22°C in November?

Tokyo’s Temperatures Are Slowly Shifting

Although winter has begun according to Japan’s old calendar, today’s high in Tokyo reached a surprising 22°C! It feels more like an early summer day, so I’ve opened all the windows to enjoy the gentle breeze.

Still, such warmth feels unusual for November. Using observation records from the Japan Meteorological Agency, I created a graph showing Tokyo’s average monthly maximum temperature for November.

What the Data Tells Us

While the graph displays only the data for November, the trend is part of a broader pattern:
Tokyo’s temperatures have been gradually rising across all months over the past 150 years.
November simply provides a clear example of this slow but steady upward shift.

Hoping to Add a Little More Green

Lately, as I look out at the small gravel-covered garden, I often find myself imagining what it would look like with a tree or two planted there. Our budget is small, but even so, I would love to add just a bit more greenery to the space.

A tree that changes its colors with the seasons, a patch of shade that grows little by little—small details like these can bring a gentle, calming presence to the house.
Perhaps it’s a modest change, but one that makes the environment feel more relaxing.

A Peaceful Home in Ikenoue

our traditional Japanese house in Ikenoue—just a 4-minute train ride from Shibuya—offers a calm cultural retreat.

Here, you can enjoy Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Sado (tea ceremony), and even relaxing moments around an irori hearth.

It’s a quiet, atmospheric place right next to the city—perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with tradition.