Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast: Best Time to View Fall Foliage 2025

Last Updated: November 29,2024

After the first sight of red leaves appears in Hokkaido in September every year, it heads south and arrives in Kyushu, making the whole of Japan turn red. The period from late September to early December when the autumn leaves turn red all over the country is called the "Japan Fall Foliage Season". When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Japan 2025? Here is the ultimate guide to the Japan autumn foliage forecast 2025. Contact us for a private Japan autumn 2025 trip, using a car and driver let you see a great deal in a relatively small amount of time.

Table of Contents

1. Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025

2. Japan Meteorological Corporation Autumn Foliage 2024

3. Autumn in Japan 2025 (Travel Tips)

4. Things to Do during a 2025 Japan Autumn Leaves Tour

Japan Fall Foliage

1. Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2025

The red foliage in Japan appears in autumn when the temperature drops, showing off its orange and red color, and the leaves fall in the winter. The lower and cooler the temperature, the higher the chance of seeing the splendor of red leaves Japan. When is the best time for autumn leaves in Japan 2025? Generally speaking, every year, Japan maple leaf season begins in September in Hokkaido in the north, then spreads to the Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai regions in the south in October, and reaches Kyushu in the south in December. The peak of autumn foliage is known as "koyo" in Japanese. When you view the fall foliage Japan at the best time of the year, you can enjoy and photograph the autumn leaves at their best in the area. Check out the autumn leaves calendar Japan and the best time for autumn colours in Japan 2025 in the following:

Admire the Aomori Autumn Leaves at Oirase Gorge

Hokkaido Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025

●Best time to see fall foliage: Late September to mid-October

Best places to view Hokkaido red leaves: Sapporo, Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo Gorge, Jozankei Onsen, Shiretoko Goko Five Lakes, Noboribetsu Onsen

Japan Tohoku Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025

Best time to see fall colors: Early October to late October

Best places to admire autumn foliage in Japan Tohoku area:

Aomori Prefecture: Oirase Gorge, Shirakami-Sanchi, Lake Towada

Iwate Prefecture: Hachimantai, Chūsonji Temple

Miyagi Prefecture: Oufukasawa Bridge

Yamagata Prefecture: Zao Onsen

Fukushima Prefecture: Lac Goshiki, Urabandai, Mount Adatara

Karuizawa Autumn Leaves

Central Japan and Hokuriku Fall Foliage Forecast 2025

Best time to see autumn foliage: Mid-October to mid-November

Best places to view fall foliage in Central Japan and Hokuriku Region:

Aichi Prefecture: Korankei Gorge, Oidaira Park

Nagano Prefecture: Hakuba, Karuizawa

Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine

Yamanashi Prefecture: Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi

Shizuoka Prefecture: Sumata Pass

Gifu Prefecture: Gero Onsen

Fukui Prefecture: Lake Kuzuryu

Ishikawa Prefecture: Kenroku-en

Niigata Prefecture: Yahiko, Lake Oku-tadami

Japan Fall Foliage in Okayama

Japan Chūgoku and Shikoku Fall Foliage Forecast 2025

Best time to see fall foliage: Late October to mid-November

Best places to see autumn leaves in Chūgoku and Shikoku Japan:

Tottori Prefecture: Daisen

Kagawa Prefecture: Kankakei

Tokushima Prefecture: Iya Onsen

Okayama Prefecture: Okutsu Valley

Hiroshima Prefecture: Miyajima

Shimane Prefecture: Adachi Museum of Art

Yamaguchi Prefecture: Chōmonkyō

Tokyo Autumn Leaves

Japan Kanto Fall Foliage Forecast 2025

Best time to enjoy autumn colors: Mid-October to late November

Best places to see fall foliage in Kanto Japan:

Tokyo: Rokugien Garden, Yoyogi Park, Okutama, Mount Takao

Mount FujiLake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor, Arakurayama Sengen Park

Tochigi Prefecture: Nikko, Nasu

Kanagawa Prefecture: Kamakura, Hakone

Ibaraki Prefecture: Fukuroda Falls, Hananuki Gorge

Gunma Prefecture: Oze National Park, Ikaho Onsen, Shima Onsen

Saitama Prefecture: Chichibu

Chiba Prefecture: Yōrō Ravine.

Kyoto Autumn Leaves

Japan Kansai Fall Foliage Forecast 2025

Best time to see red leaves: Late October to early December

Best places to enjoy Japan foliage in the Kansai region:

Kyoto: Rurikō-in Temple, Arashiyama, Tōfuku-ji Temple, Eikandō Temple, Kiyomizu-dera

Shiga Prefecture: Three Mountains in Kotosanzan (Saimyoji, Kongorinji, Hyakusaiji), Keisoku-ji Temple

Wakayama Prefecture: Mount Koya

Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Midosuji Avenue, Minoh Falls

Nara: Nara Park

Hyogo Prefecture: Arima Onsen

Mie Prefecture: Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary), Mount Gozaisho

Japan Autumn Foliage in Oita

Japan Kyushu Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025

Best time to view maple leaves: Early November - early December

Best places to appreciate the fall leaves in Kyushu Japan:

Fukuoka Prefecture: Akizuki Castle Ruins

Saga Prefecture: Kunenan Gardens

Oita Prefecture: Yabakeimachi Oaza Shinyaba, Fuki-ji Temple

Kumamoto Prefecture: Kikuchi Gorge

Miyazaki Prefecture: Takachiho Gorge

Kagoshima Prefecture: Kirishima Onsen, Soginotaki Park

After learning about the autumn prediction 2025 Japan in various parts of the country, which fall foliage viewing place do you plan to visit for its best fall colors in Japan? Leave us a message now if you hope your Japan autumn foliage 2025 trip interesting, efficient, and fun!

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2. Japan Meteorological Corporation Autumn Foliage Forecast 2024

When is fall foliage in Japan? Beginning from November to early December, Japan's fall season marks the transition from the vivid hues of summer to the breathtaking, unmissable spectacle of the country's autumn foliage! It's the best time of the year to venture into the outdoors, to a stroll in both Japan's urban and natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the country as it changes seasons. To get to know about the best time for autumn leaves Japan 2025, you can check out the Japan autumn foliage forecast 2024 in the following for reference, which was released by Japan Meteorological Corporation.

Forecast for Red Leaves Japan 2024 Viewing Dates

Japan Red Leaves Forecast

Forecast for Yellow Leaves Japan 2024 Viewing Dates

Japan Yellow Leaves Forecast

It is important to note that the best time to see fall foliage Japan 2025 is greatly affected by the climate. For a better experience in viewing the best fall foliage in Japan, you can plan a relatively long autumn leaves tour Japan (more than 10 days, and 14 days will be best), which will maximize your chances of catching the peak foliage and visiting as many as fall foliage viewing spots during your Japan autumn tours 2025.

Best Japan Fall Foliage in Fukuoka

3. Travel Tips on Japan Autumn Trip 2025

The climate of this time of year can vary, with evening temperatures that can dip to around 45 Fahrenheit (7 Celsius) late in the season. On warmer early season days, temperatures can rise to as high as 75 F (24 C), providing ideal weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Whether you're hiking through scenic trails, visiting historical sites, or simply enjoying the charm of Japan's cities and countryside, the fall season is a wonderful time of year for a visit to the country. It's also a lot less crowded than it gets in spring: the country's peak travel season due to it being the time of year when cherry blossoms bloom.

Autumn in Japan

Travel Tips:

The fall season can get particularly cold, so it's good to have long-sleeved, layered clothing on hand for the cooler evenings.

In late September, Japan has two national holidays that line up to make up Silver Week: Respect for The Aged Day, which happens on the third Monday of the month, and Autumnal Equinox Day. These two holidays each take up their own 3-day extended weekend during the week, so it is recommended to plan accordingly to avoid the crowds & traffic that can form during this season. Have fun during the best time for viewing autumn foliage Japan 2025!

4. Cannot-Missed Experiences for Autumn Leaves Tour Japan 2025

Exploring the peak autumn Japan 2025 is a wonderful experience as you can witness the breathtaking fall colors in the best places for autumn leaves in Japan, such as parks, gardens, and mountainous regions across Japan. However, there is still a lot of excitement waiting for your explorations. There are so many cool things to do in Japan from January to December, check out more things to do to experience your unforgettable autumn tours of Japan 2025. Feel free to contact us as we will craft an amazing Japan autumn itinerary tailored to your wishes! 

Take a Dip in Jozankei Onsen during Japan Autumn

-Enjoy Onsen (Hot Springs): Relax in natural hot springs, especially in places like Hakone or Beppu, where you can soak in warm, therapeutic waters while surrounded by autumn scenery.

-Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you can savor matcha (powdered green tea) while admiring the beauty of a Japanese garden.

-Savor Seasonal Cuisine: Indulge in seasonal delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, and persimmons. Try traditional autumn dishes like "kuri gohan" (chestnut rice) and "kabocha" (pumpkin) dishes.

-Take a Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes from the comfort of a scenic train ride. Consider the Sagano Scenic Railway (also known as the Sagano Romantic Train) in Kyoto or the Hakone Tozan Railway near Mount Fuji.

-Explore Rural Villages: Escape the hustle and bustle of the cities by visiting traditional rural villages like Shirakawa-go or Gokayama, where you can experience the charm of old Japan amidst autumn scenery.

-Attend Autumn Festivals: Experience traditional Japanese festivals like the Takayama Autumn Festival in Gifu Prefecture or the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto, or the Nikko Toshogu Shrine's Grand Autumn Festival. These events often feature colorful parades, performances, and delicious street food.

-Stroll around Historic Districts in Kimono: Take a leisurely stroll through historic districts like Gion in Kyoto or Asakusa in Tokyo. These areas are filled with traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and temples, providing the perfect backdrop for photos in your kimono.

-Participate in Cultural Workshops: Learn traditional Japanese arts and crafts like pottery making, calligraphy, or kimono wearing through hands-on workshops offered in various cities.

-Go Hiking and Nature Walks: Embark on scenic hikes through national parks like the Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps, the trails around Mount Fuji, or the Nakasendo Trail, all offering stunning autumn vistas.

Hiking in Kamikochi in Japan Autumn

Any of the activities listed here will provide you with an unforgettable experience during the best time in autumn to admire Japan foliage 2025. Take the Japan autumn calendar to enrich your travel itinerary!

5. What We'd Like to Say

This is our autumn leaves forecast Japan 2025 to enjoy the best fall foliage. Remember to check out the peak foliage times for the specific regions you plan to visit, as autumn colors peak at different times throughout Japan depending on the location and altitude. Enjoy your autumn adventure in Japan by embarking on our crafted Japan autumn tour 2025!

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