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🍁 Autumn Leaves (Koyo)

Japan's Autumn Leaves (Koyo) — When They Change + Where to See Them

The colour rolls north to south, the opposite of cherry blossoms — starting in Hokkaido in late September and finishing in Kyoto in late November. We've boiled it down to a region-by-region timeline, the legendary spots Kyoto · Nikko · Kamikochi · Fuji-Kawaguchiko, how to read the foliage forecast accurately, and viewing etiquette, all on one page.

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The Leaves Don't Turn All at Once —The Colour Runs North to South

Ever gone to Kyoto in mid-October hoping for a temple full of red maples, only to find the leaves still green? It's a trap travellers fall into every year, because Japan's autumn leaves (which the Japanese call "koyo / 紅葉", with the red maples specifically known as "momiji") don't turn across the whole country at the same time — the colour drifts slowly southward like a wave of red, orange, and gold, doing everything the cherry blossoms do in reverse. It starts up in the Hokkaido highlands in late September, then rolls south to reach Kyoto and Tokyo around late November. The Japanese call this advancing line the "koyo zensen" (autumn-foliage front), and the whole country tracks it like a weather report.

The goal of this guide is to help you time it to the right area — we lay out the colour-change window region by region, take you to the most beautiful spots from the highland plateaus of the Japanese Alps to the old temples of Kyoto, teach you how to actually read the foliage report, and flag the etiquette and booking mistakes people tend to make.

🍁 Straight up, before anything else: the colour-change dates shift every year with the weather, and the highlands always turn before the lowlands. The windows on this page are an average framework drawn from the annual foliage reports (japan-guide, JNTO, and Weathernews all update weekly through the season). They're great for planning, but before you lock in real tickets, always check the latest "koyo report" again.
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The Far North Turns First
Hokkaido (Daisetsuzan) starts in late Sep — the earliest in Japan.
⛰️
Highlands & North Follow
Tohoku, Kamikochi, Nikko (Irohazaka) from early to late October.
🗻
Fuji & the Central Plains
Kawaguchiko and Kanazawa from late October to mid-November.
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Kyoto & Tokyo Are Last
Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka from mid-November to early December.
Foliage Timeline

Where the Leaves Turnand When

An average framework from the annual foliage reports, ordered north (turns first) to south — "starts turning" is when the leaves begin to take colour; "peak" is when the red, orange, and gold are at their fullest and finest. Dates shift 2–7 days a year with the weather, and the highlands always turn before the lowlands.

AreaRegionStarts turningRecommended peakNotes
DaisetsuzanDaisetsuzan · HokkaidoFar NorthMid-SepSep 15–25Highlands — earliest in Japan
Towada-OiraseTowada · TohokuNorthEarly OctMid–late OctThe Oirase stream gorge
KamikochiKamikochi · NaganoHighlandsEarly OctEarly–mid OctJapanese Alps ~1,500 m · short window
Nikko (Irohazaka)Nikko · TochigiCentralMid-OctMid–late OctOku-Nikko turns first; Nikko town in early Nov
Fuji-KawaguchikoFuji Five Lakes · YamanashiCentralLate OctEarly–mid NovMomiji Corridor has illuminations
KanazawaKanazawa · HokurikuCentralEarly NovMid–late NovKenrokuen Garden
KorankeiKorankei · AichiSouth-CentralEarly NovMid–late Nov~4,000 maples · festival Nov 1–30
TokyoTokyo · KantoSouthMid-NovLate Nov–early DecGinkgo late Nov · red maples early Dec
KyotoKyoto · KansaiSouthMid-NovMid–late NovTofukuji/Eikando into early Dec
OsakaOsaka · KansaiSouthMid-NovLate Nov–early DecMinoo, Osaka Castle Park
📅 How to read the table: plan to arrive within the recommended peak (it allows for both just before peak and the early leaf-fall) · the key factor is elevation — within the same area, the mountains turn a week ahead of the lowlands. In Nikko, for example, Oku-Nikko (the highlands) peaks in late October while Nikko town peaks in early November · if one spot has already dropped, move south or down to lower ground to a place that turns later.
6 Legendary Spots

Where the Autumn Colour IsMost Beautiful

These are the spots travellers agree are worth the trip — each peaks at a different time depending on elevation, so match your viewing spot to that area's colour-change window and your trip lands just right.

Red maple leaves (momiji) fallen on mossy stone in Kyoto during autumn-leaf season ⛩️ Kyoto1
Tofukuji + Eikando
Tofukuji & Eikando · Kyoto

Kyoto's two most famous autumn temples — Tofukuji's wooden Tsutenkyo bridge crosses a valley of maples that turns into a sea of red and orange, while Eikando is renowned for its night illuminations mirrored in the pond. Straight up, it gets seriously crowded at peak, so getting there right at opening is your way out.

📍Location: Higashiyama, Kyoto · Tofukuji and Eikando are in different areas — do them on separate days or split a half-day each
🍁Peak: roughly mid–late Nov into early Dec
🎟️Entry: Tofukuji in autumn ~¥1,000 · Eikando ~¥600 (daytime) · illuminations charged separately — check the latest for 2026
🚆Getting there: Tofukuji is a 10-min walk from Tofukuji Station (JR Nara / Keihan) · for Eikando take the bus to Nanzenji/Eikando-michi
Kyoto Attractions →
🍁 ⛰️ Kyoto2
Arashiyama
Arashiyama · Kyoto

On Kyoto's western edge, a whole mountainside flushes red, orange, and gold as a backdrop to the Togetsukyo bridge and the Oi River. You can take a small boat to view the foliage on the slopes, then walk on to Tenryu-ji, whose back garden frames the hills with red maples so beautifully that people just stand and photograph forever.

📍Location: Arashiyama, western Kyoto · includes the Togetsukyo bridge and Tenryu-ji temple
🍁Peak: roughly mid–late Nov (in line with Kyoto city)
🚆Getting there: Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR) or Arashiyama (Randen/Hankyu), a 5–10 min walk to the bridge
💡Tip: Come early before the tour coaches arrive, and pair the bamboo grove with Tenryu-ji and a river cruise in one half-day.
Kyoto Attractions →
Kegon Falls in Nikko framed by red, orange, and gold autumn leaves in the Oku-Nikko area near the Irohazaka road 🍁 Nikko (North-Central)3
Nikko — Irohazaka + Kegon Falls
Irohazaka & Kegon Falls · Nikko

If you want to see autumn colour a full month before Kyoto, Nikko is the answer — the Irohazaka road is a winding 48-curve climb up the mountain through forest in full colour the whole way. At the top you reach the 97-metre Kegon Falls wrapped in red leaves, the iconic image of autumn in the Kanto region.

📍Location: Oku-Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture · the Irohazaka road links the town with Lake Chuzenji
🍁Peak: Oku-Nikko/Irohazaka mid–late Oct · Nikko town early Nov
🚆Getting there: Tobu train from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko (~2 hrs), then a bus up Irohazaka to Chuzenji
💡Tip: Traffic on Irohazaka is brutal at peak — go at first light or take the bus instead of a rental car, and allow time for the lift down to the falls viewpoint.
Nikko Guide →
⛰️ 🏔️ Nagano (Highlands)4
Kamikochi Highlands
Kamikochi · Japanese Alps

The heart of the Japanese Alps at around 1,500 metres — the karamatsu (larch) trees turn brilliant gold against the Hotaka peaks and crystal-clear rivers. You can stroll the flat trails from Kappa Bridge with ease. Straight up, the golden-leaf window is very short: miss it by a week and it's all on the ground.

📍Location: Northern Alps, Nagano Prefecture · around Kappa Bridge
🍁Peak: roughly early–mid Oct (highlands turn early, short window)
🚌Getting there: No private cars allowed — take a bus from Matsumoto via Shin-Shimashima, or from Takayama via Hirayu Onsen
💡Tip: Open only mid-Apr to mid-Nov · closed in winter. Check opening dates and the weather before you go — nights here get bitterly cold.
Takayama Guide →
🍁 🍁 Aichi (South-Central)5
Korankei Gorge
Korankei Gorge · Aichi

Central Japan's top autumn-leaf spot, near Nagoya — a gorge along the Tomoe River planted with over 4,000 maples (said to have been started by a monk back in the 17th century). At peak the whole valley turns red, orange, and gold, with night illuminations reflected on the water. People who go say it's well worth the multiple bus transfers.

📍Location: Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture · along the Tomoe River up to Mt Iimori
🍁Peak: roughly mid–late Nov · maple festival Nov 1–30
🚌Getting there: From Nagoya take the train to Toyota City, then the Toyota Oiden bus from Josui (~1 hr)
💡Tip: The festival draws crowds and traffic — go early or on a weekday · stay overnight for the illuminations and a completely different atmosphere.
Japan Travel Guide →
The Momiji Corridor beside Lake Kawaguchiko, a line of red-and-orange maple trees during the evening illuminations 🗻 Fuji-Kawaguchiko6
Momiji Corridor, Kawaguchiko
Momiji Corridor · Lake Kawaguchiko

The northern shore has a tunnel of red maples running along a stream (the Momiji Kairo) that, at peak, is lit up in the evening so beautifully that people queue to photograph it. On a clear day you'll still catch Mount Fuji with its first snow as a backdrop. Stay overnight by the lake and wake to Fuji in the morning — an experience you'll remember for years.

📍Location: Northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture · the Momiji Corridor area
🍁Peak: roughly early–mid Nov (higher elevation, turns after the lowland cities) · illuminations
🚆Getting there: Fuji Excursion bus / Fujikyu train from Tokyo (~2 hrs), then the lakeside loop bus
💡Tip: Fuji shows clearest at dawn. Book lakeside accommodation months ahead — this stretch fills up fast in season.
Kawaguchiko (Fuji) Guide →
Read the Foliage Report Like a Pro

3 Steps toNailing the Autumn Colour

Leaves turn with falling temperatures, not on a whim. Understand these three things and you'll plan far more accurately — especially the "elevation" factor that so many people overlook.

STEP 1
Learn the Two Key Words

Kozuki-hajime / starts turning (色づき始め) = the leaves begin to take colour · Migoro / peak (見頃) = when the colour is at its fullest and finest. The peak window lasts about one to two weeks from when it starts turning, with the colour creeping down from the branch tips and mountain summits. Plan to land inside that "peak" window.

STEP 2
Use a Reliable Source

Stick to official sources: Weathernews / tenki.jp forecast spot by spot nationwide, while japan-guide.com (Autumn Color Report) and JNTO publish easy English summaries with weekly photos of the real status — always re-check before you fly.

STEP 3
Factor In Elevation + Have a Plan B

Highlands turn a week ahead of the lowlands; within one area, work down from the mountains (e.g. Oku-Nikko) to the lowland town. Wind and rain drop the leaves fast, so the safe move is to cover a 7–10 day window and keep a backup — if one spot has dropped, shift south or down to lower ground to a place that turns later.

Autumn-Leaf Viewing Etiquette

How to View the Autumn Leaves at Temples & Gardensthe Right Way

Most of the famous autumn-leaf spots are old temples and Japanese gardens where the etiquette is taken seriously. Know these six and you'll enjoy it with an easy mind, without putting a foot wrong.

🚫
Don't Climb or Pull Branches
Never climb a tree or pull a branch down for a photo, and don't shake branches to make leaves fall — it's disrespectful to the tree and to others.
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Don't Collect Leaves or Snap Branches
The fallen leaves are part of the scene — don't gather leaves or snap off branches to take away, and don't pile leaves up just for a photo.
🌿
Stay on the Marked Paths
Many Japanese gardens have delicate moss and rock arrangements — don't step off the walkways or climb on rocks to get a shot.
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Shoes Off + Check No-Photo Zones
Remove your shoes inside temple buildings; some rooms (such as indoor gardens) ban photography — check the signs before you raise the camera.
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Keep Quiet Within Temple Grounds
Temples are sacred places — keep your volume down, leave room for others to photograph and pass, and don't block paths with a tripod.
🌃
Allow Time for the Illuminations
Many temples (Eikando, Kawaguchiko, Korankei) light the leaves at night — crowds are heavy and queues are long, so buy tickets ahead and arrive early.
Map

Autumn-Leaf Spots Across Japanon One Map

It's easy to see why you follow the foliage front — northern and high-elevation spots turn first, southern and lowland spots later. Plan along this line and you can catch several spots in a single trip.

Prep + Booking

6 Things That Keep Your Autumn TripOn Track and On Budget

📅
Book 3–5 Months Ahead
Kyoto fills up fast and hits its highest prices in mid–late Nov, and lakeside Kawaguchiko sells out quickly too. Book late and you'll pay more or find no room.
🏙️
Stay Nearby If You're Late
If Kyoto is full, stay in Osaka and take the train in (~15 min) — cheaper, with far more rooms available.
🎟️
Keep a Cancellable Backup
The real peak can land 2–3 days off your booking. Pick free-cancellation rooms so you can adjust once the foliage report firms up.
♨️
Pair an Onsen With the Leaves
This season, soaking in an open-air bath (rotenburo) surrounded by autumn colour is the highlight — browse Japan's onsen towns and pick one with a nature-view bath.
📶
Get an eSIM Before You Fly
The foliage report shifts daily in season — you'll want live colour-status updates plus Google Maps to the spot that's peaking right now.
🧥
Pack a Warm Layer
The highlands (Kamikochi/Nikko) and the north are genuinely cold from October, with nights near 0°C. Bring a jacket and gloves.
Related Guides

Keep Planning Your Japan Trip — Cities, Sights, and Prep

🌸

Japan Cherry Blossom Guide

This page's spring counterpart — when the sakura blooms (south to north), the legendary spots, and how to read the forecast.

Cherry Blossom Guide →
♨️

Japan's Onsen Towns

An open-air bath under the autumn colour is the season's highlight — pick the right onsen town, with how to get there.

Onsen Towns →
🍁

Nikko Guide

The base for autumn in Kanto — Irohazaka, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and how to get there from Tokyo.

Nikko Guide →
⛩️

Kyoto Attractions

Tofukuji, Eikando, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and the legendary temples with the finest autumn leaves in Japan.

Kyoto Attractions →
🗻

Kawaguchiko (Fuji) Guide

The base for autumn leaves with Mount Fuji — the lakeside Momiji Corridor, Fuji-view hotels, and how to get there from Tokyo.

Kawaguchiko Guide →
ℹ️

Japan Travel Prep

Visa · eSIM · IC cards · JR Pass · yen · power plugs · etiquette — everything before you fly to Japan.

Travel Prep →
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ —Japan's Autumn Leaves

Which month do Japan's autumn leaves (koyo) change colour?
The foliage turns from north to south, the opposite of cherry blossoms. It starts in Hokkaido (Daisetsuzan) in late September, then rolls south — Tohoku and the highlands around Nikko in early October, Kamikochi and Nikko (Irohazaka) in mid–late October, Fuji-Kawaguchiko in late October to early November, and Kyoto/Tokyo/Osaka from mid-November to early December. The exact dates shift every year with the weather, so check the latest forecast before you plan.
When do the autumn leaves change in Kyoto?
Kyoto sits at the southern end of the foliage front, so it's one of the last areas to turn. Famous temples such as Tofukuji, Eikando, and Kiyomizu-dera usually peak around mid–late November and stay good into early December. The golden ginkgo trees tend to turn about 1–2 weeks before the red maples. These dates move with the weather each year, so check the latest foliage report before you travel.
Why do the autumn leaves change north to south, the opposite of cherry blossoms?
Leaves change colour as the air turns cold — overnight temperatures dropping below about 8°C trigger the turn. The cold reaches the north and the highlands first, so the leaves start to redden in Hokkaido and up in the mountains, then work their way south to the lowlands. That's the reverse of cherry blossoms, which open as the air warms, moving from south to north.
Where are the best autumn-leaf viewing spots in Japan?
Top picks include Tofukuji and Eikando temples in Kyoto, Arashiyama, the winding Irohazaka road and Kegon Falls in Nikko, the Kamikochi highlands in the Japanese Alps, Korankei Gorge (Aichi), and the Momiji Corridor beside Lake Kawaguchiko with Mount Fuji behind. Each spot peaks at a different time depending on elevation, so match your viewing spot to that area's colour-change window.
How long does peak autumn colour last?
Peak colour at any single spot lasts about one to two weeks — a little longer than cherry blossoms. Strong wind or heavy rain makes the leaves fall faster. High-elevation spots like Kamikochi have a very short window (sometimes under two weeks), while a lowland city like Kyoto has many temples that peak at staggered times, so you can catch colour over several days if you plan your route well.
What is the etiquette for viewing autumn leaves at temples and gardens?
The key rules: don't climb trees or pull branches for photos, don't collect leaves or snap off branches from temple grounds, stay on the marked paths and avoid stepping on moss or rock gardens, remove your shoes and skip photos where prohibited inside temple buildings, keep quiet within temple precincts, and leave extra time because evening illuminations draw big crowds and long queues.
How far ahead should I book accommodation for autumn-leaf season?
Book at least three to five months ahead, especially in Kyoto, which fills up fast and hits its highest prices of the year in mid–late November. If you book late, consider staying in Osaka or a nearby city and taking the train to the viewing spots, and pick free-cancellation rooms — the real peak can land two to three days off the dates you booked.
Ready to Chase the Autumn Colour?

Time It to the Right Area
and Book Before It Fills Up

Pick the area that fits your travel dates, open a city guide for hotels, sights, and transport, or start searching early for accommodation near the autumn-leaf spots before prices climb — especially in Kyoto and along Lake Kawaguchiko, which fill up very fast.

📖 Full Japan Travel Guide 🏨 Search Autumn-Season Hotels →
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