Tokyo in November: Festivals, Food and Fall Colours 2026

November is arguably the most rewarding time to visit Japan’s capital, offering a perfect blend of mild, crisp weather, spectacular autumn scenery, and a calendar packed with traditional, culinary, and competitive events. Tokyo’s November schedule is a dynamic showcase of momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) and Shokuyoku no Aki (the season of appetite). Here is a guide to Tokyo’s major events, guaranteeing a deep dive into the city’s autumn highlights for 2026.

Traditional Festivals and Ceremonies

Tokyo honors its history and traditions throughout November with vibrant, large-scale events that offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and spiritual life.

The Imperial Commemoration: Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival

This grand festival runs from November 1–3, 2026, coinciding with Culture Day (November 3rd), which commemorates Emperor Meiji’s birthday. Highlights include rare demonstrations of ancient martial arts and traditional performing arts, such as:

• Yabusame: Archery performed on horseback, a Shinto ritual that conveys both power and Japanese beauty.
• Noh and Biwa: Traditional dance drama and performances using the Biwa string instrument.

Worshipping Prosperity: Tori-no-Ichi Festival

  Held on specific “Rooster days” in November, this bustling festival is dedicated to praying for business prosperity and good fortune. In 2026, major days include November 7 and 19.

• Kumade Charms: The main feature is the sale of decorated bamboo rakes (kumade), which are believed to “rake in good fortune.”
• Locations: The festival transforms areas like Ootori Shrine in Asakusa and Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, the latter being famous for its 900 illuminated Japanese lanterns.

A Golden Palette: Autumn Foliage

  While festivals like the Rikugien Illumination focus on the delicate red maples, Tokyo also celebrates the spectacular golden ginkgo trees (ichō).

Nighttime Foliage: Rikugien Garden Illumination

For a structured, serene viewing experience (momijigari), this historic garden holds night illuminations during the peak period, typically from late November to early December 2026. The lighting creates a mystical scenery where the delicate autumn leaves and the traditional Japanese garden are beautifully reflected in the central pond.

Golden Spectacle: Hachioji Ginkgo Festival

In western Tokyo, the Hachioji festival (November 21–22, 2026) celebrates the transformation of 770 ginkgo trees along a four-kilometer street into a “beautiful golden, fantastical world.” This community-rooted event is highly interactive, featuring parades and a unique walking rally where visitors collect stamps on a wooden pass certificate (Tsuko-tegata).

Mountain Panorama: Mount Takao

Located about an hour from Shinjuku, Mount Takao remains a renowned spot for enjoying a grand panorama of autumn colours, with the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival typically featuring concerts and dance performances on weekends throughout the season.  

The Season of Appetite: Gourmet Events

Tokyo is a battleground for culinary perfection in November, hosting multiple major food competitions and feasts.

Seafood and Spectacle: SAKANA & JAPAN FESTIVAL

Running from late November 2026, in Hibiya Park, this is one of Japan’s largest seafood events. It features over 50 food stalls offering gourmet regional specialties, seafood bowls (like Ikura Don), and spectacular Tuna dismantling shows.

Competitive Eating: Curry and Ramen

• Kanda Curry Grand Prix Championship (Oct 31–Nov 1): Held in the “holy land of curry,” this event determines the year’s ultimate curry champion by popular vote.
• Japan Local Ramen Championship (Nov 26–30): This event in Shinjuku pits the top ten ramen varieties from all 47 prefectures against each other, allowing visitors to sample Japan’s best noodles in one place.

With its blend of spiritual rituals, magnificent natural scenery, and dedicated gourmet competitions, Tokyo in November 2026 offers a rewarding and diverse experience for any traveler.