Japan in November - windbreaker or winter coat?

[briareos]

I heard the temperature will be around 15 degrees.. but I've never experienced this temperature before. In general, is a windbreaker enough, or should I bring a parka along?

[Mike Cash]

"Japan" could be "Hokkaido" or it could be "Okinawa". One is a deep-freeze and the other is a tropical paradise. What part of Japan will you be visiting?

[Nana007]

I want to add to this question. I'm going to Japan in December I will be in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Fukuoka.

[epigene]

For people from tropical climates who have never experienced 15° Celsius, I think a windbreaker will not be enough. A parka may be hot at times, though, because November weather can be warm during the day and very cold after sun sets. I recommend adjusting for comfort by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a sweater over it, and carrying a light jacket or coat. A parka is a must if you're traveling to the northern part of Honshu and/or Hokkaido.

December is early winter, and temperature can fluctuate depending on the weather. Plan the kind of wardrobe you need when you travel to Seattle, WA, in December or New York in November/December. I think the general temperature range is roughly the same for all three cities.

One thing to be noted is that you won't need to bundle up if you're walking around in Tokyo. The average temperature in the heart of Tokyo is a bit higher than outside Tokyo. And many buildings are heated to the extent that you don't even need a sweater.

[ArmandV]

The closest I've been to winter in Japan was back in November 2001. The temperatures were basically sweater/windbreaker weather for American vistors (who, like me, attended the Tokyo Int. Film Festival). The temps were roughly 60 degrees farenheit. The locals, however, were wearing heavier jackets or parkas (which is made necessary as they have less body fat than average Americans).