Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2026: When & Where to See Autumn Leaves

Autumn doesn't arrive everywhere in Japan at once.

While Hokkaido is already turning shades of red, orange, and gold, Tokyo might still be green. Head into the mountains and you can find autumn weeks before it reaches the cities. Travel south, and the season can stretch all the way into December. That's what makes fall in Japan a little tricky to plan, but also pretty exciting.

Our fall foliage map 2026 gives us our first look at when the colors are expected to peak across the country, based on the latest Japan fall foliage forecast from the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC). This year, warmer temperatures mean the leaves are predicted to arrive around the usual time or a little later in many areas, with the autumn colors gradually moving from north to south and from higher elevations down into the cities.

So, when should you go looking for autumn leaves in Japan? Have a look at the maps below.

Planning Fall in Japan?

There's more to fall in Japan than chasing red and yellow leaves. Cooler weather, seasonal food, festivals, and changing landscapes make October and November two of the best months to explore.

Start with our complete guide to autumn in Japan for the bigger picture, or get into the details with our posts on Japan in October and Japan in November. And if you're still deciding between the two, our October vs November article breaks down the weather, foliage, crowds, and what each month does best.

As for the leaves, timing depends on where you go. Autumn colors start appearing in the cooler north and at higher elevations first, before gradually making their way south. Here's a quick look at when you can expect to find fall foliage across Japan this year.

As the forecast shows, there isn't one single date for peak Japan fall foliage. The colors move across the country at different speeds, and even within the same region, elevation and local weather can shift the timing.

There are also two colors to keep an eye on.
Maple leaves bring the famous reds associated with autumn in Japan, while ginkgo leaves turn a bright, unmistakable yellow. They don't always peak together, so depending on when you visit, you might catch one, the other, or, if the timing is right, a bit of both.

Now that you've got the bigger picture, let's take a closer look at each region. We'll break down when and where Japan's fall foliage is expected to peak, so you can plan your trip with a little more confidence.

Kanto Fall Foliage Forecast 2026

If you're spending autumn in Tokyo, you don't necessarily have to go far to find the colors. Kanto's foliage season stretches from the mountains and lakes of Tochigi and Kanagawa to parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets right in the middle of Tokyo.

The timing varies considerably, too. Higher elevations can start changing in October, while some of Tokyo's parks hold onto their autumn colors into early December.

Here are a few places to keep an eye on in 2026.

Kansai Fall Foliage Forecast 2026

Autumn colors tend to linger a little longer in Kansai, with much of the region reaching its best from mid-November into early December. Kyoto in autumn gets much of the attention, but the season stretches well beyond the city, from the mountains of Nara and Wakayama to parks, temples, and gardens across Osaka and Hyogo.

Here are some of the places to keep an eye on as the colors begin to change across Kansai.

Hokkaido and Tohoku Fall Foliage Forecast 2026

Autumn starts early in northern Japan. While much of the country is still waiting for the first real signs of the season, colors can already be spreading through the mountains of Hokkaido before gradually making their way south into Tohoku.

Higher elevations can begin changing as early as September, with Hokkaido offering some of the country’s first fall colors. Through October and into November, the season moves across Tohoku, bringing reds and yellows to its mountains, lakes, gorges, and cities.

Here are some of the places to consider visiting for fall colors in Hokkaido and Tohoku this year.

Chubu Fall Foliage Forecast 2026

Chubu region gives you plenty of ways to do autumn. Head into Nagano for mountain scenery, catch the colors around Kanazawa's gardens, or wait a little longer for the season to reach Nagoya.

Here's where the colors are expected to peak in the Chubu region.

Chugoku & Shikoku Fall Foliage Forecast 2026

Miyajima's maples, Okayama's gardens, and Shikoku's mountain valleys all get their turn as autumn moves through western Japan. Most of the action happens in November, but head into December and you might see some color hanging on.

Here are some of the places to watch in 2026.

Kyushu Fall Foliage Forecast 2026

Last stop, Kyushu. Here, autumn colors come with volcanic backdrops. Think maple leaves around Mount Aso, leaves reflected into the waters of Takachiho Gorge, and fiery colors surrounding the hot spring towns of Oita.

Here's where to go in 2026.

Make the most of Fall in Japan

If there's one thing the Japan fall foliage forecast makes clear, it's that autumn doesn't happen at the same time across the country. The colors can start appearing in the mountains while cities are still green, and maple reds and ginkgo yellows can peak weeks apart, even in the same place.

That's also what makes autumn in Japan worth planning around. Whether your trip falls in October, November, or even in early December, there's a good chance the season is unfolding somewhere. Use our fall foliage map 2026 as a starting point, keep an eye on the forecast as your trip gets closer, and remember that the dates can always shift with the weather.

That's why we'll be updating this forecast throughout the season. Our next update will arrive at the beginning of October, with another look at how the colors are progressing and whether those predicted dates have moved.

Once you know when and where you're going, there's just one thing left to figure out: what are you going to do when you get there?

Follow the leaves, explore somewhere new, and see more of fall in Japan with a local on a TOMOGO! day tour.

FAQs We Get Asked About Fall Foliage in Japan

When is the best time to see fall foliage in Japan?

There isn’t one best time for the whole country. Japan fall foliage begins at higher elevations and in northern areas first, before spreading through the rest of the country. Depending on where you travel, you can find autumn colors from September through early December.

When will fall foliage peak in Japan in 2026?

Peak dates vary considerably by location and by the type of tree. The Japan fall foliage forecast 2026 currently points to colors appearing first in northern and mountainous areas before moving through central and southern Japan. Our map and regional tables go into detail about the latest predicted dates. We’ll update them as new forecasts are released throughout the season.

Is October or November better for fall foliage in Japan?

Both can be great, but where you go matters. October is better suited to northern Japan and higher elevations, while November brings autumn colors to many of Japan’s major cities and popular sightseeing areas. If you’re choosing between the two, check out our October vs. November in Japan guide for a full comparison.

Where can I see autumn leaves in Tokyo?

Tokyo has plenty of places to catch the season without leaving the city. Meiji Jingu Gaien is particularly famous for its golden ginkgo avenue, while parks and gardens including Ueno Park, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Inokashira Park offer a mix of autumn colors.

When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Kyoto?

Kyoto in autumn generally reaches its best from mid-November into early December, although the timing varies between locations and from year to year. Higher and cooler areas may begin changing earlier, so check the latest forecast if autumn foliage is a priority for your trip.

What is the difference between maple and ginkgo foliage in Japan?

Maple and ginkgo create two of the most recognizable colors of autumn in Japan. Japanese maples are known for their red, orange, and sometimes yellow leaves, while ginkgo trees turn a distinctive golden yellow. They don’t necessarily peak at the same time, which is why our 2026 forecast tracks them separately.

How accurate is Japan’s fall foliage forecast?

Think of a foliage forecast as a guide rather than a guarantee. Temperature and weather conditions can speed up or delay the changing leaves, and elevation can make a big difference even within the same region. We’ll update our fall foliage map 2026 throughout the season as newer information becomes available.

Does Japan have autumn cherry blossoms?

Yes! Shikizakura, sometimes called four-season cherry blossoms, can flower in both spring and autumn. In a few parts of Japan, you can even see pale pink cherry blossoms alongside red and yellow fall foliage.