Labour Thanksgiving weekend 2026 (Japan): seasonal travel outlook
Nov 21 – Nov 23 · 9 days to go; forecast not yet in range · updated daily
With 9 days to go, the forecast does not yet reach any of the Labour Thanksgiving weekend, 21–23 November. It covers 12–18 November only, so current conditions are a guide to the regional contrast, not a holiday prediction. This week, Okinawa is warmest, with a mean high of 26.4°C, followed by Kyushu at 22.9°C and Shikoku at 21°C. Hokkaido is coolest, averaging highs of 9.7°C with lows reaching -3°C; Tohoku lows reach -2°C. For the holiday period, the usual November pattern is more useful: Honshu's cities generally have highs of 13°C to 18°C and nights of 5°C to 8°C, while Okinawa typically stays mild at 23°C to 25°C.
This week's outlook is dry across all 10 regions, with no region standing out as especially rainy. That does not establish a dry holiday weekend. November is usually among the least rainy periods in much of Japan, with mostly clear skies, but the Sea of Japan side tends to turn grey and stormy. Hokkaido enters early winter, and lasting snow cover can develop from mid to late November. Allow for wet or wintry conditions if heading north or towards the Sea of Japan coast, rather than relying on the current dry picture.
For city trips, Yokohama and Tsu currently have sunny forecasts and highs of 18°C and 17°C respectively; pack layers and a jacket for cooler evenings. Kobe is also sunny this week at 19°C, making it another option to consider, with a warmer outer layer for after sunset. Tokushima, currently sunny at 20°C, and Oita, sunny at 21°C, offer milder conditions this week, though neither figure is a holiday forecast. For all these choices, check the weekend forecast closer to departure and dress for the usual November contrast between comfortable afternoons and chilly mornings.
Japan in November: Kyoto's foliage season, first snow in the northwhat the holiday period is usually like
In November the foliage front reaches Honshu's cities: Tokyo colours in the second half and Kyoto peaks from late November into early December, with highs of 13 to 18°C, nights of 5 to 8°C and distinctly cold temple mornings. Skies are mostly clear and dry in one of the least rainy stretches of the year, and it is one of the busiest months for visitors.
Hokkaido enters early winter, with Sapporo at 5 to 9°C and lasting snow cover from mid to late month; the Sea of Japan side turns grey and stormy. Okinawa stays mild at 23 to 25°C. In Kyoto, start early to beat the midday crowds at the famous gardens.
Cities with comfortable weather right nowpicked on the current week; switches to the holiday forecast as it comes into range
Region by region, this weekcurrent seven-day forecast (12 Nov – 18 Nov), not the holiday itself
Compiled by Tempscape from the day’s forecast data; not an official forecast or warning. Check official sources before you travel.