Things to Do in Chiba in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Chiba

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak autumn foliage season - kouyou colors reach maximum intensity mid-November with maple and ginkgo trees creating stunning yellow-red carpets throughout parks and temple grounds
Comfortable walking weather - consistent 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration without summer's oppressive heat or winter's biting cold
Lowest tourist season outside Golden Week - accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to spring cherry blossom season, and popular spots like Narita-san temple have minimal crowds
Chrysanthemum festival season across the prefecture - over 15 locations host elaborate kiku displays including Sawara's historic district and Chiba City's Central Park with thousands of varieties

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall pattern - while total precipitation is moderate at 66mm (2.6 inches), showers can be sudden and intense, disrupting outdoor photography and hiking plans
Earlier sunsets limit afternoon activities - daylight ends around 4:30 PM by late November, cutting short temple visits and coastal walks along Tokyo Bay
Variable weather requires layered packing - temperature swings of 8-10°C (14-18°F) between morning fog and afternoon sunshine mean constantly adjusting clothing

Best Activities in November

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple Autumn Illumination Tours

November transforms this 1,000-year-old temple complex into Japan's most spectacular autumn light display. The 165-hectare grounds feature over 250 maple trees creating tunnel-like canopies, while evening illuminations (4:30-8:00 PM) highlight the three-story pagoda against fiery foliage. Cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 mile) walking circuit comfortable, and low tourist season means unobstructed photography opportunities at the famous Peace Pagoda viewpoint.

Booking Tip: Evening illumination viewing requires no advance booking but arrive by 5:00 PM for prime photography spots. Temple grounds tours typically cost ¥2,000-3,500 ($13-23 USD) including cultural guide services. Book guided experiences 7-10 days ahead through licensed cultural tour operators (see current options in booking section below).

Tokyo Bay Coastal Cycling Routes

November's mild 19°C (66°F) average temperature creates perfect cycling conditions along Chiba's 534 km (332 mile) coastline. The Inage Seaside Park to Makuhari route offers 25 km (15.5 miles) of protected bike paths with Mt. Fuji visibility on clear days. Autumn's lower humidity (70% vs summer's 85%) reduces fatigue, while seasonal northeast winds provide natural cooling during climbs.

Booking Tip: Electric bike rentals typically cost ¥3,000-4,500 ($20-30 USD) per day including helmet and route mapping. Reserve 5-7 days ahead during autumn foliage season. Look for operators offering weather guarantees and indoor backup activities for rainy days (see current rental options in booking section below).

Boso Peninsula Strawberry Farm Experiences

November marks the beginning of Chiba's famous strawberry season, with over 300 farms across the peninsula offering ichigo-gari (strawberry picking). The prefecture produces 60% of Tokyo's winter strawberries, and November's cooler temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) create sweeter fruit with longer shelf life. Indoor greenhouse activities provide perfect rainy day alternatives during November's 10 wet days.

Booking Tip: All-you-can-eat strawberry picking experiences typically cost ¥1,800-2,800 ($12-19 USD) for 40 minutes. Book 14-21 days ahead as this is peak season opening. Look for farms offering multiple varieties like Tochiotome and Akihime, plus jam-making workshops (see current farm experiences in booking section below).

Choshi Coastal Train and Lighthouse Tours

The 6.4 km (4 mile) Choshi Electric Railway becomes a moving observatory for autumn coastal scenery in November. Japan's second-tallest lighthouse at Inubosaki offers 360-degree views of the Pacific meeting autumn-colored cliffs 31 m (102 ft) below. November's clear days (65% of the month) provide exceptional visibility extending 50 km (31 miles) to the Hitachi coastline.

Booking Tip: Combined train and lighthouse tickets typically cost ¥1,200-1,800 ($8-12 USD) including the 99-step lighthouse climb. The vintage train runs hourly and doesn't require advance booking, but lighthouse tours fill up on weekends. Book guided cultural experiences 3-5 days ahead (see current coastal tours in booking section below).

Katori Shrine Festival Preparations and Craft Workshops

November brings preparation season for Katori Shrine's winter festivals, offering visitors access to traditional craft workshops normally closed to outsiders. Learn 1,200-year-old techniques for making sacred rope decorations and wooden ema tablets. The shrine's ancient cedar forest creates a cathedral-like autumn atmosphere with 800-year-old trees towering 35 m (115 ft) overhead.

Booking Tip: Traditional craft workshops typically cost ¥2,500-4,000 ($17-27 USD) for 2-3 hour sessions including materials and English interpretation. Limited to 8 participants per session, book 2-3 weeks ahead. Look for experiences including lunch prepared by shrine maidens using traditional methods (see current cultural workshops in booking section below).

Kamogawa Sea World Winter Marine Shows

November's cooler temperatures make outdoor marine shows comfortable while summer crowds disappear. The facility's 11,000-seat Ocean Stadium offers unobstructed views of killer whale performances against autumn coastal backdrops. November also brings special feeding demonstrations normally limited by summer heat, with extended 45-minute educational sessions.

Booking Tip: Standard admission typically costs ¥3,000-4,200 ($20-28 USD) with significant discounts for advance online booking. Special winter programs require separate tickets (¥1,500-2,500 additional) and sell out quickly. Book educational experiences 10-14 days ahead for guaranteed English-speaking guides (see current marine park options in booking section below).

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Chiba Chrysanthemum Festival

The prefecture's largest autumn celebration featuring over 10,000 chrysanthemum displays across 15 locations including Chiba City Central Park and historic Sawara district. Master gardeners demonstrate traditional growing techniques passed down through 400 years, with competitions for most elaborate cascade and standard varieties.

Mid November to Early December

Narita Autumn Illumination Festival

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple's grounds transform into Japan's most photographed autumn light display, featuring 250 illuminated maple trees, traditional lantern processions, and evening temple ceremonies open to visitors. The three-story pagoda becomes the centerpiece of nightly projection mapping shows.

Late November

Boso Peninsula Strawberry Season Opening

Over 300 strawberry farms across the peninsula celebrate the beginning of winter growing season with special opening ceremonies, tastings of new varieties, and traditional kagami-biraki barrel-breaking ceremonies. Many farms offer first-day discounts and special variety samplings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours lasting 45-90 minutes that can soak through regular clothing

Layering system with cotton base and fleece mid-layer - daily temperature swings of 8-10°C (14-18°F) require constant adjustment from morning 12°C (54°F) to afternoon 20°C (68°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - autumn leaves create slippery surfaces on temple paths and coastal boardwalks, especially after rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cooler temperatures - November UV index of 8 combined with reflection off wet surfaces causes unexpected burns

Compact umbrella or packable rain poncho - sudden showers catch tourists unprepared, and convenience store umbrellas cost ¥500 ($3.30) each

Power bank for extended photography sessions - autumn foliage and illuminations drain camera batteries 40% faster in cooler temperatures

Cash in small denominations - many strawberry farms and temple food stalls don't accept cards, and exact change is expected for ¥300-500 purchases

Light scarf or neck warmer - evening temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) and coastal winds add 5°C (9°F) wind chill factor

Daypack with waterproof compartment - temple visits and coastal walks require carrying extra layers, snacks, and weather protection

Portable phone charger cable - November's shorter daylight (4:30 PM sunset) means relying on phone flashlights and maps more frequently

Insider Knowledge

Local trains offer heated cars starting November 15th - board cars 3-6 on JR East lines for consistent heating and fewer tourists who cluster in front cars near exits

Strawberry farms open at 9:00 AM but fruit is sweetest between 11:00 AM-2:00 PM when natural sugars concentrate - avoid early morning visits despite shorter lines

Temple illuminations begin 30 minutes before official sunset time but photographers get best positions arriving 45 minutes early when staff test lighting systems

November weekends see 60% more domestic tourists than weekdays - visit Tuesday-Thursday for authentic local experiences and better service at restaurants