November is a relatively dry month across Honshu, typified by crisp Autumn days and cool evenings (avg temp: 12-13°C).

November is generally considered one of the best and driest months to visit Japan. In 2026, the weather in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is typically mild, stable, and sunny, making it ideal for viewing the stunning autumn foliage (koyo). While there can be occasional showers, the average precipitation is relatively low—around 86 mm for the month—with most regions experiencing only about 8 rainy days on average. On March 6, 2026, Japan is currently seeing clear skies with temperatures around -1°C to 12°C, but by the time November arrives, you can expect daytime highs in the range of 10°C to 17°C. The crisp, cool air and lack of humidity make for excellent walking weather, though you should be prepared for cooler evenings. The northern island of Hokkaido may start seeing its first snowfall in late November, but for the majority of the "Golden Route" destinations, the month offers some of the most consistent "clear sky" days of the entire year, significantly more pleasant than the rainy season in June or the typhoon-prone months of late summer.