November is the best time to visit Kyoto with its cool and pleasant weather a perfect time to explore gardens, temples, shrines, and popular historical sites. During this time Kyoto transformed into a colorful nature surrounded by beautiful and vibrant autumn leaves. In addition to sightseeing, various cultural and historical events and festivals are held annually in November.

If you are planning to explore Kyoto in November, In this article I will share the 10 best things to do in Kyoto in November.

Kyoto in November

Kyoto in November is known as the best time to experience stunning autumn foliage where the trees transform into a beautiful and vibrant color of red, yellow, and orange making the cities more beautiful during the autumn season. The weather is cooler and more pleasant with an average temperature of 12°C to 18°C in the daytime and less rainfall perfect time to walk around, sightseeing, and do other outdoor activities such as visiting temples, gardens, and historical sites.

Autumn foliage viewing and seasonal events such as illumination, are the main highlights activities to enjoy during this season. Popular tourist spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama are some of the best places to witness the autumn foliage and illumination. In addition, various cultural festivals are held annually in November in different places in Kyoto. Here I will share some best things to do in Kyoto in November.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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1. Enjoy Late Autumn Foliage

Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy autumn foliage known for having beautiful nature like mountains, gardens, and temples, that offer panoramic views for autumn foliage. Various tourist destinations and popular spots to view and amaze autumn foliage in the daytime and even at night like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, etc.

For more information about the best spot to view autumn leaves, check the following article!

▶︎Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Kyoto 2024

2. Naked Autumn Light-Ups and Illumination

Naked Autumn Light-Ups and illumination in Kyoto is one of the most unforgettable and unique experiences when in Kyoto. It features the rich cultural history of Kyoto in digital arts, display, lights, and illumination making a colorful and magical autumn. This autumn season Kyoto will hold an event “The Naked Garden One Kyoto” an art and digital project by the popular creative company Naked Inc. featuring digital art, light-ups, and illumination in nine locations in Kyoto including the famous Nijo Castle.

For more information about this event, check the following article!

▶︎NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2024: Autumn Light-ups

3. Experience Cultural Events and Festival (Gion Odori)

Gion Odori is an annual and popular dance event held in Kyoto’s Gion District in November. It is a traditional dance performance of Kyoto’s Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko. One of the best experiences when exploring Kyoto it features graceful and lively dances wearing colorful kimonos in traditional Japanese music and instruments.

Visitors who wants to witness the Gion Odori it is recommended to check the date and reserved in advance.

Website: https://www.gionhigashi.com/

For more related article, check the following articles!

▶︎Gion: Traditional Geisha District in Kyoto

▶︎What are the Differences between Geisha, Maiko and Oiran?

4. Visit Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is one of the popular shrines and must be visited when exploring Kyoto it is known as a Gion Shrine located in Gion District. Various famous festivals are held at Yasaka Shrine featuring rituals, parades, cultural and spiritual experiences. Besides walking around the shrine and admiring with historic architecture most of the visitors stop by to pray for good fortune as the shrine is also known for.

For more information about Yasaka Shrine, check the following article!

▶︎Yasaka Shrine: The Spirit of Gion

5. Walking around in Togetsukyo Bridge

Walking around the famous bridge in Kyoto the Togetsukyo Bridge is one of the best things to do during the autumn season. When the mountains are transformed into red, orange, and brown leaves making one of the most beautiful spots in Kyoto for autumn foliage offers panoramic and scenery views. The visitors can enjoy various famous tourist destinations near the area such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, and many more.

For more information about the Togetsukyo Bridge, check the following article!

▶︎Togetsukyo: Kyoto’s Most Iconic Bridge

6. Enjoy Traditional Kyoto Cuisine

Kaiseki is a traditional Kyoto cuisine with a multi-course Japanese meal. Many traditional restaurants around Kyoto offer a unique dining experience of Kaiseki meals where you can enjoy the food and the historic ambiance.

For more information about Kaiseki Dining, check out the articles below!

▶︎13 Best Kaiseki Restaurants in Kyoto

7. Kimono Rental

Exploring the City while wearing traditional Japanese costumes is always the best thing to do when visiting Kyoto all season. It is one of the most popular activities that enhances the cultural experience. Plenty of shops in the city have Japanese dress rentals which are very popular in the area where you can choose your desired color and design of Japanese traditional garments and accessories.

For more information about Kimono rentals in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶︎5 Best Kimono Rental in Kyoto

8. Explore Nishiki Market

Exploring Nishiki Market is one of the best experiences when in Kyoto offering a perfect blend of deep traditional Kyoto culture and modern food trends. It is also known as the “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. Where the whole street is full of shops and a variety of food stalls selling fresh foods and Kyoto’s specialties. Along with other activities and events held in the area.

For more information about Nishiki Market, check the following article!

▶︎Nishiki Market Tour: Food and Shopping Guide

9. Maiko Experience

Experiencing a Maiko transformation in Kyoto is a unique and memorable experience to connect yourself to the traditional culture of Kyoto. This is one of the most exciting and popular activities for locals and tourists in Japan it allows you to dress in an authentic kimono (a traditional Japanese costume), hairstyling and apply traditional Maiko makeup, and enjoy photoshoots in traditional and beautiful backgrounds of the historic site of Kyoto.

For more related article, check the following article!

▶︎What are the Differences between Geisha, Maiko and Oiran?

10. Tea Ceremony Experience

Kyoto is one of the best places to experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, it is one of the best activities and memorable experiences witnessing rich ancient Japanese culture. Available in many serene tea houses and historic temples in Kyoto.

Website: https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/

For more information about Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶︎Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences

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