- October 9, 2025
- BELONGING JAPAN
Autumn leaves in Japan are one of the country’s most beautiful seasonal highlights. Every year, as temperatures drop, mountains, temples, and city parks across Japan turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. This spectacular transformation, known as kōyō (紅葉), reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for nature. Traditionally, there is also a cultural custom called momiji-gari (紅葉狩り), which means “autumn leaf hunting” — the practice of traveling to admire the changing leaves.
From Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, the 2025 season for autumn leaves in Japan will unfold gradually from October through early December. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s 2025 autumn foliage forecast, the timing is expected to be later than average, with slightly earlier color changes in northern areas.
This guide introduces everything you need to know about autumn leaves in Japan 2025 — including the latest foliage forecast, best viewing spots, hidden gem, travel tips, and recommended items to prepare, so you can make the most of your kōyō journey.
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Table of Contents
1. 2025 Autumn Foliage Forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation
For travelers and nature enthusiasts planning to enjoy autumn leaves in Japan 2025, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) provides a detailed kōyō forecast that helps predict the peak viewing times across the country. Understanding this forecast can ensure you experience the vibrant fall colors at their best.
Overview of the 2025 Kōyō Forecast
For those planning to enjoy autumn leaves in Japan 2025, the season is predicted to be slightly later than average for both red (kōyō) and yellow (kōyō/黄葉) leaves across most of the country.
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
| LOCATION | FORECAST FOR RED LEAVES | FORECAST FOR YELLOW LEAVES |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapporo |
Nov 9th |
Nov 7th |
|
Aomori |
Nov 15th |
Nov 7th |
|
Sendai |
Nov 27th |
Nov 30th |
|
Tokyo |
Dec 1st |
Nov 27th |
|
Kanazawa |
Dec 1st |
Nov 12th |
|
Nagano |
Nov 24th |
Nov 17th |
|
Nagoya |
Dec 3rd |
Nov 19th |
|
Kyoto |
Dec 12th |
Nov 28th |
|
Osaka |
Dec 5th |
Nov 24th |
|
Wakayama |
Dec 13th |
Nov 27th |
|
Hiroshima |
Nov 29th |
Nov 21st |
|
Kochi |
Dec 10th |
Nov 17th |
|
Fukuoka |
Dec 9th |
Nov 28th |
|
Kagoshima |
Dec 13th |
Nov 29th |
2. Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Japan (Famous Destinations)
Japan’s autumn foliage season offers a spectacular array of vibrant colors across the country. Here are some of the most renowned spots:
Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō)
Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園, Daisetsuzan Kokuritsu Kōen) – Known for its early and vivid autumn colors, especially around mid-September.
Official site: Daisetsuzan National ParkOnuma Park (大沼公園, Ōnuma Kōen) – Offers picturesque lake views with surrounding autumn foliage.
Official information: Onuma Quasi-National Park
Tohoku (東北, Tōhoku)
Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流, Oirase Keiryū) – Famous for its moss-covered rocks and vibrant autumn leaves.
Official site: Aomori Tourism – Oirase GorgeLake Towada (十和田湖, Towadako) – A caldera lake surrounded by forests displaying brilliant fall colors.
Official site: Aomori Tourism – Lake Towada
Kanto (関東, Kantō)
Nikko (日光, Nikkō) – Home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and stunning autumn scenery.
Official site: Nikko City Tourism AssociationHakone (箱根, Hakone) – Offers views of Mt. Fuji framed by autumn leaves.
Official site: Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.& Odakyu HakoneKamakura (鎌倉, Kamakura) – A coastal city with historic temples and vibrant autumn colors.
Official site: Kamakura City Tourist Association
Kansai (関西, Kansai)
Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) – Renowned for its temples and gardens adorned with autumn foliage.
Official site: Kyoto Tourism – Autumn Leaves CalendarNara (奈良, Nara) – Features ancient temples and parks with rich autumn colors.
Official site: Visit Nara – Autumn Leaves
Chubu (中部, Chūbu)
Kamikochi (上高地, Kamikōchi) – A mountainous area offering breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Official site: Nagano Prefecture & Nagano Tourism OrganizationLake Kawaguchi (河口湖, Kawaguchi-ko) – Provides iconic views of Mt. Fuji with autumn foliage.
Official site: General Incorporated Association Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism
Kyushu & Shikoku (九州・四国, Kyūshū & Shikoku)
- Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡, Takachiho-kyō) – Known for its mystical atmosphere and autumn colors.
Official site: Takachiho Tourist Association
Kirishima (霧島, Kirishima) – Known for its volcanic landscapes and rich autumn colors, particularly around Onamino Pond and Mount Takachiho.
Official information: Kirishima City
3. Hidden Autumn Spots
Hokkaido
- Biei Patchwork Road (美瑛, Biei) – Rolling hills with colorful fields.
Official site: Biei Tourism
Tohoku
- Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉, Ginzan Onsen) – A picturesque hot spring town with nostalgic charm.
Official site: Ginzan Onsen
- Hachimantai (八幡平, Hachimantai) – Alpine scenery with vibrant autumn colors.
Official site: Hachimantai City
Kanto
- Mount Mitake (御岳山, Mitake-san) – Sacred mountain with hiking trails and autumn foliage.
Official site: Japan National Tourism Organization
- Lake Okutama (奥多摩湖, Okutama-ko) – Serene lake surrounded by forests displaying autumn colors.
Official site: Japan National Tourism Organization
Kansai
- Iwatayama Monkey Park (嵐山モンキーパーク, Arashiyama Monkey Park) – Panoramic views of Kyoto with autumn foliage.
Official site: Iwatayama Monkey Park
- Okochi-Sanso Villa (大河内山荘, Ōkōchi Sansō) – Traditional villa with beautiful gardens.
Official site: Okochi-Sanso Villa
Chubu
- Senjojiki Cirque (千畳敷カール, Senjōjiki Kāru) – Alpine autumn views.
Official site: Japan National Tourism Organization
- Hida Folk Village (飛騨の里, Hida no Sato) – Open-air museum with traditional houses.
Official site: Japan National Tourism Organization
Kyushu
- Kumamoto Suizenji Jojuen Garden (水前寺成趣園, Suizenji Jōju-en) – Scenic Japanese garden.
Official site: Suizenji Jojuen Garden
- Iya Valley (祖谷渓, Iya-kei) – Remote valley known for vine bridges and autumn foliage.
Official site: Japan National Tourism Organization
4. Travel Tips and Essential Items for Enjoying Autumn Leaves in Japan
Check the Latest Forecast
Before heading out, check the latest updates on specific autumn leaves spots through reliable forecast websites such as Weathernews Autumn Leaves Forecast. Conditions can change quickly depending on temperature and rainfall.Weather-Proof Shoes
Especially near rivers or in mountainous areas, it’s best to wear waterproof and non-slip shoes. Trails can be wet and slippery with fallen leaves during the season.
- Wear Layered and Adjustable Clothing
Bring a fleece or windproof jacket that allows you to adjust your body temperature easily. While it may feel warm in the city, temperatures can drop several degrees near mountains or lakes.
- Smartphone-Compatible Wide & Macro Lens
If carrying a camera feels heavy, smartphone lenses are a great alternative. They make it easy to capture close-up shots of maple leaves and wide scenic views of autumn foliage.
Experience the beauty of autumn leaves in Japan 2025 with our guide to the best spots, hidden gems, and travel tips. Please share your favorite hidden gem or autumn leaves spot with us!
