Autumn in Japan 2025: Foliage Forecast & Where to See the Best Koyo (15 Sept Update)

Ah, autumn season in Japan. When the entire country explodes with colour. Picture vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and shimmering golds.

And as cliché as it sounds, everything takes on a Ghibli-esque charm. Almost anime-like, you know? Especially when sunlight filters gloriously through the foliage.

But enough daydreaming. You’re here to find out exactly when autumn happens in Japan and the best places to see it.

From the beloved custom of momijigari (red leaf hunting) to harvest festivals and seasonal foods, here’s a complete guide to help you fall (pun intended) in love with autumn in Japan.

Japan’s Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025 (Peak Foliage Timing)

And now for the good part. When is the best time to see Japan’s autumn leaves at their peak?

Well, it changes every year.

And you’ll also need to factor in what type of leaves you’d like to see - red or yellow - since certain places peak at different times.

In any case, we’ve split it into two so you can plan your trip at just the right time.

Japan Red Leaves Forecast 2025 by City

Here’s a fuller look at more cities in the table below for red leaves:

Japan Yellow Leaves Forecast 2025 by City

And here’s another table for yellow leaves viewing:

Traveller’s note: These forecasts and predictions are based on past records and current models, but Mother Nature often has other plans. Always check updates before your autumn trip to Japan.

Ultimately, it’s always a good idea to check the latest updates before your trip. The official website of the Japan Meteorological Corporation is a great place to start.

Best Time to Visit Japan in the Fall

To answer that question, you first need to understand how autumn travels across Japan.

What do we mean by this?

Well, Japan’s autumn colours don’t appear all at once. The leaves turn at different times, sweeping gradually from north to south.

It’s very much like cherry blossom season - each region peaks in its own time.

But first things first, a planning tip.

If your trip dates are fixed, use the tables above to match your destination with the forecast.

If you’re flexible, follow the season’s flow: start north early in autumn, and head south for the last bursts of colour.

Here’s the flow below:

• September to early October: Hokkaido leads the show. Daisetsuzan National Park is often the first to turn - the best bet for early-season travellers.

Daisetsuzan National Park

• Late October to November: Tohoku and the Chubu highlands burst into colour. Much of central Japan - including Tokyo and Nagano - peaks in mid to late November.

• Late November to December: Kyoto and Osaka become spectacular. Late-season maples stretch well into December. And if you’re travelling even later, Kyushu’s mild climate means you can still catch autumn leaves before winter.

Average Autumn Temperatures in Japan (Sep–Nov)

So, is autumn cold in Japan?

Well, it’s crisp for sure. But not frigid or freezing.

Days are comfortably mild, and nights are cool, especially from October to early November.

To be safe, it’s worth packing layers (we’ll talk more about that later).

Also, remember that daylight hours get shorter as autumn slides into winter.

If you’re coming from a tropical climate with only hot and humid seasons, you might be surprised. The sun sets around 4:30-5:00pm in many parts of Japan.

The Absolute Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan

Japan during autumn is pure magic.

If you’ve played Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll remember the fluttering carpets of leaves. And while reality isn’t video-game perfect, Japan’s autumn foliage comes impressively close.

This is also when people enjoy momijigari - the tradition of travelling to admire the colours of fall. From quiet villages to bustling city parks, here are the absolute best places to see them, region by region from north to south.

Northern Japan (Hokkaido & Tohoku)

Daisetsuzan National Park

How could any list of the best autumn spots in Japan leave out the country’s very first place to see autumn colours? Daisetsuzan is where the season begins. Think sweeping mountains glowing red, orange, and yellow from peak to valley. By late September, you can even catch the earliest colours at Mount Asahidake, Ginsendai, or Kogen Onsen.

Nakajima Park (Sapporo)

Nakajima Park may look pretty in photos, but it’s one of those places that’s even better in real life. A simple stroll around the lake is glorious in autumn. Beyond the foliage, you’ll also find a museum, a concert hall, an observatory, and two shrines at the park’s southern end.

Jozankei Onsen

Hokkaido’s autumn foliage really shines in this cosy hot spring valley. Just an hour away, Jozankei makes an easy day trip from Sapporo. Fiery maples spill down the cliffs of the Toyohira River, lighting up the gorge in brilliant colour. After the views, unwind in an onsen. Or join a buffet lunch tour.

Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge

Lake Towada, Honshu’s largest caldera lake, dazzles in autumn with fiery foliage best seen from a scenic boat ride. Nearby, Oirase Gorge is a dream for walkers. Its riverside trail winds past waterfalls and mountainsides glowing red, orange, and yellow. Pro tip: combine both on an Aomori day tour.

Naruko Gorge (Miyagi)

A 100-metre-deep gorge with dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and a river blanketed in red and gold? We’re sold. This iconic spot is one of the best places to experience Japan in fall. Head to Ofukasawa Bridge for sweeping views of the Oya River, or explore hiking trails around Naruko Onsen that weave through canyons and forests.

Dakigaeri Valley & Lake Tazawa (Akita)

Two autumn spots you can easily pair in one trip. Dakigaeri Valley is known for its striking rock formations and blazing foliage, while Lake Tazawa - Japan’s deepest lake - is ringed by mountains glowing with colour. Better yet, shuttle buses connect the two, making it a hassle-free adventure.

Yamadera (Yamagata)

How does a mountainside temple with sweeping autumn views sound? If that’s your vibe, head to Yamadera, also known as Risshakuji Temple. This breathtaking complex is built right into the cliffs (crazy, right?) and offers some of the best autumn foliage in Japan. Pro tip: rent a car at JR Yamagata Station. The drive alone has epic views.

Hakkoda Mountains (Aomori)

Nothing beats high-altitude foliage with misty mountain backdrops. For that, head straight to the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture. Here you’ll find sublime views of red and yellow autumn leaves from Japanese maple and rowan trees. Highlights include the 300-year-old Sukayu Onsen and the Hakkoda Ropeway, which takes you up to the 1,320-metre summit of Tamoyachidake Peak.

Tokyo & Eastern Japan (Kanto)

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo)

Autumn in Tokyo isn’t complete without a stop at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Famous for its blooms during cherry blossom season, the park comes alive in autumn with fiery colours set against Japanese, English, and French landscapes. For something special, join a private tour. Some even include a traditional Japanese breakfast to start your day.

Rikugien Garden (Tokyo)

Japanese landscape gardens are always a sight to see, and one of Tokyo’s most beautiful is Rikugien. This Edo-style strolling garden is famed for its maple light-ups in autumn. Expect man-made hills, forested paths, and teahouses where you can take a break. The pond-side Fukiage Chaya is especially lovely for tea with a view.

Icho Namiki, Ginkgo Avenue (Tokyo)

If you’re wondering where to see autumn leaves in Tokyo, Icho Namiki should be at the top of your list. This tree-lined avenue beside Meiji Jingu Gaien Park turns into a glowing tunnel of golden ginkgo trees from late November to early December. It’s also a perfect starting point for walking tours to other iconic Tokyo spots like Senso-ji and Harajuku.

Nikkō & Okunikko (Tochigi)

To see just how vibrant Japan’s autumn colours can get, head to Nikkō and Okunikko. Think shrines, waterfalls, and mountains draped in foliage. Mid-October to early November is the best time see foliage at its peak. Highlights include Lake Chuzenji, Tochigi’s largest lake, and the Senjogahara Hiking Trail. Pro tip: grab the Nikko World Heritage Area Pass to easily explore all the UNESCO sites by local train.

Mount Takao

If you haven’t realised already, autumn in Japan is a big deal. And Mount Takao, on the edge of western Tokyo, is one of the best places to experience it. Think brilliant yellows, reds, and oranges, plus the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival 2025 (late October–early December, dates TBC). Best of all, it’s easy to reach with regional passes like the JR East Pass (you can check out our guide on how to use one if you’re new).

Hakone & Fuji Five Lakes

A trip from Tokyo to Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes is a classic Japan experience. With hot springs, lakes, and Mt. Fuji as your backdrop, what’s not to love? Highlights include Arakurayama Sengen Park, the Mount Fuji 5th Station, and Lake Kawaguchiko - stunning in autumn and a magnet for photographers. For easy travel, grab the Hakone Free Pass, which covers local transport and offers discounts at over 70 attractions.

Central Japan (Nagano, Gifu & Chubu)

Kamikōchi (Nagano Alps)

Crisp alpine scenery with rivers and peaks. Sound like heaven? Welcome to the Northern Japanese Alps. Famed for its autumn views, Kamikōchi shines in October when larch trees turn a brilliant golden yellow. Add snow-dusted mountains and the clear Azusa River, and it’s a spectacular sight. The valley usually closes in mid-November for winter. But until then, 1-day trips from Takayama are easy to arrange.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Famed for dramatic mountain vistas and early snow, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route also dazzles in autumn. At Murodo, nanakamado bushes and chinguruma shrubs blaze red and orange, while foliage shifts with the elevation down to Kurobe Dam. Visit from late September to mid-October, or opt for a spring route tour for an equally spectacular experience.

Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Takayama and Shirakawa-go are often known for their fairytale charm and snowy winter scenes, but autumn is when they truly surprise. Think golden ginkgo, fiery maples, and the lively Takayama Autumn Festival bringing the streets to life. Fewer crowds make it an even better time to visit. And if you’re short on time, tours from Nagoya cover both destinations in one trip.

Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa)

If you’re wondering where to go in autumn in Japan, Kenroku-en is hard to beat. Ranked among Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” this Edo-period masterpiece shines in every season. But Kenroku-en autumn is especially stunning. By day, fiery foliage frames tranquil ponds; by night, illuminated yukitsuri ropes create a dreamlike glow. Short on time? The Kanazawa Highlights Tour also covers the garden.

Lake Biwa & Surrounds (Shiga)

For a classic Shiga autumn escape, it’s hard to beat Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. The area brims with temples and maple groves, with Keisoku-ji’s red carpet of leaves a true standout. Mount Hiei also offers sweeping lake views. Visiting a little earlier, in pre-autumn? Kayaking on Lake Biwa is a fab way to soak in the scenery before the autumn colours arrive.

Kyoto, Osaka & Western Japan (Kansai)

Kyoto’s Temple Highlights

We know, we know. Kyoto is crowded with tourists. But there’s a reason for that. The ancient capital is overflowing with temples, and naturally, temple-hopping here is one of the best autumn activities in Japan. Highlights include Kiyomizu-dera, Tōfuku-ji, Eikan-dō, and Nanzen-ji, all stunning in peak foliage. Want to see the best in one go? The Kyoto Temple and Shrine Discovery Tour is a great option.

Arashiyama (Kyoto)

Insta-famous and always packed, Arashiyama is still worth braving the crowds for - especially in autumn. The bamboo groves glow in warm hues, and just beyond, the maple leaves explode in fiery reds and golds. Want a smarter way to see it all? Skip the ungodly wake-up call and hop on a rickshaw ride through the forest for a far calmer experience.

Minoh Park (Osaka)

Autumn in Osaka isn’t complete without a jaunt to Minoh Park. The best time to visit is from mid-November to early December (it’s one of Japan’s smallest national parks, by the way). The hike from Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall offers seriously stunning views, and you can even try deep-fried maple leaf tempura - a local specialty. To level up your visit, why not book a private tour to discover hidden spots, with a guide sharing fun facts along the way.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park may be better known for its hanami in spring, but it also offers some of the most beautiful kōyō in autumn. The historic castle framed by golden ginkgo trees makes an excellent photo spot. You can explore on your own, or join one of the many private guided tours to get deeper insights into the castle’s history instead of just wandering around.

Nara Park

There’s just something about deer roaming beneath orange and yellow leaves that transports you to another world. And is there anywhere more iconic in Japan for deer than Nara Park? Shrines and temples are dotted throughout the area too, all easily visited on a day tour. Tōdai-ji Gate, in particular, is loved for its colourful maple trees. Pro tip: from September to November, male deer can be more aggressive during mating season.

Mount Yoshino (Nara)

This sacred mountain is always a joy to visit. Mount Yoshino is famed as one of the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Japan, but when it’s blanketed in reds and yellows during the fall season, it’s just as breathtaking. Head to places like the Hanayagura Observatory or the outdoor baths at Yumoto Hounoya for some of the most incredible panoramic views you’ll ever see.

Kōya-san (Wakayama)

Wondering where to see some of the best autumn leaves in Japan? Don’t hesitate. Head for Kōya-san in Wakayama. This mystical monastery town, set in misty mountain forests, gives total Spirited Away vibes. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major centre for Shingon Buddhism. You can reach it via trains and a cable car, or arrange a private driver from Osaka. Either way, fall in Japan doesn’t get better than this.

Himeji Castle (Hyogo)

Himeji Castle in autumn is pretty much the dictionary definition of magnificent when it comes to fall foliage. Visit Japan’s most famous castle between late October and early December to catch the season at its best. You can also take your visit up a notch by pairing the castle with a stop at Nadagiku Shuzō Sake Brewery - an establishment over 100 years old - on a private tour.

Arima Onsen & Rokkō Mountains

Have you really experienced autumn in Japan without soaking in an onsen? We think not. Arima Onsen, over 1,000 years old and even mentioned in the 720 AD Nihon Shoki, is famous for its ‘silver water’ (ginsen) and ‘gold water’ (kinsen) baths. After a relaxing soak, ride the cable car up to the Rokkō Mountains, where brilliant autumn foliage creates some of the region’s most breathtaking views.

Southern Japan (Chūgoku, Shikoku & Kyushu)

Miyajima (Hiroshima)

Some places in Japan are prettier for cherry blossoms, others in autumn. Miyajima in Hiroshima firmly belongs to the latter. Must-sees include the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park - less than 20 minutes away and perfect to explore on a rickshaw tour - one of Japan’s best maple-viewing spots. At Momijidani, 700 trees blaze in colour, including the ultra-popular Iroha Maple, which turns a brilliant red in autumn.

Ritsurin Garden

Are you a sucker for a perfectly sculpted traditional landscape garden? You’re in the right place. Ritsurin Garden will do the trick. Stroll through six landscaped gardens and thirteen hills, each with views of maples ablaze with fiery autumn colours. You can also hop on a boat ride or unwind in the Kikugetsutei teahouse, while evening light-ups give you every reason to linger after sunset.

Kankakei Gorge

Still deciding what to do in autumn in Japan? A hike through Kankakei Gorge’s blazing foliage is a must. Autumn colours weave between dramatic rock formations, creating a striking contrast. Add sweeping views of the sea and sky, and it’s the kind of scenery that alters your brain chemistry in the best way possible. Don’t skip the Kankakei Ropeway either. It offers superb panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Okayama)

No self-respecting Japan autumn itinerary is complete without some old-school cool. And the Edo-era canal town of Kurashiki Bikan has it in spades. The town is especially picture-perfect when autumn leaves frame its historic canals. Beyond soaking in the scenery, you can go fruit-picking for seasonal peaches and grapes, or slip into a kimono for a photo walk past beautiful Meiji-period buildings.

Yabakei Gorge

Putting the “gorge” in gorgeous, Yabakei Gorge stuns with dramatic cliffs and river scenery that bursts into life in autumn. Brilliant reds and yellows from maple and ginkgo trees set against textured rock formations make it unforgettable. It’s no surprise the area is ranked among Japan’s top three autumn foliage spots - which really tells you all you need to know.

Aso Kuju National Park

One of the best things to do in Japan in autumn? Head straight for the majestic Aso Kuju National Park. Vast volcanic landscapes blaze with autumn shades that wouldn’t look out of place in Jurassic Park. Whether you’re hiking past mountain streams in Kikuchi Gorge or road-tripping along the Yamanami Highway, this is paradise for nature lovers. For true bragging rights, join a private guided tour and conquer Mt. Aso for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Takachiho Gorge

One of those super-aesthetic spots that always pop up on TikTok, Takachiho Gorge is a true stunner - especially in autumn. Sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and blazing foliage… what’s not to love? A boat ride through the gorge is non-negotiable, and it’s easy to fit into an autumn trip to Miyazaki. You can even do a day trip from Fukuoka, though it’ll be long and a little rushed.

Autumn Festivals & Seasonal Events in Japan (2025)

Autumn in Japan isn’t just about the leaves. It’s also festival season. From historic parades to street parties, here are some of the biggest autumn festivals in Japan to look out for this 2025:

• Tsukimi (Moon Viewing) – Oct 6. Celebrate the harvest moon with dango and sake at temples and gardens.

• Nagasaki Kunchi Festival – Oct 7–9. Over 400 years of history with dragon dances and ship-shaped floats.

• Takayama Autumn Festival – Oct 9–10. Watch ornate floats lit with lanterns roll through Takayama’s old town.

• Kawagoe Festival – Oct 18-19. Edo-style floats and lively street music just outside Tokyo.

• Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto) – Oct 22. A grand historical parade by day, followed by the fiery Kurama Fire Festival at night.

• Shichi-Go-San – Nov 15. Spot kids in kimono visiting shrines with their families - a heartwarming tradition.

• Food & Harvest Fairs – From sake tastings to chestnut and persimmon festivals, autumn is foodie heaven.

• Chrysanthemum Festivals – Oct–Nov. Elegant floral displays at shrines and gardens nationwide.

• Autumn Illuminations – Nov. Night light-ups at gardens and temples, like the glowing maples of Korankei in Aichi.

👉 Time your trip around one of these for a mix of autumn colours and Japanese culture.

What to Wear (and Pack) for Autumn in Japan

Autumn in Japan is stunning. But the weather can be a little unpredictable.

Warm afternoons, chilly nights, the odd shower… so the golden rule for what to wear in Japan in autumn?

Layers, layers, layers.

What to Wear by Time of Season

👉 Shoe hack: You’ll slip shoes on/off a lot (temples, ryokan, even restaurants). Pack something comfy and easy, plus fun socks. Because yes, people will notice them.

Style Notes

Packing Must-Haves

• Umbrella - Compact one for surprise showers.

• Daypack/tote - To stash layers when the sun comes out.

• Moisturiser & lip balm - The air gets drier by November.

• Camera/charger - Autumn light is gorgeous (and drains batteries faster).

• Small towel - Perfect for footbaths or a quick onsen dip.

• Masks - Optional, but useful in crowds, flu season, or just for warmth.

✨ Bottom line: smart layers, comfy shoes, and a scarf will keep you sorted - whether it’s 20°C sunshine in Tokyo or a frosty mountain morning. And since autumn fashion in Japan is big, don’t be surprised if you come home with a stylish new coat or two.

Final Thoughts: The Fall Colours to Enjoy in Japan

Travelling to Japan in autumn is all about chasing those magical moments when the colours hit their peak.

From fiery red leaves in temple gardens to golden ginkgo tunnels in city parks, it’s a season you’ll never forget.

Just remember to check the autumn foliage forecast before planning your trip!