Japan’s Autumn Leaves 2026: When Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka Are Forecast to Peak

Japan’s cherry blossoms get most of the attention, but autumn has its own devoted following. The Japanese call it koyo, the season when maples turn crimson and ginkgo trees go bright gold, and it draws travellers from around the world.

The latest forecasts suggest this year’s colours will arrive later than usual in many big cities. Here is what the numbers say and how to use them when planning a trip.

How the koyo season works

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the autumn leaf season runs from late September to early December. It starts in Hokkaido, in the far north, and moves south, reaching mountains before cities. JNTO explains that the most vivid colours depend on a combination of cool mornings, warm days and cold evenings.

That means there is no single “best week” for Japan as a whole. The right timing depends entirely on where the trip is headed.

The 2026 forecast

Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) publishes autumn leaf forecasts covering around 700 locations. Its second forecast of 2026, released on October 1, gives an expected date for when most leaves on the trees turn colour. The next update is due in early November.

Red maple forecast for major cities

Here is JMC’s forecast compared with the average date for each city:

• Sapporo: November 4 (average October 28)
• Aomori: November 13 (average November 13)
• Sendai: November 24 (average November 21)
• Nagano: November 21 (average November 12)
• Tokyo: November 28 (average November 28)
• Kanazawa: November 30 (average November 24)
• Nagoya: December 2 (average November 28)
• Osaka: December 4 (average December 1)
• Hiroshima: November 28 (average November 22)
• Fukuoka: December 7 (average December 1)
• Kagoshima: December 10 (average December 15)
• Kyoto: December 11 (average December 5)

The pattern is clear. Kyoto, Nagano, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Fukuoka are expected later than usual, Tokyo and Aomori are on track with the average, and Kagoshima is forecast slightly earlier.

Golden ginkgo forecast

Ginkgo trees, famous along avenues in Tokyo and Osaka, have their own timeline:

• Sapporo: November 3 (average November 4)
• Nagano: November 14 (average November 10)
• Osaka: November 24 (average November 22)
• Tokyo: November 26 (average November 23)
• Kyoto: November 27 (average November 24)

What this means for trip planning

For Kyoto lovers

Kyoto is the classic autumn destination, with temple gardens framed by maples. A forecast of December 11 suggests the colours may be at their best in the first half of December this year, rather than late November. A trip in early to mid December looks like a sensible window, though forecasts can shift.

For Tokyo and Osaka

Tokyo’s red leaves are forecast for late November, right on schedule, with ginkgo turning gold just before. Osaka follows in early December. A late November to early December trip could catch both cities near their best.

For an early-season trip

Travellers who can only go in early November could look north. Sapporo’s maples are forecast for early November, and the mountains generally colour before the cities, per JNTO.

Practical planning tips

• Watch for the November update. JMC’s next forecast arrives in early November, and dates may move as the weather develops.
• Build in buffer days. Colours peak over several days, but weather can change things quickly, so flexibility helps.
• Go early in the day. Famous temples and gardens get very crowded during peak weeks.
• Pack layers. Mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in the mountains and northern regions.
• Check visa requirements early. Indian passport holders should confirm current visa rules with the Embassy of Japan in India or its official visa application channels well before travel.

Why autumn in Japan feels special

Part of the charm is how the season moves. A traveller could, in theory, chase colour from Hokkaido in October to Kyushu in December. Another part is the setting: maples reflected in temple ponds, ginkgo leaves carpeting city streets and mountain valleys turning red and gold. It is no surprise moody, nature-led travel featured heavily in Pinterest’s 2026 trend predictions.

For anyone planning a trip this year, the short version is simple: the north first, the big cities from late November, and Kyoto a little later than usual.

Sources

• Japan Meteorological Corporation: 2026 autumn leaves forecast
• Japan National Tourism Organization: Autumn leaves forecast
• Pinterest Newsroom: Pinterest Predicts 2026

Photo: Dmitry Romanoff on Pexels