November is a nice month to travel throughout Japan in a campervan because of the autumnal breeze, clear skies, and vibrant autumn foliage.

There are several festivals to enjoy in November while enjoying the autumn season.  JAPAN ROAD TRIP provides rental locations around Japan, so you can rent a campervan in the location of your choice.

*Click here to see our rental location list*

 

 

Here are the top 5 November Campervan Destinations and festivals that we believe you will enjoy visiting by campervan!

 

Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daiganji Temple in Hiroshima

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Every year on November 3rd, the Daiganji temple hosts a fire-walking ceremony. 

 

The fire-walking ceremony is a secret ritual in Esoteric Shingon Buddhism, where a sacred fire from Mt. Misen is ignited, causing green cypress leaves to emit white smoke and rise to the sky. Priests, monks, and worshippers walk barefoot over the fire, chanting for their wishes.

Entrance fee is free and anyone can participate in the fire walking ceremony but be ready to be bare foot on the spot.

 

Visit there website for more information: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/

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Yokai Festival in Tokushima

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The annual Tokushima Yokai festival is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of November each year. The festival is scheduled for November 19 this year.

 

The 20th Yokai Festival in Yamashiro will feature a large gathering of yokai, including Tengu, kappa, and Konaki-jii, related to the town’s Yokai legends. A Yokai bazaar will sell local food, and various events, including a purification ritual by a mountain ascetic, a live dance performance, and a large Yokai procession, will also be held.

Entrance fee is free.

 

Visit there website for more information: https://discovertokushima.net/en/

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Hakone Daimyo March in Kanagawa

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Every year on November 3, Hakone Daimyo March is also held.

 

The parade recreates a feudal Japanese sankin kotai journey, featuring 100-200 participants dressed as samurai, geisha, Yakko warriors, workers, and princesses. It commemorates the daimyo’s journey through Hakone along the old Tōkaidō road, featuring marching bands, demonstrations of feudal activities, and dance performances.

Entrance fee is free.

 

Visit there website for more information: https://www.hakone.or.jp/

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Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illumination in Kyoto

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Autumn leaves will be illuminated in Kiyomizu-dera from mid- to late-November.

 

Kiyomizu-dera, a famous Kyoto temple, is often crowded due to its popularity as a tourist destination. However, the beautiful autumn foliage on light-up nights is worth visiting. The iconic view of the wooden temple and the unique atmosphere of walking under lit maple leaves make it a worthwhile visit.

Entrance fee will be 600 yen.

 

Visit there website for more information: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

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Karatsu Kunchi Festival in Saga

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Every year, the Karatsu Kunchi event takes place from November 2 to November 4.

 

“Karatsu Kunchi” refers to the annual autumn festival of Karatsu Shrine. It is said that Kunchi is a Kyushu dialect corruption of “Kunichi” (day of offerings), and many areas in northern Kyushu call autumn festivals “Kunchi”. As it is written as “offering day”, we can see that it is a festival to offer autumn harvests to the gods and give thanks for a good harvest.

Entrance fee is free.

 

Visit there website for more information: https://www.karatsu-kankou.jp/en/

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Summary

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There are more places that you can visit in Japan in November by campervan.

These are only the top 5 places that we recommend and believe you will enjoy, as they offer a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture while enjoying autumn.

If you are interested in either one of these festivals or if there is a certain place that you want to visit in Japan in the autumn,  JAPAN ROAD TRIP can help you to provide a campervan to match your desired vacation. So, reach us anytime via mail or What’sApp!