Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2026: Best Time & Places for Autumn Leaves

Aug 04, 2026 | posted by WANGKIRA

Known as momijigari in Japan, the tradition of enjoying autumn leaves follows a very different pattern from cherry blossom season. The colors move from north to south, starting in Hokkaido and the mountain regions before reaching cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in November. The season stretches for about two and a half months, so the best timing depends heavily on where you plan to go.

Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2026

The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) releases its first nationwide autumn leaves forecast in early September and updates it throughout the season.

Because autumn temperatures vary each year, peak foliage dates can shift by one to two weeks. If you are booking your Japan trip months in advance, secure flights and hotels first, but keep your autumn foliage day trips flexible based on the latest weather updates.

Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Japan by Region

Region	Typical Peak	2026 Prediction	Top Spots
Hokkaido & Tohoku	Mid-Oct to Early Nov	Late Oct to Mid-Nov	Daisetsuzan, Oirase Gorge, Naruko Gorge
Kanto (Tokyo/Hakone)	Mid-Nov to Late Nov	Late Nov to Early Dec	Rikugien, Lake Ashi (Hakone), Hakone Gora Park
Chubu (Fuji/Alps)	Late Oct to Mid-Nov	Early Nov to Late Nov	Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, Kamikochi
Kansai (Kyoto/Osaka)	Mid-Nov to Late Nov	Late Nov to Early Dec	Arashiyama, Eikando, Katsuoji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera
Kyushu	Late Nov to Early Dec	Early Dec to Mid-Dec	Mt. Aso, Fukuoka, Yabakei

Hokkaido & Tohoku (September–October: First Autumn Colors)

Japan’s autumn foliage season begins in the north. In Hokkaido, mountain areas such as Daisetsuzan National Park can start changing colors from mid-September.

By mid-October, the foliage season moves into the Tohoku region. Aomori’s Oirase Gorge is famous for colorful forests, riverside walking, and waterfalls, while Akita’s Kakunodate combines autumn scenery with historic samurai streets.

Because many Hokkaido and Tohoku foliage spots are spread across large areas, visiting several locations in a short trip can be challenging without flexible transportation. A customizable tour with a private driver and a professional guide can be a good option for you.

Kanto / Tokyo & Hakone (November–Early December: City Parks and Mountain Views)

Tokyo’s autumn foliage season usually peaks from mid-November to early December. Golden ginkgo trees often change color first, followed by red maple leaves in traditional gardens, parks, and temple areas.

One of Tokyo’s most famous autumn spots is Meiji Jingu Gaien, where a 300-meter avenue lined with ginkgo trees turns bright yellow in late November. The area is easy to reach from Aoyama-Itchome Station and is especially popular for autumn photography.

For travelers staying in Tokyo, Hakone is one of the easiest mountain escapes for autumn scenery. The Lake Ashi area and Hakone Gora Park are popular in November, offering colorful forests, volcanic landscapes, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

If you are planning things to do in Hakone, the Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani are popular stops during the autumn season. A Hakone day tour is also a convenient choice for travelers who want to explore multiple highlights without dealing with crowded buses during peak weekends.

Chubu / Mt. Fuji & Japanese Alps (Late October–November: Earlier Mountain Foliage)

The Fuji Five Lakes area usually reaches peak autumn colors earlier than Tokyo. From late October to mid-November, Lake Kawaguchiko becomes one of the most scenic places in Japan to see autumn leaves, especially with Mount Fuji in the background.

The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is one of the area’s most famous autumn attractions, with hundreds of maple trees creating a colorful tunnel along the lakeside. Chureito Pagoda is another popular viewpoint for combining autumn foliage with classic Mount Fuji scenery.

Because many attractions around Mount Fuji are spread across different areas, a Mount Fuji day tour makes it easier to combine several viewpoints in one day, while private customizable tours are ideal for travelers who want a flexible route or specific photography stops.

Kansai / Kyoto, Osaka & Nara (Mid-November–Early December: Peak Foliage Season)

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous autumn destinations, with peak foliage usually arriving from mid-November to early December. The city’s temple gardens, mountain paths, and historic streets create some of the most memorable autumn scenery in Japan.

Eikando Temple is one of Kyoto’s most popular maple viewing spots, with thousands of trees surrounding its pond and pagodas. Other famous locations include Tofuku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Arashiyama, where you can combine the Arashiyama bamboo grove with nearby temples such as Jojakko-ji.

For a quieter autumn experience, consider destinations outside central Kyoto, such as Katsuoji Temple near Osaka or Uji, where historic temples and gardens offer beautiful seasonal scenery with fewer visitors.

Nara is another excellent autumn destination. In Nara Park, red maple leaves surround paths leading to Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha, while deer walk beneath golden ginkgo trees near the Nara National Museum.

During the busiest autumn weekends, transportation around Kyoto can become crowded. Kyoto day tours, Nara day tours, or private customizable tours can make it easier to visit multiple autumn spots.

Kyushu & Chugoku (Late November–December: Southern Autumn Colors)

The autumn foliage season arrives later in southern Japan, making Kyushu and western Japan good choices for travelers visiting after November.

Popular destinations include Mt. Aso, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima. On Miyajima Island, Momijidani Park is especially famous for its maple trees, with colorful leaves surrounding the walking trails toward Mt. Misen.

For travelers who want to explore less accessible autumn destinations beyond major cities, a private customizable tour provides more flexibility when public transportation options are limited.

1-Week & 2-Week Autumn Japan Itinerary Ideas

7-Day Route:

Days 1–3: Tokyo (Meiji Jingu Gaien, Rikugien, Mt. Takao)
Days 4–5: Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji views, Onsen)
Days 6–7: Kyoto (Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji)

14-Day Route:

Days 1–4: Tokyo
Day 5: Nikko (Overnight at Chuzenji Onsen to skip Irohazaka traffic)
Days 6–7: Lake Kawaguchi & Hakone
Days 8–9: Kanazawa & Shirakawa-go (Red maples against thatched roof houses)
Days 10–12: Kyoto & Nara
Days 13–14: Hiroshima & Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine)

Tips for Momijigari (Leaf Hunting) in 2026

Book Hotels Early: Top ryokans in Kyoto sell out 6 to 12 months in advance for late November.
Dress for Temperature Swings: Check your Japan packing list. Tokyo hits 18°C (64°F) during the day but drops to 10°C (50°F) after sunset. Temple evening illuminations require a warm coat and thermal layers.
Beat the Crowds: Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera are overwhelming during peak dates. Visit major sites at 7:00 AM or 8:30 AM.

FAQs About Japan Fall Foliage

When is the best time to visit Japan for fall foliage in 2026?

For Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the best chance of seeing peak autumn colors is from mid-November to early December 2026. If you are visiting Hokkaido, Tohoku, or the Japanese Alps, plan for late September through October.

Will the 2026 fall foliage season in Japan be delayed?

The timing can change depending on autumn temperatures. In warmer years, some areas reach peak colors later than usual, so it is worth checking the latest foliage updates before planning day trips.

Are autumn leaves better in Kyoto or Tokyo?

It depends on the experience you want. Kyoto is known for red maple leaves around temples and traditional gardens, while Tokyo is famous for golden ginkgo trees, city parks, and easy-to-reach viewing spots.

Can I see Mt. Fuji and autumn leaves at the same time?

Yes. The Fuji Five Lakes area, especially Lake Kawaguchiko, is one of the best places to combine autumn colors with views of Mt. Fuji. The Momiji Corridor is especially popular in November when maple trees turn red along the lakeside.

Is Japan still green in October?

In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, many trees are still green in October. For earlier autumn colors, head north to Hokkaido and Tohoku, or visit higher-altitude areas such as the Japanese Alps.