Where to see autumn leaves in Japan

Daisetsuzan's high alpine zone can reach peak autumn colour around mid-September. Use the ropeway for access and check live weather because temperatures fall quickly.

Autumn colour around the caldera normally develops before central Japan. Exact timing changes each year with Hokkaido temperatures.

Grass turns gold in September and forest foliage develops into October, when the first snow may appear on Mount Rishiri.

The official autumn event period begins in early October. Colour timing varies through the gorge, so check the Semboku local notice before travelling.

Allow time to finish outdoor walks before sunset. Check the current foliage report and temple notices; evening illuminations require separately confirmed dates.

Highland forest colour surrounds the blue and turquoise ponds.

Autumn viewing window: Mid-October to early November. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. Check which walking trails and seasonal bus services are operating; allow extra time on autumn weekends.

Autumn viewing window: Late October to early November. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. Check current trail sections, bus timetables and winter access. Choose a walk that fits your return transport.

Autumn foliage is a seasonal highlight; timing and colors vary each year. Plan outdoor walks before sunset as daylight becomes shorter. The ascent has about 1,000 steps. Check trail conditions; do not assume the upper route is suitable for strollers.

Maples and ginkgo colour the park after the mountain areas.

Maples add vivid colour around the wide curtain of water.

Maples turn orange and crimson around the moss and stone figures.

Maples colour the valley around the broad cascade.

Cool air and autumn colour frame the shrine; arrive early for a quieter lakeside torii view.

Red and gold slopes reflect on the lake around the three ports.

Autumn colour surrounds the line toward Miyanoshita and Gora.

Cool weather and changing leaves suit an open-air bath after sightseeing.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Use a daylight visit for autumn garden scenery; wind off the water can feel cold.

The official calendar places red kochia around mid-October and cosmos through much of October. Colour timing changes with the weather.

Colour timing shifts with elevation. Peak weekends can produce long traffic queues, so travel early and allow extra time.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Autumn garden colors vary with conditions. Check temple notices for opening times and any special evening admission.

Autumn colour arrives earlier than central Nikko because of elevation. Expect congestion on Irohazaka.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Autumn maples are a highlight. Late-winter plum blossoms depend on the current flowering report.

Autumn viewing window: Mid to late October. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. Lake temperatures can be lower than central Nikko. Allow for Irohazaka traffic and check boat and bus schedules.

Gunma Tourism identifies early to mid-November as the usual foliage window. The safest viewpoint and open routes must be confirmed before travel.

Autumn viewing window: November to early December. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. The map point is near Takaosanguchi, the starting area rather than the summit. Select a suitable walking route; check trail and cable-car operation before departure.

November · Maple illumination event. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Maple colour is usually strongest around the landscaped garden.

November · Park autumn colour. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Maple foliage is a seasonal highlight; check the current color report. Evening entry depends on separately announced dates.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Autumn viewing window: November; exact peak varies between avenues. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. Check the park opening calendar and choose an entrance near your route. Evening illuminations require separately confirmed dates and admission.

Colour spreads through the surrounding valleys and pilgrimage routes.

Cooler weather and foliage suit a full day in the outdoor town.

Cooler days suit long family visits before midwinter.

Maples normally colour from late October into November. Peak timing changes in the mountain climate.

Maple and ginkgo colour adds seasonal framing to the traditional buildings.

Wetland grasses and nearby Sengokuhara foliage change before winter closure.

A second rose season overlaps with changing leaves around Gora.

Forest colour spreads from Owakudani toward Lake Ashi.

Late foliage and seasonal light catch the glass garden differently.

Foliage reaches the lower valley later than Owakudani and Sengokuhara.

Maples around the red bridge and spring source reach peak colour.

Maples and ginkgo add colour among the Edo Castle remains.

Autumn foliage colours the forest beside the statues.

Mountain colour surrounds bridges, hotels and river viewpoints.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Maples and other deciduous trees colour gradually around the pond.

Gunma’s official autumn guide gives mid-October to early November as the typical window for deciduous trees and larch colour.

Mountain foliage usually develops earlier than central Tokyo.

Mid-November–early December · Golden ginkgo avenue. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Cooler weather and changing leaves add autumn colour to the lakeside walk.

Forest colour spreads along the lower trail while the summit stays exposed and cool.

Colour reaches the higher forest before central Tokyo; timing changes by elevation.

The warmer peninsula colours later than mountain regions farther north.

Colour starts high around Tenjindaira and descends toward the valley.

Colour begins near the ropeway before moving down the plateau.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Autumn colour appears beneath the tall evergreen cedars.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Maples colour the garden and wooden verandas.

Central Nikko typically has autumn foliage from late October to mid-November. Combine the shrine visit with nearby paths in the World Heritage district. Higher-altitude Oku-Nikko changes earlier, so do not use this window for the lakes and mountain passes. Timing varies each year; this is not a live forecast.

Colour reaches the high valley earlier than the lakeshore; check ropeway operation before leaving.

Deciduous woodland adds colour around the museum and sculpture trail.

Maples colour the World Heritage precinct around Rinnoji.

High elevation brings colour earlier than central Nikko.

Late-autumn foliage overlaps with the park’s fuyuzakura flowering period, creating its most distinctive scene. Exact colour and flowering vary by year.

The marsh turns gold before lower Nikko reaches peak colour.

Walk through the garden for red maples and golden ginkgo. Mid-November to early December is a broad Tokyo foliage window; individual trees change at different times. Check the garden’s current leaf report and opening days. Timing varies each year; this is not a live forecast.

Central Nikko usually colours after the higher lake area. Exact peak changes each year.

Red and gold leaves contrast with dark cedar and decorated gates.

Yoro Valley often colours after Tokyo’s mountain areas, but timing and trail access vary.

Colour starts early around Lake Yunoko and the falls.

Seed heads turn silver, then gold in low afternoon light.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Late autumn foliage and winter plum flowering are distinct experiences; check the local reports before booking.

November foliage can add warm colors to the hillside and pagoda view.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

November is the normal autumn-colour period around the castle and mountain.

The annual maple festival centres on the strongest autumn colour; dates and night lighting vary.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

JNTO describes mountain colour in early October, broadleaf colour along the valley in mid-October and larch colour from late October. Plan around the seasonal bus timetable.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Maples and zelkovas bring gold and crimson foliage. November is a planning window, not a predicted peak date.

Bring a warm layer and allow extra time for seasonal crowds. Check the current foliage report; festival and illumination dates are announced separately.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

The prefectural guide describes autumn colors beside the blue water. November is a planning window; check the current report.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Autumn colour moves through Okuhida at different times by elevation; combine bath and ropeway conditions only after checking live updates.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Visit Gifu identifies mid- to late November as the normal strongest colour, sometimes extending toward early December.

The operator describes autumn reds and yellows. November is an editorial planning window; confirm the actual foliage with the operator.

Autumn can combine fresh snow, red foliage and remaining green across different elevations. Exact timing changes rapidly.

Autumn viewing window: Early to mid-November, varying along the gorge. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. This point is near Senga Falls. Gorge walks include steps and uneven surfaces; confirm your entrance, route and return bus.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. The Izu tourism calendar identifies this park for autumn maples. Check the operator for admission and any light-up dates.

Mid-November onward is a typical foliage window in the Shuzenji area. Combine the town walk with officially open autumn viewing areas; the bamboo itself stays green. Take a layer for cooler mornings and evenings. Seasonal timing and access can change; this is planning guidance, not a live forecast.

Ginkgo and deciduous trees add colour around the keep and moat.

The official guide identifies late October to mid-November as the usual autumn-colour peak.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

The Yuzawa and Uonuma mountains change before lower urban areas. Ropeway and trail operating periods differ, so confirm the specific facility.

Mountain colour frames both villages before snow season.

The official tourism guide identifies mid-October to early November as the main foliage window. Elevation changes mean different sections colour at different times.

Autumn foliage frames the village buildings; timing changes with Takayama’s cooler climate.

Cooler weather and foliage frame the Gandate and Mitsudaki area; verify trail and guide availability.

The official 2026 calendar schedules the autumn foliage event from 14 November through 6 December. Colour changes with temperature, so confirm the park update close to travel.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Colour moves down the surrounding slopes before the winter closure.

Foliage descends through the gorge; exact colour and train reach vary by date.

Late October–November · Maple Corridor illumination. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Autumn leaves and evening illumination normally concentrate around the north-shore maple corridor; confirm annual dates.

Maples and zelkova around the moat frame the black keep. Exact colour timing moves with autumn temperatures.

Autumn is associated with Mino’s larger Akari exhibition season. Confirm current event dates separately from normal gallery opening.

The main colour window is late autumn, commonly strongest in early to mid-November. Check current colour and traffic controls.

Autumn reaches the high slopes early, while the access road normally closes by late October or early November.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Colour begins early at high elevation and moves downhill. Confirm the final shuttle and road operating dates.

Cooler air and early alpine autumn can improve visibility. Nights become cold, and snow or ice may arrive before the nominal season ends.

Maples and ginkgo colour the grounds after much of northern Japan; confirm current building access before arrival.

Autumn temperatures suit a longer downtown loop, with colour in nearby parks.

Visit Gifu lists late October to mid-November as the usual strongest foliage period around Yumori Valley.

Cooler hiking weather and surrounding colour can make autumn attractive. Check trail conditions and daylight.

This section of the Seseragi Highway is especially attractive in autumn; peak changes with altitude and weather.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Autumn adds mountain colour before the normal winter suspension. Confirm the final operating date.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Cooler temperatures and surrounding colour suit the exposed summit walk. Start early enough to descend before dark.

The tourist association lists late October to early November as the usual best period for autumn leaves. Walk the public village paths for foliage around the thatched houses and surrounding hills. Respect residential areas and check transport and weather before departure. Timing varies each year; this is not a live forecast.

Cool weather suits a castle-town walk and scattered foliage along the rivers.

Autumn starts at high elevation well before Toyama City; transport may be busy at peak colour.

Autumn colour commonly develops from late October into November; exact peak changes with temperature and elevation.

Mino’s autumn lantern art events often bring illuminated washi works into the historic district; confirm the current year’s official dates.

Foliage reaches the town and gorge at different times, making multi-day stays useful.

The park’s normal autumn-colour window is mid-October through early November.

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

The prefectural guide describes autumn pampas grass around the viewpoint. October–November is a planning window, not a live color report.

Rice fields and surrounding hills shift into an autumn rural scene. Exact harvest timing changes each year.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Autumn foliage is a major draw. Confirm seasonal ticketing and any evening opening with the temple.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Visit for pavilion reflections and garden scenery. Snow can transform the scene in winter but is never guaranteed.

Autumn foliage colors the slopes around the wooden stage; timing changes with the weather.

Bring a warm layer and allow extra time for seasonal crowds. Autumn garden foliage depends on the year; check local color reports and any special opening notices.

November · Kurama mountain autumn. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Autumn viewing window: Late November to early December. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. This is a public road. Photograph from permitted pedestrian areas, stay out of traffic and use designated parking.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Autumn foliage is a highlight of the valley walk; check current leaf conditions and trail access.

November · Ukimido and autumn evening. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Allow extra queue time and finish outdoor walks before dark. Maple viewing is especially popular in autumn; allow extra time for queues.

Combine the bamboo grove with the surrounding Arashiyama district for autumn foliage; the bamboo itself stays green. Plan around mid-to-late November with possible color into early December. Check Kyoto’s leaf calendar; gardens and night events have separate admission and schedules. Timing varies each year; this is not a live forecast.

Autumn temperatures make the full mountain route more comfortable; scattered foliage complements the vermilion gates.

Kyoto’s official autumn guide places the usual peak from mid-November into early December.

Colour develops earlier at the summit than in central Kyoto. Confirm the current foliage report and cableway or road timetable.

Autumn scenery is possible before winter access closes, but exact timing and road operation depend on elevation and weather.

Autumn foliage brings a quieter mountain-temple visit, with timing changing by elevation.

Late October–mid December · Garden illumination. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Late October–mid December · Pagoda and maple illumination. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Maples around Momijidani and Daishoin normally colour in November. Tide time determines whether the great torii appears floating or approachable.

Mid–late November · Miyajima maple valley. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.

Autumn illumination often coordinates with Korakuen, but exact dates and hours change annually.

Autumn ceremonies and surrounding colour make November attractive; confirm current festival access and times.

Cooler weather is comfortable for the canal district and nearby heritage buildings.

Cool weather and clearer air suit the pagoda viewpoint, though autumn foliage is scattered.

Sandankyo Gorge is a notable visitor destination in Hiroshima Prefecture. Check the official local source for current access, hours, closures and seasonal conditions.

November is the main late-autumn planning month for Kankakei's ropeway and cliff views. Coordinate ferry, island bus and ropeway times before leaving the mainland.

Autumn foliage is a seasonal highlight; timing and colors vary each year. Bring warm layers and consult current local seasonal reports. Allow time for a slow circuit. Boat rides, tea houses and evening openings have separate arrangements.

Cooler weather and lower humidity often suit cycling and island views.

Autumn foliage is a seasonal highlight; timing and colors vary each year. Bring warm layers and consult current local seasonal reports. Follow the current official visitor route; restoration means some areas remain inaccessible.

Autumn leaves frame the sacred approach, with exact timing dependent on the year.

Oita tourism lists Lake Kinrin from mid-October. Cooler mornings can bring mist, but the effect depends on temperature, wind and humidity.

Autumn foliage is a seasonal highlight; timing and colors vary each year. Bring warm layers and consult current local seasonal reports. Boat operation depends on river conditions and bookings. Check closures before travelling; paths may be slippery.

Autumn viewing window: Late October to mid-November, depending on altitude. Colors depend on that year’s weather; check a current local foliage report. Check current road, ropeway and trail access. Mountain weather and volcanic restrictions can affect the outing; do not assume every summit route is open.

Autumn brings silver miscanthus grass and can produce a cloud inversion over the caldera. Cloud-sea visibility depends on temperature, wind and humidity.

Cooler weather suits the climb, with scattered autumn colour around the evergreen forest.

Cool weather suits combining Maki Odo with nearby temples and rural scenery.