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    Japan Fall Foliage Forecast in 2026

    "Red Leaves Hunting" - what Japanese themselves say about fall foliage viewing is a must-do on a Japan tour in autumn. The overall fall foliage season starts in mid-September and ends in mid-December from north to south throughout Japan.


    What’s the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Japan? 

    As mentioned above, autumn foliage will be visible across Japan from mid-September through mid-December. However, you should know that these leaves reach their peak viewing period 1-2 weeks after they begin to change color. Besides, the specific best time to see fall foliage hinges on where you are going. In this country spanning a wide latitude range, the further north you go, the earlier temperatures drop and autumn leaves appear. Within the same latitude, higher elevations offer an earlier chance of seeing autumn colors than lower elevations.

    Regions Time for Foliage to Change Color
    		 Peak Fall Foliage Season
    Hokkaido
    		 Mid-September
    		 Late September to Early November
    Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori)
    		 Late September
    		 Early October to Late November
    Kanto (Tokyo)
    		 Early October
    		 Mid-October to Mid-December
    Chubu (Nagano)
    		 Early October
    		 Mid-October to Mid-December
    Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka)
    		 Mid-October
    		 Late October to Mid-December
    Chugoku (Hiroshima)
    		 Mid-October
    		 Early November to Early December
    Shikoku (Kochi, Takamatsu)
    		 Mid-October
    		 Late October to Early December
    Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kagoshima)
    		 Late October
    		 Early November to Mid-December


    You may also want to know that:
    1. Okinawa, the southmost region of Japan with mild temperatures all year round, hardly sees fall foliage.
    2. The peak visiting period for autumn leaves for a certain location usually lasts for 1-2 weeks, and it can be as long as about one month in some high-altitude areas. After the peak viewing period, if strong winds or heavy rain occur, the leaves may fall completely within 1-2 weeks; whereas under stable weather conditions, the leaf-fall process typically lasts about 3-4 weeks.

    Hiking with Autumn Leaves
    Hiking with Autumn Leaves


    Fall Foliage Forecast 2026 of Major Cities in Japan

    The 2026 autumn foliage season in Japan is expected to be 3-7 days later than usual overall, according to the temperature tendency. 

    Cities

    Predicted Fall Foliage Date 2026

    		Cities

    Predicted Fall Foliage Date 2026

    Sapporo
    		 Nov.2 Kushiro
    		 Oct. 21
    Aomori
    		 Nov. 18 Akita
    		 Nov. 17
    Sendai
    		 Nov. 24 Niigata
    		 Nov. 20
    Toyama
    		 Nov. 19 Kanazawa
    		 Nov. 21
    Nagano
    		 Nov. 17 Mito
    		 Nov. 21
    Tokyo
    		 Dec. 1 Kofu Dec.2 
    Nagoya
    		 Dec.5 Kyoto
    		 Dec. 8
    Osaka
    		 Dec. 5 Nara
    		 Nov. 22
    Tottori
    		 Dec.4 Matsue
    		 Nov. 26
    Hiroshima
    		 Nov. 26 Kochi
    		 Dec. 5
    Fukuoka
    		 Dec.6 Kagoshima
    		 Dec. 19


     The date represents the time when leaves turn completely red. The best time of red leaves is around 10-14 days before and after the date for reference.


    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Hokkaido

    Destinations Best Time for Red Leaves
    		 Predicated Time 2026
    Asahidake - Daisetsuzan National Park
    		 Late Sep. to Mid-Oct.
    		 Sep 20 – Oct. 10
    Lake Akan
    		 Early to Mid-Oct.
    		 Oct. 5 – Oct. 20
    Jozankei Onsen
    		 Early to Mid-Oct.
    		 Oct. 8 – Oct. 18
    Lake Shikotsu
    		 Middle to Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 19 – Oct. 29
    Lake Toya
    		 Middle to Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 16 – Oct. 26


     Recommended Places for Visiting in Different Time Slots:
    Late September: Sounkyo, Mt. Asahi in Asahidake-Daisetsuzan National Park
    Early October: Jozankei, Lake Akan
    Mid-October: Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu
    Late October: Sapporo, Hakodat

    Viewing of Red Leaves in a Shrine
    Colorful Leaves in Asahidake


    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Tohoku

    Destinations Best Time for Red Leaves Predicted Time 2026
    Naruko Gorge, Miyagi
    		 Late Oct. to Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 28 – Nov. 7
    Miyagi Zao
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 20 – Oct. 30
    Oirase Gorge, Aomori
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 20 – Oct. 30
    Lake Towada, Akita
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 18 – Oct. 28
    Hirosaki Park
    		 Late Oct. – Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 25 – Nov. 4
    Yama-dera
    		 Late Oct. – Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 23 – Nov. 2
    Goshikinuma
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 19 – Oct. 29

     Recommended Places for Visiting in Different Time Slots:
    Early October: High-altitude areas such as Mount Hakkoda and Lake Towada in Aomori
    Mid-October: Central regions including the Oirase Stream in Aomori and Mount Zao in Yamagata
    Late October: Areas such as Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita
    Late October to early November: Southern regions including Fukushima and Matsushima in Miyagi


    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage In & Around Tokyo

    Destinations in Tokyo Best Time for Red Leaves
    		 Predicated Time 2026
    Meiji Jingu Gaien – Outer Garden of Meiji Jingu Shrine
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 5
    Shinjuku Garden
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 23 – Dec. 4
    Rikugi-en Garden
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 28 – Dec. 8
    Ueno Park
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 5
    Mt. Takao
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 15 – Dec. 5
    Mt. Mitake & Mitake Gorge
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 12 – Dec. 2
    Lake Okutama
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 16 – Nov. 26
    Destinations near Tokyo Best Time for Red Leaves Predicated Time 2026
    Lake Chuzenji, Nikko
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 15 – Oct. 25
    Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    		 Late Oct. to Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 25 – Nov. 5
    Kegon Falls, Nikko
    		 Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 20 – Oct. 30
    Lake Kawaguchi (Maple Corridor) & Mt. Fuji
    		 Late Oct. to Nov.
    		 Oct. 28 – Nov. 23
    Hakone Gora Park
    		 Early to Mid-November
    		 Nov. 1 – Nov. 15
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
    		 Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 20 – Nov. 30
    Fukuroda Falls, Ibaraki Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 10 – Nov. 25
    Lake Haruna, Takasaki
    		 Early to Mid-Nov.
    		 Nov. 3 – Nov.16


    Recommended Places for Visiting in Different Time Slots:
    Mid-October: High-altitude areas such as Nikko and Mount Akagi
    Late October to early November: Hakone, and areas around Mount Fuji
    Mid-November: High-altitude areas in Tokyo, such as Mt. Takao, Mt. Mitake & Mitake Gorge
    Late November to early December: Shrines and parks in Tokyo like Ueno Park and Outer Garden of Meiji Jingu Shrine


     See Also: Best Places to See Red Leaves in Tokyo
    Autumn View of Lake Kawaguchi
    Autumn View of Lake Kawaguchi

    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Chubu

    Destinations Predicted Fall Foliage
    		 Predicted Peak Fall Foliage
    Tateyama Kurobe
    		 Early to Mid-Oct.
    		 Oct. 5 – Oct. 15
    Karuizawa
    		 Mid-Oct. to Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 18 – Nov. 5
    Kamikochi
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 15 – Oct. 25
    Shirakawa-go
    		 Late Oct. to Mid-Nov.
    		 Oct. 25 – Nov. 10
    Takayama
    		 Mid-Late Oct.
    		 Oct. 15 – Oct. 25
    Gozaisho
    		 Late Oct. to Mid-Nov.
    		 Oct. 25 – Nov. 15
    Kourankei
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 25
    Ise Grand Shrine
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 20 – Dec. 5
    Kuragari Valley
    		 Mid-Nov.
    		 Nov. 10 – Nov. 20

     Recommended Places for Visiting in Different Time Slots:
    Early October: Summit of Tateyama Kurobe 
    Mid-October: Kamikochi, Takayama
    Late October: Shirakawa-go, Karuizawa
    Early November: Gozaisho, Kurokawa Valley
    Mid-November: Kourankei
    Late November to December: Ise Grand Shrine

    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Kyoto & Kansai

    Destinations in Kyoto Best Time for Red Leaves
    		 Predicated Time 2026
    Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 25
    Arashiyama
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 17 - Dec. 3
    Eikando Temple
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 5
    Tofukuji Temple
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 5
    Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 5
    Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 15 – Dec. 5
    Kifune Shrine
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 17 – Nov. 27
    Sanzenin Temple
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 20 – Nov. 30
    Rurikoin Temple
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 20 – Dec. 5
    Philosopher’s Path
    		 Late Nov. to Mid-Dec.
    		 Nov. 28 – Dec. 13
    Other Places in Kansai
    		 Best Time for Red Leaves Predicated Time 2026
    Osaka Castle Park
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 10
    Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 10
    Kougenji Temple
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 7
    Nara Park
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 5
    Todai-ji Temple
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 20 – Dec. 5
    Mount Koya
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 25


    Mid-November to early December 2026 is expected to be the best time to visit Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka for autumn foliage. For Kyoto, top destinations include Arashiyama, Eikando Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple; Nara Park and Todaiji Temple are must-sees in Nara; and Osaka Castle is a classic spot for autumn leaves in Osaka.


     Read More:

    5 Less-Crowded Places to See Red Leaves in Kyoto
    Best Places to See Autumn Foliage in Osaka

    Stunning Fall Foliage in Arashiyama
    Stunning Fall Foliage in Arashiyama

    Osaka Castle with Red Leaves
    Osaka Castle with Red Leaves

    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Chugoku

    Destinations Best Time for Red Leaves
    		 Predicated Time 2026
    Daisen, Tottori
    		 Late Oct. to Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 25 – Nov. 10
    Miyajima Momijidani Park, Hiroshima
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 28
    Taishakukyo Gorge, Hiroshima
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 28
    Korakuen Garden
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 20 – Dec. 5
    Kikko Park
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 18 – Dec. 3


     Recommended Places for Visiting in Different Time Slots:
    Late October: Mountain attractions such as Mount Daisen 
    Mid-November: Miyajima in Hiroshima, Taishakukyo Gorge
    Late November to early December: Korakuen Garden in Okayama

    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Shikoku

    Destinations Best Time for Red Leaves
    		 Predicated Time 2026
    Kankakei National Park, Kagawa
    		 Early to Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 10 – Nov. 25
    Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu, Kagawa
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 15 – Dec. 5
    Iya Valley, Tokushima
    		 Late Oct. to Early Nov.
    		 Oct. 25 – Nov. 10
    Matsuyama Castle, Ehime
    		 Mid-Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 15 – Dec. 5

    Best Time & Best Places for Fall Foliage in Kyushu

    Destinations Best Time for Red Leaves
    		 Predicated Time 2026
    Akizuki Castle, Fukuoka
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 28
    Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki
    		 Mid-Late Nov.
    		 Nov. 15 – Nov. 30
    Kirishima Jingu, Kagoshima
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 25 – Dec. 10
    Kintsuiko Lake, Oita
    		 Early to Mid-Nov.
    		 Nov. 1 – Nov. 15
    Daikouzenji Temple, Saga
    		 Late Nov. to Early Dec.
    		 Nov. 20 – Dec. 5
    Red Leaves in Fukuoka
    Red Leaves in Fukuoka

    Average Peak Date of Fall Foliage of Major Japan Cities

    Cities
    		 Average Date for Red Leaves
    		 Average Date for Yellow Leaves
    Sapporo
    		 Oct. 28
    		 Nov. 4
    Kushiro
    		 Oct. 16
    		 Oct. 21
    Aomori
    		 Nov. 13
    		 Nov. 2
    Akita
    		 Nov. 12
    		 Nov. 5
    Sendai
    		 Nov. 21
    		 Nov. 23
    Niigata
    		 Nov. 15
    		 Nov. 13
    Toyama
    		 Nov. 24
    		 Nov. 19
    Kanazawa
    		 Nov. 24
    		 Nov. 10
    Nagano
    		 Nov. 12
    		 Nov. 10
    Mito
    		 Nov. 20
    		 Nov. 22
    Tokyo
    		 Nov. 28
    		 Nov. 23
    Kofu & Mt. Fuji
    		 Nov. 29
    		 Nov. 17
    Nagoya
    		 Nov. 28
    		 Nov. 18
    Kyoto
    		 Dec. 5
    		 Nov. 24
    Osaka
    		 Dec. 1
    		 Nov. 22
    Nara
    		 Nov. 22    
    		 Nov. 18
    Tottori
    		 Nov. 30
    		 Nov. 27
    Matsue
    		 Nov. 24
    		 Nov. 21
    Hiroshima
    		 Nov. 22
    		 Nov. 15
    Kochi
    		 Dec. 2
    		 Nov. 15
    Fukuoka
    		 Dec. 1
    		 Nov. 20
    Kagoshima
    		 Dec. 15
    		 Nov. 25

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