Japan Autumn Leaves: When and Where to See Them
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Autumn in Japan, known as kōyō, paints temples, gardens and mountains in red and gold. The colours move from north to south and from the mountains down to the cities over about two months, so timing depends on where you go.
When do the leaves change?
These are typical periods. Each year is a little different, and Japan’s weather services publish colour forecasts as the season approaches.
- Hokkaido: late September to October
- Mt. Fuji Five Lakes area: late October to mid-November
- Tokyo: mid-November to early December
- Kyoto and Osaka: mid-November to early December
Where to see autumn colours
In Kyoto, famous spots include Kiyomizu-dera, Tōfuku-ji, Eikandō and the Arashiyama area. In Osaka, the grounds of Osaka Castle are a popular city choice.
Around Mt. Fuji, the maple corridor at Lake Kawaguchi frames the mountain with red leaves on clear days. In and near Tokyo, gingko avenues turn bright yellow, and Nikko’s mountains change earlier in the season.
Tips for an autumn trip
- Autumn weekends at famous spots are busy; early mornings are quieter and the light is softer.
- Some temples hold evening illuminations of the leaves during the peak period.
- Days are mild but evenings are cool, around 10°C in late November in Kyoto and Tokyo; bring a light jacket.
- Autumn is a popular season, so book early for the best departure dates.