades, live traditional music, and other stage performances. Kokubunji residents also sell homemade goods and refreshments at booths, making the festival a great opportunity to meet some local people.

Dream Yosacoy Festival

The Dream Yosacoy Festival , a dance festival held in early November, is one of Tokyo's biggest annual events. Any group that wishes to perform may do so, regardless of nationality, age, or gender. Thousands of unique groups dance at multiple venues across Tokyo. The wonderful routines and exciting atmosphere make this a must-see event.

Hachioji Ginkgo Festival

The Hachioji Ginkgo Festival is a perfect occasion to admire the area's beautiful ginkgo trees. Over 700 of them decorate the area around the Koshu Kaido road. Take in the crisp autumn air while you collect stamps or brands (on a wooden plaque) at 12 local checkpoints. Enjoy the local delicacies available at the festival's stalls. However you choose to take part in the festival, you're guaranteed to have a great time.

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Visiting Japan in November: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

November is an excellent time of year to visit Japan. There are fewer crowds, the autumn colours are at their peak and the temperature is ideal for exploring. I spent the entire month of November travelling around Japan. It was the perfect time of year to visit.

In this post, I’ve shared everything you need to know about visiting Japan in November. This includes the weather in November, what to pack for your November trip to Japan and the best places to visit.

Read next: all you need to know about a solo trip to Japan

Japan weather in November

When it comes to the weather, November is a great month to visit Japan. The temperatures are moderate, there are often clear skies and the beautiful fall foliage (Momiji) has begun. With both the typhoon season and the rainy season officially over, November is also one of the driest months in Japan.

The weather in Japan in November can be very diverse. Japan is a large country and the weather conditions vary. 

The popular tourist areas in Honshu which include Tokyo and Kyoto can still see mild temperatures in November. For my first week in Japan, I only had to wear a t-shirt. By mid-November and late November, the temperatures were much cooler and a warm jacket was needed. Snow is unlikely in the Honshu area before early December, although there was a light dusting while I was in Kyoto.

In Northern Japan , the area of Hokkaido is much cooler and it’s the start of the winter months. In fact, it’s not uncommon for there to be snow in November. The average temperature for the city of Sapporo (Hokkaido) in November is 5.2°C (41 F) compared to 12.5°C (54.5 F) in Tokyo (Honshu). The autumn colours can start a few weeks earlier in Hokkaido.

If you’re heading down to the southern tropical-like beaches of Okinawa , the weather tends to stay very mild, but still bearable.

Temperatures will vary depending on where you plan to visit in Japan, but one thing that tends to stay consistent around the country is the clear skies and minimal rain.

I was in Japan for almost four weeks and only had a couple of days of rain in November. The clear skies also make it an excellent time to see the iconic Mount Fuji .  

Is Japan crowded in November?

November is a busy time of year in Japan. The temperatures are cooler, the beautiful autumn foliage is at its peak and accommodation tends to be a little cheaper.

While this does attract the crowds, it’s worth noting that November can still be a lot quieter than other months, especially compared to the Cherry Blossom Season . I found the crowds in the major cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo overwhelming at times. But they certainly weren’t at their busiest. 

Japan is a beautiful country and often, tourists focus on the same few destinations. If you want to escape the crowds in Japan, consider going off the beaten path.

Despite there being fewer crowds, November can still be busy so it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and activities ahead of time. I found budget accommodation in the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto had sold out a few weeks ahead of my visit in November.

I find Klook the best option for booking activities and rail passes in Japan. I booked everything through this website and had no issues at all. 

Best places in Japan to visit in November

Japan is full of epic must-visit destinations all year round but there are a few which shine during the month of November.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in November, here are some of the top destinations to include on your Japan itinerary.

Hakone is an easy day trip from Tokyo as well as the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing. It’s known for stunning mountain scenery, views of Mount Fuji and for being one of the best places to experience an Onsen (hot springs).

November is one of the best times of year to visit Hakone. With clear skies and minimal rain, Mount Fuji is often visible from spots around the area. It’s also an epic destination for the famous Momiji (autumn colours).

If you’re visiting Hakone from Tokyo, consider getting the Hakone Free Pass . This includes your journey to Hakone and transport around the area such as the famous Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise.

Planning a trip to Hakone? Check out my Hakone guide and itinerary . 

Fuji Fives Lakes

The Fuji Fives Lakes area is another must-see spot in November. The autumn colours light up the area and make a beautiful frame for the iconic Mount Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchi is an absolute must visit while in the Fives Lake area. It’s home to the famous “Momiji Kairou” or Maples Corridor, a stunning display of autumn colours. The best time to see this incredibly display is from late October to mid-November.

It’s also a popular place for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The Mishima Skywalk is one of the best places to see the incredible Mount Fuji. 

The city of Nikko and the surrounding area is a great destination in November. The area lights up with autumn colours and there is plenty to see and do. The Ryuzu Waterfall , Lake Chuzenji and the Shoyoen Garden are all popular spots to see the colours of fall. In fact, many people say that Nikko is one of the best places in Japan to see the autumn colours.

It’s possible to visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo as I did, but it’s better to stay overnight if you can. The areas with the best autumn colours are out of the main city so you want to give yourself time to visit them.

Tobu Railway offer the Nikko World Heritage Pass which is worth buying if you’re visiting Nikko from Tokyo. It includes return transport and transport around the area itself.

The Kansai Area (Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima)

The month of November is the perfect time to visit the famous Kansai region of Japan. This includes popular spots such as Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji and Hiroshima .

Kyoto is especially beautiful in November. There’s no place quite like Kyoto. Walking through Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama Ward offers an incredible insight into Japan’s history and ancient traditions. It’s an absolute must-do on any visit to Japan whenever you visit.

For autumn colours near Kyoto, consider visiting the nearby Nara . Nara is known for its wild deer who often bow to receive food, but Nara Park is also an epic spot to see the autumn foliage.

Arashiyama is a scenic mountain area just outside of Kyoto. It’s an absolutely stunning area, but autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit. For a ride through the golden colours, consider a journey on the Sagano Romantic Train.

Minoo Park is another great spot to visit during November. It’s an easy day trip from Osaka and boasts incredible autumn colours as its Maple Trees turn red, especially around Minoo Falls.

While in the Kansai region, be sure to visit the famous Himeji Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were no crowds whatsoever on the day I visited in November. In the Spring, Himeji is a great spot for the Cherry Blossoms.

If you’re travelling around the Kansai Region, consider purchasing the Japan Rail Kansai Pass . This saved me a lot of money during my trip.

Tokyo is known for its long and humid summer days. By November, the weather is much more bearable making it a great time to visit Japan’s capital city.

For a chance at seeing the autumn foliage in Tokyo, visit Yoyogi Park , one of the city’s biggest green spaces. Another epic spots in Tokyo to witness the reds, oranges and golds of autumn is the Meiji Jingu Gaien and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden .

A short day trip from Tokyo is the iconic Mount Takao which boasts some of the best autumn colours in Japan. It’s also home to the Autumn Leaves Festival held in November. It can get very crowded here so avoid weekends if possible.

If you want to explore the white beaches of Japan without the scorching heat, consider visiting Okinawa in the south of Japan.

This beach destination boasts incredible white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. While you won’t get to see the autumn foliage, you will be able to relax on the beach without overheating. It’s sometimes still possible to swim in the ocean during November.

November events and festivals in Japan

November sees a variety of festivals and cultural events take place all over Japan. The below is a few highlights to consider when planning your Japan itinerary.

One of Japan’s most important Sumo matches happens in November. The Sumo match takes place in the city of Fukuoka . You’ll need to be lucky to grab tickets to this famous Grand Tournament . 

Winter illuminations

Japan loves to put on a show and November is no exception. November often sees the start of many of the winter illumination festivals and shows. These famous light illuminations take place all over the country.

One of the most famous winter illuminations in Japan takes place in Kobe . It’s known as ‘Luminaire’ and is an Italian-inspired light show. Another popular winter illumination is the Rikugien Garden Autumn Illumination . This can be found in Japan’s capital, Tokyo.

Cultural events

With festivals and cultural events throughout the year, Japan is one of the world’s culture capitals. November sees several cultural events take place.

In Kyoto , you’ll find the Gion Odori , where you can find traditional dance and music in the Gion area. Over in Miyajima , there’s the famous Fire Walking Ceremony at Daiganji Temple. This unique event sees brave priests and visitors walk across scorching hot coal in bare feet. 

‘Culture Day’ is also celebrated across the country on November 3 rd . The day is a public holiday and with the aim of promoting the arts and culture. ‘Labour Thanksgiving Day’ is another famous public holiday which takes place in November across the country.

Autumn leaves festivals

With the red, gold and orange colours of autumn at their best, November sees various festivals to celebrate this incredible wonder of nature.

One of the best autumn festivals is the Fuji Kawaguchi Autumn Leaves Festival . The shores of Lake Kawaguchi are one of the best places in Japan to see the autumn colours including the famous “Momiji” tunnel .

Mount Takao is another great Autumn Leaves Festival.

What to wear in Japan in November

Packing for Japan in November isn’t the easiest of tasks. The weather is changing and it’s hard to predict at what point the mild temperatures end and the cooler begins.

What you pack for your trip to Japan also depends on where you plan to visit. For those heading to Northern Japan ( Hokkaido ), you’ll want warmer clothes . If you’re heading to Okinawa , you’ll likely find clothes for warmer weather sufficient. For visitors to Honshu (Tokyo’s main tourist area), you’ll need both clothes for warmer and colder weather .

Ultimately, layers are the simple solution when it comes to packing for Japan in November. 

Here are some essential packing items for those visiting Japan in November and heading to the popular areas of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka:

• Long-sleeved shirt or top : make sure to take a couple of warmer base layers such as a long-sleeve top.
• Light jacket : you can use this in cooler weather to layer. Even in early November, you might find the weather is cool in the evening so taking a light or down jacket is a sensible idea.
• Fleece or warmer jumper/sweaters : pack at least two warm and cosy layers such as a fleece or fluffy sweatshirt. This will help to keep you warm and allow you to layer.
• Rain jacket : despite being one of the driest months in Japan, November can still see rain. Pack a waterproof rain jacket in case you get stuck in a storm.
• T-shirts : November can still be a warm month in Japan, especially earlier in the month. Have several t-shirts to wear during the day.
• Skirt or dress : while I was in Tokyo in early November, the daytime temperatures reached 25°C and it was still quite humid. Have a couple of options for those potential warmer days (if you’re visiting in late November, don’t worry about this).
• Comfy shoes : whatever the time of year you visit Japan, it’s essential to pack comfortable shoes you can walk long distances in. I’m not sure I’ve ever walked as much around cities as I did in Japan.
• Swimwear : November is the perfect time to relax in an Onsen (hot springs), remember to pack swimwear.

If you’re visiting Japan at the end of November and into December, you might find a winter coat is necessary. Otherwise, I’d focus on layers to make your packing as easy as possible.

Summary: Is November a good time to visit Japan?

Yes! November is a great time to visit Japan. In fact, I would argue it’s one of the best times of year to visit this incredible country.

I loved my trip to Japan in November. The temperature was perfect for exploring, the autumn colours were incredible and the crowds were bearable (aside from a couple of the very popular spots).

Did you enjoy this guide to visiting Japan in November? Share on social media below.

Planning a trip to Japan? Check out some of my other Japan guides. 

Minoo Park: A Beautiful Day Trip from Osaka

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo: How to Visit and an Honest Review 

Hakone Guide: Best Things to Do and Helpful Itinerary Ideas

6 Easy Day Trips from Osaka

Related posts.

The 5 BEST Places to See Mount Fuji from Hakone

Solo Travel in Japan: 16 Helpful Things to Know

Things to do in Tokyo in November

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Looking for a different month?

November is a great time to visit Tokyo . The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 45—62°F (7—17°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Tokyo during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the autumn foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, visit the Rikugien Garden for the autumn light-up event, visit the Meiji Shrine for the Shichi-Go-San Festival, and more!

Tokyo has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your November trip to Tokyo. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to November. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Tokyo in November. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout November, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Weather and what to wear
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Tokyo in November

Top experiences in november, explore the autumn foliage at shinjuku gyoen national garden, visit the rikugien garden for the autumn light-up event, visit the meiji shrine for the shichi-go-san festival, take a day trip to nikko to see the fall colors, holidays in tokyo in november.

• Culture Day ( November 3 — 4 )
• 7-5-3 Day ( November 15 )
• Labor Thanksgiving Day ( November 23 )

Other notable holidays

• Sports Day ( October 14 )
• Christmas ( December 25 )
• December 31 Bank Holiday ( December 31 )
• New Year's Day ( January 1 )
• January 1 Bank Holiday ( January 1 )
• January 2 Bank Holiday ( January 2 )
• January 3 Bank Holiday ( January 3 )
• Coming of Age Day ( January 13 )
• Setsubun ( February 3 )
• National Foundation Day ( February 11 )
• Emperor's Birthday ( February 23 — 24 )
• Dolls' Festival/Girls' Festival ( March 3 )
• Weather in Tokyo in November

Temperatures on an average day in Tokyo in November

The average temperature in Tokyo in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 62°F (17°C) to a low of 45°F (7°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Tokyo , August, has days with highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 31°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Tokyo in November based on historical data.

Visiting Tokyo? See our Tokyo Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in November

General weather summary, what to wear in november, best attractions for tokyo in november.

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27 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

By Melinda Joe and Anna Chittenden

Deciding the best things to do in Tokyo depends on how much time you have—and for your sake, we hope you have a month. The city’s streets can feel like a game of soccer played at hyper speed, while calmer attractions range from temples, museums , gardens, origami classes, and bohemian sojourns. This city has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a words of advice: Arrive with a game plan and prepare to get lost along the way, in a good way. Here, the very best things to do in Tokyo.

Read our complete Tokyo travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Senso-ji Arrow

Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto, but Senso-ji isn’t the capital city’s most popular just by default. The atmosphere alone here is one for the bucket list. Senso-ji, the temple itself, is at the end of the shopping street, while a recently renovated five-story pagoda stands to the left (ranking in as the second tallest pagoda in Japan). Japanese visitors flutter around a large cauldron in front of the temple where incense burned inside is said to benefit good health. Travelers keen to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even tourists that are remotely interested in Japanese culture will find something to appreciate here.

Harmonica Yokocho Arrow

This clutch of narrow alleys, a short walk from the north exit of JR Kichijoji station, is stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the wall eateries. A yellow sign marks the entrance to Harmonica Yokocho, which takes its name from the layout of the vendors, slotted cheek-to-jowl along the passageways like the reeds in a harmonica. The atmospheric network of lanes started out as a post-war flea market in the 1940s, but the area underwent a transformation in the 90s when bustling bars and restaurants made their entrance onto the scene. It has a laid-back and hyper-local feel, especially during the daytime, when you’ll find fishmongers and traditional sweets makers plying their trades.

Tokyo Skytree Arrow

Topping off at 2,080 feet, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower (that's tower, not building) in the world. From the broadcast tower’s 360-degree observation decks, the whole city—its striking skyscrapers and neon intersections—looks like a magical circuit board. It’s a major tourist attraction and a ticket isn’t cheap (up to ¥3,400, or $25, for combo tickets), but even if you don’t pay to go inside, there’s no denying that the Tokyo Skytree brought the skyline to a whole new level. Depending on where you’re staying, it can be an out-of-the-way trip to eastern Tokyo (luckily, a train station gets you right near the entrance). Families with children will enjoy the experience—especially the speedy elevator rides—as will anyone that loves a jaw-dropping view.

Koganeyu Arrow

Sleek design, a DJ booth, and craft beer on tap: The newly refurbished Koganeyu functions as a lively standing bar and community events space, but the main reason to visit this 89-year-old establishment is to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s sento (public sauna) culture. A crowdfunded renovation has transformed the space into a contemporary sento with four pools, a sauna, and an outdoor bath. Bathing areas for men and women are separated by a 2.2-meter partial wall, while a mural depicting Mount Fuji stretches across both areas like a scroll. You can purchase tickets from the vending machine at the entrance; a 90-minute bathing session costs about $3.50 for adults, $2.70 for students, and $1.30 for children. After emerging from the baths, relax with a glass of craft beer brewed especially for Koganeyu, or try a homemade ginger highball.

Sakurai Tea Experience Arrow

Copper and wood greet you inside this minimalist sanctuary dedicated to sado, the Japanese “way of tea.” A small retail space filled with glass jars containing 30 varieties of green tea conceals an intimate eight-seat cafe. Founder Shinya Sakurai studied for 14 years to become a master, and his modern take on tea ceremony is meditative and illuminating. As Sakurai prepares the infusions behind an L-shaped wooden counter, a continuous stream of water flows from a copper tap—a symbol of purification. Gyokuro, a luxurious variety of green tea grown in the shade, is the specialty here. Sakurai travels the country to select the leaves, which he roasts daily in-house. The tasting flight for ¥4,800 (about $35) is the best introduction to the range of teas on offer.

Shibuya Crossing Arrow

Anyone remotely impressed that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world should visit the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing. Massive video screens flashing advertisements tower above every corner as black-suited salarymen, wide-eyed tourists, and bag-toting shoppers wait and cross in concert. The feeling is oddly soothing, a reminder that whatever our disparate paths in life, they all have a tendency to cross at one time or another. The best time to go is at dusk, one of the scramble’s peak times and in its most flattering light. The Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a birds’ eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 meters above street level.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Arrow

Fancy a stroll in a Japanese garden? Get that and more at Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to native, traditional gardens, the 144-acre park pockets French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the modest entrance fee. Landmarks are stunning and impossible to forget, like a Taiwan Pavilion perched along a serene pond. Formerly an imperial garden, it became a national garden after World War II—so you can trust that this precious plot is always beautifully maintained. Don’t miss cherry blossom season.

Kappabashi Street Arrow

Kappabashi Street, a district in between Ueno and Asakusa, isn’t so much a food destination as it is a food adjacent destination: While it’s devoted to the restaurant industry, fresh food isn’t why folks come. Instead, the street is a chef’s dream of restaurant supply stores that are known best for sampuru , replicas of food dishes that are part of a century-old craft—and are up for grabs. And, because it’s more trade-focused than tourist-focused, the prices can be somewhat economical. Have any curious cooks in the family? This district is their souvenir heaven.

Azuki to Kouri Arrow

The clean-lined, slate-grey interior of this kakigori ice specialist sets off the ebullient shaved ice creations of pâtissier Miho Horio. Formerly of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Florilege, Horio is one of the young chefs elevating the sweet treat to new heights of refinement. She carefully adjusts the blade of her ice machine to shave blocks of ice—made with spring water from Nikko, north of Tokyo—into fluffy, feathery flakes. Shaping the shavings into a delicate mound, she adds fresh fruit and toppings such as homemade syrups, compotes, and foams. Her signature parfait showcases sweet azuki red beans—the classic kakigori topping for which the café is named—paired with cream and flecks of meringue. Seasonal offerings include salted cherry blossoms with fresh strawberries in spring, and blood orange dusted with grated Amazonian cacao in early summer.

Yoyogi Park Arrow

Yoyogi Park is one of the most amusing parks in Tokyo. Its 134 acres sprawl right in Shibuya, a short skip from Harajuku , and bustle with picnics and performers. The northern side is lush, with clean walkways along expansive, grassy lawns where locals and tourists spread under the shade of Japanese Zelkova trees, and gather around a large pond. Spot impromptu badminton team swinging racquets, a drum circle tapping away at the bongo, or amateur dancers following along to the beat.

Yayoi Kusama Museum Arrow

In a suburban part of Shinjuku, a smooth white building rises five stories high—a museum completely devoted to the works of Yayoi Kusama . The building looks slim, but it houses a bulk of the larger-than-life and avant-garde artist’s pieces, including an installation of her “infinity room” series (an Instagram sensation which, in the past, drew hundreds of thousands of visitors in stateside exhibitions) to polka-dotted paintings and sculptures. The museum changes its exhibition two times a year, and as it’s still relatively new, it’s only cracked the surface of the prolific artist’s work.

Kuge Crafts Arrow

The traditional technique of mending pottery with lacquer sprinkled with gold dust, kintsugi is an art form unto itself. The practice, which dates back to the 15th century, is alive and well at Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio in the quiet Shin-Koenji neighborhood of western Tokyo. Run by a family of artisans—Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko Kuge, together with their son, Shu—the atelier transforms broken cups and dishes into singular works of art and offers two-hour kintsugi lessons (¥8,000, or about $59) for learners of all levels. The workshop will provide all the materials; you can bring your own damaged vessel for repair or ask them to prepare a piece for you to work on.

Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan Arrow

Only three of six official grand sumo tournaments happen in Tokyo, all at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The stadium houses over 11,000 eager fans under its green, pavilion-style roof. Official tournaments last just over two weeks each, which means Ryogoku Kokugikan sometimes hosts other events (boxing, for example). But sumo is the arena’s feature attraction, and if you’re hoping to see sumo in Tokyo, this is where to find it. Tamari seats, which are those immediately surrounding the ring, are the most coveted—and virtually impossible to score. But the next series of rows, box seats, are as close as you can get. Box seats are top-dollar, but little more than rows of tatami mats lined with red square cushions (with no backs) sold in groups of four—so cozy up, and pay up (¥380,00, or about $279, for a box). There are proper stadium seats along the second-floor mezzanine, but the thrill of witnessing this traditional Japanese sport up close is all about getting comfortable with the floor.

The Bellwood Arrow

Modeled after an early 20th-century Japanese coffee house, this swanky watering hole is fitted with modern-retro touches like a stained glass panel bearing the bar’s name, bookended by images of Mount Fuji and a martini under the moon. The main space is great for after-work drinks or late-night tipples, but the bar recently opened a glass-encased private room to host a series of food-and-cocktail pairing experiments. Witty twists on classic cocktails are prepared with flair. Start light with the Kome Tonic, made with rice-based shochu, then explore the seasonal menu: Tango Mule made with gin and Fernet Branca laced with roasted mate, or the Okushibu Fashioned with bourbon, kinako soy powder and a hint of bitter mugmort.

Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-air Folk House Museum Arrow

Though only 20 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the Nihon Minka-En Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, located in a suburb of neighboring Kawasaki City, feels a world—and several centuries—away. The sprawling grounds are home to 25 marvelously preserved Edo-era homes relocated from all over the Japanese countryside, spanning an array of styles from farmhouses to samurai houses and includes a shrine, water mill and kabuki stage. Don’t miss the traditional indigo dyeing workshop in the middle of the park houses a small shop where you can find indigo-dyed everything, from socks and sweaters to handkerchiefs and masks.

Koffee Mameya Kakeru Arrow

Don't expect your average cup of joe at Koffee Mameya Kakeru, housed in a renovated warehouse in the Shirakawa coffee district in eastern Tokyo. Beyond the sleek glass facade, the interior designed by art director Tomohiro Kato and architect Yosuke Hayashi features a massive oak structure built around the artfully arranged coffee shelves. A rectangular wooden frame encases a three-sided stone counter built around three black tables where the baristas display their skills. Coffee maestro and founder Eiichi Kumimoto launched Koffee Mameya Kakeru to go deep into the world of the brew and push the boundaries of the drink's potential. The menu showcases seasonal varieties, but the omakase-style coffee tasting courses (including a range of cold and milk brews, mocktails, and lattes) take center stage, offering a fascinating journey through the diverse flavors and artistry of coffee. Coffee cocktail champion Akira Zushi dazzles with flair bartending skills and innovative cocktails like the milk brew blended with hop-accented jasmine tea and lemon, finished with a spritz of prickly ash water.

Oedo Antique Market Arrow

Oedo Antique Market is a marvelous outdoor fair held near Tokyo Station twice a month, with stalls selling wonderful antique and vintage wares. Hundreds of independent stallholders set up shop to sell their one-of-a-kind objects. There isn’t a huge number of antique or vintage homeware shops in Tokyo—so if you’re looking for old, interesting, and unique Japanese items for your home, this is the place to come. The items on sale at Oedo are completely one-off and unique. You’d be hard pressed to find a permanent shop in Tokyo that has the choice and style that you’ll find here. For first dibs, come earlier in the day.

Kyu Asakura House Arrow

Built in 1919, the former residence of government official Torajiro Asakura is a marvelously preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture tucked into Tokyo’s bustling Daikanyama district. For ¥100 (about 73 cents), you can wander through the building’s stately wooden corridors, tatami-floored rooms, and beautifully manicured grounds. The suginoma (cedar rooms) on the west side of the structure offer postcard-perfect views of the Japanese garden—particularly in the autumn, when the maple trees blaze with color. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, the property is an oasis of calm. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for an hour or two and contemplate the passing of time.

Nakameguro Arrow

It’s okay to visit the artsy neighborhood, Nakameguro, just to see its seasonal appeal as one of the most picture-perfect spots for cherry blossoms in spring. However, stick around these charming streets and you’ll find a hip collection of independent cafes and boutiques that offer a laid-back alternative to the city’s buzzing hubs. Sakura trees hug the Meguro River in Nakameguro’s center, blossoming as they lean over the sloped, canal-like walls surrounding the water. Once you’ve taken a moment to smell the blossoms (and fill your phone with pictures), you’ll find an array of independent boutiques and cafes branching off along narrow streets in either direction. Head to the corner-side Onibus Coffee, which serves single-origin espresso, and stop at SML, a boutique stocking delightful crafts (especially ceramics) made by Japanese artists. 

Nakano Broadway Arrow

A Tokyo mecca for anime- and manga-loving otaku subculture fans, the Nakano Broadway is a multi-story shopping arcade that has become a hub for niche collectors of all stripes. When it first opened in 1966, the complex epitomized the spirit of future-perfect economic optimism sparked by the Tokyo Olympics. Competition from newer shopping malls emptied its corridors of fancy boutiques in the 80s, before the Broadway reinvented itself as a center for used manga and anime models in the 90s. More than 300 tiny outlets are crammed into the aging edifice’s bottom five floors, offering everything from vintage Godzilla and Astroboy figurines to designer watches and creepy dolls galore.

Isetan Arrow

Isetan is Tokyo’s best—and most famous—department store; its history dates back to 1886, when it started as a kimono shop. The sprawling flagship in Shinjuku is spread out over nine floors, each offering something special. There’s a big fashion focus, with local Japanese brands sitting beside international names. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful food hall on B1, which sells a variety of Japanese snacks and goodies, including beautifully prepared bento boxes for lunch.

Tsukiji Market Arrow

In October 2018, the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji, shut down after 83 years and re-opened in two distinct parts. At the original location, it’s pretty much business as usual, with street-food stalls serving up everything from seared tuna to uni sandwiches in squid-ink sticky buns. Just down the road at Toyosu Market , meanwhile, you can taste fresh raw fish in a series of sushi bars and peek in on the auctions (formerly held at Tsukiji) and live fish sales from a second-story viewing station. You can also tour a large green space on the rooftop, which affords views of the Tokyo skyline.

Heiwa Doburoku Brewery Kabutocho Arrow

This simple but stylish Wakayama-based sake brewpub in Tokyo makes clever use of a corner space in Kabutocho, the recently hip neighborhood near the Tokyo Stock Exchange building. As the name suggests, the bar specializes in doburoku, a rustic style of unfiltered and lightly fermented sake characterized by its thick texture. Previously outlawed for taxation reasons, the traditional brew is making a comeback, appearing on menus at Tokyo's trendiest restaurants and bars. Large windows, pale wood fixtures, and a curved counter surrounding a small open kitchen give the bar an open and airy feel. The menu lists dry-hopped and aged doburoku, varieties made with ground adzuki red beans or black beans, and a few seasonal styles flavored with fruits or herbs. But the best place to start is with the original, plain doburoku, a thick and yogurty brew with a touch of fruity fizz. Brewer Heiwa Shuzo's excellent craft beers are served on tap (we love the golden ale infused with fragrant sansho prickly ash peppercorns), and the bar offers a nice selection of the brewery's clear, award-winning sake.

Nezu Museum Arrow

This serene museum in the Aoyama district, redesigned by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, is a contemporary temple for traditional art. A long, covered outdoor path alongside bamboo-clad walls serves as a minimalist entrance, but once inside, double-height interiors and glass walls stretch over 40,000 square feet while keeping the experience intimate. And while the museum mixes contemporary design and traditional art on the inside—over 7,400 pieces—the outside counts, too: The property is home to a stunning private garden that’s worth the visit all on its own. The bulk of the museum’s art was once the private collection of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan’s Tobu Railway. Since the midcentury, the collection grew and now comprises over 7,400 pieces.

Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa Arrow

Only one express stop away from the brighter-than-bright energy of Shibuya, Shimokita (what locals call Shimokitazawa) is like turning down the volume and switching to an acoustic track. It might embrace its bohemian style—with vintage stores on seemingly every block—but it doesn’t lose that unmistakable, sophisticated Japanese style in the process. Sift through secondhand shops, sip coffee, and repeat.

Monzen-Nakacho Arrow

The old-school neighborhood of Monzen-Nakacho—known as “Mon-Naka” among locals—has retained its colorful, salt-of-the-earth shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere since the Edo era (1603-1868). Two main draws are the stately Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and the Fukagawa Fududo temple, where you can hear the sounds of drumming and chanting from the temple’s fire ceremony, held five times a day. These days, hipster coffee shops and natural wine boîtes nestle against traditional shops selling pickles, Japanese confections, and old-timey delicacies like tsukudani—bits of seafood long-simmered in soy sauce and sugar. It’s a terrific place to spend a lazy afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and alleyways en route to the Museum of Contemporary Art in neighboring Kiba. But at night, the neighborhood comes alive with an array of reasonably priced eating and drinking spots.

teamLab Borderless Arrow

With the first iteration of Borderless in Odaiba, the art collective Teamlab created an endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous and surreal museum dedicated to multi-sensory digital art. Opened in 2018, the facility, which set the world record for the most visited museum dedicated to a single artist, closed its doors in 2022. However, Borderless 2.0 is set to relocate to a permanent location in the soon-to-open Azabudai Hills mixed-use complex in central Tokyo in early 2024. Boderless consists of installations that feature constantly morphing patterns and designs that seem to flow seamlessly from room to room in a maze-like space. Updated versions of some of the museum’s previous works will be on display, as well as several new installations: a room filled with hundreds of multicolored lights that run along tracks continuously and a series of interactive “light sculptures,” to name a few.

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• Tokyo In November: From Adventure To Sightseeing The Capital City Has A Lot To Explore!

06 Nov 2022

As the leaves turn bright shades of red, orange and yellow, this symbolizes the welcome of Autumn season in Japan. And while the “land of the rising sun”, turns into a living painting with a view of leaves shedding down, there are many other things which makes November the best time to plan a visit to this Asian country. While there are many places around, but Tokyo the capital city gears up to welcome the people to enjoy some great sightseeing, indulge in some adventure and simply witness the beauty of the place. Tokyo in November is considered as the low tourist season, which makes the streets less crowded and of course people can plan a budget trip as well. Here is a handy guide to know about what to see in Tokyo in November and how to enjoy a surreal vacation without any hassle.

Weather In November

It is believed that the weather and temperature in Tokyo in November is perfect as there is not much heat or incessant rainfall. The air is slightly chilly, but it is not that cold in winters. But it is better to add some layers of warm clothes as it might get cold in a windy evening.

Things To Do In Tokyo In November 2022

Here are the best things to do around Tokyo in November which will keep you hooked up throughout the vacation.

1. Onsen: Take A Bathe

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For a relaxing day in Tokyo, Onsen will be a great place to visit in November. It is a natural hot spring where people take a bath and relax. There are around 3,000 natural hot springs scattered across the country, and among them, some of which can be found in Tokyo. While some of the hot springs in Tokyo are located inside the posh spas and others can be seen in a public bathhouse. The water in the springs is perfect to keep you warm in a winter afternoon.

Where to find: Niwa no Yu, Spa LaQua, Fuku no Yu, Saya no Yudokoro

Must Read: A Handbook Of 10 Tokyo Travel Tips For A Butter-Smooth Japanese Escape!

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2. Sumo Kyushu Basho: Watch The Match

The Sumo wrestling championships take place for only six times in a year and one of those times is in November. The Kyushu Basho is actually the last tournament of the year and creates the next level of excitement among the visitors and locals. The most fascinating for the locals is to see the wrestlers visit the nearby restaurants and bars after the match. Watching this exciting game sitting at the tatami mats is a must highlight if you plan to visit Tokyo in November.

Suggested Read: 6 Magnificent Tokyo Castles Sitting In & Around The City, Exhibiting The History Of Japan Perfectly!

3. Mt. Takao: Hike Through The Jungle

Witness the beautiful fall colors by hiking all the way through to the top of Mount Takao. Located on the outskirts of Tokyo, this is a perfect day trip from the city to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and other attractions like the monkey park and Yakuoin Temple. The hike is around 90 minutes, but if you want to skip that then there is also a cable car ride which cuts out half the hike.

Suggested Read: These Top Places For Shopping In Tokyo Will Not Burn A Hole In Your Pocket!

4. Inokashira Park: Witness The Sakura Blossoms

Take a glimpse of the Sakura blossoms and the brilliant autumn colors while you take a quick escape to the Inokashira park. There is also a lake located in the middle of the park which is usually crowded by the visitors who want to experience boating. Rowboats and swan boats can be rented by the visitors to enjoy a pleasant afternoon by the water.

Suggested Read: Day Trips From Tokyo: 7 Places To Fill Your Travel Diaries With In The Land Of Rising Sun

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5. Sensoji Temple: Explore The Heritage

Resting at the Tokyo’s historic center Asakusa, this is one of the oldest temple in the region. This is one of the must places to visit in Tokyo in November which is known for its ancient architecture and exuding Japanese tradition. The temple gates are adjacent to the streets and makes an iconic view to enjoy. During the fall season, the temple turns out to be more beautiful as it’s framed by the changing trees. There are many restaurants in the region which offers the traditional Japanese cuisine to taste along with exploring the Japanese culture.

Suggested Read: If You Are An Adventure Junkie Then These 5 Tokyo Theme Parks Are Where You Should Be!

6. Ueno Park: Stay Entertained

The parks in Tokyo are the best to explore during November and when it comes to exploring the parks, then Ueno is the first one in the list. This is one of the city’s biggest park which is full of entertainment. One of the main highlights of this place is Ameyoko street which is lined up with street food stalls, grocery stores and shopping stores offering great discounts.

Further Read: Eiffel Tower Vs Tokyo Tower: Is There A Comparison? Let’s Find Out!

So, are you excited to visit the most popular city this year in November? From experiencing some exciting activities to witnessing some vibrant festivals, there is a lot to do around and this will definitely make you weave some memories around this country. Don’t wait and hold this guide to plan a fascinating trip to Japan and immerse yourself into the joy spread in the air.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tokyo In November

Is november a good time to visit japan.

September to November and March to May are the best times of the year to visit Tokyo as the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear.

What is there to do in Tokyo in November?

If you are looking for things to do in Tokyo in November, here are some of the most exciting things you could try: 1.Hike to Mount Takao 2.Visit the Marunouchi Illumination 3.Take a stroll in Kagurazaka 4.Park hopping 5.Join the Dream Yosakoi Festival

What is the weather like in Japan in November?

November marks the start of the autumn season in Japan when the entire landscape turns into shades of yellow, orange and red. The weather is quite dry and cool and is perfect to explore the city.

What should I wear in Tokyo in November?

As the weather gets a bit cooler in November, you can keep a jacket or a sweater handy. At times, you might need a scarf and a coat to keep away the chills.

Does it snow in Tokyo in November?

Some regions in Japan experience an early snow season in November and can experience mild snow during the month. The last time Tokyo received early snowfall in November was in 2016, i.e. after 54 years.

Is Mt Fuji visible in November?

Yes. Mount Fuji is best visible from the capital town of Tokyo during the autumn and winter season. Hence November to January is the only time of the year when Mt. Fuji has the best visibility.

Does it rain in Tokyo in November?

No. November is a rather dry season in Tokyo and it does not see any rainfall.

What are the charges for boating in Inokashira Park?

The charges for boating at Inokashira Park is about INR 395 for one hour per person.

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7 Reasons Why November is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo

• October 31, 2017
• 82.8K views

I’ve been to  Tokyo in November  for … 3 times now, and the 4th will take place this year, lol. Yes, I know! Other than the  cherry blossom season ,  autumn  is definitely my favorite time to go Tokyo (and Kyoto if I can afford it).  Actually, spring and autumn are the only two seasons I’ve ever been to Japan.

Let’s just quickly dive into the top reasons why you should visit Tokyo in November!

Why November is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo

1. it’s autumn, and no country does autumn foliage like japan..

Autumn in Japan means more than nature’s explosions of blooming leaves. In fact, they have a name for it – “ Momijigari “, which means: “ going to see the autumn leaves “, so lovely! Autumn in Japan is totally an art: zen gardens for your admiring, spending time in nature with yourself or loved ones, and the perfect time for quiet contemplation as the year comes close to an end soon.

For Tokyo, in the city, there’re many parks and gardens to see autumn leaves. If you prefer day trips, consider taking a  day trip to Kamakura , a beautiful coastal town that will bring you lots of autumn surprises, or even  Mt Takao , an easy hike for all ages.

More articles on Tokyo!

• Tokyo Day Trip Ideas to Make the Best of Autumn!
• Guide to the coastal town of Kamakura (Tokyo) in Autumn
• Hiking Mt Takao (Tokyo)

2. It’s cheaper and easier to plan for, as compared to cherry blossom season.

Flight tickets to Japan and  hotel prices  definitely shoot up for the cherry blossom months. Also, compared to sakura season, I personally feel that planning to catch the correct timing for  autumn leaves  is easier than trying to  catch cherry blossom ‘s full-bloom time.

| Also view:  Photo-journal of Ueno during sakura season  |

3. november’s weather is perfect for hikes, nature walks, & being outdoors..

The temperature in Tokyo during  November averages  between 9 to 15 ° C. This makes it superb to be outdoors, when you can visit nature parks like Ueno. It does rain at times, so have an umbrella too.  By the way, you’ll notice the Japanese likes to use transparent umbrellas in rainy seasons. There’re different reasons for this phenomenon, but I prefer to think that these umbrellas won’t block everyone’s view when it gets crowded.

Hiking in autumn

Hiking in Tokyo’s autumn weather is very, very pleasant. When I  hiked Mt Takao , I had on layers of winter AND a winter jacket. I didn’t even have to remove my jacket all the way up to the mountain-top.  Ps: It’s also because I’d already taken the cable-car halfway up the mountain. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristine🌸The Petite Wanderess (@thepetitewanderess) on Mar 8, 2017 at 7:57am PST

It’s great for any other forms of queueing (such as restaurants or theme parks)

It’s definitely VERY pleasant to queue in cooling weather outdoors than in the summer heat.

| Check out my  Recommended Day Trip Ideas from Tokyo in Autumn!  |

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4. autumn means you can dress up for endless travel photos.

Look awesome in your travel photos by styling your outfits in layered clothing and shoes, something people like us in Singapore never got to do cos it’s always summer here. Don’t just think of it as taking photos for Instagram ( not judging here ) – these travel photos and memories will last a lifetime! You might even be whipping out these photos to show your grand-kids in future!

5. Soaking in a hot onsen during autumn will be a wonderful idea.

It would be a waste if you visit Japan without having tried a hot onsen. However, do note that it’s more challenging to find an onsen place in the city centre of Tokyo. I’ve only been to an onsen ( Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu – not recommended ) at the base of Mount Takao.

The alternative is to go to Hakone (about 1.5 hours by train) for an onsen experience, or  head to Kawaguchiko  at Yamanashi (2 hours by bus from Shinjuku) to find a  hotel with onsen facilities .

Read: •  Guide to Using Onsen in Japan! •  Review of Fuji View Hotel – onsen ryokan hotel at Kawaguchiko

| Check out the best hotel prices in Tokyo via  Agoda  or  Booking  platforms! |

6. The cutest Japanese festival, Shichi Go San (7-5-3), happens in November!

On  November 15  (or the weekends closest to that date), Japanese parents will bring their kids who turned 3, 5 or 7 years old to  preferred Shinto shrines , for a day of prayers and gratitude.  It’s cuteness overload , because the girls will be dressed in kid-sized traditional costumes and the boys – sometimes Western-style outfits. With elaborate hairstyles done and accessories all coordinated perfectly. You’ll see the families taking plenty of photos at the shrine.

If the dates are right for your trip, head to Meiji Shrine at Harajuku (or other Shinto shrines favoured by the locals) and be a part of this truly Japanese festival!

| Read:  Where to go in Tokyo for your first time!  |

7. november gives you better chances to spot mt fuji..

This point is a bit of a stretch  because you can’t exactly see Mount Fuji clearly in Tokyo (I saw a glimpse of the silhouette from far when I was at the summit of  Mount Takao ), but well, you can  travel to other prefectures from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji ! 

Mount Fuji is a shy one , with limited visibility in a year. November to January are generally the recommended months where visibility is higher. A snow-capped Mount Fuji is also more beautiful than it without the snow. Again, you need to choose the right places & pray for good weather, such as head to Fuji Five Lakes region.  Kawaguchiko is a great option!

| Read next:  See Mount Fuji up close + Other things you can do at Kawaguchiko  |

Ready to book your trip? Check out Tokyo hotel rates on Booking.com !

Are you planning to visit Tokyo in November?

Mini guides on Japan!

• Best Day Trip Ideas from Tokyo in Autumn!
• Tokyo for the first time? Here’s where to go!
• Things to do at Kawaguchiko
• 15 reasons Tokyo is great for solo travel
• Where to Stay in Tokyo: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
• Guide to Using Onsen for Your First Time

Inspiration from Japan

• Tokyo’s cutest festival: Shichi Go San!
• Day trip to Kamakura (Tokyo)
• Hiking Mt Takao (Tokyo) in autumn
• Seeing a geisha finally in Kyoto

.. and more about  Tokyo  and  Kyoto !

Appreciated this content & information?

Kristine Li

A 5-ft petite traveller, TCM Wellness Professional, Freelance Multi-Disciplinary Designer, yoga student, Kristine obsesses over ideas, art found in unexpected places, the jewels of undiscovered towns, brilliant colors, and poetry. She is also a freelance designer, mostly consulting clients keen to elevate their branding and design. Reach out to her if you're seeking an experienced and responsible business partner for features, articles, reviews, or even design!

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• autumn season
• japanese culture

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Top 12 Spots to See Autumn Leaves Around Tokyo

From day trips to Japanese gardens, these fall wonders will leave you speechless.

Come November in Japan, there’s a definite nip in the air but don’t go diving under the kotatsu (heated table covered by a blanket) just yet! Fall is definitely one of the best times to experience Japan. Autumn’s crisp air and clear skies are perfect for koyo (changing autumn leaves) viewing.

The Japanese go crazy for koyo so why not join in the national pastime of ogling those fall colors? Instead of retreating indoors to Netflix and chill, check out the fall foliage while you still can. Here are 12 places where you can see autumn leaves in and around Tokyo . (Keep in mind: Estimated viewing times are approximate, depending on the weather.)

12 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

If you’re after the picturesque momiji (red maple leaves), head to one of the city’s oldest Japanese landscape gardens. These gardens were created for the Tokugawa clan during the Edo era (1603-1868). Enjoy koyo at different viewpoints along the trail and don’t miss the photogenic full moon bridge and Edo Daikagura performances.

• Best time to view: mid-November to early December
• Nearest train station: Iidabashi Station

11 Todoroki Valley

Todoroki Valley in Setagaya is not at all dorky during autumn. Unlike its more coiffed garden pals in the city, this spot is for those who prefer to see koyo in a more natural habitat. Escape the frantic crowds and catch the leaves at a more leisurely pace from the kilometer-long trail along the Yazawa River.

• Nearest train station: Todoroki Station

10 Yoyogi Park

This Tokyo park is not just a meeting place for quirky locals and expats. Yoyogi Park is also one of the best locations in the city to watch the trees perform their own version of cosplay. Head to the southern side of the park to explore Gingko Forest.

• Nearest train station: Harajuku Station

Nagatoro in Saitama is the perfect fall getaway for the bleary-eyed Tokyoite. Highlights include watching the leaves reflected on the Arakawa River, seeing mountain foliage while riding the ropeway to the top of 497-meter high Mount Hodo, and enjoying koyo at night in Tsukinoishimomiji Park.

• Best time to view: mid to late November
• Nearest train station: Nagatoro Station (20 mins on foot to the ropeway station)

This rustic koyo destination is located in the western part of Tokyo. Walk the four kilometer-long trail that snakes along rivers and mountains for all the autumn feels. Two of the best viewpoints are Okutama Lake and Hatonosu Canyon.

• Best time to view: late October to early November
• Nearest train station: Hatonosu Station

Otaki is a castle town located near Narita Airport in Chiba . Catch lots of koyo in the Yoro Valley. Stroll along the 1.2-kilometer-long Nakase Yuhodo Promenade and stop at temples and waterfalls along the Yoro River. Don’t miss Yoro Gorge and the 100-meter high Awamata Falls.

• Nearest train station: Yorokeikoku Station

Like Koishikawa Korakuen, Rikugien is one of Tokyo’s oldest Japanese landscape gardens (completed in 1702). The garden of six poems is located in the northern part of the city. Watch koyo illuminated at night while sipping tea from one of its traditional tea houses.

• Best time to view: late November to early December
• Nearest train station: Komagome Station

5 Mount Takao

Mount Takao is an accessible destination for Tokyoites chasing the koyo front. Ascend the 599 meter-high summit and watch the cityscape against a stunning backdrop of color. If you don’t feel like hiking the entire path, take the cable car or chairlift halfway up the trail.

• Nearest train station: Takaosanguchi Station

4 Musashino Park

Located in Koganei along the Nogawa River, this park is popular with local university students. Catch its famous momiji along the river bank. This park is also one of the few free places in the city where you can have a BBQ but reservations are required.

• Nearest train station: Musashi-Koganei Station

3 Showa Kinen Park

This public park is located in Tachikawa in Western Tokyo. It’s so massive that you need a bike to fully explore its grounds. There is a 300-meter trail lined with gingko trees. Not to mention lots of grassy areas perfect for a fall picnic. Fido can also roll around in the leaves without a leash in the dog park.

• Best time to view: mid-November
• Nearest train station: Tachikawa Station

2 Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is squished between Kichijoji and Mitaki and is famous for momiji in fall. This local favorite turned 100 years old in 2017. Here, you can enjoy koyo from the comfort of boats on Inokashira Pond and savor sunsets that filter between the leaves of gold and crimson.

• Nearest train station: Kichijoji Station

1 Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

During fall in Japan, the momiji gets a lot of attention but nothing can rival the golden splendor of ginkgo leaves along this 300 meter-long avenue. There are 146 trees here so get snap-happy or eat your heart out under the leaves during the Gingko Festival.

• Nearest train station: Shinanomachi or Aoyama-itchome Station

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Tokyo   Travel Guide

Best Times To Visit Tokyo

The best time to visit Tokyo is between March and April and September and November. Autumn ushers in colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Spring brings in much of the same, but instead of vibrant fall hues, the foliage you'll see here are cherry blossom trees in full bloom, making it peak tourist season. Summer, on the other hand, is oppressively hot, but less crowded than the spring. What's more, parts of June and July can usher in lots of rainy days. On the opposite extreme, winter weather is chilly (with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the mid-30s), but still manageable; however, you will not be able to experience the full potential of Tokyo's parks at this time of year.

Weather in Tokyo

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Tokyo

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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How to Make the Most of 4 Days in Tokyo

Fuel up on coffee at artist takashi murakami’s retro cafe, immerse yourself in a new digital art museum, and take a meditative walk in the heart of a forest..

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The cherry tree-fringed Chidorigafuchi Park is just a short walk from Kudanshita Station in Tokyo.

Photo by Geoff Haggray

Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis with 37.4 million people, presents a dynamic contrast of historical and contemporary. I offer market tours here and many of my clients say how much they love the city. It’s hard not to love. People are polite. The streets are clean. The cuisine is outstanding, from high-end sushi shops to a simple egg salad sando at the convenience store. My tip: Have a rough itinerary but allow time to wander and explore the quiet side streets.

It’s best seen on foot. Paul McInnes, editor in chief and creative director of Voyapon , a site about Japan and Japanese culture, says of the city: “Many people don’t realize that Tokyo is very much a walkable city. One of the best books about this very subject is Laura Elkin’s fantastic Flâneuse , which focuses on exploring various cities, including Tokyo. You really get to know more about how Tokyo works and you find various nooks and crannies that you hadn’t realized existed. So, invest in some comfortable walking shoes and explore this great modern city.” (McInnes himself captures the details on Japan in his psychogeography writings of walking through Tokyo and Kyoto .) Here’s how to best spend four days in Tokyo.

Tokyo’s Asakusa district is home to a number of historic monuments including the 7th century Sensoji temple.

Day 1: Explore the historic East Side

The Asakusa district is a must-see, even for the Japanese when they visit Tokyo. Start with a traditional Japanese breakfast of onigiri rice balls and miso soup at Misojyu , then walk up the Nakamise Dori pedestrian street lined with shops up to Sensoji , Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Its history can be traced back 1,300 years. Walk over to the Kappabashi kitchenware district and peruse the shops; don’t miss the sleek Kama-Asa for knives and kitchenware (but be sure to carry knives in your checked luggage when you head home).

Take the Ginza subway line a few stops to the Ueno train station, home to several museums, a large park, and an open air market. Grab lunch (soba and tempura) at Yabu Soba , a historic shop dating back 130 years. On the first-floor atelier, buckwheat noodles are made from scratch. Ueno Park has six museums, including the Tokyo National Museum—the largest and oldest art museum in Japan. If you’re traveling with kids, spend some time in the nearby Akihabara district (a 15-minute walk away) for electronics and shops for anime and manga character shops.

Continue on the Ginza subway line to the Ginza district itself and spend the late afternoon perusing the shops. I’m not a big shopper myself, but it’s such a joy in Japan with boutiques like Natsuno for chopsticks, Ito-ya for stationery, and Issey Miyake for my favorite travel wear, Pleats Please. Ginza Six department store is the newest addition to the Ginza main street, complete with a rooftop garden and basement food hall, mostly with sweets. Check out the free art galleries at fashion labels like Issey Miyake Cube or Maison Hermes .

Have sushi for dinner at Ginza Kyubey , the restaurant that created gunkan sushi, nori wrapped around rice to hold soft toppings like uni (sea urchin), followed by cocktails at Bar Orchard . For more local eats, check out the nearby Tsukishima area, which is famous for monjayaki , the Tokyo version of okonomiyaki savory pancakes.

A first-time visit to Tokyo ought to include an hour or two on the pedestrian Takeshita Dori street, which is home to all manner of pop culture and clothing shops.

Photo by KenSoftTH/Shutterstock

Day 2: Dive into new Tokyo

The west side of Tokyo is the younger side of the city. Start at Harajuku Station and begin with a meditative walk through the luscious green forest surrounding Meiji Jingu Shrine next door, which was established in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It opens at sunrise.

Next, snake your way through neighboring Harajuku’s Takeshita Dori , ground zero for Japanese pop culture. The narrow pedestrian street is lined with boutiques for all things kawaii cute, cosplay costumes, and teen fashion. It also offers plenty of street food. Continue the walk along upscale Omotesando Street and down to see the Prada building, one of Tokyo’s most famous architectural designs. Visit the Nezu Museum for its impressive collection of Japanese and Asian artworks, including paintings and ceramics—and don’t miss the surrounding gardens.

Rub elbows with locals at lunch at Yanmo . Seasonal seafood comes directly from the fishing boats each morning to the restaurant, is charcoal grilled and served with set lunches with rice, miso soup, and vegetables. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the hipster and fashionable Daikanyama area, which is known for Japanese denim boutiques. I love the colorful tenugui cotton cloths at Kamawanu that make great gifts for friends. Allow time to get lost in the Tsutaya T-Site bookstore.

An excellent guide to what makes Tokyo so special is the book People Make Places by Charles Spreckley, the founder of the bespoke travel company of the same name. It introduces the people behind the restaurants, boutiques, and museums in Tokyo. “Roku is one of the shops that is included in People Make Places, a really fantastic vintage store that specializes in denim,” Spreckley says. “Kapital is a brand originally from Okayama, the capital of Japan’s denim industry, which is known for its high-quality products and with a shop in Ebisu.”

Wind down the evening at Pizza Marumo in Ebisu—voted number 10 in the world by the Best Chef Awards . Chef Motokura is a former Japanese cuisine chef. Marumo has a full menu of appetizers and an extensive list of pizzas. The dough has a high amount of water so the crust is crispy and the dough is chewy.

Katsukichi restaurant is renowned for its fried pork cutlets, cooked in a blend of oils and freshly made breadcrumbs.

Courtesy of Katsukichi

Day 3: Visit local neighborhoods

Start the day by stepping back in time at old-school kissaten coffee shop L’ambre in Shinjuku, one of the newer parts of the city and a mix of high-rise buildings and spacious green parks; expect toast and coffee with classical music playing in the background. From here, it’s a short walk to one of Tokyo’s spectacular depachika food halls at Isetan . The department store basement has a colorful collection of prepared foods, high-end fruits, seasonal seafood, and exquisitely packaged sweets.

Then venture West on the Chuo train line and hit up a few local stops. North of Nakano Station is Nakano Broadway , a mall that offers a fascinating insight to the anime otaku subculture. Visitors come to shop for vintage watches, peruse manga magazines and anime figurines, or enjoy the rainbow soft serve in the food hall basement. Hidden in the back is Zingaro coffee shop by Murakami. This stop is about pop culture.

There are a few other local stops continuing west on the Chuo line, including Koenji for vintage shops, Ogikubo to visit the Otaguro Gardens and for ramen, Nishi-Ogikubo for antiques, or Asagaya for the Pearl Center shotengai shopping arcade to see how locals shop. If you’re a planner, then be on top of booking tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Kichijoji. Inokashira Koen Park , near the Ghibli Museum, is stunning in spring during sakura season.

From Kichijoji take the Inokashira line train to Shimokitazawa . This sprawling area has curry shops, cafés, and shops for practically everything, but notably vintage clothes. Rest your feet at Balloon d’Essai for a latte, or if it’s summertime for a kakigori shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk and espresso. Continue on the Inokashira line to the terminal Shibuya Station. Check out the popular Shibuya Crossing with up to 3,000 people crossing at one time. If you’re up for a cocktail, mixologist Shingo Gokan has a big following with several bars, including at SG Club . Dinner is tonkatsu, breaded and fried pork cutlets, at Katsukichi . In wintertime I am addicted to the fried oysters.

Augmented and virtual realities collide at teamLab Borderless’s art installation.

Day 4: Step into the future

Start the morning at Hamarikyu Gardens on the waterway leading to Tokyo Bay. A former imperial detached palace, it strikes a peaceful contrast to the nearby high-rise buildings. Do not miss the 300-year-old pine tree. For early sustenance, creamy chicken ramen at Ginza Kagari is my favorite bowl in the city.

Head over to Azabudai Hills to see the newest complex to open in Tokyo with about 150 shops, cafés, restaurants, and the digital art museum teamLab Borderless . The flowing modern architecture connects several buildings. Then soak in culture at one or more of the Roppongi museums: the Mori Art Museum with an observatory; the 21_21 Design Sight ; or the National Art Center, Tokyo . For your final night in Tokyo, explore sake and sake-friendly dishes at the friendly Eureka! . If you’re traveling with children, then head to a kaitenzushi shop like Sushiro . Kids will have fun ordering sushi on an iPad and having it delivered by a conveyor belt.

Where to stay

There’s no shortage of great hotels in Tokyo . The Tokyo Station Hotel, in the heart of the city, is the classic hotel with omotenashi hospitality and service. As the name suggests, it’s conveniently located at Tokyo Station, which also helps if you have an early shinkansen bullet train to areas beyond the capital. If dining is a priority, the Aman has some of the best concierges in Tokyo for getting reservations at sought-after restaurants. The spa, pool, and luxurious rooms are ideal for relaxing and unwinding after a day on your feet exploring the city.

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

8 Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo To Give You Those Fall Feels

If the local parks just don’t do it for you, here are some great autumn leaves day trips from Tokyo that will give you all those fall feelings. We’ve included eight of the most popular options, plus two longer trips to take if you have time.

Autumn leaves give the cherry blossoms a run for their money in our opinion — and what better way to escape the busy streets of the capital than with a relaxing day trip to enjoy them? Whether you prefer a hike, want an easy stroll, or love seasonal festivals, there’s a perfect Tokyo autumn destination for everyone.

The 2023 autumn leaves forecast

The 2023 fall leaves forecasts for Japan and for Tokyo have been released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, so we can all plan our fall sightseeing.

• Northern Japan : Higher altitude areas are expected to peak from early October to mid-November, while lower altitude areas peak from late October to late November. Yellow leaves will peak from early November to late November.
• Eastern Japan : Higher altitude areas are expected to peak from late October to early December, while lower altitude areas peak from late November to mid-December. Yellow leaves will peak from early November to early December.
• Western Japan : Higher altitude areas are expected to peak from late October to early December, while lower altitude areas peak from late November to mid-December. Yellow leaves will peak from mid-November to mid-December.

Note: Yellow leaves ( ginkgo ) usually turn sooner than the main attraction, red leaves (maple).

Recommended day trip 1: Nikkō

Autumn leaves forecast (Central Nikko): Early to mid-November Autumn leaves forecast (Lake Chūzenji): Late October to early November 1 hour 50 minutes from Asakusa Station 2-day pass available : ¥ 2,120 (round-trip) (does not incl. limited express fare)

A popular day trip throughout the year, Nikkō really comes into its own during fall, with flowing waterfalls and mountains blanketed in golden-hued trees. There are countless gorges, lakes, and mountains to explore here, so take your pick!

Kegon Falls provides one of the most stunning views in Japan during autumn, with water rushing down a 97-meter drop from Lake Chūzenji. This is the highest natural lake in Japan, with views of Mt. Nikkō and Mt. Nantai from the walking path surrounding it (as well as from the ferry). The leaves here peak from late October to mid-November. Alternatively, you could visit the Ryūōkyō Gorge and walk along a 6-km nature trail with hot springs at each end. This area is expected to peak around mid-November.

Shinkyō Bridge is another popular spot for Tokyo autumn day-trippers, right in central Nikkō. The traditional arched red bridge meets colorful leaves on either end as it crosses the bright-blue Daiyagawa River. Central Nikkō peaks from early to mid-November, slightly later than the falls and lake as the altitude is lower.

Pro-tip: The Nikkō All Area Pass includes all travel between Tokyo (Asakusa), Nikkō, and the area around Kegon Falls and Ryūōkyō Gorge — which saves a bit of money and trouble over individual ticket-buying.

Have a read of our full article on Nikkō for more information, including more on discount travel passes, and also check out our article on getting from Tokyo to Nikko .

Getting there : Travel to Nikkō typically begins in Asakusa, and takes 110 minutes on the Tobu Limited Express Kegon and costs [price amount=2860]. A cheaper option is to get the Asakusa subway line to Oshiage, catch the Tobu SkyTree Express to Minami-Kurihashi, and then the Tobu Nikkō Line Express to Tobu Nikkō. This takes just over 2.5 hours and costs [price amount=1570]. Read all about the best options in our full guide on getting to Nikko .If traveling by train, consider also the [affiliate id="klook" text="Tokyo Wide Pass" link="https://www.klook.com/en-GB/activity/49927-jr-east-tokyo-tokyowidepass/"] which lasts three days and covers the Kantō region -- you can use it to visit both Nikko and Karuizawa, for example. It is available for residents as well as visitors. Read more about it here or check our guide to all of Japan's regional rail passes .-->

2. Okutama: 2 hours from Shinjuku

Autumn leaves forecast: Mid- to late November 2 hours from Shinjuku Station ¥ 1,110 (one way)

Enjoy the mountain views of Okutama while you stroll alongside the lake or rivers, feeling a million miles away from the frenetic streets of Tokyo. The Hikawa Keikoku Valley is a few minutes’ walk from Okutama Station, and there is a 4-km promenade along the Nippara River, Tama River, and Mt. Atago, with stunning views of the surrounding autumn leaves.

There are boat rides available across Lake Okutama, which is a whopping 45 km in circumference. With views of Mt. Kumotori, Mt. Kawanori, and Mt. Gozenyama, you won’t be short of breathtaking moments, especially if you are a fan of hiking. You can take the 10-km Mukashi-Michi Trail from the station, which takes you towards the lake; it is a largely paved route, with some steep sections (catch a bus back from the lake if you prefer).

Okutama may be more popular as a summer destination thanks to the river activities, but autumn is a stunning time to see the area — towns string persimmons up to dry, and weatherwise it’s still pleasant enough for a picnic.

Getting there : It takes under two hours from Shinjuku with one or two changes, depending on your route, and costs around [price amount=1100]. -->

4. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: The Japanese Alps sightseeing tour

3. Mt. Takao: Easy hike 1 hour from Shinjuku

Autumn leaves forecast: Late November to early December 55 minutes from Shinjuku Station ¥ 390 (one way)

November is set to be the Kantō region’s prime fall foliage period this year, and Mt. Takao , on the outskirts of Tokyo, is listed (by the Michelin Green Guide, no less) as one of the best places to see momiji (ornamental maple leaves).

Here you can also hike the scenic trails, check out Biwa Falls, visit Takao Yakuo-in Temple and the Ju-itchome Teahouse, get a delicious lunch, gaze upon the summit of Mt. Fuji (on a clear day), and soak your weary bones in an onsen . There’s also the Mt. Takao Momiji Festival .

For more details on Takao, how to get there, and what to do once you’ve arrived, check out our full Mount Takao article .

Getting there: Mt. Takao is less than an hour from Shinjuku by train and costs just [price amount=390] if you stick to the Keio Line! The nearest station is Takaosanguchi Station, and from there, it's a three-minute walk to the base of the mountain. There is a cable car and a chairlift to the top of Mt. Takao, as well.-->

4. Mt. Mitake: Medium-easy hike 1 hr 30 min from Shinjuku

Autumn leaves forecast: Mid- to late November 1 hour 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station (plus 10-minute bus to ropeway) ¥ 950 (train one way); ¥ 340 (bus one way)

The mountains of Tokyo are an ideal spot to see the fall colors and don’t require too much strenuous exercise — especially if you opt for the ropeways. Mt. Mitake is a bit further to the west than the much more crowded Mt. Takao, but still keeps the crinkle of leaves underfoot, tranquil shrines, moss-covered stones, and cascading waterfalls. During autumn, there is also a special illumination near the station.

More on how to hike Mount Mitake in our dedicated guide.

5. Lake Kawaguchiko: Mt. Fuji views 2 hours from Shinjuku

Autumn leaves forecast: Mid- to late November 2 hours from Shinjuku Station ¥ 2,200 (one way)

What better way to see Mt. Fuji than surrounded by stunning autumn leaves? One of the highlights in Kawaguchiko — which is at the base of Mt. Fuji — is the Maple Corridor (near the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum ). The tunnel — famed for getting an iconic Mt. Fuji autumn shot — is only a 20-minute walk from Oishi Park .

There’s an annual festival with food stalls, souvenirs, crafts, and more. The area is also illuminated with LED lights into the night and looks truly incredible, making this a good spot to visit later in the day.

Pro tip: If you’d like to take it easy, you can book a bus tour to Kawaguchiko (this one includes the famous Chureito Pagoda ).

Take a look at our full Kawaguchiko day trip guide for all the info. Full details on getting to Mount Fuji from Tokyo here .

6. Kamakura: Beach trip 1 hour from Shinjuku

Autumn leaves forecast: Early to mid-December 1 hour from Shinjuku Station ¥ 950 (one way)

It helps that Kamakura is an awesome place to visit anyway, but throw in some spectacular autumnal leaves and you’ve got an extra-great day out. Due to the coastal location, the autumn leaves in Kamakura start to turn a little later, meaning the best time to visit is around late November to mid-December.

The famous temples and shrines of the area all look amazing with a backdrop of gold and red leaves, so be sure to visit Kōtoku-in Temple — the home of the giant Buddha — as well as the pathway up to the main hall of Hasedera Temple , which is lined with beautifully lit maple trees in the evening.

Meigetsu-in Temple is famed for a unique view through a circular window into the bright autumnal foliage, and Engaku-ji Temple is surrounded by aged trees glowing with fall colors. There are also multiple hiking routes through the area if you want to get right into the forests.

Pro tip: There are some really good guided tours of Kamakura available.

For a full run-down of what’s on offer and how to get there, see our Kamakura mega guide

7. Hakone: 1 hr 30 min from Shinjuku

Autumn leaves forecast: Mid- to late November 1 hour 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station ¥ 2,470 (one way) or get the Hakone Free Pass

Home to hot springs galore, onsen eggs , mountains, and teahouses , Hakone is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo no matter the time of year. But, in autumn something a bit more fiery is added into the mix.

Hakone is a nature-based escape, so you can find plenty of red leaves on  hiking trails , as well as around Gōra Park and the Hakone Open Air Museum . Head higher up the mountains to the Pola Museum and be treated to even redder hues. That’s not to say Lake Ashi won’t be getting a touch of crimson, but the change will come slightly earlier than the higher areas.

Read more about the things you can get up to in Hakone and all the ways to get there  in our full Hakone guide ! And while you’re at it, check out our Hakone day trip itinerary too.

8. Shuzenji Onsen — 2 hours from Tokyo

Autumn leaves forecast: Late November to early December 2 hours from Tokyo Station ¥ 4,640 (one way)

Grab a rickshaw, rent a kimono, and bask in the tranquility of this sleepy onsen town. Shuzenji Onsen is known for its crimson foliage in autumn when many of the already beautiful local sights get a dust of gold. Here you’ll find one of the oldest hot spring baths in Izu, Tokko no Yu (look, don’t touch); a bamboo grove down a narrow path; a vermillion “lovers” bridge; and Shuzenji Temple, which often holds events throughout the year.

You can take the Odoriko train directly to Shuzenji Station from Tokyo, but the journey is even quicker — around 1 hour 30 minutes — if you grab the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and change to the Izuhakone Tetsudo-Sunzu Line at Mishima Station. A special bus liner for only ¥ 2,000 operates during the autumn season.

Bonus: Longer autumn trips from Tokyo

These extra autumn trips may either take a little bit more effort to plan or they deserve longer than a day.

1. Shosenkyo Gorge

Autumn leaves forecast: Early to late November 2 hours 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station ¥ 4,810 (one way)

Shosenkyo Gorge  is one of Japan’s most beautiful gorges. While doable in a day, we’ve added it as a bonus because it requires some planning to get there.

We recommend doing a hike to take in the magic. There’s a 4-km route that goes along the Arakawa River from the Nagatoro Bridge to the Sengataki Waterfall . Interestingly, the rocks are shaped and resemble different animals.

At the top of the mountain, there is a sweet little village. This is made up of souvenir shops and restaurants, feeding those hungry hikers. There is the terminal bus stop Shosenkyo Taki Ue too. Do wander around this village as it is the departure point for the Shosenkyo Ropeway, the observation point that gives you panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days and the magnificent Southern Japanese Alps too.

Find out how to get to Shosenkyo Gorge .

2. Karuizawa

Autumn leaves forecast: Early to mid-November 1 hour 10 minutes from Tokyo Station ¥ 5,820 (one way) or use the Tokyo Wide Pass

Deep in the valleys of Nagano are plenty of beautiful autumn viewing spots, from famous bridges to quiet towns. The easiest to visit is Karuizawa . Renting a bicycle here is the perfect method to explore the forests and streets.

Be sure to cycle to Kumoba Pond, where you can see golden leaves and blue skies (hopefully) reflected in the waters. You can also catch the Karuizawa-Kusatsu bus from the station to see the famous Shiraito Falls (pictured above), which are amazing throughout the year, but especially so in autumn.

Note: The 2023 edition of the Karuizawa Momiji Festival  is already underway.

Karuizawa is around an hour from Tokyo Station by bullet train, and is covered by the handy Tokyo Wide Pass which lasts three days, covers the Kantō region, and is available for residents as well as visitors. Read more about the Tokyo Wide Pass or simply book yours here .

Find more on what to do in Karuizawa and transport options in our handy Karuizawa guide .

our ideas for bus tours that will take you out of Tokyo for some effortless autumn leaf viewing.-->

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in 2017 and last updated in September 2023. Special thanks to Kylie Van Zyl for her contribution to the Takao section.

• Mount Takao
• Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine
• Okutama Station
• Hakone Gora Park
• Hakone Shrine
• Kawaguchiko Station
• Mount Mitake
• Autumn festivals
• Autumn Leaf Viewing
• Fall leaves

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10 Events and Things to do in Tokyo in November 2023

Luca Wirthmann is a student who was born and raised in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He will live and work in Tokyo as an intern for almost five months in order to get a better understanding of Japanese culture and develop his personality as well as business skills. In the summer of 2024 he will complete his Business Administration studies and plans to do his master’s program abroad. In his free time he’s both playing and watching sports, checking out new museums, and learning new languages.

Are you planning on visiting Tokyo in November but need some inspiration on what to do? Don’t worry, from celebrating the beautiful autumn leaves to watching or even participating in street dance competitions in one of the world’s busiest areas, we will cover it all for you. These 10 events and things to do in November will help you pick what you want to do for your travels here in Tokyo. 

1. Tokyo Motor Show

2. tokyo art week, 3. suginami festa , 4. asakusa tori-no-ichi fair, 5. the oedo antique market, 6. shinagawa international film festival, 7. tokyo festival of modular, 8. design festa vol.58: fall edition, 9. shibuya street dance week, 10. hachiōji ginkgo festival, japan wonder travel tours .

Attention all car and motorcycle fanatics. If you’ll be in Japan in November you have to visit this international motor show that is only held once every two years. The show features the latest production vehicles of both domestic and international brands. When combined with the show’s demonstrations and interactive events, visitors can seize the chance to witness and engage with cutting-edge developments in vehicle engineering, passenger safety, and future technology. This is the first Motor Show after the pandemic so you definitely can expect some mind blowing-changes with future vehicles, since this year’s theme is “Open future.”  

Date: Oct 26- Nov 5

Official Website: https://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/  

If you want to explore Tokyo, Tokyo Art Week is one of the best times to do so. It covers all kinds of leading exhibitions in Tokyo. From museums to galleries to art spaces, the Art Week makes sure to give you a wide variety of Japan’s deeply rooted History from the postwar to the present. In total, there are 50 exhibitions and institutions, such as The National Museum of Modern Art or the Mori Art Museum. But wait, it gets even better. The Week is sponsored by the city of Tokyo, making it free for you to travel around Tokyo’s galleries with so-called AWT buses. For more information make sure to check out their Website.

Date: Nov 2- Nov 5

Official Website: https://www.artweektokyo.com/en/

If you are on the lookout for something more family-oriented , the Suginami Festa is definitely something for you! With plenty of entertainment options, such as popular TV show characters, it offers endless things to do with booths that sell food or handicrafts made by Japanese artists . So be prepared to have a blast with your family and other visitors while enjoying different kinds of foods and stage performances. 

Date: Nov 4- Nov 5

Official Website: https://www.sugifes.com/  

The Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Festival is a festival deeply rooted in Japanese History that has been celebrated annually since the Edo period . Originally these fairs were held as a harvest festival committed to the day of the rooster. Nowadays visitors come to wish for good luck, health, fortune or business. One representative symbol for this festival is a so-called kumade, or decorative bamboo rake, that you can buy everywhere at this festival. As a sign of good luck all the shop owners will clap their hands rhythmically to give you blessings.

Date: Nov 11, Nov 23, Nov 29

Official Website: https://www.asakusa-torinoichi.tokyo/english

The Oedo Antique Market, usually held on the first and third Sunday of the month, is considered to be the biggest antique outdoor market in Japan. Located at the Tokyo International Museum, you will see cheap vintage stuff along with Kimono, Yukata, and other accessories. So if you are looking for cheap traditional Japanese clothes or pottery, the Antique Market is definitely a must. 

Date: Nov 5, Nov 12 (canceled if it rains)

Official Website: https://www.antique-market.jp/english/

Every once in a while, you need a break from everything. Especially in a City like Tokyo. The Shinagawa Film Festival will provide you with that needed break. It features short films from all over the world and screens 18 flicks a day. Not only does this outdoor theater offer short films, but you will also get the chance to see live performances and illuminations alongside some food stalls. And the best thing is that it’s free! So take a moment from this fast-paced city life and enjoy a movie with your family or friends while delighting in the scattered illuminations around the theater. 

Date: Nov 7 – Nov 12

Official Website: https://www.shinagawa-cinema.com/index.html

Prepare yourself for a journey full of creative innovations in digital technology, because this festival is all about sound engineers, graphic designers and music artists working together. This event is for showing off both domestic and international works of modular synthesizers. So brace yourself and enjoy a one-of-a-kind artistry experience. 

Date: Nov 25 -26 

Official Website: https://tfom.info/

We have one more huge art convention in stock for you. The Design Festa, held at Tokyo Big Sight of Odaiba, includes a huge gathering of artists from around the world. This festival is held twice a year and includes a total of roughly 15,000 artists in just 2 days. Additionally, the festival offers live paintings and performances while still having a huge collection of already- painted pictures, making it the perfect place to shop for mementos for the holidays.

Date: Nov 19- Nov 20

Official Website: https://designfesta.com/

Did you think Shibuya was only famous for the Shibuya Crossing and Shopping ? Well, we’re afraid to tell you that you are mistaken. Shibuya holds loads of events each year and one of them is the Shibuya Street Dance Week, where dance performances, battles and workshops are on the agenda. The invitation to join extends to individuals of all skill levels, making it an inclusive opportunity for everyone. So it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner, advanced, professional or even just want to try your hand at it for the first time. You are more than welcome at the Shibuya Street Dance Week.

Date: Nov 23

Official Website: https://streetdanceweek.jp/

These so-called Gingko trees were planted during the Showa period when Hachioji began to expand, creating a pathway between Hachioji and Mount Takao. Families can look forward to a delightful day, featuring festival food stalls showcasing local products and a diverse array of activities. Among these activities are a marketplace, a parade, and ‘Sekisho Orienteering,’ which allows participants to use their Tsuta Tegata passes to navigate through traditional Sekisho checkpoints, celebrating this age-old tradition.

Date: Nov 18- Nov 19

Official Website: https://www.ichou-festa.org/

This list gives

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The best times to visit Tokyo across the seasons

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Read on for the best time to visit Tokyo to escape the holiday crowds © SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images © SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Always dynamic, Tokyo shows a new side to its character with each passing season. There's really no bad time to visit.

Spring and fall bring great weather for sightseeing and seasonal changes in foliage – hanami (flower viewing) in spring and momijigari (leaf-viewing) in autumn – that are followed by locals with giddy enthusiasm.

In summer people gather to watch giant firework displays light up the night sky, and in winter, there are fewer crowds, festive illuminations, and snow-clad Mt Fuji is at its most beautiful. 

Whether you’re hoping to catch Japan ’s capital at its most lively or simply avoid the tourist crowds, here’s our guide to the best times to visit Tokyo.

There are several high seasons in Tokyo 

As Japan’s travel appeal has grown in popularity (it witnessed record-breaking annual tourism figures every year from 2012 to 2019, peaking at 32 million visitors) the high seasons have expanded outwards with it; nowhere has this been more apparent than in the major cities, particularly Tokyo and Kyoto.

While the capital is sprawling enough to accommodate such an influx, Tokyo’s premier attractions are noticeably more thronged for significant stretches of the year as a result. But usually, it’s with good reason.

March to April is cherry blossom season and in May it's Golden Week

March to May is peak season in Tokyo, with great weather and riots of color in city parks thanks to the famous cherry blossom bloom . Locals and visitors gather for open-air picnics and parties, called hanami , to take in the natural splendor. 

March sees the annual Tokyo Marathon and St Patrick's Day parade roll into town, as well as the celebration of Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day), where public spaces and homes are decorated with o-hina-sama (princess) dolls in traditional royal dress. 

Warmer weather and spring blooms – from floating sakura to tumbling wisteria – make April quite simply a fantastic month to be in Tokyo.

Celebrating the arrival of spring-proper, spirited parties accompany the ritual of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in parks like Ueno-kōen , Yoyogi-kōen , and Inokashira-kōen – get down early to guarantee a spot on the parks’ extensive lawns.

The month of May is also marked by Ōgon Shūkan (Golden Week), which sees a number of significant holidays take place, giving the city an added buzz. Expect plenty of crowds, jam-packed trains and a spike in accommodation costs.

Weather-wise, May is blissfully warm and sunny, so go for a stroll through Tokyo's streets and green spaces, or rent a bicycle and explore quieter neighborhoods in between the well-trodden tourist hubs.

Mt Fuji hiking opens in late-July and summer festivals begin

Despite the chance of late-summer rains, energy-sapping humidity in August, and roaring typhoons in fall, a second tourism peak comes in late July and continues more or less unabated until December. 

Mt Fuji ’s hiking routes are open during July and August, attracting pilgrims and summiters in their stick-wielding droves, while firework-fuelled summer festivals keep people entertained in the city. 

When the rainy season passes in mid-July, suddenly it’s summer – the season for lively street fairs and hanabi taikai (fireworks shows).

The grandest of the lot takes place on the last Saturday in July, with an incredible 20,000 pyrotechnic wonders exploding over Asakusa district (beware, crowds can reach one million). 

August is the height of Japan's sticky, hot summer (which locals love to bemoan with the phrase atsui desu ne – "hot, isn't it?"). The O-Bon national holidays mean attractions popular with students and families will be crowded, while accommodation will likely be pricey. 

Asagaya's Tanabata festival sees Tokyo’s signature shōtengai (shopping arcade), Pearl Centre , decked out with colorful lanterns and papier-mâché decorations (some with cheeky pop culture references).

The twice-annual Comiket (Comic Market) also rolls into town in August, a highlight of the year for major manga fans. It focuses on doujinshi , self-published and fanfic comics.

September to November is best for fall foliage and moon viewing

Clear skies around the autumn equinox in September call for tsukimi (moon-viewing gatherings), another quintessentially Japanese pastime.

Plenty of big events also take place at this time, including the Tokyo Film Festival and extravagant Halloween celebrations in October.

Pleasantly warm days and cool evenings make this an excellent time to be in Tokyo. There are a number of big events too, including Tokyo International Film Festival, screening works from international and Japanese directors, and Halloween, which sees thousands of costumed merry-makers now converge on Shibuya Crossing for one big, chaotic street party.

True to form, late-October also welcomes the Ikebukuro Halloween Street Party, one of the largest cosplay events in Japan.

The temperature cools to agreeable levels as Tokyo moves through the fall, paving the way for the koyo (autumn foliage) phenomenon. O-tori shrines such as Hanazono-jinja hold fairs called Tori-no-ichi where vendors sell kumade – stylized rakes that literally symbolize "raking in the wealth".

Meanwhile people gather to watch the city’s trees undergo magnificent seasonal transformations during kōyō (autumn foliage season). Rikugi-en, Koishikawa Kōrakuen , and Hama-rikyū Onshi-teien are three favorite local viewing spots.

In November, the city’s parks, gardens, and high streets are painted in fiery hues as deciduous trees – ginkgo, momiji, maple, zelkova, and more – bid their leaves adieu. Some gardens, like Rikugi-en in the north, illuminate the falling leaves after dark.

December to February (plus June and July) are best for avoiding crowds

Tokyo is quiet during the winter period, with the exception of the latter half of December when locals head out to end-of-year work parties and get-togethers.

This is, however, a good time to see the city decked out in dazzling winter lights, and observe religious ceremonies in full swing at temples and shrines during Shōgatsu (the Japanese New Year) at the beginning of January.

Accommodation prices are generally low during this period and crowds are thin. However, it’s worth noting many businesses close over the New Year period.

It’s also quite cold, though frequent clear blue skies mean snow-decked Mt Fuji is particularly beautiful at this time of year.

The height of the rainy season, usually arriving in mid-June to mid-July, is another low season for tourism in Tokyo, but the damp conditions are not great for sightseeing.

Early June is lovely, though by the end of the month tsuyu (the rainy season) sets in. The trade-off is that accommodation prices will drop after the April–May spike.

Should the rain arrive early, visitors can head to the BeerFes Tokyo during the first weekend of June, where over 100 different craft beers from around Japan and the world are on offer at the iconic Yebisu Garden Place.

Other celebrations in June include Sannō Matsuri (held on even-numbered years), a centuries-old festival that involves traditional music performances and takes place over 11 days in mid-June at Hie-jinja .

Keep planning your trip to Tokyo:

Wondering where to stay in Tokyo? We give you a rundown on the best neighborhoods .  Travelling on a budget? Save your yen with  tips for visiting Tokyo for less . Find out the  key things to know before you go . And why not plan a day trip: here are the best 5 day trips to add to your itinerary.

This article was first published Feb 16, 2021 and updated Mar 25, 2024.

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55 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Tokyo (Japan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 5, 2019  - Last updated: June 13, 2024

When traveling to Japan, it’s only natural to want to find things to do in Tokyo. It is, after all, the largest and busiest metropolis in the world.

With so much daily traffic and flow, your itinerary is bound to blow up quickly!

Still, finding the best way to occupy your time can get a bit daunting when there’s so much to choose from.

However, if you are short on ideas of what to do in Tokyo, here are some to consider.

Table of Contents

1. MariCAR Tour In The Streets Of Shinagawa

MariCAR Tour

This is a great option if you want to fit various things to see in Tokyo into one fell swoop.

Your rental car is actually a go-cart which you drive along the city streets, having a blast and sightseeing as you go!

The tour begins at 1-23-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001, Japan where you choose your travel route and fun costume.

The 5-star establishment has an accommodating, bilingual, friendly staff that will guide you through the city streets.

It’s not quite a guided tour as much as it is a brisk flash to give you a general feel for what Tokyo has to offer.

Don’t expect the informational stops from this tour, and don’t assume it’s your chance to compete in a live-action Mario Kart race.

You can add a GoPro to your rental and even bring your own Disney-themed costume to drive in. Keep in mind that you’ll need an international driver’s permit before arrival.

This activity isn’t 100% family-friendly since the carts are single-seaters and drive along the main roads.

For adventurous adults, though, it’s a good way to get out and about without walking everywhere.

Directions:

From the Kita-Shinagawa Station, go southeast along Daiichi Keihin/National Highway 15 toward Gotenyama Street.

Turn left at the Kitashinagawa intersection, then right onto Old Tokaido Street. Make an immediate left at the Kitashinagawa Ophthalmology Clinic. MariCAR is on the left.

2. Kappabashi-dori

Kappabashi-dori

Kappabashi is a street, known widely as Kitchen Town.

It’s located at 3-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0036, Japan and fixed conveniently between Ueno and Asakusa. The street is completely populated with shops that carry kitchen items.

There are over 100 stores with great variety in restaurant fixtures, model foods for display cabinets, and even home goods for your personal cooking domain.

Kappabashi is popular among local shop owners as well as tourists who want to purchase something to bring back home.

It’s an authentically native market for real restaurant use but also known to be a magnet for tourism.

Therefore, you’ll need to budget and prepare for shocking price tags before purchasing.

The items sold are of high quality and standard for even non-Japanese food restaurants.

This street has everything you need to make food except the food itself. It also gets a decent ground-level view of Tokyo Skytree from afar.

From Tawaramachi Station, walk a few minutes down Asakusa-dori. When you see the giant chef head atop of a corner building, you’ve arrived.

Turn right at this building to enter Kappabashi Street.

3. Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple

Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple

Asakusa is regularly visited by locals and tourists for beautiful Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple at 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan .

It has a high amount of value in Japan as it embraces and symbolizes their spirituality.

Senso-ji has its busiest times in late spring during Golden Week, Sanja Matsuri, and Oshogatsu. Other busy days include weekends and general public holidays.

You may not find it completely scarce, but coming at certain moments of the day offer such peace.

Dawn and dusk (or later) are when the temple’s architectural beauty and the magic of the environment really come together in a blend of natural and structural charm.

It’s quite fitting since everything about Tokyo is an embrace of blending elements.

You can come when the crowds do to be a part of the celebration of these moments and really appreciate the temple at its most popular times.

You can also opt for more solitude during the less busy times for a quieter retreat.

Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo with loads of history. It’s extremely special, but important enough to be shared with the world free of charge.

The temple is also accessible 24/7, except for the main temple which does have a closing time.

From Asakusa Station, go south past a sushi restaurant and turn left at the end of the block.

Walk toward Kokusai-dori, then cross it to the other side of the highway. Continue straight until you reach a fork.

You’ll go down the second road from your left, remaining on the leftmost side of the Sukiyaki Bar.

Follow this street all the way down to the Asakusa Park, where you’ll turn left.

4. Omikuji At Senso-Ji

While you’re in the area, you can take part in one of the many practices that the Japanese hold dear.

At a shrine or temple, you can get a fortune, or omikuji, in exchange for an offering.

After receiving your fortune, you may keep the good omikuji or knot a bad one onto the branch of an omikuji tree.

The Buddhist spirits will take your troubles and keep you from misfortune.

To tourists, it’s a fun activity or a cutesy tradition. The spiritual beliefs of the Japanese, however, keep this practice alive and in perspective.

To get a feel for what drives the heart of this evolving culture, this one is a must do!

5. Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu

The Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine that can be found at 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan .

It comes with rich history and value as it’s dedicated to the deified Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

It’s home to a seasonal iris garden and surrounded by a century-old, man-made forest that completely isolates you from the busy city.

Like the Senso-ji, this shrine hosts the occasional traditional wedding that you may be lucky enough to see.

This family-friendly, wheelchair accessible haven is a must-see. Its stress-relieving character lets you break away from the hustle and bustle.

No matter what time of year you visit, there are new observations with each season.

The vendors have fresh meats and cheeses for sale as well as novelty talismans.

Information is posted in Japanese and English, making it easier to read up on the history.

As a note, be cautious that you abide by photography rules in certain spots.

From Harajuku Station, turn right and go south. Turn right at the intersection, staying on the same block, keeping the Harajuku Station on your right side.

Cross the street at the end of the block and enter the forest toward the Meiji Jingu First Torii Gate.

6. Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho

If you’ve already decided upon tasting the fine food at Buchiumaya, why not take a stroll through the area?

Particularly, down Omoide Yokocho, also known as Piss Alley or Memory Lane. This is a strip of bars and food spots that comes alive as the sun goes down.

It’s located in an alley at 1-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan , and it’s found on every list of things to do in Shinjuku.

Most of the stores offer the same food as other local restaurants but at higher prices. It is a tourism hot spot, after all.

Nevertheless, visitors come from all over for the bright, upbeat, busy, and friendly environment.

The alley is full of neon lighting, helping it to stand out from the city.

Come before or after operating hours for a clearer view of the alley and an opportunity to take unrestricted photos.

From the Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station, go south along Miyakodo 414 and cross it at the intersection toward Omoide Yokocho. Follow this road to get to the alley.

7. The National Art Center

The National Art Center

Tap into your inner art buff at The National Art Center at 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-8558, Japan .

As the best things to do in Tokyo go, this is another of the 5-star visits you won’t regret.

The center holds exhibitions of both Japanese and international art. It’s wheelchair accessible throughout and has a restaurant inside.

You’ll find entire rooms dedicated to differing subjects of artistic value in this large facility.

During certain times of the year, it can get very busy, so buying tickets in advance may be a good idea.

An English audio guide costs extra and art is always subjective. Be sure to check the current exhibits ahead of time to decide if you’d like to observe.

From Nogizaka Station, walk southwest along Michido 413. As you approach the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, the art center will be on its left.

8. Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium

Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium

One of the most authentic things to see in Tokyo is a sumo wrestling match. Yes, they still exist!

Located just 6 minutes from Chanko Tomoegata restaurant at 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan , it is the most well-known sumo hall in Tokyo.

Sumo wrestling is a longtime Japanese cultural activity, and Japan is the only country where you’ll find professional sumo wrestling.

You can also pay to see the practices when wrestlers are not fighting in tournaments.

Timing is everything with this activity as there are only 6 tournaments per year, lasting 15 days only in January, May, and September.

Even if you didn’t opt for exploring the Ryogoku area, one of the top things to do in Tokyo is to watch a sumo match.

The sports arena often referred to as the Ryogoku Sumo Hall, has hosted the summertime Grand Sumo Tournament: Kokugikan since 1985.

From Ryogoku Station, go north on Kiyosumi-dori (463) toward Hosukai-dori.

Turn left at the Stationery Store and continue to pass the high school all the way down to the end of the road.

Make a left and use the short road to get to Kokugikan Street. Once you’ve reached Kokugikan-dori, turn left and follow to the end of the block where you’ll make another left.

9. Yanaka Ginza

Yanaka Ginza

If you’ve come looking for more traditional places to visit in Tokyo, Yanaka Ginza is both traditional and amusing.

Another one like Kitchen Town, this is a shopping street full of several stores.

Yanaka Ginza has, for the most part, remained the same since the 50s, selling Japanese goods and traditional foods.

It’s part of what is known as “Old Tokyo” and is most appealing because of the atmosphere. It’s as if time hasn’t touched Yanaka Ginza.

If you’re prowling around for some great Japanese street food, you’ll find it here. The items sold are handmade and authentic, and pricing stays low.

Coming here on a tight budget shouldn’t break the bank because it’s all really affordable.

That might be thanks to humble vendors as well as the lack of competition you may notice elsewhere.

Yanaka Ginza does well for itself as it is and has no need to update or appeal to the new tastes of the world. It’s not as overwhelmed with city life, and that’s just how people like it.

Fair warning, this area is also known for its street cats that run free throughout the city. If you have allergies, you may have to consider the risks beforehand.

That’s not to say that the stores are unhygienic, however! They’re old-timey but clean.

You can immerse yourself in what downtown Tokyo used to be like back in the day since these shops and restaurants have survived natural disasters, wars, and social change.

Although Yanaka Ginza stays intact for its locals, you can find great souvenirs as well.

From Nippori Station, Yanaka Ginza is just a short walk away at 3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan.

You practically follow your nose and discover the interesting culture of the backstreets of Taito.

The first thing you will see from the station is a stairwell where tourists like to sit and watch the sunset.

A large archway with a street sign will welcome you if a cat hasn’t already.

10. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo, Japan is home to the world’s tallest tower called the Tokyo Skytree .

This hard-to-miss landmark, located at 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan , overlooks all things Tokyo and can keep you busy all day.

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower that holds areas for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

It has an aquarium, grocery stores, and a Pokémon center. You also get to try out the massage chairs within or hang out at a cafe.

The Skytree has gift shops, viewing areas, a shopping mall, and the ultimate observatory up top.

Every moment inside of the Tokyo Skytree is worth mentioning. From the entry process to the floor names to the intense elevator to the observation deck.

The most talked about feature, of course, is the view from atop.

You get a 360-degree view that looks out and down at the same time thanks to some curved glass windows.

As with any tourist attraction, it can get crowded. Buying tickets in advance lets you enter through the special entrance, avoiding the line.

A great experience is paired with great service from the lively staff. Tokyo Skytree is an innovative member of its own class that won’t disappoint.

From Oshiage Station, there is a sign pointing you in the direction of the Skytree right away. Simply follow the signs and escalators to the enormous tower and you’ve arrived.

11. Ueno Park

The parks of Japan are truly stunning sights to see, and Ueno Park at 5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan is no exception.

A public park that lies on what was once Kan’ei-ji Temple land is now the supplier of walking paths, boat rentals, a zoo, and museums.

The park never seems too busy thanks to the ample amount of space. Each site is kept clean and the atmosphere is generally serene and uplifting.

The best time to visit for sightseeing is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom between March and April.

With all that it has to offer in entertainment and dining, the beauty of Ueno Park is more than enough reason to come visit.

Your entire day can be spent simply walking around and getting lost in the natural features.

From Ueno Station, make your way to Ueno Park Street. Cross this street and go right. Just around the corner ahead is the entrance to the park.

12. Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park

The Yoyogi Park at 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan is known for the Shinto shrine called Meiji Jingu.

It’s a popular place for picnics and peaceful walks surrounded by tens of thousands of trees. This park stands apart from the others because of its zen gardens.

You can walk various paths through the forest and discover these gardens or stumble upon the locals spending their downtime here.

Visiting this park is one of the greatest things to do in Tokyo if you want to witness locals performing, people doing yoga, or traditional Japanese weddings.

In your own interests, you may fish in the lake and also take your pet to the dog park.

From Harajuku Station, go south to the intersection at the end of the block. Turn right. Make your way toward Michido 413 via the Jingu Bashi (Shrine Bridge).

Go left and follow the road to get onto 413. On the 413 road, go right, and the park is then accessible to pedestrians to the immediate right.

13. Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, there’s no debating that this is on the Tokyo itinerary.

To get into Japan’s famous Ghibli Museum , you’ll need to buy tickets in advance or book a guided tour.

Placed within the great Inokashira Park at 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan , the museum is easily a focal point in the Mitaka area.

Inside, you’ll find a family-friendly business with a play area, a theater, and a rooftop garden.

Peruse around and find information on the ins and outs of animation. Gawk at the impressive attention to detail.

If you have the time, you can stop to purchase food and drinks. As always, this is a museum and the rules at other museums also apply here.

From Kichijoji Station, you can walk a bit or take a short ride over to the museum. O

therwise, you can go west along Kichijoji Street (street 114), then make a left to stay on it. Follow this road through the city, Inokashira Park, and straight to the Ghibli Museum.

14. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

No matter what season you’re traveling to Japan, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan has something wonderful to see.

Here, you’ll stroll through large green areas, a well-landscaped garden, and flowers galore.

The garden is a popular hanami spot in April. In fact, it’s held in high regard as the place to be if you want to see cherry blossoms.

The roses are in full bloom in May, and the red leaves of autumn always attract attention.

It’s often quieter and more relaxing than Ueno or Yoyogi. You might find the tea rooms, greenhouse, and traditionally well-kept vibe to be more appealing as well.

This garden has an entry fee, but regulars typically get annual passes for year-round access.

From the Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station, you can head toward the Shinjuku gated entry or the Okido gated entry.

From Sendagaya Station, make your way through the Sendagaya entrance.

15. Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland

An enormous amount of time can be spent at the Tokyo Disneyland in 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan .

Much like other Disneylands, this is an amusement park with the Disney theme.

Choosing the right time of year and the right days of the week to go are crucial if you can’t see yourself waiting in an amusement park line all day.

Weekdays are less hectic – if that’s possible for a Disneyland.

The theme park has a capacity limit and it’s not cheap. No Disneyland is cheap.

At the Tokyo Disneyland, you’ll encounter rides, live shows, fair food, souvenir shops, and Disney characters.

From Maihama Station, find the Disney monorail which runs through the Resort Gateway Station.

This is the simplest method of mapping the place out if it’s your first time and you feel uneasy about your navigation skills.

16. The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace at 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan is yet another free attraction in Tokyo that’s a cultural “must do” for visitors and locals alike.

This is the home of Japan’s emperor.

It also contains homes, museums, offices, and archives. The East Gardens are a publicly accessible vision of beauty.

You can book tours in English, Japanese, and Chinese that are informative and organized.

The residences onsite are those of the Imperial Family, so you can only tour a limited portion.

From Otemachi Station, travel west toward Hibiya-dori (street 403). Turn right onto Uchibori Street (street 301) and follow it around the palace grounds.

Go straight through the Takebashi intersection onto Daikancho-dori/Uchibori Street. This will take you to the Inui-mon Gate.

17. Hachiko Memorial Statue

Hachiko Memorial Statue

The Hachiko Memorial Statue is more of a landmark than something fun to do.

It’s a simple, bronze statue that was constructed in honor of a famous Akita dog. The lasting power comes from its symbolism of loyalty.

It’s rightfully placed at 1-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan , positioned just in front of Shibuya Station.

Try out a guided tour to hear the endearing tale of Hachiko.

From Shibuya Station, navigate to the Hachiko Exit to go directly to the statue.

18. Kiddy Land

Kiddy Land’s main store in 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan is a multi-story retail store that sells Japanese and American toys.

It sounds like an average toy store, but this could be the largest one you’ve ever seen.

The prices are higher than average, but you can flash your passport for tax-free shopping.

This vertical children’s mall also has a play area! The store accepts U.S. currency via debit card and presents toys that you may not see elsewhere.

This could be a shopping adventure for childless adults as well! As a bonus for the grown-ups, there is free WiFi to occupy you as your kids sift through toys.

From Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station, walk southwest along Meiji-dori (road 305) toward Omotesando (street 413).

At the Jingumae intersection, go left onto the 413 road and follow it for a few minutes. Kiddy Land will be on your right across from a bus stop.

19. Ueno Zoo

Located within the Ueno Park at 9-8-3 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan , this is Japan’s oldest zoo.

There are over 400 animal species inside and a petting zoo where you can interact with some animals.

The Ueno zoo also houses squirrels and mice as well as other non-exotic creatures in its local exhibit.

There’s a 5-story pagoda (a tower) where you can view the park from above. It’s never completely packed, so you can get the most out of a group trip.

Ueno’s exhibit barriers give you a close-up view of the animals like no other. Come in as early as possible to make sure you see everything before closing time.

Some exhibits close early and lines get longer as the day moves along. Regardless, the lines still move quickly.

From Ueno Station, navigate to the Park Exit and continue into the park. The zoo is about 5 minutes from the Station.

20. Yakatabune & Cruiser Funasei

Yakatabune & Cruiser Funasei

Being on your feet all day is exhausting. Public transportation can be overwhelming. Riding a bike requires attention that you’d rather give to the sights of Japan.

So, what do you do?

Ride in a boat, of course!

Climb aboard a yakatabune at 1-16-8 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001, Japan .

It’s essentially a mini cruise around the local waters, giving you a beautifully reflective view of Tokyo.

Going at night is highly recommended, but really any time of day is wonderful.

Unlimited drinks, quality food, and high-end service earn this business both recognition and 5 stars.

From Kita-Shinagawa Station, go southeast along Daiichi Keihin/National Highway 15, then turn left to exit. Go left onto Old Tokaido Street.

Go right at the Kitashinagawa Animal Hospital and continue through the intersection. When you’ve reached Higashi-Yatsuyama Park, turn right to find the cruiser docks.

21. Owl Village In Harajuku

Owl Village

Harajuku’s Owl Village is an owl-themed bistro located at 1-21-15, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan .

Everything you order is reflective of adorable and mysterious owls. Even the beer!

This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast, desserts, and other sweets with the owl motif.

In a separate room, Owl Village completes your experience with a chance to interact with some real owls!

Of course, this extra special perk doesn’t come with the check. You’ll have to pay a fee to gain access to the birds for about 30 minutes or so.

Some of the staffs speak English to accommodate guests.

To give you the most memorable visitation, the staff will take a picture of you and a bird with your own device. You can also buy owl souvenirs in the attached gift shop.

The place gets busy, so make a reservation if you really want in since space is limited.

From JR Harajuku Station Takeshitaguchi, walk across the crosswalk toward Shinjuku. Owl Village shares a building with a ramen restaurant. Look for lot 4F.

22. Chanko Tomoegata

Chanko Tomoegata

Chanko Tomoegata is one of many Chanko restaurants that serve colorful, sumo-sized meals.

Located at 2-17-6 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0026, Japan , it’s nestled in the city by museums, restaurants, stores, and some historical landmarks.

Chanko Tomoegata might be on the pricier end if you’re on a budget, but you may find it reasonable after your visit.

This chanko restaurant, in particular, has become quite famed for its excellent service, traditional atmosphere, and quality food.

It’s cozy yet spacious enough for groups. The servers speak enough English and are happy to be of great assistance.

An English menu with plenty of images is available as well! In it, you’ll find the highly recommended sumo wrestler fuel, the Chanko Nabe.

The restaurant is meant to serve food fit for athletes. Specifically, sumo wrestlers who actually do come to eat here since it’s close to the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Reservations are not needed, but they are recommended during peak seasons.

From Ryogoku Station, go south on Kiyosumi-dori, following this road for three rights, two lefts, another right, and one last left until you reach the restaurant.

23. Shibuya Morimoto

Shibuya Morimoto

Of the many things to do in Shibuya, visiting a Yakitori restaurant is at the top of recommendation lists.

Critically acclaimed for its Yakitori and Izakaya, the Shibuya Morimoto can be found at 2-7-4 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 15-0043, Japan .

This restaurant carries skewered chicken as its staple and offers a bar that serves cheap snacks to accompany drinks. The portions are quite large and the vibe is very laid back.

It’s renowned for its fast, bilingual, and accommodating service.

For your first visit, many recommend getting a course menu in order to get a taste of everything on one platter.

From Shibuya Station, go westward toward Inokashira-dori/Koen-dori.

At the Shibuya Station intersection, continue onto Dogenzaka. Make a left and you’ll arrive at Shibuya Morimoto.

24. Maidreamin Akihabara Electric Town Exit

Maidreamin Akihabara Electric Town Exit

Maidreamin is a cafe that offers something very unique to your Japanese experience.

Maid cafes are a popular subgenre of the cosplay cafe where the waitresses wear maid uniforms and refer to guests as “master” or “princess”.

Since Akihabara is the birthplace of the maid cafe, it’s only fitting that you visit this area for your Maidreamin adventure.

There are multiple Maidreamin cafes in Akihabara alone, but this one at 1 Chome-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan is just outside the Akihabara Station!

To get a sense of modern Japanese otaku culture, this pop culture staple is one of the many fun things to do in Tokyo.

It draws in younger generations as well as non-otaku groups, couples, and even children!

Your visitation is timed at 1 hour, but by requesting a “Dreamtime Extension” and paying another entry fee, you may stay longer.

Be sure to make a reservation so you don’t miss out on a live performance from the maids themselves.

The maids wear badges that indicate whether they will be performing on stage or if they can sing songs upon request.

For a more personal experience, you can order a menu that includes a performance for your table.

Not only are the characters fun to watch, but the food and drinks are also dolled up in cute ways and your meal is “blessed” with a magic spell to make it tasty.

Although you’re not allowed to photograph the maids, you can take pictures of your group and food.

You also have the opportunity to buy photos and other memorabilia from the restaurant.

From Akihabara Station, go south and pass the Travel Service Center (it should be on your left as you pass).

Stop at the Akihabara Nomura Building. Maid cafe is about minutes from Akihabara Station.

25. Moomin Bakery & Cafe

Moomin Bakery & Cafe

While it may seem like a stretch, “The Moomins”, a Finnish television show, is a big part of modern Japanese culture.

It’s so popular that there is a restaurant dedicated to the show and its cutesy characters.

The Moomin Bakery & Cafe is a family-friendly dessert bakery that serves various foods that you eat at a table alongside a lovable, life-sized plushy Moomin.

Located at 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan , it’s within walking distance from the nearest train station.

Much like the Maidreamin restaurant, Moomin Cafe is designed as more of an entertainment option than a high-quality eatery.

Having said that, the bakery offers a selection of international desserts that still taste quite delicious!

It comes with a gift shop full of Moomin stuff, and the menu is available in English with pictures for convenience.

Many are quite surprised that a novelty store and cafe can be so expensive, so be prepared.

It should also be noted that single guests are no longer seated with a Moomin character. It’s more geared toward childhood nostalgia and youth entertainment, anyway.

From Korakuen Station, go south on the Tokyo Metropolitan Route 436 toward Kasuga-dori. Turn left at the Korakuen Station Square intersection onto Metropolitan Route 434.

The Moomin Bakery and Cafe will be on your left.

26. Robot Restaurant

Robot Restaurant

The Robot Restaurant at 1-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan is a 4-star performing arts theater with a restaurant and bar.

It carries the pop culture theme of futuristic robots with a musical twist.

The dancing and laser lights add to the fun; but if the loud music is a bother, they have sound blocking headphones available.

Because it’s geared towards the entertainment aspect of dining, the prices are higher than regular restaurants.

The show is said to be a unique experience for visitors of all kinds – even locals!

From Seibu-Shinjuku Station, go southeast down Seibu Shinjuku Station Street.

Turn left onto Shinjuku Seibu Ekimae Street. At the road’s end, make a right, then an immediate left.

Continue straight until you see the Casablanca night club. Turn left after the club and the restaurant will be on your left.

27. Rainbow Pancake

Rainbow Pancake

Out for breakfast? A growing fan favorite in Tokyo food is the super fluffy and decorative Pancakes.

These aren’t your ordinary pancakes. Japanese pancakes are beautiful, jiggly pieces of culinary art that taste as good as they look!

The boom in popularity has led to pancake shops popping up all over Tokyo, but traveling to Shibuya can offer both variety and a bit of authenticity.

Rainbow Pancake offers the commonly sought after fluffy pancake at 4-28-4 Jinguame, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan .

You’ll need a reservation since, like many food places, the limited seating is packed quickly and often.

The shop carries an assortment of wiggling pancakes in many flavors. The staff is reportedly friendly, and some even speak English.

While it can take 15 minutes to an hour just to be seated, reviews say that these cloud-like breakfast treats are worth the wait.

From Harajuku Station, you can walk eastward down Takeshita Street for a bit. When you meet the Takeshitaguchi intersection, cross the street and go right along Meiji-dori (305).

Turn left at the same Takeshitaguchi intersection and use the road that keeps New Balance Harajuku on your right and the Outdoor Sports Store on your left.

Turn right after the Nadia clothing store and follow this road to the curb.

Rainbow Pancake is on the curb next to a jewelry store. It’s approximately 6 minutes from the station.

28. Ramen Street

Ramen Street

Underneath of Tokyo Station, on the Yaesu side, is an extraordinary underground mall.

Located within at 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan is an entire street dedicated to the wonders of ramen noodles.

A food staple in Japan, and throughout the rest of the world, ramen is served in special dishes from eight different ramen shops on this street alone.

If you’ve come for a true taste of Japan, you’ll find it in the ramen of Ramen Street.

Though space is a bit cramped, the food is why you come once and return often.

Being mentioned on about 6 different websites thus far definitely helps to perpetuate the popularity.

Ramen Street has become critically acclaimed for its bustling atmosphere that envelopes you as you enjoy authentic noodles and friendly service. It’s both cheap and fantastic!

You’ll begin within Tokyo Station and leave down B1F towards the northeast stairs. The stairs lead directly to the Ramen Street entrance.

29. Buchiumaya

Osaka, Japan is known as the gourmand’s paradise, serving the best okonomiyaki.

If your trip is exclusive to Tokyo only, you can still enjoy the famed okonomiyaki in the Shinjuku area.

The Buchiumaya is a small establishment located at 7-22-34 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan .

It has earned a 5-star rating for the taste, quality, and execution of its very affordable dishes.

To add to your dining experience, you get a mom & pop vibe from the family-owned restaurant.

You can order from an English menu and watch your meal be cooked right in front of you.

One okonomiyaki dish can serve two people, saving you time and money.

A reservation isn’t necessary, but you may want to come early to avoid a long wait. Even with the tummy-rumbling aroma teasing you from afar, trust that it’s worth the wait.

On your list of things to do in Shinjuku, visiting a quaint and simple yet dazzlingly delicious restaurant like this is a must do!

From the Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station, go north on Toll Road 414 toward Ome Highway/Road 302/Road 4.

At the Shinjuku Dai-Gard West intersection, resume straight onto Otakibashi-dori/Michido 302.

Turn left at the Nishi-Shinjuku Health Center intersection, then right after the Izakaya restaurant.

Continue to the end of this road and the restaurant will be in the building directly across the street.

30. Mr. Kanso

This is a bar unlike any other. Tap into your inner “Prepper” by ordering from the largest selection of assorted canned goods you’ve ever seen. Outside of the store, that is.

Pick and choose canned foods from all over the world, and enjoy it right here! One such Mr. Kanso can be found at 3-12-6 Shibaura, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0023, Japan .

You can go with your usual pantry stock, or you can try something new.

Step out of the tired regular restaurant scene and into this new world of dining. The service isn’t too shabby, either.

From Tamachi Station, follow Nagasi-dori southeast. Turn right on Shiokaze-dori and look to your left for the bar.

31. Pedestrian Scramble In Shibuya

Pedestrian Scramble In Shibuya

One of the countless fun things to do in Tokyo is to watch or participate in what is known as the Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble.

Because this ward is so busy and crowded, the city’s traffic system is adjusted for people’s walking convenience.

Auto traffic is programmed to accommodate the hordes of pedestrians that cross regularly.

It’s so mesmerizing to see the flawless movement and structure that some tourists come to this area just to join in the march.

To Tokyo natives, it may not seem all that special. To others, it’s a unifying and exhilarating event.

Though the scramble is a daily occurrence, it makes the list because of the attractive sight when watching and the rush it gives when participating.

Similar movements are common in larger U.S. cities, but there is nothing quite like that of the Shibuya streets.

You can almost feel like you’ve gone through an initiation into Tokyo culture.

Among all the things to do in Shibuya, this one is also inevitable since your journey through the city will mostly take place on foot.

This scramble takes place at the world famous 7-way intersection just outside the Shibuya Station around 2-24 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan .

32. Golden Week In Tokyo

Golden Week

Golden Week is a string of Japanese holidays that are celebrated over the course of a week.

It runs from the end of April to the beginning of May and is a yearly event that causes an influx of action at the Tokyo tourist hot spots.

If you intend to visit at this time, be prepared to see a rise in population, prices, and inconvenience.

You can still have a blast with the locals by prepping ahead of time. Get tickets and reservations early, arrive early, and come loaded with funds.

There is no avoiding this holiday unless you stay inside for a week.

From the peaceful shrines to the roaring city streets and everywhere in between, there will be waves of energy that have Tokyo bursting at its seams.

33. Sanja Matsuri In Tokyo

Sanja Matsuri

Sanja Matsuri is a spiritual festival that celebrates the founders of the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple in Asakusa.

The heap of celebration will be held in Taito City, around the Senso-ji Temple.

The festival is a weekend-long gathering at the end of May. It involves symbolic rituals, food, games, and music.

Since it’s shorter than Golden Week, you may find it more tolerable and easier to get around to other points of interest until it’s over.

34. Culture Day In Tokyo

Culture Day ( Wilhelm Joys Andersen / flickr )

Culture Day is a national holiday in Japan that honors and celebrates the many forms of art, culture, and academia.

If you’re in the Tokyo area in early November, you can catch a glimpse of this holiday in certain locations.

Occasionally, activities are held at Meiji Jingu Shrine or the awards ceremony can take place at the Imperial Palace.

The recent weather changes make it iffy as to whether or not you’ll see the traditional celebrations in public.

Some museums offer free entry on this day (November 3rd) to celebrate the historical side of the arts.

35. Japan Media Arts Festival

Japan Media Arts Festival ( Rosa Menkman / flickr )

Taking place during the first half of June, this festival is held in the National Art Center of Tokyo.

If you already intend to be there for your trip, planning to come during this time will bring forth a different kind of museum experience.

Entry to the arts festival is free, but the main exhibitions will likely remain restricted to ticketed guests only.

This event is a great opportunity to learn about the current direction that Japanese media is headed towards.

36. Taco Che

Taco Che is a book store at 5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan that carries manga, sketchbooks, novelty items, art, and alternative goods.

The size of the shop is cramped like many others as it’s shoved in wherever there’s space.

While this can be a decent store to find everyday anime and manga paraphernalia, it mostly houses sub-cultural stuff. Things of a different nature.

Having an open mind helps upon entry into the most alternative stores, regardless of which country you’re in.

If you’re into the occult and other miscellany type manga or graphic novels, you might just find a new escape in Taco Che.

From Nakano Station, Taco Che is almost a straight shot ahead. Exit north and travel down Nakano-dori (420).

Turn right at the Arai intersection onto Waseda-dori (25). Enter the shopping mall to your right. It’s tucked away on the third floor.

37. Kabukicho

The Red Light District of Tokyo is where you’ll find more adult-centered activities.

Night clubs and love hotels are there for your entertainment, but you can also wind down and have a good time with a group in this area.

Kabukicho, Japan is mostly an entertainment hub, but the term Red Light District often connotes a different meaning for entertainment.

One that might make you wonder what type of fun grown-ups can have here.

You can find companionship whilst barhopping, visit a raunchy store, or peruse the streets and take it all in.

Take heed when traveling through at night as there are always street workers who’ll solicit themselves onto you.

The Seibu-Shinjuku Station drops off passengers directly into this district, leaving you to either wander as you please or search for specific places.

The red gate is your sign that you’ve entered Kabukicho.

38. Milky Rolik (Cuddle Cafe)

If stepping into a love hotel is too hardcore for your first time in Tokyo, perhaps a cuddle cafe will strike your fancy.

Men can pay to pick a girl, pay for specific cuddle positions, pay for playful contact, but cannot pay for inappropriate contact.

Places like Milky Rolik, located at 2-70 Kanda Neribeicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0022, Japan , offer intercourse-free companionship in the form of cuddling.

The concept is executed much like a cafe with menus and custom orders that cost extra.

From Akihabara Station, leave through the east side. Travel northbound through the city, following the path of the Tsukuba Express.

The self-advertised “reflexologist” is on the 4th floor of the Yokoshima Building.

39. Rose Group

This cuddle cafe is Facebook-operated with a questionable location. It’s geared toward lonely ladies who pay for time spent with a mystery man.

Women can buy company for 1 hour or up to 2 days if she has the money.

This questionable but momentum-gaining establishment is located around Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0014, Japan . (Perhaps the real address is given after booking through Facebook.)

From Ikebukuro Station, follow Mizuki Street all the way to Gekijo-dori. On Gekijo-dori, turn right.

Follow this road north toward the Waseda Academy. Once you approach the Waseda Academy Head Office, turn left at the intersection.

Continue down this road for 3 blocks then go right. There will be a fork that continues forward or breaks back to where you came from. On the corner of the fork is the cafe.

40. Golden Gai

If you’re already in Kabukicho, Japan and tight spaces are no big deal to you, touring Golden Gai at 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan is an experience that leaves a mark.

Golden Gai is a system of alleyways that meet through very narrow aisles. Every bit of Golden Gai is occupied by hundreds of bars and restaurants.

Run amok in this makeshift strip where you never know what you’ll find.

F rom Shinjuku Station, head east on Ome Kaido (302) toward Seibu Shinjuku Ekimae-dori. Go left toward Shinjuku Golden Street, then turn left onto Shinjuku Golden Street.

41. Meguro Parasitological Museum

Meguro Parasitological Museum ( Dushan Hanuska Follow / flickr )

This museum in 4-1-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064, Japan isn’t exactly what you would call a tourism magnet.

It is, however, the only museum dedicated solely to parasitology.

As the saying goes, “When in Tokyo, go see the parasites!”.

If you’re into the grotesque, scientific, or medical stuff, you can visit and mark it off your Japan bucket list! Those 5 stars didn’t come from nothing, you know.

From Fudomae Station, go northeast and turn left onto Yamate-dori (road 317).

Follow this road all the way down to the Otori Shrine intersection where you’ll go left onto Meguro-dori (312). Follow signs for Todoroki. The museum will be on your left.

42. Espace Pachinko Parlor

Espace Pachinko Parlor

Pachinko is an arcade game resembling Pinball.

It’s very popular in Japan and draws in many tourists who want to venture out in the world of arcade games as it combines pinball and gambling (in a sense).

Entering into a place like Espace at 1-25-4 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan is like entering a casino.

The currency is tokens that you exchange with cash, and the game is arcade-style.

If you didn’t come to win big, you can feel the uncanny nostalgia and leave with no disappointment.

From Seibu-Shinjuku Station, follow Shinjuku Seibu Ekimae Street to the parlor.

43. Tokyo Dome

Baseball is known as America’s favorite pastime, but Japan adores the sport just as much.

Nowadays, more crowds form at a Japanese baseball game than a U.S. one; and that’s not just because of the population difference.

Tokyo Dome , in 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan , has been around since the 80s and holds up to 55,000 people.

In size and structure, it’s essentially the same as a U.S. field, so you’ll feel right at home for a bit.

Watching the game played in another country can be a fun experience as you spot the similarities and differences in customs.

Trade in hot dogs for octopus and accept that ties are possible, and you’ve got Japanese baseball!

From Korakuen Station, go south on Chikawa-dori(436) toward Kasuga-dori (Route 254). Turn left at the Korakuen Station Square intersection onto Metropolitan Route 434.

Make a U-Turn at the Saluki Sakashita intersection and follow the signs for Hirakawamon / Suidobashi.

Visiting Odaiba should top your list of things to do in Tokyo, Japan.

It’s a man-made island that features shopping, museums, parks, beaches, a Ferris wheel, and so much more.

Taking the Rainbow Bridge kills two tourist birds with one stone.

You get to cross the famous bridge (possibly witnessing the lights if you go at night) and you get to dive into a high-tech atmosphere full of entertainment and waterfront views of Mt. Fuji.

Take the Tennozu Isle Station over the Rainbow Bridge directly to Odaiba.

Conveniently located at 1-3-18 Chuocho, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0001, Japan , Claska sits in a central spot for all your travel and entertainment needs.

There’s no shuttle service because it’s so close to everything – including a bike rental store.

Not only is it within walking distance to the train station, art center, and Tokyo Tower, it offers great spoilings inside as well.

From the helpful staff and typical amenities to the interesting designs and additional fun, your stay is bound to leave an impression!

Claska’s minimalistic design is spacious and clean with contemporary, sleek decor and custom furnishings.

It has a rooftop terrace with city views and a restaurant that serves Italian, French, and Japanese cuisines.

You’ll have access to free WiFi, TV, and a uniquely artist-designed room.

Rooms may include a desk, seating area, terrace, tatami floors, and a small dining table. The hotel has a hot tub and laundry room but no fitness center or pool.

It’s wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, but pets are not allowed. A hotel that has gallery space and art studios to rent isn’t going to be cheap.

Even with its near-4-star rating, at $200 a night, you can bet your stay here is based on style.

From Gakugeidaigaku Station, go eastbound for about 5 minutes. Make a slight left to get onto Michido 420 and turn right. Follow this road until you reach Meguro-dori/Michido 312.

You’ll have passed a 7/11 gas station. Turn left on 312 and follow for just a moment. Turn left onto Chuocho and the hotel will be on your right. This takes about 11 minutes.

46. Tokyu Stay Meguro-Yutenji

Tokyu Stay Meguro-Yutenji

In the residential area of Meguro, Tokyu Stay can be found just a walk away from Yutenji Station and a short drive from Jiyugaoka (Euro-style neighborhood), the National Art Center, and the Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

This 4-star, non-smoking hotel is perfect for an extended stay.

At an affordable $80-100 a night, rooms may include chabudai dining tables, free WiFi, kitchenettes, tatami floors with updated appliances, and a double bed!

Increased convenience comes from its hassle-free cancellations, laundry area, hot tub, and family-friendly vibe. The small, efficient rooms are clean and wheelchair accessible as well.

This casual hotel is found at 2-15-7 Yutenji, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0052, Japan , close to the airport. Relax in a decent room with spot on service right where you need it to be.

Tokyu Stay doesn’t have the same city vibe that is sought after in Tokyo, but it offers a splash of suburban life in other Tokyo areas.

From Yutenji Station, go southwest, passing a parking area, grocery store, and a real estate agency on your left.

Turn left on the road that follows, then go right after the Rough-Laugh Coffee. The hotel is on your right.

47. The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton

This chart-topping hotel is one for the luxury-lovers!

If you crave a taste of the high life and want every bit of your sleep experience in Tokyo to look and feel like you’re on vacation, why not spend your money here?

Located inside the Tokyo Midtown Tower at 9-7-1 Tokyo Midtown, Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan , the floor-to-ceiling windows of this hotel offer views of the city, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo Bay.

One of the top things to do in Tokyo is to visit the tower, and you’ll already be there!

You’ll also be within walking distance from the National Art Center and a short drive from Haneda Airport.

While there are lots of things to do in Tokyo in very close proximity, your vacation always continues within the hotel itself.

Free WiFi, flat screen TVs, 24/7 room service, and childcare are just a taste of the luxury you’ll see.

The Ritz-Carlton has club-level rooms for ease of access, suites with living rooms and kitchens, and a critically acclaimed French restaurant, modern bistro, and a lounge with a bar.

After a long day of exploration, you can wind down at the hotel spa with saunas, hot tubs, massages, facials, and more!

Do laps in the indoor pool or work out at the gym. If that’s not your style, there are minibars and Nespresso machines available.

The concierge service, baggage storage, and bicycle rental give you simultaneous security and freedom. U.S. payments are accepted with no currency conversion needed.

Parking isn’t free, and pets aren’t allowed, but there is a high amount of handicap accessibility throughout the hotel.

This hotel comes with a hefty price tag that buys you access to spacious rooms with dazzling views. It’s well managed, excellently staffed, and serves tasty foods.

You truly get what you pay for in this business-formal hotel.

From Roppongi Station, go northeast on Roppongi-dori (street 412), then turn left at the Mizuho Bank. Follow this street all the way down and turn right at the 7/11 gas station.

Go down to the Tokyo Midtown Mae intersection and make a left onto Gaien Higashi-dori (road 319).

Go right at the intersection and then make a left at the Genies Tokyo restaurant. Continue to the fork where you’ll make a slight left to the hotel.

48. HOSHINOYA Tokyo

Hoshino Resorts

Traditional meets modern at this semi-hidden gem.

Found at 1-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan , HOSHINOYA is close to Tokyo Station, Otemachi Station, Chidorigafuchi, Yasukuni Shrine, and Tokyo Haneda International Airport.

There is a communal living room on each floor, a hot spring on the roof, and onsite shopping.

The food and service offered are fantastic and you get an immersive look at traditional Asian-style hospitality.

It should be no surprise, then, that you’ll have to surrender your shoes upon entry. It helps to keep things clean and humble. Not everything is reflective of the old ways, though.

Flat screens, kettles, complimentary toiletries, free WiFi, and 24/7 front desk service contribute to the unique environment of a traditional hotel with modern comforts.

From Otemachi Station, go west and make a right when you see the Minatoya2 noodle shop.

49. WIRED HOTEL Asakusa

WIRED HOTEL Asakusa

Located at 2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan , this hotel is close to Senso-Ji temple, transit, Tokyo Skytree, Edo Tokyo Museum, Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium, and the Marunouchi Building.

Each room has free WiFi and a refrigerator. The staff is known to be interactive and helpful.

The reception staff is made up of bilingual members to avoid any hiccups or misunderstandings.

Some rooms have balconies, but a standard room still offers plentiful space. You can also spend time in the shared lounge, or enjoy Japanese cuisine at the hotel restaurant.

WIRED HOTEL is located between multiple train stops but not close enough to be convenient. To make up for this, you can rent a bike from the hotel for easier travel!

From Asakusa Station, go north, following Kaminarimon Street. Go right at the Asakusa Town hotel and continue down 3 blocks before turning left after the Home Goods Store.

Follow the road down and walk between the stores Kameya and Kimono Store.

Cross a street to get onto another road with the Umezono restaurant on your left. Follow the street to the end and turn right.

At the end of this road, go left onto Denbouin Street. Follow down to the fork and go the immediate right.

Pass a string of restaurants, passing straight through an intersection and continuing to the next.

At the last intersection, you’ll cross toward the Undon noodle restaurant. Go left at the end of the block and you’ll see the hotel down the street.

50. 9 Hours

Traveling alone? A capsule hotel is among the unique things to do in Tokyo, Japan.

9 Hours, found at 1-4-15, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan , is one of several capsule hotels that are popping up all over Tokyo.

It’s a different take on traditional meets modern as your communal areas are still sectioned off to give a bit of privacy.

In all capsule hotels, you share several spaces with other guests.

Each pod is like a glossy den where you can adjust the temperature and lighting to fit your needs and slide down a simple visor for privacy.

9 Hours takes a new-age, minimalist approach to make beds seem more spacious.

Still, each capsule only sleeps one person and a few items. For all of your other belongings, you receive a guest card upon check-in that gives you access to your own personal locker.

The shared bathing and restroom facilities are modified to feel less communal and more comfortable.

Single sinks, individual mirrors, stalls, and bathing rooms are laid out like a locker room at a public pool but don’t seem as intrusive.

Overall, the hotel gives off a beehive vibe with its bunk beds and uniform, clean, and minimalist design.

Though it’s built to accommodate several people all at once, it delivers a high-tech and digital-era look as opposed to prototype capsule hotels.

What’s more, this particular hotel can be very affordable! With the money you save, you can enjoy even more features of Japan.

If that low price makes you weary, the hotel can definitely be justified by the view from the lobby-slash-work area. A quality view of the cityscape for a fraction of the price elsewhere.

From Shin-Okubo Station, follow Okubo Street (street 433) eastward for about 2 minutes. 9 Hours is in the Kita-Shinjuku Building 3-8F.

51. Book And Bed Tokyo

Book And Bed Tokyo

Another hard-to-find but a worthwhile hotel is the Book and Bed at 1-17-7, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan .

It’s a bookstore-themed hotel with thousands of books for use and decoration.

If you’re a bookworm, the very thought of this one-of-a-kind sleep spot may have you thinking, “Finally, a chance to stay the night in the library!”

This quaint hotel has two sizes of sleep compartments that resemble the previously mentioned pods.

In this case, they’re bunk beds hidden within the stacks of books! Snacks and drinks are sold at the hotel’s store, and restrooms are available.

There are no extra amenities but it’s just down the road from a bunch of eateries and other attractions.

From Ikebukuro Station, walk toward Metropolitan Street, then follow Michido 441.

You’ll see a Starbucks and an Italian restaurant on your left. Go into the Lumiere Building to the 7th floor.

52. Odaiba Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari

Odaiba Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari ( Dushan Hanuska / flickr )

Visiting this onsen is a multi-coverage experience when it comes to things to do in Tokyo.

Located at 2-6-3 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan , Odaiba Oedo is in the heart of Tokyo and offers culture, history, and relaxation.

This onsen resembles a traditional Japanese countryside hot spring resort. There’s a shared hot spring at the top for the rooms with futon-only sleepers.

There are common areas for tea and coffee, public foot baths, and communal bathrooms for the authentic traditional Japanese experience.

You can upgrade your rental to spacious and plush rooms with access to open-air baths and saunas. Optional tatami floors are also available.

Regardless of room choice, all guests get free breakfast, WiFi, and TV.

The onsen is within walking distance from Telecom Center Station, Miraikan Science Museum, and Tokyo Tower.

If you’re still unsure of what to do in Tokyo, you can relax in the natural hot springs to bide your time.

Even if you’re not a hotel guest, the public foot baths, indoor and out are available to paying guests and passers-by alike.

The onsen has a restaurant attached and is consistently praised for its friendly service.

From Telecom Center Station, go southwest on Metropolitan Road 482, then turn left at the Telecom Station intersection.

Use the first road on the right which enters into a parking lot and passes a bike rental spot. It loops around to the onsen.

Neighboring Cities

Much of the tourism that enters Japan is directed at Tokyo, but there are several wonders to be found elsewhere.

For example, Osaka is home to a great historical landmark and Kyoto is a great spot for outdoor exploration.

Being in closer proximity to each other than Tokyo, they’re ideal for adventurous types whereas Tokyo is one big adventure in itself.

Here are some things to check out if you are visiting the neighboring cities:

53. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle at 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan is among the most famous landmarks of Japan.

It’s historical significance still plays a role in Japanese life today. For a cultural feel outside Tokyo, look for the castle and other things to do in Osaka .

From Morinomiya Station, go west along Chuo Odori, then make a sharp right at the Seongnam intersection.

Make a slight left and continue to follow the road, weaving through the forest and water until you reach the castle at the center.

54. Arashiyama

If you’re hopping around in search of things to do in Kyoto as well, visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto.

Surround yourself with the natural beauty of Japan’s wilderness which includes close encounters with monkeys!

Kyoto used to be Japan’s capital. It’s home to the historic, mountainous region located at Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan .

The mountain is accessible via the Oi River and provides an oasis to all who visit.

From Matsuo-Taisha Station, go north on Fudou 29 toward Shijo Street. When the road ends, go left to stay on Fudou 29.

After crossing the Katsura River, go left at the Togetsu Bridge intersection. Follow road 112 to a boat rental company.

55. Anata No Warehouse

Anata No Warehouse

This warehouse is a 5-story arcade space just outside Tokyo at 3-7 Nisshincho, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0024, Japan .

Its design is inspired by Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong which was replaced by a more government-regulated area.

The vibe is intentionally hectic and dystopian, but it’s all fun and games inside.

From Kawasaki Station, take the bus to Kawasakishogakkozen Bus Stop, then walk along Tram Street 140 to the warehouse.

Well, if you manage to reach this part of the article, your Tokyo’s itinerary should be pretty full now!

Final Advice

When planning a trip to Tokyo, keep this short list of travel tips in mind:

• Buy tickets and make reservations in advance.
• Budget your finances.
• Explore with an open mind and don’t expect anything.
• Get a Suica or Pasmo bus card to get around easier and quicker.
• Research cultural customs for how to dress.
• Come with gifts, Leave with gifts.
• Research customs for how to behave.

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GUIDE Japan in November

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• Japan in November

Brilliant blue skies and vibrant colors

For most of Japan, November brings brisk air, clear skies, and radiant autumn foliage, making it a pleasant month to travel. The weather does gradually become chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, but a hot spring excursion is a simple remedy for any cold spells you may encounter. Keep an eye out for Christmas lights and illumination events—many of which also begin in November.

Know Before You Go

• November weather ranges from cool to chilly making sweaters a hot commodity
• Kyoto can be particularly busy at the end of November when the leaves are at their peak
• Temples and shrines in urban areas often have splendid gardens—ideal for effortless autumn leaf viewing

November weather at its best in Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

Autumn colors around Japan

The Japanese words momiji and koyo refer to red and yellow leaves, the star attraction of the autumn season. Mountain and lakeside areas are popular destinations, but you can enjoy the colors practically anywhere. Most shrines and temples have attractive grounds with their fair share of maple trees.

In and around Tokyo

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Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in November

Best things to do & places to visit in Japan in November

Travelling in Japan in November?? It’s a great time of the year to enjoy gorgeous autumn leaves at many locations including Tokyo, Kyoto and around Mt Fuji, as well as winter attractions such as Onsen bath and winter illuminations. Today, I’m sharing 10 best things to do and places to visit in Japan in November!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Japan in November

November is one of the best time to travel Japan with clean fresh air. The average temperature in November in Tokyo is 12-15°C (53.6-59°F). In the end of autumn, Halloween is over and autumn leaves are turning red and yellow in urban areas. As winter approaches, you can see gorgeous Christmas events and colorful illuminations staring in November.

1. Autumn Leaves

It’s all about autumn colors in Japanese autumn. The best viewing time at most of locations in Japan is through November depending on the location and type of trees. Here are some of the most popular autumn leaves viewing spots in Japan, Tokyo and around Tokyo.

▶ Autumn Leaves Forecast in Japan

IN JAPAN: 10 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan

IN TOKYO: 10 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Tokyo

AROUND TOKYO: Top 5 Autumn Leaves Spots near Tokyo

Where is the best place to enjoy autumn leaves in Japan?? I think Kyoto might be the best answer. Nothing can beat the spectacular collaboration of colourful autumn leaves and Kyoto’s gorgeous historic sites. From hidden gems to famous landmarks, numbers of temples and shrines in Kyoto display stunning views of autumn colours during the season, from early November to early December depending on the location.

3. Japanese Gardens

Along with historic sites and parks, Japanese gardens are another popular spots for autumn leaves hunting. Many gardens are located within cities, and they are great oasis to stop by, and feel relaxed and Zen during your trip in the city. Moreover, some of gardens open in the evening for light-up during the season. Here are some of must-visit gardens in Japan and Tokyo.

IN JAPAN: 3 Best Traditional Gardens in Japan

IN TOKYO: 7 Most Gorgeous Japanese Gardens in Tokyo

4. Asakusa Tori no Ichi

Tori no Ichi Fair is a traditional festival held at Otori Shrine in Asakusa area, Tokyo, which originally started in Edo period. This annual event is set on the days of Rooster in Chinese calendar to pray for good luck and success in business. Traditional ornaments and decorations are sold with a vibrant atmosphere.

Official Website: http://www.torinoichi.jp/english/

5. Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) is the most popular tourist destination among Fuji Five Lakes (5 lakes situated at the foot of Mt Fuji). Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held annually near the lake from early to late November, featuring gorgeous autumn leaves, the market and special events. Don’t miss the chance to capture the best view of the Lake, autumn leaves and Mt Fuji on the background!

6. Shirakawago Village

As autumn arrives to this charming and traditional Japanese village, the scenery gets totally breathtaking by the surrounding nature such as trees and mountains with colourful leaves and golden brown rice fields. The special light-up event “Shirakawago Autumn Leaves Illumination” is held at Shirakawago Village for several days in early November.

7. Sumo Grand Tournament: Fukuoka Basho

The Sumo Grand Tournament takes place at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Fukuoka City in mid-late November. If you are lucky enough to be around during this time, don’t miss a chance to see one of the most spectacular things to experience in Japan!!

▶️Book your seat for Sumo Grand Tournament in Fukuoka 2023!

8. Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival

Tokyo’s most popular autumn leaves event, Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is held annually from mid November to early December in Aoyama area (near Harajuku and Shibuya). The event features the gorgeous ginkgo tree avenue which stretch for about 300 m in 2 lanes, and the market with food vendors and local products.

9. Onsen Bath

Onsen bath can be enjoyed through the year, but from November to March would be the best time as the temperature drops down, Onsen bath feels much better! Some of Onsen spots like Hakone, Nikko and Fuji Five Lakes offer amazing views of autumn leaves from Onsen bath during the season!

Best Onsen Spots in Japan:

10. Winter Illuminations

One of the biggest winter attractions in Japan, winter illuminations are starting from November at many locations in Japan. As they tend to get very busy during December, it could be a good idea to visit them in November. Here are some of the most popular winter illumination spots in TOKYO and JAPAN.

IN TOKYO: Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide

IN JAPAN: Japan Illumination Map: Best Winter Illuminations

▽Check out this Japan Bucket List of 30 Best Things to Do throughout the year!▽

▽More events in Japan in November?▽

▽How to Get Internet Connection during traveling in Japan▽ ▶︎ Perfect Guide to Get WiFi Connection in Japan ▶︎ Which Pocket WiFi Rental is the Best in Japan? ▶︎ Which SIM card Option to Choose in Japan? ▶︎ How to Find and Use Free WiFi in Japan

Hope you have enjoyed my list of top 10 things to do in Japan in November!

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

• Things to Do

Visiting Japan In November – 23 Best Things To Do In 2023!

Japan in November is a special time of year – crimson and golden autumn leaves meet winter illuminations

Autumn colors are out in full force from early November, and winter approaches with cooler temperatures, signalling the beginning of stunning seasonal light displays and making it one of the most scenic and exciting times of year to visit Japan.

Despite not being officially celebrated, the month of November also kicks off the lead-up to Christmas with the arrival of Christmas markets in larger cities. Light displays across the country compete in true Japanese style, with intense attention to detail and dedication to creating a fun and memorable experience.

Festivals big and small celebrate the changing of the seasons with grand fireworks displays, traditional processions, and parades featuring giant floats honoring local heritage and traditions.

In this article, we’ll explore 23 of the best things to do in November in Japan FOR 2023!

Planning a trip to Japan? Take a look at my most popular article – a 5-day Tokyo itinerary for beginners . Or, if you’re heading to Osaka, check out my collection of 1-day Osaka itinerary ideas .

Japan in November – 23 best things to do in 2023

Nationwide – momijigari.

Autumn foliage viewing or momijigari as it’s known in Japanese is out in full force in much of the country in November. Below is a summary of a few of the top leaf viewing spots to visit:

1. Rikugien Gardens (Momiji)

A top viewing spot for autumn colors, Rikugien Gardens is located in the Bunkyo area of the city and is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. Between late November and early December is the best time for viewing, visitors flock to the park to see the illuminations of the bright red maple leaves set against the backdrop of the serene, landscaped gardens. During the festival period, food vendors also set up stalls, and the trees are lit up during the evenings until 9 pm.

• Where & When: Bunkyo City, Tokyo, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (for illuminations)
• Interesting Fact: During the early part of the 18 th century the gardens became neglected until it was purchased and restored by Iwasaki Yataro, a businessman best known as the founder of the Japanese company Mitsubishi.
• More Information: Tokyo-park.or.jp

2. Mount Takao (Momiji)

A short train ride from Shinjuku will take you to the base of Mount Takao, which feels like another world compared with the skyscrapers of the big city. As one of Tokyo’s most popular places for viewing beautiful autumn foliage, try to avoid visiting on weekends when the mountain summit gets so packed you can barely move. The hike to the top of the mountain is fairly easy and short, but for visitors with walking difficulties, there is also a cable car you can ride. The autumn leaves festival at Mount Takao is held throughout the month of November.

• Where & When: Hachioji, Tokyo, 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM (Cable Car in November)
• Interesting Fact: Mount Takao is known for mountain asceticism, the act of extreme self-discipline from indulgence, because of this it is also closely linked to Tengu, Japanese spirits depicted with red faces, long noses, and often with wings who are said to chase off evil-doers.
• More Information: Takaotozan.co.jp

3. Ginkgo Leaves (Momiji)

Throughout Tokyo, golden colors start to appear with the arrival of yellow ginkgo leaves in November. One of the top spots to enjoy these leaves in Tokyo is Jingu Gaien, the Ginkgo tree-lined avenue located near Gaienmae station, and the site of Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival which has been celebrated annually in November since 1997.

Other sites to enjoy Ginkgo leaves in Tokyo include Yoyogi Park, Marunouchi, and Showa Memorial Park near Tachikawa Station, which is also a top spot for autumn leaves from mid-November, with its stunning avenue of ginkgo trees.

• Where & When: (1) Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue, Minato City, (2) Yoyogi Park, Shibuya City, (3) Marunouchi, Chiyoda, & (4) Showa Memorial Park, Tachikawa. Mid-November.
• Interesting Fact: Ginkgo trees are native to China where they are associated with longevity and good health as it is not unusual for them to live as long as a thousand years.
• More Information: Meijijingugaien.jp

4. Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Can you think of a better way to enjoy the stunning fall leaves than with the majestic Mt. Fuji as a backdrop? Didn’t think so! The Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held every November on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, with trees lit up until 10 pm daily.

During the festival, there is also a market and food stalls where visitors can try local specialties. If your itinerary allows it then consider staying overnight at a ryokan or hot springs hotel to really enjoy the beautiful scenery, but if not, you can also visit Kawaguchiko as a day trip from Tokyo.

• Where & When: Momiji Corridor Lake Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, October 28 th to November 23 rd .
• Interesting Fact: You’ll catch the best views of Mount Fuji and the beautiful autumn leaves between 6:00 AM & 7:00 AM before the clouds settle in around the mountain. It is therefore recommended to stay in the area overnight.
• More Information: Fujisan.ne.jp

5. Arashiyama

A beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but autumn is the best time to see Arashiyama in the west of Kyoto. The leaves begin to change color in early November and last until early December. Togetsukyo Bridge , one of the most popular landmarks of the area, is an ideal viewing point for autumn colors.

In addition, other well-known leaf-viewing spots include Hogon-in Temple and Tenryu-Ji Temple. Other pleasant ways to see the leaves are along the Sagano Scenic Railway which runs through the Hozukyo Ravine or via a leisurely boat ride on the Hozugawa River.

• Where & When: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Early November to early December.
• Interesting Fact: Visitors to Arashiyama’s popular Bamboo Forest might be interested to know that bamboo is actually the fastest-growing plant on the planet, having been known to grow up to 40 inches in a single day.
• More Information: Hogonin.jp ( Hogon-in Temple ), Sagano-kanko.co.jp ( Sagano Railway ), Tenryuji.com ( Tenryu-ji Temple ).

6. Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival

Celebrating the delicious Japanese dumplings known as gyoza, the Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival has been running since 1999 and has become famous throughout Japan. Held annually in early November and an easy day trip from Tokyo, the festival sees gyoza masters from across the region selling dozens of different varieties of dumplings, fried, steamed, or boiled, for just 100-200 yen a plate.

Across the two-day festival visitors can also enjoy a variety of live musical performances, comedians, and local cultural performances, but let’s be honest, the dumplings are the main draw!

• Where & When: Utsunomiya Castle Park, Hommarucho, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi Prefecture, Saturday & Sunday in early November, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Interesting Fact: Gyoza is the Japanese pronunciation of jiaozi, the Chinese word for these horn-shaped dumplings. Japanese soldiers returning from China after WWII recreated and adapted this cheap and delicious Chinese dish to suit their tastes.
• More Information: Visit-tochigi.com

7. Meiji Jingu Yabusame

The rare and obscure martial art of Japanese horseback archery, known as Yabusame, dates back more than a thousand years. Warriors would often perform the ritual as a prayer for seeking good fortune.

Today, Yabusame is not practiced widely throughout Japan, however, performances can still draw large crowds. Such is the case at the annual Yabusame event at Meiji Jingu shrine in Harajuku which is held in early November. Crowds flock to the shrine grounds for the opportunity to watch these skilled archers shoot at targets whilst riding their horses at high speed.

• Where & When: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, November 1 st to 3 rd .
• Interesting Fact: In Japan, Yabusame is considered a ritual rather than a sport because of its roots in religion. It is primarily performed to please the many gods that watch over Japan.
• More Information: Meijijingu.or.jp

8. Fire Walking Festival

Firewalking has been practiced by many cultures around the world for thousands of years. In religion, it is often performed as a test of faith. Every year on the first week of November, Buddhist priests of the Daiganji Temple step boldly across hot embers in an impressive and powerful display of their courage and faith in front of the temple’s Holy Fire Hall.

If you’re feeling brave enough, visitors are also allowed to take part in walking across the hot coals in bare feet, although if you’re more comfortable watching from the sidelines, that’s fine too!

• Where & When: Holy Fire Hall of Daiganji Temple, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, November 3 rd , a 1 PM arrival is a good time to see the ceremonies, and 2 PM is the best time to catch firewalking.
• Interesting Fact: Ash-covered coals are proven to be poor conductors of heat, and experts believe that if performed correctly, firewalking will not allow your feet to be in contact with the embers long enough to burn.
• More Information: Miyajima.or.jp

9. Karatsu Kunchi

The Karatsu Kunchi is a large three-day event that has taken place annually in Karatsu City in Saga prefecture for more than 400 years.

It is one of the largest festivals on the island and features parades of fourteen huge floats, some as tall as seven meters, made by local districts more than a hundred years ago. Some of the floats include a giant Green Lion, Flying Dragon, a Samurai helmet, and a Tiger-headed orca.

This traditional festival is a spectacle and draws huge crowds every year. In 1980, it was designated an ‘Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property’ by the Japanese government.

• Where & When: Karatsu city, Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, November 2 nd to 4 th .
• Interesting Fact: There are more than 200 Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties throughout Japan, which are items considered indispensable to understanding the role and influence they play on Japanese culture and daily life. They can relate to food, clothing, work, performing arts, or rare techniques.
• More Information: City.karatsu.lg.jp

10. Gion Odori

During November, traditional geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance performances are held in Kyoto during the first ten days of the month in the city’s Gion Higashi district, it is the only odori event to take place in the autumn. It has been running annually for almost 130 years and is one of Kyoto’s longest-running shows.

Two performances are held daily at 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM at the Gion Kaikan, with tickets priced between 4,000 and 5,000 yen each. If you are visiting Kyoto during this time, this is a rare must-see experience.

• Where & When: Gion Hall, Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, November 1 st to 10 th , 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (2 performances, each performance is 1 hour).
• Interesting Fact: Maiko are apprentice geisha. It takes around five years of training to become a geisha and women often begin their training as young as fifteen years old.
• More Information: Gionhigashi.com

11. Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament

If you’re looking for a uniquely Japanese experience, head over to Fukuoka between November 12 & 26 to catch the end of Sumo Season and a chance to watch Japan’s sixth and final Grand Sumo Tournament of the year. The 15-day tournament is held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center and features the top sumo wrestlers in the country facing off against each other, with the top-ranking wrestlers performing towards the end of each day.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the wrestlers wandering the streets, or at nearby restaurants or bathhouses outside of the competition.

• Where & When: Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, November 12 th to 26 th .
• Interesting Fact: To help them bulk up, many sumo wrestlers eat Chankonabe, a hotpot dish made from chicken stock that includes many sources of protein such as chicken pieces, fish, tofu, beef, or vegetables. It is usually served in very large quantities with beer and rice to increase calorie intake.
• More Information: Sumo.or.jp

12. Tochigi Autumn Festival

A three-day festival held biannually (during even-numbered years), this epic float festival is one of the largest events in Tochigi Prefecture and is well worth a visit to watch the extravagant lantern-lit floats paraded through the streets.

The festival began in the late 19 th century when locals paraded floats to honor Emperor Jinmu. As years passed, more floats began to compete with one another and showcase their skills. Elaborate mechanically operated dolls are positioned on top of the floats, whilst the beats of taiko drummers and traditional flutes provide the festival soundtrack.

• Where & When: Yorozucho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, mid-November, 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Interesting Fact: Japanese festival floats, known as dashi, have been used in many Japanese festivals for hundreds of years. Early floats were made to resemble mountains which reflected mountain worship, a belief that divine spirits resided in nearby mountains.

13. Okinawa International Carnival

Okinawa International Carnival is a celebration of the thirty-plus nationalities that call Okinawa home. For two days, Koza Gate Street in Okinawa City is filled with festival goers sampling international food, enjoying the cosmopolitan atmosphere, and watching the parade and live shows. Some of the festival’s special events include a tug-of-war, live music, motorcycle contests, karate competitions, food and drink from around the world, souvenir stands, and more.

The main parade on Koza Gate Street and the stage performances on the Ongaku Bridge take place early in the afternoon. It is a good idea to arrive before 1 PM to get a good view.

• Where & When: Okinawa International Carnival, Okinawa City (main venue), Koza Gate Street, Okinawa City (parade), Mid-November, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Interesting Fact: The famous martial art of Karate is actually an Okinawan export. Developed in the Ryukyuan Kingdom and influenced by Chinese martial arts, the region was annexed by the Empire of Japan in 1879 and renamed Okinawa.
• More Information: Oki-carnival.com

Tokyo Winter Illuminations

Winter illuminations have become a popular tradition in Japan. Major cities around the country put on amazing displays into the new year and November is the perfect time to catch them. Tokyo during the winter period is one of the best places to catch these impressive illumination events. Below are some of the best spots to see winter light displays:

14. Roppongi Illuminations

The modern entertainment and shopping complex of Roppongi puts on two equally impressive light displays over the winter period that you need to check out: Tokyo Midtown & Roppongi Hills.

The lights at Tokyo Midtown’s Starlight Garden are always an impressive show featuring beautifully lit trees and a blue sea of light across the garden. There is also a five-minute music and light display featuring over 200,000 LEDs. Keyakizaka Street in Roppongi Hills is a romantic boulevard lined with trees filled with sparkling blue and white lights, making it a popular strolling spot for couples.

• Where & When: Starlight Garden, Akasaka, Minato City, late November to late December. Keyakizaka Street, Roppongi, Minato City, mid-November to late December.
• Interesting Fact: Illuminations have been a staple in Japan since ‘95 when the Kobe Luminarie festival commemorated the Great Hanshin Earthquake of that year. Today, record-setting light displays grow more impressive each year.
• More Information: Roppongihills.com

15. Ebisu Illuminations

Christmas arrives in November in the upmarket Yebisu Garden Place, as the annual winter lights display rolls out dazzling illuminations, a spectacular glistening chandelier, and a giant Christmas tree nestled among offices, shops, and restaurants.

Food and drinks stalls can be found scattered around the area, as well as an open space for impromptu piano performances by musically inclined members of the public. The illuminations are as beautiful as they are elegant and will run until early January-24, so it is definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

• Where & When: Yebisu Garden Place, Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo. Mid-November-23 to Early January-24.
• Interesting Fact: Yebisu beer, produced by Sapporo Breweries, is one of Japan’s oldest beers and was named for the Ebisu area of Tokyo, where it was originally produced. Yesbisu and Ebisu are the same area and pronounced the same.
• More Information: Gardenplace.jp

16. Shibuya Illuminations

The Blue Cave lights in Shibuya are one of the most popular and impressive winter lights displays in Tokyo, with more than 600,000 electric blue LED lights brightening up the trees for 800 meters between Koen Dori Street and Yoyogi Park.

The popular event which started in 2014 moved to Shibuya in 2016 due to high demand, with more than 2 million visitors attending every year. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the blue light path, taking photos and enjoying the sensational atmosphere. If you’re in Tokyo in December, this is a must-see highlight.

• Where & When: Between Koen Dori Street and Yoyogi Park Events Square, Shibuya. December 8 th to 25 th .
• Interesting Fact: The nearby Scramble Crossing also in Shibuya is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with an estimated 2.5 million people crossing every day.
• More Information: Shibuya-aodonokutsu.jp

17. Odaiba Illuminations

The Decks shopping mall on the island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay hosts one of the best winter illumination displays in the city. Set in front of the majestic Tokyo skyline and the brightly lit Rainbow Bridge, the display features a 20-meter-tall tree of light, the largest in Tokyo, and a waterside terrace lit up at night with photogenic displays and decorations.

Take a stroll along the water at night and enjoy the brilliant panoramic view of Tokyo at night, then stop for dinner in one of the many waterside restaurants and cafes on offer.

• Where & When: Decks Tokyo Beach Shopping Mall, Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo. Early December, after sunset, is a great time to visit.
• Interesting Fact: The island of Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo Bay was originally a series of forts built for defensive purposes at the end of the 19 th century to protect Edo from attacks by sea, specifically American Commodore Matthew Perry’s Gunboat Diplomacy.
• More Information: Odaiba-decks.com

18. Yomiuri Land Illuminations

Yomiuriland is an amusement park located approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo and is home to ‘Jewellumination’, the largest light display in the Kanto area, as millions of dazzling colorful lights illuminate the entire park. Everything from trees to fountain displays, to spectacular live musical performances, and the rides, of course, are all lit up. An Instagrammers dream!

In addition to the lights, there are more than 40 attractions and rides to discover including thrillers like the Bandit rollercoaster, and the Looping Starship, or more family-friendly rides such as the Giant Ferris Wheel, and the Merry-go-land adult carousel.

• Where & When: Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo, Between the end of October 2023, and the end of March 2024.
• Interesting Fact: Also located within the park is Yomiuri Stadium, home of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, the oldest and most successful professional baseball team in Japan, with 22 Series titles across its 88-year existence.
• More Information: Yomiuriland.com

19. Tokyo Skytree Illuminations

From mid-November until Christmas Day, the Tokyo Skytree and the surrounding area known as Skytree Town is decked out with festive lights and often feature regular projection mapping shows onto the side of the tower.

Festivities around the tower include a large Christmas tree, a European-style Christmas market serving hot food and drinks, souvenirs, and scheduled live musical performances. There are few places within Tokyo that serve up more of a festive feeling than the Skytree Tower and the surrounding Christmas market.

• Where & When: Tokyo Skytree, Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo. 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Interesting Fact: At 634 meters tall, Tokyo Skytree is not only the tallest structure in Japan but until 2021, it was the second tallest structure in the world behind the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. As of 2023, it is still the tallest tower in the world.
• More Information: Tokyo-skytree.jp

20. Sapporo White Illuminations

Illuminations are extremely popular attractions around Japan throughout the winter months and many of these events are held across the country for weeks at a time.

This year, the 43 rd Sapporo White Illumination event will take place at various venues around Hokkaido’s capital city, see website link for the latest information. The event has featured multiple award-winning light displays around the city over the winter period for more than four decades, accompanied by a German Christmas Market offering festive food, drink, and crafts.

The event precedes the annual Sapporo Snow Festival which is held each February.

• Where & When: Odori 1-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Between November 22 nd , 2023 and March 14 th , 2024.
• Interesting Fact: The festival began in 1981 at a single venue with just over a thousand LED lights. Today, the festival boasts more than 750,000 LED lights at six sites across the city. It is one of the largest lights events in the world.
• More Information: White-illumination.jp

21. Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival

This annual Autumn Leaves Festival in northern Japan takes place within the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens.

Visitors are free to walk the grounds and admire the autumn foliage, rich evergreen pines, and colorful chrysanthemums which are also used to create kiku-ningyo, life-size dolls clothed in living chrysanthemums. The dolls are often made to resemble famous figures throughout Japanese history or local heroes and make for a unique and beautiful display. The castle closes for winter on November 24 th and reopens on March 31 st .

• Where & When: Hirosaki Castle, Aomori, late October to early November, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Interesting Fact: Hirosaki Park, in which the castle is located, is also home to 2,000 cherry trees and is considered one of the best viewing spots for cherry blossoms in Japan.
• More Information: Aomori-tourism.com

22. Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks Festival

As the cooler weather begins to set in, many fireworks festivals throughout the summer have come and gone but the Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks Festival, one of the largest in Japan, sends fireworks season out with a bang!

The annual festival began in 1899 when local merchants put on a firework display in honor of Ebisu one of the seven lucky gods, to hopefully boost their business in the year ahead. Today, the festival draws hundreds of thousands to the banks of the Sai River for a dazzling two-hour display of more than 15,000 fireworks.

• Where & When: Nagano Bridge, or Saigawa Daini Ryokuchi, Nagano City. November 23 rd .
• Interesting Fact: Portuguese sailors brought fireworks to the shores of Japan at the end of the sixteenth century and they became extremely popular during the Edo period. Today there are around 4,000-5,000 fireworks festivals around Japan every year in the summer and autumn months.
• More Information: Nagano-cci.or.jp

23. Tokushima Yokai Matsuri

The Tokushima Yokai festival is an unusual event held near the Hiraga Shinto Shrine in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture each year since 2000.

The local town of Yamashiro is famous in Japan for being a source of many Yokai and so the locals decided to embrace it. The festival features a parade of locals dressed up in hand-made costumes of these colorful, eerie Japanese supernatural creatures, called the March of the Yokai . The parade begins around midday and is open to anyone willing to make a costume.

• Where & When: Hiraga Shrine, Yamashiro-cho, Kamimyo, Miyoshi, Tokushima. November 19 th , 12 PM.
• Interesting Fact: Yokai are Japanese spirits or ghosts that feature prominently in Japanese folklore. There are many kinds of yokai that are often either mischievous or malevolent to humans. They often take on animalistic features and have their own grim backstories.
• More Information: Discovertokushima.net

Dates to Avoid Traveling Japan in November

National holidays.

Culture Day & Labor Thanksgiving Day – There are two Japanese national holidays in November where you should avoid travel if possible. The first is Culture Day on November 3rd, followed by Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23rd.

Japan in November Autumn Foliage Guide

Japan in November – Autumn Packing Guide

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Japan Travel & Culture Guide

10 Best Places to Visit in Japan in November

November is a perfect time of the year to see the gorgeous fall foliage in Japan , especially on Honshu , the largest island of Japan. It can be overwhelming to decide which places to visit in Japan on your upcoming trip in November. We are here to help you!

If you are wondering where to go to see the changing leaves this autumn, this guide would help you plan your Japan trip the best possible way.

We have selected the following destinations based on their popularity, and sensational seasonal beauty in November. So, if you ever plan on visiting Japan in November, be sure to include one of these places on your itinerary.

After reading this article you will be able to decide exactly where to go and see the incredible autumn leaves in Japan in November and other places that are worth visiting.

1. Shirakawago (Ogimachi) in Gifu Prefecture

Shirakawago is one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites . It’s a historic Japanese village in central Japan known for its traditional farmhouses (gassho-zukuri) with steep, thatched roofs surrounded by mountains and nature.

Home to several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses , Ogimachi is the largest village in Shirakawago. Ainokura village in Gokayama area is also a nice farmhouse village you should discover.  

Shirakawago is beautiful in all seasons , though a trip to this iconic place would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience during autumn leaves season. To experience the best views of autumn foliage in the area, you have to visit the village between late October and early November .

You will visit Shirakawago in early November not only for its beautiful autumn scenery, but also to avoid the harsh winter. It snows a lot there during the winter months.

If you are afraid of cold weather, November is the perfect time to embark on a trip to this village and stay a night at one of the authentic Japanese farmhouses . If you fail to make a reservation, consider staying a night in this beautiful farmhouse .

Enjoy a walk along the walking trail heading towards the Shiroyama Viewpoint . This is from where you can see the entire village and its farmhouses and surrounding mountains in the distance.

Shirakawago makes a great day trip from Takayama city . So, those who are looking forward to exploring a breathtaking place on the outskirts of Takayama must go there and have a great day.

Click here to see the timetable of the buses that depart from Takayama Bus Terminal every day. You can stay in this hotel in Takayama city , located next to JR Takayama Station.

2. Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture

The Northern Japan Alps is a place of scenic beauty in Japan, offering plenty of attractions to discover for travelers that appreciate nature. One of the most iconic spots of the Japan Alps is Kurobe Gorge.

Located in the rugged mountains of the Japan Alps, Kurobe Gorge boasts one of the deepest and most beautiful gorges in Japan. It is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but autumn is particularly breathtaking.

This is such an interesting place where anyone would get amazed by the stunning views that surround them all day every day. Every autumn between late October and mid November , Kurobe Gorge offers the best fall foliage views.

Visitors mostly come to Kurobe Gorge to enjoy a scenic train ride, known as Kurobe Gorge Railway. The track is about 20 kilometers , which stretches between Unazuki station and Keyakidaira station .

This scenic train journey takes about 80 minutes (one way). You can experience a relaxing rail ride along the way and admire the sensational seasonal beauty of the gorge.

Make sure to get off at each station along the way to the final station, and explore the surroundings including the hot springs, hiking trails, and observation platforms for panoramic views of the gorge.

Want to take a photograph of a train crossing the Shin-Yamabiko Bridge over Kurobe River ? To do so you can either head over to the Yamabiko Observation Platform or the pedestrian bridge, located next to Yamabiko Bridge. Now just wait for the train to pass through the bridge!

In fact, Yamabiko Bridge is the first bridge that passengers of the Torokko electric train cross when leaving Unazuki Station towards Keyakidaira Station.

A train journey in Japan would be memorable if you experience one of these popular scenic train rides which include the Kurobe Gorge Railway. Check out the route guide including timetable, online reservation and more.

3. Central Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture

Nikko can be divided into two areas: the town of Nikko (central Nikko), and Okunikko . The whole Nikko appeals to its visitors with lots of attractions including outdoor activities. Note that it becomes one of the busiest tourist spots in Japan when autumn rolls in.     

If your plan is to admire the gorgeous fall foliage in Okunikko, including the area around Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka road, be sure to visit Nikko from mid October through late October .

One the other hand, The World Heritage site Shrines and Temples of Nikko is located in central Nikko where visitors can see the best foliage between early November and mid November .

This area of Nikko is very famous not only because it is a World Heritage Site but also for offering an authentic vibe of Japanese traditional culture, lifestyle and food. In fact, the area is a sacred place for many Shinto and Buddhist followers.

This Japanese World Heritage Site consists of 103 buildings and structures. One of the most amazing structures is Toshogu Shrine , which is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the powerful Tokugawa Shogunate.

The shrine is lavishly decorated that anyone would get amazed at first sight. You won’t understand the beauty of wood carvings that were done to decorate the buildings until you pay a visit to this shrine.

The five -story pagoda standing at the entrance to the shrine is one of the most notable pagodas in Japan. It is beautiful and unique – a true Japanese architectural masterpiece!

Another beautiful structure in the area is the picture-perfect Shinkyo Bridge , which stands at the entrance to the shrines and temples of Nikko. The surrounding trees of the bridge reach their peak in the second week of November .

Read this guide to see other must-see places in Central Nikko and Okunikko. We also have a 2-day itinerary for those planning to stay a night in Nikko.

4. Mount Takao (Takaosan) in Tokyo

Looking for the best day trips from Tokyo ? There are so many reasons why Mount Takao (Standing 599 meters above sea level) easily makes it onto your best day trips from Tokyo list.

If you really like going on a hike, want to enjoy stunning views of nature and explore beautiful temples, Mount Takao is the best place to visit. On a clear day, you can even see the majestic Mount Fuji peak. How cool is that!

You would love your experience at Mt. Takao which is located about 50 minutes away from Shinjuku by train. Spend the day exploring the great outdoors and have fun while climbing the mountain on foot along the designated hiking trails.  

Among the trails to the summit of Mount Takao, trail no 1 is the easiest and favorite for hikers. Rest of the trails can be a bit challenging though. For more info you must check the map with trails.

Not everyone wants to hike, so what is the other best option to reach the summit? Thankfully you have two options to choose from; either you take the chairlift or cable car. If you are afraid of heights and feel unsafe, avoid the chairlift. Please note Takosan has Japan’s steepest cable car .

Takaosan Yakuoin Temple is one of the fascinating and sacred mountain temples in Japan where various traditional events are held throughout the year.

From mid-November through early December is the best time to see fall foliage there.

5. Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto

Tofukuji is a large Zen Buddhist temple in the southeastern part of Kyoto city. Founded in 1236 by a famous Japanese Buddhist monk – Enni Ben’en , this temple is a must-see place in Kyoto in mid-November .

Being one of the Five Great Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto , it offers not only many historical buildings, but also picturesque gardens, and tons of maple trees on its grounds that are ablaze with colors in every autumn.  

Located not far from the Hojo, Tofukuji’s Tsutenkyo Bridge is used as a viewing platform of red maple leaves. This 100 meter long wooden bridge offers the perfect views of the autumn colors.

Note that it gets crowded when the colors reach their peak. It is best if you could refrain yourself from visiting the temple over the weekend.

Besides, I don’t mind spending my time gazing at those beautiful rock gardens of the Hojo , though to enter the Hojo you have to pay some money.

The temple is considered one of the most famous places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto. So, without having any doubt in mind, add this historical landmark on your Kyoto itinerary. It is truly a beautiful place to go and discover wonderful temple buildings!

Tofukuji Temple is a 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line .

6. Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture

You can ask someone about their main intention of visiting Lake Kawaguchi , and their answer will be to see the iconic Mt. Fuji . And that’s very true indeed!  

It disappoints them greatly if the summit is not visible on the day they visit the area. Therefore, we highly recommend checking these live cameras before you take the bus or train to Lake Kawaguchi.

From early to mid November, Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. It is said to be one of the best autumn festivals in Japan, attracting thousands of visitors every day in November.

The autumn leaves corridor (Momiji Kairo) is a great sight to behold. You can take a walk along the corridor early in the morning to avoid the crowds. So staying overnight in this hotel would not be a bad idea.

This will also allow you to see the autumn leaves illumination at night. It is a great experience you should not miss.

The area is a very popular place to go and enjoy autumn leaves with stunning Mt. Fuji view in the distance. Peak foliage season hits between mid-November and late November .

Even though Lake Kawaguchi can easily be visited on a day trip from Tokyo, staying a night there is highly recommended. You can take the Fuji Excursion train to Kawaguchi Station from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo. It is a direct train service. Alternatively, take the highway buses for easy access to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo.

When you travel around Lake Kawaguchi, be sure to check these iconic places for the best views of Mount Fuji .

7. Nara Hasedera in Nara Prefecture

Hasedera Temple in Sakurai city of Nara Prefecture is one of the best places to visit in Japan in November. Visitors to this temple can see the best foliage in the third and last weeks of November .  

This hillside Buddhist temple is located in a deep forested valley with amazing scenery to experience year-round. It was founded in 686 and serves as the main temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism.

Hasedera is also known as the “Flower Temple” as visitors there can see stunning displays of cherry blossoms in spring and other flowers including hydrangeas, and peonies in summer.

One of the highlights of this temple is the long covered staircase (399 steps) which leads you to the main hall of the temple. Climb the stairs at your own pace. Even though you will have to climb many stairs, it’s still well worth doing!

Once you reach the top of the stairs, be sure to check the wooden balcony/observation platform and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings, including seasonal vistas, temple buildings, and mountains in the distance.

The views are incredible in the fall when the trees scattered on the grounds offer vibrant displays of oranges, reds and yellows foliage.

Nara Hasedera is a 15-minute walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line . Without doubt, this temple makes a great half-day trip from Nara City.

8. Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa Prefecture

Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden is considered one of Japan’s “ three most beautiful gardens ,” along with Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito. It was once a private garden owned by the Maeda family, but it was opened to the public in 1871.

Your Japan trip will not be complete until you pay a visit to one of these most beautiful traditional gardens, and if it is going to be this Kenrokuen then you are very lucky indeed.

For a unique experience in Japan, enjoy a stroll there to admire the scenic landscape that this landscape garden offers throughout the year.

There are more cherry trees than maple trees on its grounds, though the autumn foliage here is absolutely breathtaking. Viewing autumn leaves in a Japanese garden like this one gives a different feeling and experience than enjoying the foliage in the mountains.

The leaves begin to change colors in October and peak around mid November and early December . If possible, visit the garden to see cherry blossoms in abundance in April.

If you are interested in learning about Japanese traditional garden elements, a visit to this garden will surely help you understand each of them.

Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus to access Kenrokuen from Kanazawa Station (20 minutes).

9. Arashiyama in Kyoto

When it comes to visiting the best fall foliage spots in Kyoto, you have to add Arashiyama to your bucket list. It makes a perfect day trip from Kyoto city.

There are a number popular autumn leaves viewing spots in Arashiyama . Most of them are well worth your time! Alongside taking a walk through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove , be sure to pay a visit to Tenryuji Temple , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tenryuji has a beautiful landscape garden, which looks fabulous in autumn with gorgeous fall foliage. Stunningly beautiful and peacefully quiet, Jajakkoji Temple boasts bountiful red maple leaves where anyone would like to spend hours roaming around the temple.

Hogon-in is truly a remarkable place to visit to see the beautiful display of autumn leaves in Arashiyama. It is a sub-temple of Tenryuji Temple built in 1461 by Yoriyuki Hosokawa .

Togetsukyo Bridge is another iconic spot in Arashiyama, from there you can see lovely views of autumn colors, mountains and river.

When you are in Arashiyama, consider a ride on a sightseeing train, called Sagano Romantic Train , which runs along the Hozugawa (Hozu River). This scenic ride surely offers you some of the best rural views including gorgeous autumn foliage you have ever seen in Japan.

This one day in Arashiyama itinerary guides you on the best places to visit the town in the autumn. Read it and get some useful ideas before you arrive in Arashiyama.

Mid November into early December is the best time to enjoy the vibrant views in Arashiyama.

10. Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto

Founded in 778, Kiyomizudera is a World Heritage Site in Kyoto . It is located in the eastern Higashiyama area . It is famous for its large wooden terrace and one of the best autumn foliage viewing spots in Kyoto .

This Buddhist temple is a famous place to visit in Kyoto particularly in spring and autumn. Every year from mid November through late November , many tourists flock to this amazing landmark to see its gorgeous fall foliage.

The big terrace that you find here is actually built to admire the seasonal beauty of each season and panoramic views of Kyoto. In November, especially during the autumn leaves season you can even see spectacular displays of evening illuminations. The night view it highlights is absolutely mind-boggling.

In addition, make sure to check out the Main Temple Hall, the Bell Tower, the Three Story Pagoda, Otawa Waterfall, and finally the shrine, named Jishu Shrine , located behind the back of the main hall.

You can reach the temple from JR Kyoto Station by Kyoto city bus (number 100 or 206). Get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop and then take a walk for about 10 minutes.

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Hot spring bath with great views of Mt. Fuji!!!!