Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2025: Best Times & Top Spots

Autumn foliage (kōyō, 紅葉) is one of the most beautiful natural scenes in Japan. From late September to early December every year, a large number of visitors head to Japan to see the changing red, orange, and yellow hues.

Generally speaking, autumn in Japan begins in mid to late September, and then moves southward, arriving in Kyoto and Tokyo around November. The peak autumn season in southern regions such as Kyushu and Okinawa occurs in December. If you dream of a Japan autumn tour, read this guide, including Japan autumn foliage forecast and the best destinations to experience the charming autumn scenery of Japan.

Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025

The autumn leaves season in Japan varies due to different geographical locations and climate. For example, the leaves usually start turning orange or red from Hokkaido in mid to late September. Then it moves gradually southward. Tokyo in the Kanto region and Kyoto in the Kansai region experience the peak of red leaves from late November to early December. The following is an autumn leaves forecast in Japan in 2025 based on data from previous years.

Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025 Map

Regional Japan Foliage Forecast

Northern Japan (Hokkaido & Tohoku)

For those who want to embark on their Japan fall foliage tour in late September or early October, northern Japan is the ideal region, where one can experience the earlier autumn scenery. Hokkaido and Tohoku are located at higher latitudes with an autumn leaves season from late September to early November.

You can even see autumn leaves in the Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido in mid-September. The best viewing time for Jozankei Onsen is from early October to mid-October. Following Hokkaido, the autumn leaf season in Northeast China reaches its peak from mid-October to early November.

Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Fuji Five Lakes)

From mid-October to early December, it's the best time to enjoy the autumn leaves in central Japan. And you have a long time to appreciate its famous scenic spots with autumn colors. The three must-visit cities in central Japan include: Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka. The best time to enjoy the autumn scenery in Tokyo is from mid-November to early December, while the peak season for red leaves in Kyoto is from late November to early December.

Southern Japan (Kyushu & Shikoku)

The southern part of Japan experiences autumn later than other regions (late November to early December). From late November to early December, you can admire fall foliage at Ritsurin Garden, Akizuki Castle Ruins, the Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi, Kagoshima Prefecture, etc.

Top 4 Destinations for Autumn Foliage in Japan

Kyoto

Kyoto is a popular travel destination for autumn foliage tours in Japan, with numerous historical sites. You can stroll through the sacred shrines and temples, experiencing the perfect blend of autumn leaves and ancient buildings. The stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is an excellent location for enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto city and autumn leaves.

The Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama is also a great place to experience the autumn atmosphere of Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of the most iconic attractions in Kyoto. This sparkling temple, covered in gold foil, is surrounded by fiery red leaves in autumn. The Tsutenkyo Bridge at Tofukuji Temple is one of the most popular spots for admiring a large area of deep red leaves.

Tokyo

Tokyo is renowned for its modernity, but the parks here can keep you away from the hustle and bustle of city life and take in the colorful Japan in autumn.

For example, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen are popular attractions for locals and tourists to appreciate the colorful autumn leaves. You can take a walk or have a picnic in the vast gardens, and then explore modern Tokyo, such as Ginza, Shibuya, Akihabara, and more. Icho Namiki Avenue of Meiji Jingu Gaien boasts two long rows of ginkgo trees and is a favorite place for photography enthusiasts.

Mount Fuji

The surrounding areas of Mount Fuji offer the best viewing points to enjoy this iconic mountain in Japan. Lake Kawaguchi is perfect for admiring the charming Mount Fuji against a bright autumn backdrop. There is a Maple Corridor, also called the Maple Tunnel, at the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. You can take photos of Mount Fuji combined with autumn leaves here.

In November, the Autumn Leaves Festival held near Lake Kawaguchi is also a highlight of Japanese autumn. A one-day tour of Mount Fuji starting from Tokyo is the choice of many visitors.

Hokkaido

Bright yellow Gingko Avenue is one reason why many tourists are attracted to Hokkaido University in Sapporo. Daisetsuzan National Park is home to a group of towering mountains, among which Sounkyo is the most famous. At Sounkyo, you can take the Asahidake Ropeway and overlook the splendid red leaves of Mount Asahi from the sky. Lake Toya is a crater lake surrounded by hills. Every autumn in Japan, the clear blue lake water reflects the beautiful fall colors on the mountains.

If you want to enrich your Japan autumn leaves tour, you can click and learn more Top 10 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan.

Recommended Japan Fall Foliage Itineraries

You can consider the following autumn tours of Japan, including the best autumn views, cultural immersion, and historical exploration. Our itinerary can all be customized according to personal requirements.

8-Day Classic Japan Autumn Tour (Golden Route)

This 8-Day autumn tour of Japan covers the three most popular cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) in Japan. You can not only enjoy scenic natural beauty, but also explore Japan's culture and iconic landmarks. For example, you can explore the famous temples, shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto. Appreciate the autumn hues in Mt. Fuji and Arashiyama.

Days 1-2: Osaka (travel to Nara Park, Osaka Castle Park, lose yourself in Osaka's lively nightlife)
Days 3-4: Kyoto (visit Kyoto landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kaiseki, and tea ceremony experience, Arashiyama's views)
Days 5-8: Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, bustling downtown areas, Mt. Fuji)

12-Day Autumn in Japan Tour

This 12-day autumn tour of Japan takes you to explore more Japanese cities: Hakone, Takayama, Osaka, and Nara. Discover Japan's vibrant cities, rich history, and autumn scenery.

Days 1-4: Tokyo (visit Ginkgo Avenue, Shinjuku Gyoen, and more autumn leaves viewing spots, Mt. Fuji's Maple Corridor)
Days 5-6: Takayama (leisurely stroll in Takayama's old town)
Days 7-8: Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa (Gassho-style houses, Kanazawa's highlights) Days 9-10: Kyoto (Arashiyama sightseeing, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, etc.)
Days 11-12: Nara & Osaka (Nara Park, Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashisuji and Dotonbori)

FAQs About Japan Autumn Foliage

1. When is autumn in Japan?
Autumn in Japan usually lasts from mid-September to December. The weather is sunny and crisp, making it one of the most suitable seasons for tourism and getting close to nature.

2. When do maples turn red in Japan?
Japanese maple trees usually turn red in autumn, which begins as early as September. The timing for viewing autumn leaves in each region generally lasts for about two weeks or even longer. October to November is the peak season for Japan autumn tours.

3. Can I see fall leaves in Hokkaido in September?
Yes, the autumn leaves in Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park begin to change color in mid to late September. However, the best time to visit Japan for Hokkaido's autumn is from early to mid-October, when you can enjoy the autumn leaves in most parts of Hokkaido.

Enjoy Japan Fall Foliage Tour with Hi Five Trip

For those who want to experience autumn in Japan, it's wise to plan your autumn trip to Japan 3 to 6 months in advance, based on the Japan fall foliage forecast. Tickets and accommodations for popular locations are usually fully booked early. If you want a hassle-free Japan autumn tour, simply tell us your needs, and our Japan travel experts will assist you create a dreamy autumn tour to Japan.