As temperatures drop and the trees gradually shift into brilliant shades of gold and crimson, it’s finally starting to feel like fall in Japan. For this November, we’ve rounded up a variety of exciting events to help you make the most of the season. From cultural and art events to food festivals like a city-wide museum and gallery hop and a bread festival, there’s something for everyone to experience in Japan as fall unfolds.

 

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Tokyo

 

Art Week Tokyo

 

Art Week Tokyo is city-wide art event that brings together over 50 museums and galleries, celebrating the diversity of Tokyo’s contemporary art scene. As a community-driven initiative, it aims to foster and support the local art ecosystem, making it more accessible to a broader audience. To make navigating the event easier, visitors can take advantage of the free hop-on, hop-off bus service connecting all participating venues across multiple routes, which runs for three days from November 7 to 9. Adding to the experience, a special pop-up bar will feature artists-designed cocktails and gourmet nibbles created by Michelin-starred chef Shinobu Namae, blending art and creativity in one remarkable event.

 

Image courtesy of Art Week Tokyo.

 

📍 Various locations 

📅 November 5 ~ 9, 2025 

💰 Free*

 

*All participating galleries are free to enter and museums offer discounted admissions to visitors.

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

 

 

Setagaya Bread Festival 2025

 

 

What began in 2011 as a small local event to promote bread has since risen to become one of Japan’s largest bread festivals, originally attracting around 60,000 visitors. Held in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward, a neighborhood affectionately known as the town of bread for its abundance of bakeries. The festival brings together over 200 bakeries across two days, offering a rare opportunity to sample a wide variety of breads and pastries, along with foods and drinks that pair with them, all in one place. Whether you’re a bread enthusiast or just curious, this one-stop shop for baked goods offers a unique taste of Japan’s thriving bakery culture.

 

Image courtesy of Setagaya Bread Festival.

 

📍 Setagaya Park

📅 November 1 & 2, 2025 

💰 Free admission

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

 

 

Shibuya Antique Market

 

 

Held just outside Shibuya Garden Tower, the Shibuya Antique Market takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of every month. Featuring over 100 participating shops, the market offers a charming mix of antiques from around the world, along with unique handicrafts, artwork, and more. Now that the weather has cooled, it’s the perfect time to enjoy this open-air event.

 

Image courtesy of Shibuya Antique Market.

 

📍 Shibuya Garden Tower 

📅 November 9 & 23, 2025 

💰 Free admission

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

 

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Tochigi

 

Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival 2025

 

Celebrate Japan’s favorite dumpling at the Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival, held in the heart of the country’s gyoza capital. With over 300 gyoza restaurants, Utsunomiya is renowned for its long-standing love of these savory treats, making it the perfect place to host this event.

 

The festival takes place in the scenic Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park, where visitors can enjoy delicious gyozas while taking in the beauty of the surrounding autumn foliage. Entry to the event is free, and each dish is typically served with three to five gyozas with a very reasonable price point at just 200 yen, making it easy to sample a wide variety of styles and flavors from different local shops.

 

Whether you’re a gyoza enthusiast or just looking to enjoy good food in a beautiful seasonal setting, the Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival offers the perfect autumn outing.

 

Image courtesy of Utsunomiya Gyozakai.

 

📍 Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park

📅 November 1 & 2, 2025

💰 Free entry

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Aomori

 

Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum Autumn Foliage Festival

 

 

The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival is a seasonal celebration held each year in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. First launched in 1962, the festival has become a symbol of autumn’s arrival in the region, attracting visitors with its stunning displays of chrysanthemums and the vibrant colors of fall foliage surrounding the historic Hirosaki Castle.

 

 

As evening falls, the Autumn Foliage Light-up transforms the castle grounds into a glowing spectacle. Please note that the light-up schedule may vary depending on the condition of the leaves, as determined by the organizers.

 

 

For a more immersive experience, guests can also enjoy a limited-time Autumn Foliage Sightseeing Boat ride, offering a unique view of the vibrant scenery from the water. This activity is only available during the festival period and does not accept reservations. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Image courtesy of Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau.

 

📍 Hirosaki Castle (Botanical Garden)

📅 Until November 9 

💰 Free 

 

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

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Kyoto

 

Art Collaboration Kyoto

 

 

Art Collaboration Kyoto is a culture-forward contemporary art fair held in Kyoto, showcasing a unique blend of Japanese and international artistic visions. With a focus on collaboration, the event brings together galleries from Japan and around the world, offering a rich cultural exchange through art. This year’s theme, “2050—Gaze Towards the Future,” invites visitors to explore forward-thinking perspectives about our future through cutting-edge artworks.

 

 

The fair is divided into two main sections: Gallery Collaborations and Kyoto Meetings. In Gallery Collaborations, a Japanese gallery shares a booth with an international gallery, fostering creative dialogue and cross-cultural partnerships. Kyoto Meetings, on the other hand, highlights artists and artworks from both Japan and overseas that have meaningful connections to Kyoto’s cultural landscape.

 

In addition to exhibitions and programs, the event is family-friendly, offering dedicated children’s programs to engage young visitors.

 

Image courtesy of Art Collaboration Kyoto.

 

📍 Kyoto International Conference Center

📅 November 14 ~ 16

💰 ￥3,000*

 

*Tickets must be reserved. With various ticket options available, we recommend visiting the official website for full details.

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

 

 

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Whether you’re currently in Japan or planning a visit in the near future, we hope our November event roundup inspires you to experience the season to the fullest. From cultural celebrations to culinary delights, fall in Japan offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in its beauty and traditions!

 

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