Autumn Leaves in Japan 2026: Where to Go and When

Japan’s autumn leaves do not change colour across the whole country at once. The colour moves from north to south and from high ground to low ground over almost three months, and this year the whole front is running later than usual. This article brings together the 2026 forecast, along with the spots worth visiting in each region.

Later Than Usual Across the Country This Year

A Japanese weather forecasting company published its first autumn leaf forecast for 2026 on 3 September. The overall picture is that the whole country is later than a typical year, because temperatures have stayed above average since the end of summer. Anyone planning from memory of previous years may go too early.

What does not change is that the leaves turn first in the far north and move south, and that within the same region the high mountains turn about two to three weeks before the towns. This year the whole front has shifted later across the country.

Region	Expected viewing period, 2026
Hokkaido	Mid-September to early November
Tohoku	Early October to late November
Kanto, including Tokyo	Mid-October to mid-December
Kyushu	Early November to mid-December

These well-known spots already have specific dates in the forecast.

Spot	Expected best date
Asahidake, Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido	Around 14 September
Mount Zao, Yamagata	Around 17 October
Kamikochi, Nagano	Around 21 October
Mount Takao, Tokyo	Around 22 November
Arashiyama, Kyoto	Around 24 November

These are first-round figures and may still change The next forecast is due in early October and will add more spots and refine the dates. If your travel dates are already fixed, there is no need to worry, because it is easier to choose spots that match your dates than to move your dates to match the leaves. We suggest following the forecast from time to time until close to your trip, then deciding which spots to visit.

Hokkaido and Tohoku, Where the Colour Comes First

If you can only travel between September and October, the north is the only answer, and it is far less crowded than Kyoto.

• Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido The earliest place in Japan for autumn colour, with a ropeway at Asahidake for views from above.
• Sounkyo Gorge, Hokkaido Towering rock walls on both sides with waterfalls, which you can see without climbing.
• Lake Toya and Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Autumn leaves and onsen in a single trip.
• Naruko Gorge, Miyagi A classic Tohoku photo spot, with a red bridge over a gorge that turns entirely orange.
• Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream, Aomori A long walk beside the stream, shaded and photogenic at almost every point.

Central Japan, for Leaves and Mountains Together

From late October to mid-November, central Japan is the best fit, because you get autumn leaves, lakes and views of Mount Fuji in one trip.

• The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Climb to high altitude by ropeway and cable car. In some years you may see autumn leaves and the first snow at the same time.
• Kamikochi, Nagano A valley plateau beside a crystal-clear river, with easy walking and no climbing.
• Nikko, Tochigi Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the Irohazaka, a winding mountain road lined with autumn colour.
• Hakone, Kanagawa Autumn leaves with onsen and views of Fuji across Lake Ashi.
• Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi A lakeside tunnel of maple leaves, lit up at night during the season, with Fuji in the background.

Kyoto and Kansai, Autumn Leaves and Old Temples

Late November to early December is the peak in Kyoto, and also the busiest time of the year. At some famous temples you need to arrive at opening time to take photos without crowds.

• Kiyomizu-dera A wooden stage projecting over a valley that turns entirely red, with night viewings during the autumn leaf season.
• Tofuku-ji A wooden bridge looking down over a sea of maple leaves, one of the most familiar images of Kyoto in this season.
• Eikando Famous for its maples since ancient times, with night viewings that light up the whole garden.
• Arashiyama Bamboo grove, river and autumn leaves in one district, enough for a full day on foot.
• Nara Park Autumn leaves and deer in the same place, with noticeably fewer people than Kyoto.
• Mount Koya, Wakayama A mountain-top temple town where you can stay overnight in a temple, quiet and entirely different from the city.

How to Plan So You Do Not Miss It

Autumn leaves are one of the easiest trips to get wrong, because the peak at each spot lasts only about one to two weeks. Planning this way makes it much safer.

• Do not rely on a single spot Choose the region first, then keep two or three backup spots in the same region. If the first is still green, go higher. If the leaves have already fallen, go lower.
• Use altitude to adjust Within the same region, a difference of a few hundred metres in altitude already means a difference of a week.
• Avoid Japan’s own holidays There is a long weekend in late November, when famous spots are packed and mountain roads are congested.
• Book accommodation earlier than in other seasons Especially in Kyoto and Hakone, where rooms sell out months ahead.
• Plan fewer spots per day Two to three spots a day is about right. Any more and it becomes a quick photo stop before rushing on.

Most autumn leaf spots are in the mountains or around lakes, where trains do not reach and buses run infrequently. Having a car with driver lets you change plans during the day as soon as you know which spots have turned.