Compare the latest maple and ginkgo dates for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other Japanese cities, then choose a region that matches your actual travel dates.
Updated October 14, 2026Japan does not have one national peak foliage day. Autumn color moves from northern Japan and high mountains toward lower elevations and southern cities over several months.
The dates below come from Japan Meteorological Corporation’s second 2026 forecast, released on October 1. They represent observation trees used to compare regional timing—not a guaranteed peak date for every temple, garden or mountain.
Latest Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2026
| City | Red maple forecast | Yellow ginkgo forecast | Planning interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | November 4 | November 3 | Mountain and onsen areas change earlier than the city observation date. |
| Aomori | November 13 | November 5 | Hakkoda and other elevated areas can become suitable during October. |
| Sendai | November 24 | November 29 | Nearby mountain and gorge destinations turn earlier than central Sendai. |
| Tokyo | November 28 | November 26 | Late November and early December suit central-city gardens better. |
| Kanazawa | November 30 | November 10 | Maple and ginkgo timing may differ noticeably. |
| Nagano | November 21 | November 14 | High alpine areas turn considerably earlier than Nagano city. |
| Nagoya | December 2 | November 17 | Choose nearby mountains for earlier autumn scenery. |
| Kyoto | December 11 | November 27 | Ginkgo appears earlier; some maple color may extend into December. |
| Osaka | December 4 | November 24 | Combine Osaka with Kyoto, Nara or a regional autumn excursion. |
| Hiroshima | November 28 | November 21 | Miyajima can be a useful late-November addition. |
| Fukuoka | December 7 | November 28 | Mountain and onsen areas in Kyushu turn earlier than central Fukuoka. |
| Kagoshima | December 10 | November 27 | Southern city foliage is generally later than northern Japan. |
View Japan Meteorological Corporation’s October 1 forecast
Where to See Autumn Leaves in Japan Now
As of mid-October, the strongest choices are generally northern Japan and mountain destinations. Some of the highest locations have already passed peak, so “go farther north” is not always enough—you must also consider elevation.
- Hokkaido: choose lower valleys, onsen towns and areas around Sapporo rather than assuming the highest Daisetsuzan viewpoints are still at peak.
- Tohoku: mountain roads, volcanic areas and higher lakes are among the stronger mid-October options.
- Japanese Alps: Kamikochi and elevated Nagano or Toyama areas can be suitable, but cold weather and seasonal transport changes require preparation.
- Nikko: higher locations begin earlier, while the wider area is expected to become more useful from late October.
- Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka: do not expect widespread peak urban foliage yet.
Where to Go Based on Your Travel Dates
Northern and high-elevation Japan
Prioritize suitable parts of Hokkaido, Tohoku and the Japanese Alps. Check altitude carefully because the highest areas may already be beyond peak.
Nikko, Tohoku and inland mountains
Nikko becomes a stronger option, along with cooler parts of Tohoku and central Japan. Popular roads and buses may experience congestion.
Fuji Five Lakes and lower mountain areas
Lake Kawaguchiko, Karuizawa, lower-elevation Nagano and selected Tohoku locations become easier to combine with major-city itineraries.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and western Japan
Urban ginkgo and early-to-mid maple color become more important, although the current forecast suggests some famous maple locations may remain later.
Kyoto, Osaka and southern cities
Later maple destinations may remain colorful. Kyoto’s representative maple date is currently forecast for December 11.
Follow elevation, not one famous city
A route combining mountains, lakes, cities and gardens creates more opportunities than relying on one exact attraction to peak on one day.
Best Japan Autumn Destinations for 2026
Nikko
Lake Chuzenji, Ryuzu Falls, Kegon Falls and the shrine area sit at different elevations. This creates a longer practical season than a single city garden.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko combines foliage with possible Mt. Fuji views. An overnight stay offers better flexibility because clouds can hide the mountain even during a good foliage period.
Tohoku
Tohoku offers mountain roads, lakes and gorges with varied timing. Oirase, Lake Towada, Hakkoda and other destinations should be checked individually because altitude changes the viewing period.
Tokyo
Rikugien, Koishikawa Korakuen, Meiji Jingu Gaien and Mt. Takao do not all peak together. Ginkgo and maple dates should be treated separately.
Kyoto and Nara
The current forecast favors a later season. Temple gardens can still vary, so combine several districts rather than planning the trip around a single tree or courtyard.
Miyajima and Hiroshima
Miyajima can add autumn color to a western Japan itinerary. The representative Hiroshima maple date is currently forecast for November 28.
Will Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Be Late in 2026?
Tokyo
Tokyo’s representative maple date remains forecast for November 28, while the ginkgo date is November 26. Travelers arriving in October should use Tokyo as a base for a cooler mountain day trip rather than expect peak city foliage.
Kyoto
Kyoto has the latest representative maple date among the three major cities: December 11. Its ginkgo date is November 27, so yellow and red foliage will not necessarily peak together.
Osaka
Osaka’s representative maple date is forecast for December 4 and ginkgo for November 24. Visitors arriving earlier can combine the city with Nara, Kyoto or higher-elevation destinations.
These dates do not mean every attraction will be green until that exact day. They show when most leaves on a representative observation tree are expected to have changed color.
How to Plan a Japan Autumn Trip Without Chasing One Date
- Choose destinations based on both latitude and elevation.
- Treat national city dates as regional indicators, not guarantees.
- Check attraction-level conditions several days before visiting.
- Include at least one mountain, lake or higher-elevation destination.
- Avoid changing hotels every night merely to chase foliage.
- Start early when visiting Nikko, Kyoto, Kawaguchiko or other popular areas.
- Reserve accommodation and long-distance transport before peak weekends.
- Prepare a non-foliage alternative for rain, clouds or transport disruption.
- Check road, ropeway, hiking-trail and seasonal bus operation separately.
- Do not rely on heavily edited social-media photos as a current-condition report.
Continue Planning Your Autumn Japan Trip
Tell Jatravi your travel dates, preferred cities, group size and travel pace. We can prepare a free initial itinerary proposal that balances major destinations with the regions most suitable for your dates. Submitting the form does not place an order or require immediate payment.
Request a Free Initial ProposalJapan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2026 FAQ
When will autumn leaves peak in Tokyo in 2026?
Tokyo’s representative red maple date is forecast for November 28, with yellow ginkgo around November 26. Individual parks and mountains may differ.
When will autumn leaves peak in Kyoto in 2026?
Kyoto’s representative red maple date is forecast for December 11 and its yellow ginkgo date for November 27. Different temples may peak earlier or later.
Where can I see autumn leaves in Japan in October?
Hokkaido, Tohoku, the Japanese Alps and higher-elevation areas are generally the best October choices. Nikko becomes more suitable from late October.
Are Japan’s autumn leaves late in 2026?
Many locations through mid-October remain near normal timing, but destinations that usually peak from late October onward may be slightly later because of warmer conditions.
Is October too early for Kyoto autumn leaves?
October is generally too early for Kyoto’s main urban maple displays. The current forecast favors late November into December.
Is one forecast date the exact peak day?
No. National dates describe representative observation trees. Elevation, tree type and local weather cause individual attractions to change at different times.
When will the next 2026 foliage forecast be released?
Japan Meteorological Corporation states that its next national update is planned for early November 2026.
Forecast information last reviewed on October 14, 2026 using Japan Meteorological Corporation, the Japan Weather Association, JNTO and Weathernews. Autumn conditions change with temperature, rainfall, altitude and local weather. Recheck official local information before traveling.
