Last Updated: 20/06/2023
The penultimate month of the year is filled with many good things to do in Japan in November. During this time, the country is taken over by autumn foliage, ensuring picturesque cycling tours and incredible canoeing and kayaking in Amami Oshima and other islands. The skies remain clear, filled by brisk air, and making for amazing paragliding adventures in Kyoto.
The weather grows chilly with the prospective of winter, but that only builds up the setting for many other great things to do in Japan in November, such as spending the day at Kyoto Arashiyama onsen and others. Pottery and Japanese cooking classes are sure to keep you warm as well!
From night snorkeling to segway adventures, we explore all the best things to do in Japan in November!
1. Explore Japan's Cycling Trails this Fall
The autumn season is a great time to go cycling. It is a great way to explore the countryside, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air and colorful autumn foliage. We have selected some of our favorite cycling tours in Japan for you:
Enjoy Nature and Culture in a 3-Hours Guided Cycling Tour with Hot Spring Experience around Nagara River, Gifu
Gujo-shi, Gifu
Cycle the Ancient City of Kamakura by E-Bike While Enjoying the Refreshing Sea Breeze
Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
2. Autumn leaves viewing wearing a Kimono
Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, and one of the most popular places to visit in autumn. It's a great time to dress up in a kimono, take a stroll around the city and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves.
Here are some tips on how to do it right:
1. Make sure you're wearing a kimono that fits you well
2. Don't wear high heels!
3. Choose a kimono with pretty colors and patterns
Super summer sale in progress-Couple plan For a kimono/yukata date in Kyoto
Kodaiji Temple, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
3. Hidden hot-spring retreats in Japan
November can be a little cold in Japan, but that’s perfect for spending the day in the therapeutic waters of a traditional hot spring bath. These onsens promise delightful baths and sceneries!
Natural hot spring Naniwa no Yu (1 time) bathing ticket
Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka
Thermae-Yu offers the ultimate relaxation! With 6 different baths, sauna and an open air bath, you'll be pampered with a wide array of options.
Shinjuku, Tokyo
4. Gifted hands: Harness the power of creative pottery in Kyoto
If you desire to learn something new and fun before the year’s end, be sure to sign up for a Kyoto pottery course. Fill your kitchen cabinets with impressive vessel designs!
Beginner-Friendly Pottery Course in Kyoto: Make Your Own Unique Ceramic Pieces
Higashiyama ward, Kyoto
5. Amazing Show Restaurants in Japan
Have a great time savoring a lovely meal at dinner theaters in Japan, viewing its oldest theaters, or enjoying a cup of coffee with a dance show catered for a family-fun day!
6. Realize your Ninja and Samurai dreams in Tokyo
If you’re fascinated by Japanese martial arts, this Tokyo crash course allows you to learn the ways of the Ninja, including throwing stars, and blowguns. It also teaches Samurai customs, entailing wearing armor, swordsmanship, and more!
7. Amazing kabuki and backstage tours at Korakukan
Have a great time viewing kabuki at Japan’s oldest theater, Korakukan. You’ll also get a tour of the backstage and the Kosaka Mine office whose workers the theater was built to entertain!
Korakukan Traditional Popular Drama Show Admission Ticket with Kuroko Backstage Tour, and Visit Kosaka Mine Office in Akita!
Kosaka, Akita
8. A bus tour of Okinawa’s most famous highlights
Watch gigantic whale sharks at Okinawa Churaumi aquarium, then spend time in the beauties of Kouri Island and Cape Manzamo, before winding up a blissful day with a ride across Nago pineapple park!
Churaumi Aquarium and plenty of Okinawa enjoyment bus
Izumizaki, Naha, Okinawa
Sightseeing Bus Kouri Island, Nakijin Castle Ruins, Churaumi Course
Izumizaki, Naha, Okinawa
9. Yamanashi’s beauty summed up by a Lake Motosu SUP
So beautiful that it features on the 1000-yen bill, Lake Motosu is the pride of Yamanashi and the five Fuji lakes. It offers fairytale SUP tours in the foreground of stunning ranges!
Go for a Walk on the Water: Standup Paddle-boarding Experience at Lake Motosu in Yamanashi
Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi
10. A segway tour is always fun, right?
Come with your friends to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and see the palette of fall colors this season on our unique Segway tours, one of Japan's Top Experiences! Alternatively, enjoy the sand dunes of Tottori or take a tour around lake Ashinoko in Hakone.
Tottori Sand Dunes Segway Adventure Tour
Hamasaka, Tottori
Tottori Sand Dunes Segway Adventure Tour
Hamasaka, Tottori
Hakone Lake Ashinoko Segway Tour/Nature experience
Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
11. A romantic canoeing tour
Paddle between a gorgeous natural tunnel of mangroves and find peace in the clutches of untamed Mother Nature in Japan!
Enjoy a Leisurely Mangrove Canoeing Tour in the Magnificent Nature of Amami Oshima
Amami Oshima, Kagoshima
Watch the Beautiful Sunset on the Glittering Surface of the Water with This Mangrove Kayaking Tour in Okinawa
Nakagami District, Okinawa
12. SUP adventure in perfect Amami Oshima green
On Amami Oshima island, high-rises are replaced by beautiful mangroves that lean out over the water like umbrellas shielding explorers from the sun as they savor SUP tours. Rides couldn’t be more magical!
Explore Amami Oshima's Beautiful Mangroves on a Standup Paddle Board
Amami Oshima, Kagoshima
13. Kayaking through the charming Yakushima island
Yakushima island is renowned for its impressive collection of cedar forests and the scenic stretch of seascape that hugs its periphery, making for some of the best kayaking in the country!
Kayak to Yurigahama Beach
Yoron-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima
Half-day kayaking experience in Kagoshima
Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
14. An Okinawa night out of snorkeling and stargazing
For an exciting after-hours adventure, take up an Okinawa night snorkeling tour served with the dessert of a beautiful starry night sky. Explore the mysterious cave and see the glowing luminous insects!
Okinawa Night Snorkeling Tour: Watch the Shining Starry Sky and Explore the Blue Caves of Onna at Night
Onna, Okinawa
15. Savor traditional Japanese cuisine
Cooking classes are a fun way to learn about Japanese cuisine, culture and history. Whether you want to learn how to make sushi, or try a new dish like Gohei Mochi (rice cake) or tempura, these courses are led by professional local chefs who will teach you how to make a variety of traditional dishes that are sure to make your mouth water.
Impressive authentic sushi chef experience
Nagahashi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka
Otofu making experience in Kyoto
Nishikyogoku, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Making Baumkuchen with Bamboo
Kouchi, Mugi-cho, Kaifu-gun, Tokushima
16. Soar like a bird in Kyoto
Climb into the heart of the action with this list of paragliding activities in Japan. Try it for yourself and cross paragliding from your bucket list.
Tandem Flight Paragliding Course in Nagano (Beginner-Friendly Course)
Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano
Paragliding half-day experience
Fujimi Town, Suwa District, Nagano
Tandem paragliding experience (1000m course)
Tachino, Mino-cho, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima
17. A double treat of water sports and bbq in Nago, Okinawa
November still has excellent weather for some fun out on the beach. Enjoy all sorts of water sports in the endless blue playground, and when hunger bites, have your fill with beach barbecues of shrimp, beef, and more!
Have Fun on the Beach with Various Water Sports and Delicious Bbq with Your Friends and Family in Nago, Okinawa
Nago, Okinawa
18. Color and customize your own porcelain tableware
In the artful realm of porcelain tableware creation, anyone can partake in Japan, crafting their unique masterpieces, even as beginners in this vibrant tradition.
Porcelain Painting Trial Lesson
Otacho, Minokamo City, Gifu
Poserarts for ``Making a pair mug`` for couples
Otacho, Minokamo City, Gifu
19. Miyagi SUP: Matsushima is your oyster
Bearing incredible views of Matsushima, this Miyagi SUP adventure is all about fun on a sea as transparent as the air above it. Paddlers get to see the beautiful sea bed and horizons of greenery and mountains!
SUP Adventure Surrounded by the Beautiful Nature Sceneries of Matsushima, Miyagi!
Matsushima, Miyagi
20. Destress with a Yoga Class in Kanagawa
Take a deep breath and find your center as you enjoy the refreshing sea breeze with these beach and SUP yoga classes in Kanagawa.
Refresh your mind and body! with beach yoga
Shinjuku, Zushi, Kanagawa
As we wrap up our tour of the 20 best things to do in Japan in November, it's clear that this beautiful country offers a multitude of vibrant and unique experiences. Whether it's the thrill of outdoor adventures such as canoeing and cycling or the indulgence of exquisite food tours and tranquil hot spring stays, there's something for everyone. Japan in November truly is a feast for the senses. So pack your bags, ready your spirit for adventure, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime in this land of timeless beauty and rich traditions.