November marks late autumn in Japan, when people begin preparing for the coming winter.
Around November 7, Japan enters Rittō (立冬), which traditionally marks the beginning of winter on the Japanese calendar. After Rittō, the days become noticeably shorter and the sun sets earlier and earlier.
Around November 22 comes Shōsetsu (小雪), the time when the first snow begins to be reported in northern parts of Japan. Fallen leaves dance in the wind, and the arrival of winter starts to feel much closer.
Autumn salmon and spinach are in season, and it is also a great time to enjoy mushrooms. As mornings and evenings become colder, nabe, or Japanese hot pot dishes, begin appearing more often on dinner tables.
One famous example is Ishikari Nabe, a traditional Hokkaido hot pot made with autumn salmon.
November is also a popular season for momijigari (紅葉狩り), literally “autumn leaf hunting,” when people go out to enjoy landscapes filled with brilliant red and yellow leaves. Enjoying a warm hot pot after spending time among beautiful autumn colors is one of the pleasures of this season.
Tori no Ichi – Wishing for Good Fortune and Business Prosperity
Every November, Tori no Ichi (酉の市) festivals are held in Japan.
The festivals attract many people who come to buy decorative engi-kumade (縁起熊手), or lucky bamboo rakes, wishing for good fortune and prosperity in business.
Tori no Ichi is said to have originated from an autumn harvest festival held during the Edo period. The tradition also became associated with a festival praying for victory in battle, connected to the legendary warrior Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (日本武尊), who is said to have hung a rake, used as military equipment, on a pine tree at a shrine. These traditions eventually developed into the customs seen today.
Tori no Ichi is held on the Day of the Rooster (酉の日). Under the traditional calendar, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac cycle through the days, meaning the Day of the Rooster comes once every 12 days.
In 2026, the first Tori no Ichi, known as Ichi no Tori (一の酉), falls on November 7, and the second, Ni no Tori (二の酉), falls on November 19.
There is also an old saying that years with a third Tori no Ichi, or San no Tori (三の酉), have more fires.
The Tori no Ichi at Ōtori Shrine in Asakusa is particularly famous.
Shichi-Go-San – Celebrating Children’s Growth
November 15 is traditionally the day of Shichi-Go-San (七五三), when families visit shrines and temples to pray for their children’s healthy growth and long lives.
During this season, you will often see children dressed in beautiful traditional clothing and families taking commemorative photographs.
During the Heian period, infant and child mortality was so high that there was a saying, “Until the age of seven, children belong to the gods.” Reaching the milestone ages of three, five, and seven was therefore an important reason to give thanks to the gods.
The custom later spread among ordinary people during the Edo period and gradually developed into the Shichi-Go-San tradition we know today.
Today, families do not necessarily visit on November 15 itself. Many choose a convenient day during November.
Traditionally, age three is celebrated for both boys and girls, age five for boys, and age seven for girls.
Kamiari-sai – When Japan’s Gods Gather in Izumo
In mid-November, corresponding to October 10–17 on the traditional lunar calendar, Kamiari-sai (神在祭) is held in Izumo.
According to Japanese tradition, the Yaoyorozu (八百万) — the countless gods from across Japan — gather in Izumo to discuss people’s relationships and connections, as well as the harvest for the coming year.
In 2026, Kamiari-sai at Izumo Taisha will begin on November 18.
Izumo Taisha
Shimane Tourism Navi – Kamiari-sai
Don’t Forget Your Year-End Tax Adjustment Documents
November is also an important month for paperwork.
If you are currently working as a company employee in Japan, you will usually need to submit documents for your nenmatsu chōsei (年末調整), or year-end tax adjustment.
These forms are necessary to claim certain tax deductions and generally need to be submitted to your employer during November. Be sure to follow your company’s instructions and check that you have submitted all the required documents.
- Life insurance and earthquake insurance deductions
If you have eligible life insurance or other insurance policies, you will need to submit the relevant deduction certificates. Insurance companies usually send these certificates to your home between October and November. - Dependent and spouse deductions
If you claim family members in your home country, such as your parents or spouse, as dependents, you may need to provide documents proving your relationship with them as well as evidence of overseas remittances, such as remittance statements.
For those taking the JLPT in December, you are now entering the final stage of your preparation.
As late autumn arrives, morning and evening temperatures continue to fall day by day. Get your winter clothes and scarves ready, and take care of yourself as you prepare for the colder season ahead.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
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