Japan in November: Best Festivals, Events, and Fireworks
- TOMOGO! Team
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Japan in November is one of the most beautiful times to travel. Autumn leaves reach their peak, the weather is crisp and comfortable, and cultural festivals bring centuries-old traditions to life. From fireworks over Tokyo Bay to lantern festivals in Kyoto, November offers travelers a perfect mix of seasonal charm and exciting events.
Travel Tips for November in Japan
Weather: Expect daytime highs of 10–18°C, cooler in the mornings and evenings.
What to Pack: Light jackets, sweaters, and scarves.
Crowds: Popular spots like Kyoto can be busy during peak foliage, so book accommodations and trains in advance.
Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition 2025
The 94th Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition takes place on November 1, 2025, with 20,000 fireworks lighting up the autumn sky over Ibaraki.
🗓 Schedule
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 17:30 – 20:00
✨ Event Highlights
Three Competition Categories:
Starmine: Rapid-fire sequences creating spectacular rhythms.
10-Shaku (10-inch) Shells: Judged on star arrangement and color brilliance.
Creative Fireworks: Freeform displays that introduce new techniques and artistry.
Grand Finale: Wide-scale starmine and dramatic closing performances unique to Tsuchiura.
Prestige: Known as one of Japan’s “Three Major Fireworks Competitions,” the event has been running for nearly a century.
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Sakuragawa riverside near Gakuen Ohashi Bridge, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture
By Train: About 30 minutes on foot from JR Tsuchiura Station (West Exit). A paid shuttle bus service will also be available from the station.
By Car: Approximately 20 minutes from Sakuratsuchiura IC or Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway. Parking is limited, so public transport is recommended.
💴 Admission
General viewing: Free along riverside areas (arrive early to secure a spot).
Reserved seating: Paid seating available (details TBA).
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Website (Available in different languages)
Osaka Art Fireworks 2025
Experience Osaka Art Fireworks 2025 on November 1 at Rinku Park. A 50-minute synchronized fireworks show over Osaka Bay blends music and artistry.
🗓 Schedule
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 18:00 – 19:00 (scheduled)
Doors Open: 15:00
✨ Event Highlights
Music-Synchronized Fireworks: Every burst is timed to the rhythm of music down to 1/30th of a second
Cinematic Performance: The 50-minute show unfolds like an emotional movie, blending sound and light
Sunset & Bay Views: Enjoy the famous Osaka Bay sunset before the fireworks begin
Top Fireworks Artists: Japan’s leading pyrotechnicians present their most creative displays
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Rinku Park Special Event Area, Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture
Viewpoint: Marble Beach, facing Osaka Bay
By Train: 10 minutes on foot from JR / Nankai Rinku Town Station
By Car: Limited parking available nearby; public transport recommended
💴 Admission
This is an all-reserved seating event for comfort and clear views. Example ticket options (prices subject to official confirmation):
Exciting Seats: ¥9,000
Beach Chair Seats: ¥6,000
Aisle Seats: ¥7,000
Box Seats (5 people): ¥35,000
Pair Seats: ¥18,000
Private Bungalow: ¥120,000
Other categories available — see official site for details
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
NARITA Fireworks Festival in Inbanuma 2025
Experience 15,000 fireworks synchronized with music at the NARITA Fireworks Festival in Inbanuma on November 2, 2025. A breathtaking autumn highlight near Narita.
🗓 Schedule
Date: November 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 18:00–19:30 (fireworks display approx. 70 minutes)
✨ Event Highlights
15,000 fireworks choreographed to music in a four-part “Fireworks Fantasia.”
Japan’s first-ever “Fireworks Tower” by world-class fireworks artists.
A dramatic finale, with 1,500 fireworks in the final minute, guaranteed to leave lasting memories.
📍 Location & Access
Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
Venues: Narita New Town Sports Square, Taikata area, and sponsored paid seating areas
By Train: Shuttle buses available from JR Narita Station (West Exit), Keisei Narita Station, Keisei Narita-Yukawa Station, and Keisei Kozunomori Station.
Note: Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on event day.
💴 Admission
General viewing: Free
Reserved seating (examples):
SS Area Table + 4 Chairs (4 people): ¥48,000
SS Exciting Seat (1 person): ¥15,000
S Area Reserved (4 people): ¥25,000
A Area Seat (1 person): ¥6,000
B Area Seat (1 person): ¥5,000
Camera seats available from ¥6,000–¥10,000
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (in Japanese)
Fourth Nishi Awa Fireworks Competition 2025 in Tokushima
Watch 20,000+ fireworks by top pyrotechnicians at the Fourth Nishi Awa Fireworks Competition in Tokushima on November 8, 2025. Music-synced displays & spectacular artistry.
🗓 Schedule
Date: November 8, 2025 (Saturday)
Fireworks: 19:00–21:00
Stage Event: 11:00–17:00
✨ Event Highlights
Competition-Style Fireworks: The only fireworks competition of its kind in western Japan.
Music Synchronization: Many displays, including starmine, are perfectly synchronized with music for a cinematic experience.
Top Pyrotechnicians: Witness award-winning artists’ work up close.
Full-Day Event: Enjoy stage performances and fireworks in one continuous experience.
📍 Location & Access
Venues: Miyoshi Mino Health & Disaster Prevention Park & Mima Riverside Park, Tokushima Prefecture
By Train: 30-minute walk from JR Eguchi Station
By Car: About 10 minutes from Mima IC (Tokushima Expressway)
Note: The area will be extremely crowded; using JR is strongly recommended.
💴 Admission
Reserved Seats Only: Approximately 30,000 seats available
Free Viewing: None; all areas are paid and fully reserved
Tickets: Check official website for prices and seating options
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Huis Ten Bosch 12th Kyushu Grand Fireworks Festival 2025 in Nagasaki
Experience 22,000 fireworks at Huis Ten Bosch's 12th Kyushu Grand Fireworks Festival on November 15, 2025. Enjoy spectacular starmine displays & prime viewing seats.
🗓 Schedule
Date: November 15, 2025 (Saturday)
Fireworks Display: 18:45–20:30 (tentative)
Venue Opening: 15:00
✨ Event Highlights
Massive Fireworks Display: 22,000 fireworks launch in a spectacular show
Top Pyrotechnicians: 30 of Japan’s most famous fireworks companies participate
One-Shaku Ball Competition & Starmine: Experience 5,000 fireworks in just 5 minutes
Prime Viewing Seats: Enjoy the fireworks comfortably without worrying about securing a spot
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
By Train: 7-minute walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station
By Car: About 10 minutes from Sasebo Daito IC via the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway
Note: Check official sources for traffic updates and parking availability
💴 Admission
Paid Seats Available: Special fireworks viewing seats, other in-park seating may require separate admission
Tickets: Check official website for prices and availability
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in English)
Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 in Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Celebrate the festive season at Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 in Jingu Gaien! Enjoy European-inspired food, crafts, and live performances from Nov 21–Dec 25.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: November 21 – December 25, 2025
Opening Hours:
First day (Nov 21): 16:00–21:30
Other days: 11:00–21:30
Last Entry: 20:30 / Last Order: 21:00
✨ Event Highlights
European-inspired Festivities: Food, crafts, and decorations centered on Grimm’s fairy tales
Live Stage Performances: Seasonal music and entertainment throughout the event
Family-Friendly: Large venue perfect for strolling and enjoying holiday cheer
Multiple Venues: Experience distinct themes at Jingu Gaien and Shiba Park
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Meiji Jingu Gaien, in front of the Seidok Memorial Hall & General Sports Field, Shinjuku, Tokyo
💴 Admission
Free admission
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Machu Picchu Exhibition 2025–2026: Mori Arts Center Gallery, Tokyo
Discover the Machu Picchu Exhibition in Tokyo (Nov 22–Mar 1). Explore 130 rare cultural artifacts, immersive displays, and Japan’s first-time exhibits.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: November 22, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Hours:
Sunday–Thursday, Holidays: 10:00–18:00
Friday, Saturday, and Holiday Eves: 10:00–20:00
Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing
✨ Event Highlights
Rare Cultural Artifacts: Approximately 130 items, including royal tomb treasures and ceremonial tools
Japan’s First-Time Exhibits: Items never before displayed outside Peru
Immersive Experience: Advanced technology recreates Machu Picchu and the adventures of Ai Apaec
Educational & Cultural: Learn about Incan mythology, rituals, and daily life through interactive displays
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Mori Arts Center Gallery, Minato, Tokyo
💴 Admission
Ticket Info: TBA. Please check the official website for ticket sales, pricing, and seating plans.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Website (In Japanese)
Hanazono Shrine Tori-no-Ichi Festival 2025 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Celebrate prosperity at the Hanazono Shrine Tori-no-Ichi Festival 2025 in Shinjuku (Nov 11–12 & Nov 23–24). Enjoy lucky rakes, lanterns, and lively night stalls.
🗓 Schedule
First Festival (Ichi-no-Tori):
Eve: November 11, 2025 (Tue)
Main Day: November 12, 2025 (Wed)
Second Festival (Ni-no-Tori):
Eve: November 23, 2025 (Sun)
Main Day: November 24, 2025 (Mon)
✨ Event Highlights
Lucky Kumade: Buy decorated rakes to bring good fortune and business prosperity in the coming year
Festival Atmosphere: Lantern-lit shrine grounds filled with stalls and festive music
Shinjuku Vibes: Located near Kabukicho, the festival attracts locals and workers from the entertainment district, adding to its unique energy
Street Food & Stalls: Enjoy festival snacks and drinks while exploring the lively event
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku, Tokyo
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival 2025 (Tokyo, Harajuku)
Experience Japan’s traditional arts at the Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival 2025 (Nov 1–3). Enjoy Noh, Bugaku, martial arts, yabusame, and cultural performances.
🗓 Schedule
November 1 (Sat)
12:00 Noh & Kyogen (Main Shrine Stage)
15:45 Sankyoku Ensemble (Main Shrine Stage)
November 2 (Sun)
11:45 Bugaku Court Dance (Main Shrine Stage)
14:45 Traditional Japanese Music & Dance (Main Shrine Stage)
November 3 (Mon, National Holiday)
9:00 Aikido Demonstration
10:00 Kobudo Demonstration (West Approach Lawn)
11:00 Momote-shiki Archery Ritual (East Garden)
13:00 Yabusame Horseback Archery (West Approach Lawn)
15:00 Satsuma Biwa Performance (Outer Worship Hall)
✨ Event Highlights
Japan’s Traditional Arts: Rare chance to see top-level Noh, Kyogen, Bugaku, and biwa performances in a sacred setting
Martial Arts & Rituals: From aikido to yabusame, experience centuries-old traditions of strength and skill
Seasonal Beauty: Chrysanthemum exhibition within the shrine grounds during festival days
Cultural Depth: The most important celebration of Meiji Jingu, honoring Emperor Meiji’s legacy
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Meiji Jingu Shrine
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in English)
MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 at Tokyo Dome
MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 comes to Tokyo Dome on Nov 3 with top Asian artists delivering an unforgettable live performance. Don’t miss this one-day music festival!
🗓 Schedule
November 3, 2025 (Mon, Holiday)
Doors open / performance times: TBA (check official site for updates)
✨ Event Highlights
Asia’s Top Artists: Featuring leading performers from across Asia’s vibrant music scene
One-Day Only: Exclusive live collaborations and performances not seen anywhere else
World-Stage Production: A large-scale concert experience inside Tokyo Dome
Global Appeal: Connecting fans with the artists shaping the 2025 music landscape
📍 Location & Access
Venue: Tokyo Dome
💴 Admission
Ticket prices and details to be announced (check official website for latest information)
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Discover More Japan Events and Cultural Experiences with TOMOGO! in November
If you’re visiting Japan this November and want to go beyond the usual tourist routes, TOMOGO! offers handpicked tours that let you dive into the city’s seasonal energy. From street markets and traditional festivals to creative subcultures and neighborhood strolls, our local guides help you experience Japan with depth and personality. Contact TOMOGO! to discover even more events and cultural experiences happening across the city this November!
