Quick answer: In 2026, the first official forecast puts peak red maples around November 29 in Tokyo, December 4 in Osaka and December 11 in Kyoto, a bit later than usual. Yellow ginkgo trees peak earlier (around November 27 in Kyoto). Mountains and northern Japan turn first, from October. Check the latest forecast 1 to 2 weeks before you go, because the dates move.
2026 Forecast: Peak Autumn Colors in Major Cities
| City | Peak (forecast) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Around Nov 29 (maples) | Ginkgo avenues turn yellow a little earlier |
| Osaka | Around Dec 4 (maples) | |
| Kyoto | Around Nov 27 (ginkgo), Dec 11 (maples) | About 6 days later than average for maples |
Source: first 2026 forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (September 2). Forecasts are updated during the season.
How Koyo Moves Across Japan
- North and mountains first: Hokkaido and high mountain areas can start in late September and October
- Then down to the cities: Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto usually peak from late November into early December
- Warm autumn = later colors: in 2026, most cities are forecast later than their average
Think of it as a wave that takes about two months to move from the mountains to the city streets.
Where to See Autumn Leaves
| Area | Popular spots | Usual timing |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue, Rikugien Garden | Late Nov to early Dec |
| Kyoto | Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, Arashiyama | Late Nov to mid Dec |
| Near Tokyo | Nikko (earlier), Hakone | Oct (Nikko highlands) to Nov (Hakone) |
How to Plan Without Guessing
- Pick a travel window (late November to early December works for Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in most years)
- Keep your city order flexible: if Kyoto is late, visit Tokyo first and Kyoto at the end of your trip
- Check the latest forecast 1 to 2 weeks before you leave and again during your trip
- Go early: famous temples are packed by late morning, especially on weekends
- Look for evening light-ups: many temples light up their leaves at night during the season (some need separate tickets)
What to Pack
- Layers: mornings and evenings can be cold, afternoons mild
- A warmer jacket for mountains like Nikko or Hakone
- Comfortable shoes: temple grounds mean lots of stairs and gravel
FAQ
Is early November too early for Kyoto?
Usually, yes, for the red maples. In 2026 the forecast is later than average, so late November to mid December is safer.
What’s the difference between red and yellow leaves?
Yellow mostly comes from ginkgo trees and peaks earlier. Red comes from Japanese maples and peaks later.
Are autumn leaves crowded?
Famous spots are very busy at peak, especially weekends. Go at opening time or choose smaller gardens and temples nearby.
Recommended Articles
- Japanese Ryokan Guide: What to Expect, Onsen Etiquette & Kaiseki
- Riding Japan’s Bullet Train: Everything You Need to Know About the Shinkansen
- One Day in Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Temple Walks, and Mountain Air
Planning a trip to Japan? We share one practical Japan tip every day on Threads: local restaurants most visitors walk past, culture explained, and what to do when things go wrong.
