This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and our featured tours you can join and enjoy during your visit.
Weather in November
Tohoku in November brings about crisp, cool weather and cloudy days. It's a great time for exploring the outdoors, especially with the vibrant autumn foliage hitting mostly every location at this point. Although many areas of Tohoku tend to drop in temperature in the late autumn season, it's still important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen every day.
Daytime highs in Sendai usually range from about 9°C to 18°C (48°F - 64°F), with an average high of 14°C (57°F). Nighttime temperatures range from about 1°C to 10°C (34°F - 46°F). Overall the temperatures are cool with long stretches of partly cloudy or rainy days.
In areas like Koriyama the average highs are 9°C to 17°C (46°F - 63°F) with the average daily temperature at 14°C (57°F). Koriyama in November sees long stretches of cloudy days and expected rainfall averaging around twice a week.
Aomori City can see temperatures from 5°C to 16°C (42°F to 60°F), making it cooler than other areas of Tohoku. Average lows tend to be around 4°C (39°F). Aomori typically runs on the colder side once autumn hits, and can be quite breezy so be sure to pack layers. Rainy days are also to be expected. Occasional flurries or frost may also be expected, especially as temperatures dip overnight in late November.
Overall temperatures throughout all of Tohoku are on a steady decline, with nights getting drastically colder as we reach mid- to late- November. With the comfortable day time weather at your side, it's the perfect time to go out and adventure into the abundance of nature Tohoku has to offer. A key highlight is the vibrant fall foliage across all six prefectures - don't miss it before the winter frost hits!
Seasonal Highlights in November
With the graces of cool autumn weather and vibrant leaves, November is a beautiful time to visit the Tohoku region. Here are a few fun seasonal highlights:
Naruko Onsen & Gorge
Located about one hour via shinkansen and local trains from Sendai Station, Naruko Onsen and Gorge area is a popular destination spot for many Japanese folks. Over the years, the destination is slowly gaining popularity with visitors from overseas thanks to the scenic hot springs and vibrant fall colors of the area. The area itself is broken into five separate onsen areas, but most travelers focus on the central area which is conveniently called Naruko Onsen.
For the trail blazers, there are lovely hiking routes in the area as well. We suggest the 1.3 km trek around Katanuma lake – which is quite flat, has boat rentals for those wishing to head toward the water, and even has local cuisine for you to try.
Naruko Gorge is located between Nakayamadaira Onsen and Naruko Onsen stations, being a significant walk from each location but good for those who are willing to make the trek. This location offers some gorgeous photogenic views of the changing leaves!
Akita International Dahlia Garden
Although Tohoku is known for the beautiful autumn leaves during this time of year, you can also see some late-blooming flowers! Open all year round, early November is the last chance to get to see this gorgeous dahlia garden with over 700 varieties from 14 countries around the world. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and is only 500 yen admission. It's about a 3 minute drive from Akita Airport and around 30 minutes drive from JR Akita Station. Not only is this garden used for viewing gorgeous blooms, it's also on a mission to improve varieties and create new, gorgeous dahlias for sale in flower shops across the prefecture.
Autumn Foliage in Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Towada-Hachimantai National Park is one of 35 national parks in Japan that touches Aomori, Akita, and Iwate Prefectures. It's famous for relaxing onsen, gorgeous hiking trails, and exciting ski hills during winter months. The park is 85,534 hectares and is split into two zones: Towada-Hakkoda to the north, and Hachimantai to the south. A perfect way to get an up close look at some of the vibrant autumn foliage is to take a ride up the Hakkoda Ropeway! See more details below.
Mt. Hakkoda Ropeway
Come November, the foliage surrounding Mt. Hakkoda has turned vibrant shades of red and yellow and oftentimes the area can see some snowfall. This creates a stunning contrast between the white peaks and the bright autumn colors. You can take the short gondola ride up the mountain and take to one of the three trekking trails to see the colorful beech, oak, maple, and white birch trees. The gondola runs every 15 to 20 minutes daily with the last departure at 15:20. A round trip ticket for adults costs 2,500 yen and 700 yen for elementary students. Children under 6 are free. Be advised: the ropeway is often closed for maintenance during early November yearly. Check the official Hakkoda Ropeway website for more information before your trip.
Chrysanthemums in Yokote, Akita
Every year in early November, the city of Yokote showcases chrysanthemums grown by chrysanthemum enthusiasts all throughout the Akita Prefecture. The venue of flowers is located outside of the Akita Furusato-mura Hall in Yokote. The exhibition takes place every day in early November from 9:30 - 17:00 and is about a ten minute drive from JR Yokote Station.
Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge
Located within the Hachimantai National Park, Oirase stream flows into Lake Towada and is a highly popular tourist spot. Rather than driving through the area, it’s recommended to take upon the trails off the side of the road and view the countless waterfalls and babbling brooks. The whole expanse is about 14 kilometers and can take upwards to 5 hours to walk or cycle through. This area is especially popular for poetry authors and artists, who take their time and even set up stations to sit and capture the natural scenery in all its glory. In the fall, the scenery becomes especially breathtaking! This area is also a wonderful place to experience forest bathing as you breathe in the fresh air provided by virgin beech, Japanese oak, maple, and white cedar trees.
Apple Picking in Hirosaki
Aomori Prefecture is famous for its apples! So why not take the chance to pick some of your own? There are plenty of apple orchards throughout the prefecture, but the Hirosaki City Apple Park is conveniently located in Hirosaki, which is easily accessible by train from JR Shin-Aomori Shinkansen Station. The park is open every day from 9:00 to 16:00 where you can pick apples for 30 minutes. While entering the park is free, for those looking to pick apples an initial admission fee is required as well as payment after picking. The prices start at 100 yen per 100 grams of apples (around 3 apples). Payment must be paid after picking, so unlike other fruit picking services throughout the year, guests are unable to eat the apples while picking. The park has plenty of things to do including tax-free shopping, a visit to the cafe, and even apple orchard picnics by reservation!
Autumn Foliage at Zao Ropeway
Witness the gorgeous autumn colors of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as you ascend Mt. Zao in Yamagata Prefecture. Known mainly for its wintery sky season and "snow monsters," Mt. Zao Ropeway opens in autumn for visitors to get a glimpse at the beautiful seasonal transition along the mountainside. There are also plenty of trails for trekking, suitable for hikers of all levels. For those looking to take the ropeway all the way up to Jizo Sancho Station – which will give you access to a hiking trail to the famous Okama crater lake – a round trip costs 4,400 yen for adults and 2,200 yen for children. This station also gives you access to the Zao Botanical Garden. The recommended trekking course from Jizo Sancho Station to Okama is about 90 minutes. You also have the option of taking the ropeway up to Juhyo Kogen Station for a roundtrip of 2,200 yen for adults and 1,100 for children. This station gives you trekking access to the Iroha-numa Swamp.
Festivals and Events in November
With the high autumn traffic in popular destinations, November is a great time to head north in Japan to get an eyeful of the vibrant leaves and avoid some of the crowds. November has some great events that you don't want to miss. Regardless of your destination, the Tohoku region has something for everyone.
Tsugaru Castle Projection Mapping
- November 20th (FRI) - November 22nd (SUN)
- 17:30 - 21:00
- Tusuruga Castle Park
Aizuwakamatsu is a historical town known for its strong samurai ties. This fact is what inspires the projection mapping on display the weekend of November 20th. An approximately 8-minute program is projected continuously, with roughly 3-minute intermissions between loops, with gorgeous artwork related to the town's history and traditional crafts such as lacquerware and candles. There are also hints of clouds and cherry blossoms, inspired by the castle's famed blossoms in the springtime. There is no admission fee and due to the event's growing popularity, the event has expanded to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Taimatsu Akashi "Torch Festival" in Fukushima
- November 14th (SAT)
- 18:30 - 20:00
- Midorigaoka Park, Sukagawa Fukushima
- Temporary parking will be available around the venue
This event is a fire festival that boasts over 400 years of history and tradition. It is said to have originated as a memorial for the many soldiers who lost their lives in the battle in which the army led by famous samurai lord, Date Masamune, captured Sukagawa Castle. The flickering flames of the torches on a late-autumn night evoke the grandeur of a Sengoku-period battle scene.
On the day of the festival, 150 young men carry a massive torch—10 meters long and weighing 3 metric tons—in a procession from Taimatsu Street in downtown Sukagawa to Mount Goro, where it is erected using only human strength. The sacred fire, received at Nikaidō Shrine—located at the site of the former Sukagawa Castle—is carried around the city by young men competing in a footrace before heading to Mt. Goro in Midorigaoka Park, the festival venue. The night of the lighting of torches will also have food and goods vendors as well as taiko performances amongst the glowing touch flames.
Yoiakari Sendai
- November 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, & 28
- 18:30 - 21:00
- Adults 1,500 yen & children (ages 4 to elementary school) 1,000 yen
- Aobayama Park Sera Crea (Central Plaza), Sendai, Miyagi
Wondering how to pass the evenings during your trip to Sendai in November? Here is a unique, time-limited event in 2026! Aobayama Park in Sendai transforms into a cosmic wonderland at night. A special evening woven with bubbles, mist, lasers, and light art! Walk through a small universe filled with wonderful lights performances. This fantastic event is great for all ages and operates on a pre-reservation system. Please see the official website for how to purchase advanced tickets.
Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum & Autumn Foliage Festival
- October 30th (FRI) - November 8th (SUN)
- Hirosaki Castle Park
- 9:00 - 20:00 (last entry 19:30)
Hirosaki Castle is iconic for its gorgeous spring cherry blossoms that fill out the park grounds, but did you know that the autumn months offer an equally impressive sight? The autumn foliage of the maple trees are a stark contrast to the vibrant castle structures and gates throughout the park. To make things better, in the evening the park has certain areas lit up magnificently, giving a magical feeling to the night time scenery. The cherry trees too have some bright autumn colors. There is also an installment of bamboo lights called CHIKAKEN. Bamboo materials are used to create artistic displays that offer unique shapes and silhouettes against the night time sky.
Featured Tours in November
November is the perfect time to visit Japan, especially the Tohoku region. With crowds bound to collect at more popular areas in Tokyo and Kyoto, why not head north to catch some of the vibrant autumn leaves, interesting festivals, and crisp autumn weather? Some of our highlight tours in the region are as follows:
Visit Two Spiritual Pilgrimages of Tohoku
Experience two spiritual behemoths, in size and importance, of the Tohoku region.
This tour will grant you a day of spiritual significance, historical interest, and natural beauty. Sendai’s Daikannon (White Robbed Colossus) Statue and Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple (Risshaku-ji) are some of the most breathtaking sights located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Both of these notably spiritual destinations boast grandiose height, ritual pilgrimage, and offer visitors a chance to connect with the prominent Buddhist history that has shaped much of what Japan is today.
Highlights:
- See a panoramic view of Sendai City and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean
- Witness 108 unique statues within the "womb" of Daikannon
- Taste Yamagata's celebrated delicacy ita soba or give yourself some energy with chikara konnyaku
- Climb the 1,015 stone steps of tranquil Risshaku-ji
- Partake in spiritual pilgrimages important to Japanese Buddhism
Discover Historic Temples at Hiraizumi's World Heritage Site
Explore the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi with this scenic walking tour! This tour offers you an in-depth look at significant Buddhist temples in the town of Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture. Motsuji Temple and Chuson-ji Temple are two of the most famous religious sites in the town of Hiraizumi and offer some spectacular views. This tour will cover the cultural significance of the area as well as give you a deeper appreciation for the lengths Japan has gone through to preserve their long, rich history.
Highlights:
- Visit historic temples that feature Pure Land Buddhism
- Learn about the area's importance to the Tohoku region as a World Heritage Site
- Discover the walkable town of Hiraizumi and its local history
- Experience the quiet calm of Japan's less-traveled countryside
New Tour
1-Day Tour from Ichinoseki: Temple Highlights of World Heritage Site Hiraizumi
- Spots:
- Pick-up:
- Ichinoseki
- Drop-off:
Discover Hirosaki City
Discover the hidden charms of one of Tohoku's most famous castle towns! This walking tour of Hirosaki gives you time to see many of the highlights that Hirosaki has to offer. Visit historic temples, walk through scenic gardens, learn about a famous summer time festival, and view the iconic Hirosaki Castle – all in one fun-filled day!
Highlights:
- Discover the important zen temples nestled within the city of Hirosaki.
- Walk through history and learn about traditional Japanese gardens and the western influence of the area.
- Visit the must-see castle park and witness the famous Hirosaki Castle for that iconic photo.
- Learn the history of the Neputa Festival and see for yourself why its such a cherished tradition.
New Tour
1-Day Tour From Shin-Aomori: Hirosaki Castle & Cultural Highlights
- Spots:
- Pick-up:
- Shin-Aomori
- Drop-off:
Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Get out of Tokyo and step back in time to Tochigi prefecture and explore the world famous heritage site and national park of Nikko! If you want to see some of Japan's most beautiful and culturally significant temples, shrines, traditional architecture and natural landmarks, then this tour is for you. With Nikko being two hours from Tokyo, it is the perfect day trip outside of the capital!
Highlights:
- Experience one of Japan’s most famous World Heritage sites and National Parks!
- See Nikko’s beautiful wood carvings of the famous ’Three Wise Monkeys’ and the ’Sleeping Cat’!
- See the resting place of Japan’s most famous Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Walk through a gorge filled with ’Jizo’ statues and see a waterfall!
- Enjoy exploring a traditional and historic Imperial villa and garden!
Curious about other Japan regional highlights in November? Check out our INFORMATION page for more details!
Tips for Visiting & Traveling in November
- Shinkansen: Travel to Tohoku is easy and convenient with the JR Pass or JR East Pass.
- Dress in layers: Tohoku can have comfortable days and cold days, so be prepared for dramatic shifts in temperatures. Especially in the evenings when temperatures can drop.
- Take Advantage of Beautiful Fall Foliage: Especially mid to late November, many mountainous areas will have vibrant colors ready for that perfect snapshot!
- Beware of Bears: Those looking to go hiking, make sure you are informed about proper bear safety protocols in Tohoku.
Plan Your November Visit
With autumn reaching its peak, November is a great time to head north and visit the abundance of nature waiting for you in Tohoku. There are countless ways to make the most out of your trip, especially travelers looking to trek the less-beaten paths. Take advantage of the cooler climates and venture outdoors or walk through cities like Sendai or Aomori and take in the gorgeous sights of Tohoku.
November is a fun month to visit Japan with the plethora of festivals, events, vibrant outdoors life, and memorable adventures waiting for you.
Ready to discover Tohoku in November? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best Tohoku and other regions of Japan have to offer.
Tohoku Throughout the Year
January | February | March | April | May | June | July |August | September | October | November | December
