Things to Do in Fukuoka in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Fukuoka

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% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather - crisp 18°C (64°F) highs ideal for walking Fukuoka's compact city center without summer's oppressive heat
Peak momiji (maple leaf) season in nearby mountains like Dazaifu and Miyajima - colors typically peak November 15-25
Lowest tourist crowds of the year - major attractions like Fukuoka Castle ruins and Ohori Park are peaceful, hotel rates drop 30-40%
Prime seafood season - winter crab, oysters, and yellowtail arrive at Nagahama fish market, restaurant menus feature seasonal kaiseki

Considerations

Unpredictable rain - 91mm (3.6 inches) falls over 10 days with little warning, can disrupt outdoor plans like Momochihama Beach walks
Early sunsets around 5:15pm limit afternoon sightseeing - popular spots like Fukuoka Tower observation deck close at 6pm
Cool evenings at 11°C (51°F) make famous yatai food stalls less comfortable without proper layering

Best Activities in November

Dazaifu Tenmangu Autumn Foliage Tours

November offers peak autumn colors at this historic shrine complex 13km (8 miles) from central Fukuoka. The temple grounds feature over 6,000 plum and maple trees that turn brilliant red and gold mid-November. Cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures make the 2km (1.2 mile) walking tour comfortable, and minimal crowds mean perfect photo opportunities at the iconic arched bridge.

Booking Tip: Book half-day cultural tours 7-10 days ahead, typically ¥4,500-6,500 per person including train transport. Look for tours that include traditional tea ceremony in temple grounds. See current options in booking section below.

Fukuoka Food Market Walking Tours

November brings winter seafood season to Fukuoka's markets - fresh crab, oysters, and mentaiko (spiced cod roe) are at peak quality. Cool morning temperatures 14°C (57°F) make 3-hour walking tours through Nagahama fish market and Yanagibashi Rengo Market comfortable. Local vendors are less busy than summer tourist season, allowing more interaction and tastings.

Booking Tip: Early morning tours (6-9am) offer best market atmosphere and freshest selections. Book 5-7 days ahead, typically ¥5,500-8,000 per person with 8-10 tastings included. Choose tours that visit both wholesale and retail markets. See current tours in booking section below.

Hakata Bay Island Cycling Routes

November's cool, dry weather is perfect for cycling the 15km (9.3 mile) coastal route around Hakata Bay to Nokonoshima Island. Ferry connections run every hour, and the island's cosmos flower fields bloom through November. Temperatures stay comfortable for cycling - 18°C (64°F) highs with gentle sea breezes, no summer humidity.

Booking Tip: Rent hybrid bikes at Hakata Port area, typically ¥2,000-3,000 per day including helmet and ferry tickets. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead for ¥6,500-8,500 including lunch and flower garden entry. See current cycling tours in booking section below.

Traditional Onsen Ryokan Experiences

Cool November evenings make hot spring bathing especially appealing. Fukuoka's nearby onsen towns like Futsukaichi and Harazuru offer authentic ryokan experiences with seasonal kaiseki featuring local winter ingredients. Indoor activities perfect for rainy days - November sees 10 rainy days averaging 91mm (3.6 inches).

Booking Tip: Day-trip onsen packages typically ¥8,000-12,000 including transport, bathing, and traditional lunch. Book weekend trips 2 weeks ahead - November is popular with domestic tourists for autumn colors. Look for packages including private outdoor baths. See current onsen tours in booking section below.

Sake Brewery District Walking Tours

November marks the start of sake brewing season when new rice harvests begin fermentation. Fukuoka's traditional brewing districts in Hakata offer tastings of freshly pressed sake. Cool weather makes walking between breweries comfortable - typically 3km (1.9 miles) over 4 hours with indoor tastings perfect for rainy November days.

Booking Tip: Afternoon tours (1-5pm) align with brewery schedules and avoid morning fish market crowds. Book 5-7 days ahead, typically ¥7,000-9,500 including 6-8 tastings and traditional snacks. Choose tours with English-speaking sake sommelier guides. See current brewery tours in booking section below.

Miyajima Island Day Trips

November offers peak autumn foliage at iconic Itsukushima Shrine, just 2 hours from Fukuoka by train and ferry. The famous floating torii gate is surrounded by fiery maple colors mid-to-late November. Cool 16°C (61°F) temperatures make the 5km (3.1 mile) island walking route comfortable, with fewer crowds than spring cherry blossom season.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided tours typically ¥12,000-15,000 including all transport, lunch, and shrine entry. Book 10-14 days ahead during peak foliage season (November 15-25). Choose tours departing early morning to maximize daylight hours. See current Miyajima tours in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Hakata Dontaku Light-up Illuminations

Fukuoka's winter illumination season begins early November with LED light displays throughout Tenjin and Hakata districts. Over 500,000 lights create tunnels along shopping streets, best viewed between 5pm-11pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 13°C (55°F).

Mid November

Kyushu Sumo Tournament

Professional sumo tournament held at Fukuoka Kokusai Center every November for 15 days. Traditional sport viewing includes sake service and bento boxes. Tickets range from ¥3,000-15,000 depending on seating proximity to the ring.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - sudden showers last 30-45 minutes with little warning on 10 rainy days

Layering pieces (cardigan, fleece) - temperature swings from 18°C (64°F) midday to 11°C (51°F) evening

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet leaves on temple paths and city sidewalks can be slippery

Compact umbrella - essential for unexpected rain during outdoor market visits and shrine tours

Light scarf or wrap - evening yatai food stall dining gets chilly after 7pm

Long pants for temple visits - shorts inappropriate at religious sites, plus leg coverage for cool mornings

Portable phone charger - early 5:15pm sunsets mean more indoor time and phone use for navigation

Cash wallet - many traditional restaurants and markets don't accept cards, ATMs limit withdrawals

Small daypack - comfortable for 3-5 hour walking tours without overheating in mild temperatures

Moisturizer - 70% humidity is lower than summer but indoor heating can dry skin

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Tenjin district for walking access to major attractions - November's cool weather makes 1-2km (0.6-1.2 mile) walks pleasant unlike summer heat

Visit Fukuoka Tower observation deck before 4pm - early November sunset at 5:15pm means missing city lights view if you arrive too late

Eat at yatai food stalls between 6-8pm before evening chill sets in - vendors provide blankets but 11°C (51°F) nights get uncomfortable for outdoor dining

Take advantage of November hotel rates dropping 30-40% from peak summer prices - luxury properties offer best value before winter business travel season