Plan ahead for Japan's second most spectacular season. Peak koyo (autumn foliage) dates by city and best viewing spots.
Edited by Not recorded, pre-dates this Standard · Reviewed by Not recorded, pre-dates this Standard
Quick Answer
Japan autumn foliage usually moves from north to south and from higher elevations to lower cities. Hokkaido and mountain areas color first, while Kyoto, Tokyo, and much of Kansai often peak from mid November to early December.
Foliage depends on elevation and weather, but autumn color is more forgiving than sakura because good viewing often lasts several weeks.
| Region | Typical peak window | Best places |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Late September to October | Daisetsuzan, Sapporo, Jozankei |
| Tohoku | October to early November | Aomori, Akita, Sendai day trips |
| Kanto mountains | Late October to November | Nikko, Hakone, Kawaguchiko |
| Tokyo and Kyoto | Mid November to early December | Parks, temples, gardens |
Japan Meteorological Corporation, a private forecaster, published its first 2026 autumn leaves forecast on September 2. It expects autumn temperatures above normal across Japan, so maple color should arrive at a normal time or later than normal in most places. The next forecast is due in early October.
The dates below are the forecaster's peak dates for the reference maple in each city, not for any particular temple or park. Famous spots in the hills and suburbs often peak earlier than the city reference tree, so treat these as a guide to whether the season is running early or late.
| City | Forecast maple peak, 2026 | Compared with normal |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | November 7 | 10 days later than normal |
| Sendai | November 25 | Near normal |
| Tokyo | November 29 | Near normal |
| Kanazawa | November 30 | Near normal |
| Osaka | December 4 | Near normal |
| Kyoto | December 11 | Near normal (normal date December 5) |
Kyoto temples are the classic choice, but Nikko, Hakone, Kanazawa, Nara, and Tokyo gardens can be just as rewarding with fewer scheduling headaches.
Start north or high in the mountains, then move south or lower. This gives you more chances to catch color if the season runs early or late.
Target October for northern and mountain areas, and late November to early December for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kansai. The first 2026 forecast, from Japan Meteorological Corporation on September 2, expects color at a normal time or later than normal, with the Tokyo reference maple peaking around November 29.
Autumn is easier to plan and often less fragile, though Kyoto can be very crowded.
Kyoto, Nikko, Hakone, Nara, and Tokyo gardens are strong choices for first-timers.
Sourced from Japan Meteorological Corporation, first 2026 autumn leaves forecast (September 2, 2026).
September 27, 2026Update
Added Japan Meteorological Corporation's first 2026 autumn leaves forecast (September 2): normal or later-than-normal color after a warm autumn, with reference-maple peak dates for six cities. Review scheduled after the forecaster's second update in early October.
June 24, 2026Update
Historical baseline entry, pre-dates version-history tracking
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