In November, autumn deepens and the landscape surrounding Nagoya turns to brilliant shades of reds and golds. The city of Nagoya itself reaches peak fall colors at the end of the month and the whole transforms into a breathtaking destination full of seasonal cuisine and illuminations.
This combines to make November the perfect time to visit Nagoya and enjoy the peak of fall colors, warm local dishes, and some of the most picturesque festivals of the year.
Weather in November
November weather in Nagoya is ideal for travel. Early in the month, daytime highs hover around 18–20°C, cooling gradually to around 13–15°C by late November. Evening temperatures often fall to 8–10°C, and some mornings may feel brisk. Rainfall around Nagoya is minimal throughout the month, and sunny days are common.
If you’re heading to areas like Kiso Valley, Takayama, or Mt. Gozaisho, expect significantly cooler temperatures and consider layering accordingly.
Regardless of where you are visiting in the Nagoya area, we recommend dressing in layers.
Seasonal Highlights in November
Peak Autumn Foliage
By November, fall colors are in full swing across central Japan, creating postcard-perfect scenery from the mountains to the city parks.
- Kiso Valley and the Nakasendo Trail (Peak: early-mid November)
November is arguably the best month to hike the Nakasendo trail as the leaves throughout the valley are at their most colorful and temperatures are at their most comfortable. - Korankei Gorge (Peak: Mid-November)
One of Aichi Prefecture’s top autumn leaf spots, Korankei features around 4,000 maple trees. The Korankei Maple Festival is held from November 9th to the 30th, complete with food stalls, local crafts, and nighttime illuminations. - Akame 48 Waterfalls (Peak: Late November)
Autumn is an exceptional time to visit the Akame 48 Waterfalls in Mie Prefecture, when the valley transforms with the seasonal colors and at night, over 2,000 bamboo lanterns light up the gorge and forest, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Autumn Illuminations
Many of the most impressive winter illuminations around Japan start in November, including some very impressive displays around Nagoya.
- Nabana no Sato Illuminations (Oct 18 – Dec 31)
A world-famous light display that transforms the flower park into a wonderland of LED tunnels, light shows, and floral sculptures. The combination of fall colors and dazzling lights makes this a must-visit in November.
- Korankei Gorge Maple Festival (Nov 1 – 30)
Nighttime illumination of the ~3000 maple trees in the valley color Mt. Iimori in shades of gold from sundown to 9PM. And on the weekends, 1,000 bamboo lanterns line the pathway to Kojakuji Temple.
Festivals and Events in November
Korankei Gorge Maple Festival
- November 1st (Mon) - November 30 (Tues), 2025
- Korankei Valley
Nighttime illumination of the ~3000 maple trees in the valley color Mt. Iimori in shades of gold from sundown to 9PM. And on the weekends, 1,000 bamboo lanterns line the pathway to Kojakuji Temple.
Niiname-sai Sake Festival at Ise Jingu
- November 23rd (Sun), 2025
- Okage Yokocho
Niiname-sai is an annual event at Ise Grand Shine involving offering newly harvested grain to the gods, giving thanks for the blessings, and praying for the peace of the nation and the prosperity of its people. To celebrate the Niiname-sai, on November 23rd, Okage Yokocho will hold a sake festival displaying this year's new sake for visitors to sample and purchase.
Tokugawa Garden Autumn Leaf Festival
- November 14th (Fri) - December 14th (Sun), 2025
- 09:30-17:30 (Closed on Mondays but open on public holidays/closed the following weekday)
- Tokugawa Garden
Enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves at Tokugawa Garden. During the festival, the lights will be turned on from around 4pm every day the garden is open. On weekends during the festival, a special outdoor market selling sweets and other local goods will be open.
Special events during the festival include a Japanese paper doll exhibition from November 18th to 20th, a harp concert on November 22nd, a koto concert on November 29th, a bonseki exhibition from December 2nd to 5th, and a leaf printing class on November 15th.
Akame 48 Waterfalls Illuminations
- October 26th (Sun) - January 25 (Sun), 2025
- 09:40～21:00
- Akame 48 Waterfalls
This autumn/winter-only event illuminates the valley and waterfalls with over 2,000 bamboo lanterns.
Aichi International Art Trinale
- Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Aichi Arts Center / Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum / Downtown Seto City
Japan’s largest international art festival returns with cutting-edge exhibitions in Nagoya and Seto, featuring global contemporary artists and interactive installations.
Local News & Travel Updates
- Fall travel crowds ease slightly, but weekend and holiday travel to foliage areas like Korankei, Gozaisho, and Takayama are especially busy at this time.
Featured Tours in November
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail / March - June & September - December
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare.
This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
**A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace. Please read the tour page for more information about joining this tour as a non-hiker.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Korankei Gorge & Fox Shrines—A Photographer's Paradise / All Year Round
Experience the natural beauty and captivating scenery of Japan on this unforgettable one-day tour, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Travel to the iconic Toyokawa Inari Shrine and capture the serene beauty of its one thousand stone foxes. Marvel at the natural beauty of Korankei Gorge, one of Japan’s top spots for autumn foliage, where the vibrant colors of over 4,000 maple trees reflect off the tranquil waters. Explore Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village, a picturesque open-air museum, where rural charms and traditional crafts await.
This tour is not only a photographer’s dream, taking you to some of Nagoya’s most photogenic spots, but also offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and timeless beauty.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Soni Highlands Eco-Adventure & Giant Salamanders
Take an unforgettable journey into one of Japan’s most stunning and ecologically diverse regions. Not only will you discover the majestic, natural beauty of Central Japan and the Muro Akame Aoyama Quasi-National Park, but you’ll also contribute to the preservation of this exceptional landscape—ensuring that it remains a safe haven for wildlife and future explorers alike. This adventure, led by an experienced, English speaking guide from Nagoya, is designed for travelers seeking an authentic and eco-conscious experience, with a deep focus on preserving the environment for generations to come.
Plan Your November Visit
Ready to discover Nagoya in November? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best the region has to offer.
