Japan — travel photo

🇯🇵 Japan · Autumn (Sep–Nov)

What to wear in Japan in November

Highs17°C (63°F)
Lows9°C (48°F)
Rainy days~8
Daylight10 h
CrowdsBusy

November averages for Tokyo (Kitanomaru Park). Source

November is peak autumn-leaf season in Tokyo and Kyoto (usually mid to late month), and Kyoto gets as busy as cherry-blossom time. Days are crisp and clear, evenings drop below 10°C. Bring a proper coat for the end of the month and comfortable shoes for temple hopping.

☀️ By day

Wool coat or warm jacket, knit, comfortable shoes for temple hopping.

🌙 Evening

Scarf and gloves for temple light-ups — evenings are below 10°C.

What's on in November

Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.

Autumn leaves (kōyō) and temple light-ups

Peak in Kyoto and Tokyo mid to late November

Temples like Eikandō and Kiyomizu-dera open at night to show off red maples. You'll stand outside after dark, so add a warm scarf and gloves. Warm-toned or neutral outfits photograph beautifully against the leaves.

Shichi-Go-San

Around November 15

Families take children aged three, five and seven to shrines in kimono — Meiji Jingu is lovely to visit that day. Dress neatly and respectfully.

November packing essentials

Your November outfit list

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Dress code

  • Cover shoulders and knees at temples and shrines; a light cardigan solves it in summer.
  • Shoes come off in temples, ryokan, some restaurants and fitting rooms — slip-ons and clean, hole-free socks save time.
  • Very revealing or low-cut tops stand out more than short hemlines; locals dress modestly up top.

Full dress code, activities and common mistakes →

Good weather elsewhere in November

All destinations →