Autumn leaves in Japan: koyo timing by region and the best places to see them

TUREFF• •0

Koyo, the autumn colouring of maples and ginkgo, is Japan's second great seasonal spectacle after cherry blossom, and in some ways an easier one to catch: it lasts longer and moves slowly across the country from late September to early December. When you go decides where you should be.

Timing by region

The colour starts in the north and on high mountains, then moves south and downhill.

Hokkaido: the mountains of Daisetsuzan are the first in Japan, usually from mid to late September. Sapporo and the lowlands follow in October.
Tohoku and the high mountains of central Japan: October. Places such as Oirase Gorge and the Japan Alps are usually at their best mid to late October.
Nikko: the high areas around Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka road turn first, from around mid October; the shrines in the town follow into early November.
Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes: roughly early to late November.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka: usually late November to early December. Kyoto's famous temples often peak in the last week of November.
Kyushu: similar to Kyoto, slightly later in the lowlands.

Each year is different, and a warm autumn pushes everything later.

Use the forecasts

The Japan Weather Association publishes an autumn leaves forecast on its tenki.jp site, usually first released in early October and updated through November, with peak dates for major cities and many individual spots. Other Japanese weather companies publish their own, and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has an English forecast page. For 2026 the Japan Weather Association expects peak viewing around the usual time or later in most of the country. Check again a week or two before you travel.

Kyoto

Tofuku-ji: the view of a valley of maples from the Tsutenkyo bridge is one of Kyoto's most famous. It is extremely crowded in peak weeks, and the temple has restricted photography on the bridge in past seasons to keep people moving; check its notices before you go.
Eikando (Zenrin-ji): long nicknamed "Momiji no Eikando", Eikando of the maples. It holds evening illuminations in season with separate admission.
Kiyomizu-dera: the wooden stage above a hillside of red, with night illuminations in autumn.
Arashiyama, Nanzen-ji and the Philosopher's Path, and Kitano Tenmangu's maple garden are other favourites.
Some smaller temples, such as Rurikoin, require advance booking in autumn, so check their sites.

The Kyoto temples guide covers etiquette and how to plan a day.

Around Tokyo

Icho Namiki (Meiji Jingu Gaien): an avenue of ginkgo trees that turns brilliant yellow, usually in late November to early December.
Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen: classic gardens with maples, Rikugien with evening illuminations in some years.
Nikko: a full day from Tokyo, more relaxed with a night there. The Irohazaka switchback road and Kegon Falls are spectacular, and the traffic in peak weekends is notorious; take the bus early or go on a weekday.
Hakone: lakes, ropeway views and hot springs, easy to combine with an onsen night.
Mount Takao: a short trip from Shinjuku for a hike with colour, very busy on weekends.

Elsewhere

Miyajima: Momijidani Park, the Valley of Maples, behind the shrine (see the Hiroshima and Miyajima guide).
Hokkaido: Jozankei near Sapporo, and the Daisetsuzan area in late September.

Crowd tips

Go early in the morning, especially at Tofuku-ji, Eikando and Arashiyama. Morning light on maples is better too.
Weekdays are much quieter than weekends and the Labour Thanksgiving holiday on 23 November.
Book hotels in Kyoto well ahead for the second half of November, which is one of the busiest periods of the year.
Evening illuminations draw long queues; arrive at opening time.
If the famous temples are packed, smaller ones nearby often have just as much colour with a fraction of the visitors.

Where have you seen the best autumn leaves in Japan, and when did you go? Share your tips or ask about timing in the comments.