- September 7, 2026
- 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 transformation, known as kōyō (紅葉), reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for nature. There is also a traditional custom called momiji-gari (紅葉狩り), meaning “autumn leaf hunting” — the practice of traveling to admire the changing leaves.
The season moves from north to south. It begins in the mountains of Hokkaido in mid- to late September and reaches the lowland cities of central and southern Japan through November and early December. This guide covers the latest forecast, the best viewing spots, hidden gems, and what to bring — so you can make the most of your kōyō journey.
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Table of Contents
1. 2026 Autumn Foliage Forecast
2026 Autumn Foliage Forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation
Updated for 2026, based on the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s first forecast (released September 2, 2026).
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) publishes a detailed kōyō forecast each autumn, predicting peak viewing times across the country. For 2026, a warm, lingering summer means the colors are expected to peak slightly later than average in most areas — with the biggest delays in Hokkaido and the mountains.
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
| LOCATION | Forecast for red leaves | Average date forred leaves |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapporo |
Nov 7th |
Oct 28th |
|
Aomori |
Nov 13th |
Nov 13th |
|
Sendai |
Nov 25th |
Nov 21th |
|
Tokyo |
Nov 29th |
Nov 28th |
|
Kanazawa |
Nov 30th |
Nov 24th |
|
Nagano |
Nov 21st |
Nov 12th |
|
Nagoya |
Dec 2nd |
Nov 28th |
|
Kyoto |
Dec 11th |
Dec 5th |
|
Osaka |
Dec 4th |
Dec 1st |
|
Wakayama |
Dec 11th |
Dec 6th |
|
Hiroshima |
Nov 28th |
Nov 22nd |
|
Kochi |
Dec 9th |
Dec 2nd |
|
Fukuoka |
Dec 7th |
Dec 1st |
|
Kagoshima |
Dec 10th |
Dec 15th |
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 Park
Onuma 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 Gorge
Lake 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 Association
Hakone (箱根, Hakone) – Offers views of Mt. Fuji framed by autumn leaves.
Official site: Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.& Odakyu Hakone
Kamakura (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 Calendar
Nara (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 Organization
Lake 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
Foliage timing shifts with the weather, so check the latest updates before you travel. Reliable sources include the Japan Meteorological Corporation, Weathernews, and the tenki.jp foliage pages, which track peak dates for hundreds of locations nationwide and update through the season.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.
Autumn leaves in Japan are one of the most rewarding sights the country offers, and timing your trip well makes all the difference. With the latest forecast, the best spots, and the right preparation, you can catch the colors at their peak wherever you are.
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*This article was updated in September 2026. Forecast dates are based on the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s first 2026 release and change with weather conditions; check the latest forecast before traveling. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, belongingJAPAN may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
