Japan’s second great seasonal event, and arguably better than cherry blossoms for many visitors. Here is how to see it properly. Japan’s autumn foliage season (koyo) is one of the most spectacular natural events in Asia. The country’s maple, ginkgo, oak, and beech forests turn vivid reds, oranges, and golds across a 10-week window from early October through late November.
Unlike cherry blossom season, the viewing period is longer, the colours are arguably more dramatic, and the crowds, while still significant at the most famous spots, are generally more manageable. This guide covers when koyo peaks across Japan, the best viewing spots, and how to plan around the crowds.
Quick answer: Hokkaido peaks in early to mid-October. Nikko and the mountains peak in late October to early November. Kyoto and Nara peak mid to late November. Tokyo is best in late November to early December.
When Does Autumn Foliage Peak?
Koyo moves from north to south as temperatures drop, the reverse of cherry blossom season. The general timeline for 2026:
- Hokkaido (early to mid-October): The entire island turns first. Daisetsuzan National Park and the Shiretoko Peninsula are the most dramatic early-season spots.
- Tohoku and the mountains (mid to late October): Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nikko in Tochigi, and the Jozankei area near Sapporo.
- Central Japan (late October to early November): Kamikochi alpine valley in Nagano (closes in November, time this carefully), Hakone, and the Fuji Five Lakes area.
- Kyoto and Nara (mid to late November): The most famous foliage destination in Japan. Eikan-do, Tofuku-ji, Kiyomizudera, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove surround all peaks in November.
- Tokyo (late November to early December): Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien Garden, and Meiji Jingu Gaien (the famous ginkgo avenue) are at their best in late November.
Exact dates shift year to year based on summer temperatures and what to pack. Warmer summers push the peak later; cooler ones bring it earlier.
Best Autumn Foliage Spots
Nikko, Tochigi
One of the closest spectacular foliage destinations to Tokyo, around 2 hours by limited express train. The cedar-lined approach to Toshogu Shrine is spectacular in autumn, and the surrounding mountains and lake provide a dramatic backdrop. Peak around late October to early November. Combine with an overnight stay at a local ryokan for the best experience.
Kyoto – Eikan-do and Tofuku-ji
Eikan-do temple is widely considered one of the finest autumn foliage spots in Japan. Its multi-level garden, maple-covered hillside, and pond reflections peak in mid-November. Tofuku-ji, slightly south of central Kyoto, has a famous maple corridor (Tsutenkyo Bridge) overlooking thousands of trees. Both are worth arriving early for. See the Kyoto guide for the full city breakdown.
Kamikochi, Nagano
A protected alpine valley in the Japanese Alps accessible only by bus (no cars allowed). The October foliage of golden larches and red maples against the Hotaka mountain range and the Azusa River is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. Kamikochi is closed to visitors from mid-November to late April. Time your visit carefully.
Arashiyama, Kyoto
The bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji garden area take on an extra dimension in autumn when the surrounding maple trees turn red and gold. The Togetsukyo Bridge framed by red maple hillsides is one of Japan’s great autumn views.
Rikugien Garden, Tokyo
A compact strolling garden in Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, famous for its enormous weeping cherry in spring and its single giant maple tree lit up at night in autumn. The evening illumination (momiji-gari) runs from late November and draws large crowds, but it’s worth experiencing at least once.
Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido
Japan’s largest national park and the first to see autumn colour each year. The higher elevations turn from early October. The ropeway up Asahidake volcano offers views of the red-and-gold forest canopy. Remote but extraordinary.
How to Plan Around the Crowds
- Visit famous Kyoto spots on weekday mornings before 9am. The most crowded times are weekend afternoons in mid-November.
- Book accommodation in Kyoto and Nikko 2 to 3 months in advance for November visits. The best ryokan fills earlier.
- Target lesser-known spots: Rurikoin temple in Kyoto (ticket required in advance), Jingo-ji temple on the Takao mountain ridge, or the backstreets of Ohara village north of Kyoto.
- Hokkaido in early October is extraordinary and significantly less crowded than Kyoto in November; consider shifting your timing north.
Silver Week warning: A cluster of Japanese national holidays around September 19 to 23 in 2026 creates a mini-Golden Week. Domestic travel spikes. If your trip overlaps, book transport and accommodation well in advance.
