Japan, Asia

Tokyo in November

Fall color arrives in the city's gardens from mid November into early December. The ginkgo avenues at Meiji Jingu Gaien are the postcard.

BestCool and sunny, highs near 62F (17C)

Tokyo skyline, Japan — TokyoPhoto: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Tokyo. Fall color arrives in the city's gardens from mid November into early December. The ginkgo avenues at Meiji Jingu Gaien are the postcard.

Weather: Cool and sunny, highs near 62F (17C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What November is like in Tokyo

November is cool and sunny, with highs near 62F (17C). Fall color arrives in the city's gardens from mid November into early December, and the ginkgo avenues at Meiji Jingu Gaien turn bright gold. Gardens like Rikugien run evening illuminations. Crowds and prices are moderate for such good weather.

It suits almost everyone and might be the best all-round month to visit. Families, couples and first-timers will all do well. For peak color, aim for the second half of the month. The first half is still clear and pleasant, just greener.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Tokyo this month.

Ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien

The golden ginkgo trees line the avenue in late November. It is the classic fall picture of Tokyo.

Garden illuminations

Rikugien and some other city gardens light up their maples in the evenings during the color season.

Clear, crisp days

Dry air and sun make it a great month for rooftop views and Fuji spotting.

What to pack for November

A warm jacket for evenings
Layers for mild afternoons
Comfortable walking shoes
A camera or extra phone storage for fall color

Our timing tip

Visit the ginkgo avenue on a weekday morning, since weekend afternoons get very crowded.

Book Tokyo for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Tokyo
Opens a hotel search for Tokyo in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Tokyo
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Tokyo
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tokyo for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in November

Autumn color season

Mid November into early December

Ginkgo and maple peak in the city's gardens later than in the mountains. Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen run evening illuminations.

Things to do in Tokyo

Full guide

Senso-ji and Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 8am to see the lantern gate and Nakamise lane without the crowds; by midday it is a river of people.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

The famous scramble is best at dusk. Shibuya Sky's open-air deck sells out; book the sunset slot days ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Meiji Jingu

A genuine forest in the middle of the city. Early morning is serene, and you may catch a traditional wedding procession on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's food stalls remain a world-class breakfast. Go hungry, before 9am.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

teamLab Planets

The immersive digital art museum lives up to the hype. Timed tickets sell out weeks ahead in peak seasons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shinjuku after dark

Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Some bars are regulars-only; look for English menus as the welcome sign.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do headline temples and markets before 8am. Tokyo sights open early, tour groups do not, and the difference at Senso-ji or Tsukiji is night and day.
For cherry blossoms, skip midday at Ueno and go at first light, or pick quieter spots like the Kanda River or Aoyama Cemetery over the Instagram rivers.
Never plan intercity travel during Golden Week or Obon without reserved seats booked as far ahead as the system allows.
Book timed-entry attractions (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Ghibli Museum) the moment your dates firm up; they cap capacity and simply sell out.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: the New Year holiday closes many restaurants, shops, and some museums, while shrines see their biggest crowds of the year for first visits (hatsumode).
Golden Week (late April to early May) closes nothing, but sells out everything: treat trains and hotels like concert tickets.
Many museums close on Mondays, and when a Monday is a national holiday they close Tuesday instead. Check the specific museum before building a day around it.
Typhoon season (roughly August through early October) occasionally halts trains and flights for a day. Build one flexible day into any September itinerary.