Japan Autumn Tours 2025

Autumn in Japan is renowned for its vibrant red leaves. When autumn comes, trees such as maple and ginkgo turn into bright red, orange, and yellow. The change of autumn leaves in Japan usually peaks from late September to early December. Autumn is one of the best time to visit Japan. Many people head to parks, temples, and mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Comfortable weather is another major advantage. The hot and humid summer have passed, and the cold winter has not yet arrived. The weather in Japan in autumn is usually mild and sunny, creating perfect conditions for sightseeing in nature, hiking, and outdoor exploration.

It is worth starting a Japan autumn tour at this time, as not only can you enjoy the stunning Japan fall colors, but you can also look forward to more unexpected things. Autumn brings to mind the harvest of seasonal foods such as sweet potatoes, persimmons, and chestnuts. Matsutake mushrooms, with their unique aroma and taste, have become a popular dish during autumn in Japan.

Autumn in Japan usually starts from the north and then expands southward in September and October. If you plan a trip to Japan in autumn, visiting Japan during the peak of autumn foliage season will allow you to enjoy the most beautiful autumn scenery.

In Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, it is expected that the leaves on the mountain will begin to change color around mid to late September in 2025. The peak viewing period in Hokkaido, including iconic areas such as Daisetsuzan National Park and Lake Toya, is approximately from late September to mid-October.

The autumn leaf season in the Tohoku region shows its best from mid-October to early November. Tohoku region is known for spectacular scenery in places like Hachimantai, Oirase Gorge, Naruko Gorge, and Hakkoda Mountain.

The leaves in the Alpine region will reach their peak around early October to early November. In cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, mid-November to early December is the best time to appreciate ginkgo and maple trees. In the surrounding top destinations, like Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko, they are at their best from late October to mid-November or late November.

The southern region is warmer, and autumn leaves can last until early December. But you can't see the classic autumn colors of Japan in Okinawa because of its humid subtropical climate.

7 to 14 days is an ideal duration of stay for autumn tours of Japan. This period allows you to experience seasonal highlights, including red leaves, local cultural festivals, and local cuisine, without feeling rushed.

If your destinations are relatively concentrated, 7 days would be sufficient. You can spend 4 to 5 days exploring the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. The city parks, temples, and gardens displayed magnificent autumn leaves. And you can venture to Mount Fuji and Hakone for 2-3 days to get a more immersive autumn leaves and hot spring experience. In addition to admiring the red leaves, there is also time to explore local markets and seasonal cuisine.

If you plan to cover more areas, 10 days would be more appropriate. This gives you enough time to visit Shirakawa-go, Nikko, and Nara to witness the charming autumn scenery.

For those who want to have an in-depth autumn experience in various parts of Japan such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, and Kansai, a Japan trip of at least 14 days is an ideal choice. This allows you to track autumn leaves in Japan from north to south.

Kyoto is the top choice. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as one of the most iconic temples in Japan, is not only renowned for its long history but also attracts countless tourists with its surrounding natural beauty. In autumn, the surrounding maple trees change colors, forming a sharp contrast with the ancient temple buildings. The Arashiyama area has famous bamboo groves, tranquil temples, and mountains filled with colorful trees.

Tokyo is also a must-visit autumn destination. Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo is renowned for the 300-meter-long ginkgo avenue and is one of the most popular autumn scenes in Tokyo. Rikugien Garden is famous for its autumn red leaves and the illumination event at night. You can enjoy the beauty of Japanese-style courtyards with red leaves, ponds, and bridges during the day, and immerse yourself in a dreamy atmosphere with the lights at night.

Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture) : Shirakawa Village, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is renowned worldwide for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. When the village is surrounded by the colorful autumn leaves, it appears even more charming.

Hokkaido is another popular tourist destination during the fall season. Daisetsuzan National Park is a perfect spot. You can hike in the mountains full of autumn scenery. There are also hot spring resorts available, such as Asahidake Onsen, Sounkyo Onsen, and Tokachidake Onsen.

Autumn leaf season lasts for about three months throughout Japan, from mid-September to early December. Generally speaking, autumn leaf season in northern regions begins in late September, while in southern regions it ends in early December. Different trees, such as maple trees, ginkgo trees and zelkova trees, etc., change colors at different times.

However, in specific locations, the peak season for autumn leaf viewing is usually much shorter, lasting about two weeks to a month with ideal weather conditions. Typhoons that arrive in September or early October may cause some leaves to fall off.

In Hokkaido, autumn comes the earliest. The autumn scenery at different altitudes from the top to the bottom of Daisetsuzan National Park can last for about one month from mid-September to mid-October. In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, the best time for autumn leaves is relatively short, from late November to early December.

From the end of September to early December, you have the opportunities to appreciate the best autumn leaves in Japan. It depends on where you want to experience autumn.

September: For the northernmost island of Hokkaido, especially in Daisetsuzan National Park, the last week of September is the best time.

October: In places like Noboribetsu and Jozankei, you can admire brilliant red and gold in mid-October. Hachimantai in Tohoku region and the Japanese Alps offers the best autumn leaves during October. From Mid-October to late October, Kamikochi in Chubu region would be a top autumn leaves spot.

November & early December: For those visiting the classic routes in central Japan, including the Kanto and Kansai regions, November is definitely the best month. Tokyo, Kyoto, Nikko, Hakone, Mount Fuji, and Mt. Takao will present the most brilliant colors.

Autumn in Japan usually features mild and comfortable temperatures and a large temperature difference between day and night. The early autumn still maintains the warmth of summer, especially in the central and southern regions. The daytime temperature can reach 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F), while the nighttime temperature drops to around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). Northern regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku are cooler.

In October, mid-autumn brings a further drop in temperature, especially in the north and mountainous areas. The temperature has become milder and more comfortable. The average temperature in most areas ranges from a pleasant 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F), which is very suitable for outdoor activities.

November is the late autumn season with cooler weather. In Tokyo and Kyoto, the daytime temperature ranges from 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F), while the highest nighttime temperature is between 7°C and 10°C (45°F to 50°F). In Hokkaido, the daytime temperature usually drops to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).

In late November, the cold early winter arrives in the northern and higher altitude areas. The southern regions of Kyushu and Shikoku remain the mildest areas, with comfortable daytime temperatures from 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), but nighttime temperatures have also become cooler.

What to wear in autumn in Japan largely depends on the region, month, and planned activities. Japan's autumn season gradually cools down from September to November. The climate conditions vary significantly in different regions and at different altitudes. Wearing layered clothes is the most practical method, as it allows you to adapt to different weather conditions.

In September, the weather is still very hot. In urban areas such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, light clothes like short-sleeved T-shirts, long skirts and thin trousers are still suitable. However, it will probably get cooler in the morning and evening. It's wise to carry a light jacket or cardigan. Be sure to check the weather forecast and carry a folding umbrella with you due to the rainfall caused by the typhoon.

October is suitable for light sweaters, windbreakers, shirts, long sleeved tops, and jeans. Autumn is a popular season for sightseeing and hiking. Comfortable and waterproof shoes are more suitable for entering mountainous areas such as the Japanese Alps.

You need to wear warm coats and thermal layers in November, with gloves and scarves sometimes. In Hokkaido and Northeast, the temperature is lower and there may be snow, so it is recommended to wear thicker winter clothing.