Japan’s autumn leaves run late — Kyoto peaks around 23 November, Tokyo near month-end
Forecast peak dates
| Place | Forecast peak | Average | Forecaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Takao, Tokyo | about 13 Nov | — | Weathernews |
| Miyajima | about 21 Nov | — | Weathernews |
| Arashiyama, Kyoto | about 23 Nov | — | Weathernews |
| Osaka — ginkgo | 27 Nov | 22 Nov | JMC |
| Tokyo — ginkgo | 29 Nov | 23 Nov | JMC |
| Kyoto — ginkgo | 30 Nov | 24 Nov | JMC |
| Tokyo — maples | 30 Nov | 28 Nov | JMC |
| Osaka — maples | 6 Dec | 1 Dec | JMC |
| Fukuoka — maples | 10 Dec | 1 Dec | JMC |
| Kyoto — maples | 14 Dec | 5 Dec | JMC |
Weathernews published its third forecast on 29 October. The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) published its third and final forecast on 4 November.
Why two sets of dates
Weathernews forecasts famous viewing spots. JMC forecasts each city’s reference trees — the day when most of a tree’s leaves have turned. Hills and famous gardens often colour earlier, so Kyoto’s Arashiyama (about 23 Nov) peaks well before Kyoto’s reference maple (14 Dec).
Why it is late
Hot weather in late summer and autumn slowed the colour change. Weathernews still expects bright colour, because October was sunny after a dull September. High mountains peaked in October: Nikko’s Irohazaka road and Kamikochi were already at their peak by the end of the month.
What to do
- Kyoto: aim for 20–30 November. 21–23 November is a three-day weekend in Japan (Labour Thanksgiving Day is Monday 23 November), so expect the biggest crowds then. Go early in the morning, or on a weekday.
- Tokyo: Mount Takao on a weekday in mid-November; ginkgo avenues and city gardens in late November. The Rikugien garden light-up runs 25 November – 6 December, with a cap on tickets each night.
- Mount Fuji: the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival runs 7–29 November, with the Momiji Corridor lit after dark.
- Book now: Kyoto weekends fill first. Osaka is 15–30 minutes from Kyoto by train.
Flying from Los Angeles
Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports are the main gateways from Los Angeles. See the live LAX, Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda boards. Region-by-region dates are in our new Japan Autumn Leaves guide.
References
- Japan Meteorological Corporation — 2026 Autumn Foliage Forecast, 3rd edition (4 Nov)
- Weathernews — autumn leaves forecast 2026, third edition (29 Oct, Japanese)
- Travel Voice — Weathernews third forecast, spot by spot (30 Oct, Japanese)
- Nippon.com — Japan’s Autumn Foliage Forecast 2026 (4 Sep)
- Kyodo News PR Wire — 28th Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival opens 7 Nov (Japanese)
- SoraNews24 — Rikugien garden announces its autumn illumination (9 Sep)