Japan Autumn Foliage Forecast 2026! When’s the Best Time to Enjoy Japan’s Famous Autumn Foliage Viewing?

2026 Autumn Foliage Forecast: Later Than Usual

The activity of viewing and appreciating the changing leaves is essentially the autumn equivalent of springtime cherry blossom-viewing, and is known as “momijigari” in Japanese. With the popularity of taking in the beauty of the stunning autumn foliage, predictions for the peak viewing periods across Japan are released every year to help people schedule their foliage-viewing excursions. This article will reference the Japan Meteorological Agency’s projected dates, which take temperature and past research into consideration. However, as this is a forecast, the actual peak viewing periods may differ from the posted dates.

Hokkaido is projected to have its leaves change the earliest this year, with the foliage across the country turning subsequently. The overall turning period is later than usual for most of the country, with some locations even having forecasts stretching into mid-December.

What Is the Difference Between the “Autumn Foliage” and “Yellow Foliage”?

To put it simply, “autumn foliage” (“momiji” or “koyo” in Japanese) usually refers to the iconic vibrant red and orange leaves that are often featured in most stunning photos of Japan’s autumn leaves. “Momiji” is also the Japanese term for “maple,” the leaves of which usually turn bright red in the autumn.

Meanwhile, “yellow foliage” (also “koyo” in Japanese), is what the name suggests: leaves that turn yellow in the autumn. This often refers to gingko leaves, which turn a beautiful golden hue.

Hokkaido and Tohoku Regions (Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima Prefectures)

This year, the peak autumn foliage viewing period in Hokkaido is predicted to be in early November, while Tohoku is in late November. Both regions are expected to have peak viewing periods that are later than usual.

Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Autumn Foliage: November 4 | Yellow Foliage: November 3
Popular Viewing Sites: Odori Park, Mt. Moiwa, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Hakodate (Hokkaido)
Autumn Foliage: November 7 | Yellow Foliage: November 7
Popular Viewing Sites: Kosetsuen Park, Motomachi Park, Goryokaku Park

Aomori (Aomori Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 13 | Yellow Foliage: November 5
Popular Viewing Sites: Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki), Nakano Momiji Mountain (Kuroishi), Fujita Memorial Garden (Hirosaki)

Morioka (Iwate Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 17 | Yellow Foliage: November 6
Popular Viewing Spots: Morioka Castle Ruins Park, Nanshoso, Morioka City Central Community Center

Akita (Akita Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 17 | Yellow Foliage: November 8
Popular Viewing Spots: Lake Towada (northern Akita), Kakunodate Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residences) (Semboku), Oyasu Gorge (Yuzawa)

Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 24 | Yellow Foliage: November 29
Popular Viewing Spots: Rinnoji Temple, Akiu Otaki Falls, Zuihoden Mausoleum

Yamagata (Yamagata Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 30 | Yellow Foliage: November 18
Popular Viewing Spots: Omoshiroyama Momiji River Valley (Yamadera), Zao Ropeway (Yamagata), Nagai Dam (Nagai)

Fukushima (Fukushima Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 27 | Yellow Foliage: November 17
Popular Viewing Spots: Goshikinuma Ponds (Yama District), Natsuigawa Valley (Iwaki), Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatoko (Kitakata)

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Kanto and Koshin Regions (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Gunma, Tochigi, Yamanashi, and Nagano Prefectures)

This year, the peak autumn foliage viewing period in the Kanto region is expected to be fairly late, reaching into December in most areas. Nagano is predicted to have the earliest peak viewing period, starting in late November, with most other areas’ peaks being around early December.

Central Tokyo (Tokyo)
Autumn Foliage: November 28 | Yellow Foliage: November 26
Popular Viewing Spots: Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien

Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 19 | Yellow Foliage: December 6
Popular Viewing Spots: Nihon Odori Street, Sankeien Garden, Yokohama Park

Kumagaya (Saitama Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 5 | Yellow Foliage: December 6
Popular Viewing Spots: Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park (Kumagaya), Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park (Namegawa), Ranzan Valley (Ranzan)

Choshi (Chiba Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 12 | Yellow Foliage: December 7
Popular Viewing Spots: Naritasan Park (Narita), Shimizu Park (Noda), Sakura Castle Ruins Park (Sakura)

Mito (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 25 | Yellow Foliage: November 26
Popular Viewing Spots: Eigenji Temple (Kuji), Kairakuen Garden (Mito), Ibaraki Prefectural Archives and Museum (Mito)

Utsunomiya (Tochigi Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 30 | Yellow Foliage: December 6
Popular Viewing Spots: Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Nikko), Utsunomiya Station East Park (Utsunomiya), Lake Chuzenji (Nikko)

Maebashi (Gunma Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 8 | Yellow Foliage: November 28
Popular Viewing Spots: Lake Onuma (Maebashi), Fukiware no Taki Falls (Numata), Tanigawadake Ropeway (Tone)

Kofu (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 3 | Yellow Foliage: November 27
Popular Viewing Spots: Furouen Garden, Geijutsunomori Park, Shosen Gorge

Nagano (Nagano Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 21 | Yellow Foliage: November 14
Popular Viewing Spots: Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto), Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen Park (Komoro), Seisuiji Temple (Nagano)

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Tokai and Hokuriku Regions (Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, and Shizuoka Prefectures)

This year, the Tokai and Hokuriku regions are expected to experience their peak autumn foliage viewing periods around late November to early December. While it is predicted that the autumn foliage peaks will be noticeably later than usual, the yellow foliage peaks may be slightly later than average.

Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 2 | Yellow Foliage: November 17
Popular Viewing Spots: Tokugawaen Garden, Meijo Park, Shirotori Garden

Gifu (Gifu Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 30 | Yellow Foliage: December 3
Popular Viewing Spots: Manabi no Mori Promenade (Gifu), Dairyuji (Gifu), Oyada Shrine Maple Valley (Mino) 

Shizuoka (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 6 | Yellow Foliage: November 25
Popular Viewing Spots: Nihondaira Ropeway (Shimizu), Abe no Ootaki (Aoi), Hamamatsu Castle Park (Hamamatsu)

Tsu (Mie Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 26 | Yellow Foliage: November 25
Popular Viewing Spots: Kouchi Valley (Tsu), Nabana no Sato (Kuwana), Sekita Shrine (Nabari)

Niigata (Niigata Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 21 | Yellow Foliage: November 16
Popular Viewing Spots: Momijien Maple Garden (Nagaoka), Nakano Residence Memorial Hall (Niigata), Naeba Dragondola (Yuzawa)

Toyama (Toyama Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 30 | Yellow Foliage: November 24
Popular Viewing Spots: Kokutai-ji Temple (Takaoka), Jonichi-ji Temple (Himi), Jike Park (Toyama)

Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 30 | Yellow Foliage: November 10
Popular Viewing Spots: Kenrokuen Garden, American Maple Street, Gyokusen-en Garden

Fukui (Fukui Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 6 | Yellow Foliage: November 28
Popular Viewing Spots: Yokokan Garden (Fukui), Kenko no Mori (Fukui), Echizen Daibutsu (Katsuyama)

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Kinki Region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, Shiga, and Wakayama Prefectures)

This year, the Kinki/Kansai region is expecting peak foliage viewing periods slightly later than average, although Kyoto and Wakayama Prefectures are predicted to be noticeably later than usual. Overall, there is not much difference between the peak dates among the prefectures, with the yellow foliage largely reaching its peak in late November and the autumn foliage in early December.

Osaka (Osaka Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 4 | Yellow Foliage: November 24
Popular Viewing Spots: Osaka Castle Park (Osaka), Daisen Park (Sakai), Expo'70 Commemorative Park (Suita)

Hikone (Shiga Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 3 | Yellow Foliage: November 25
Popular Viewing Spots: Hikone Castle (Hikone), Genkyu-en Garden (Hikone), Saimyoji (Kora)

Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 11 | Yellow Foliage: November 27
Popular Viewing Spots: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Nanzen-ji Temple

Kobe (Hyogo Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 1 | Yellow Foliage: November 15
Popular Viewing Spots: Kobe Municipal Arboretum, Sorakuen Garden, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Nara (Nara Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 25 | Yellow Foliage: November 22
Popular Viewing Spots: Nara Park, Isuien Garden, Shoryakuji Temple

Wakayama (Wakayama Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 12 | Yellow Foliage: November 26
Popular Viewing Spots: Momijidani Teien Garden (Wakayama), Hosen-ji Temple (Tanabe), Koyasan Reihokan Museum (Koya)

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Chugoku and Shikoku Regions (Hiroshima, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi Prefectures)

This year, the forecast for both the Chugoku and Shikoku regions is that the leaves will turn slightly or noticeably later than usual.

Tottori (Tottori Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 6 | Yellow Foliage: December 4
Popular Viewing Spots: Sekka Valley (Nichinan), Tenporin-ji Temple (Kotoura), Shikano Castle Ruins (Tottori)

Matsue (Shimane Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 27 | Yellow Foliage: November 26
Popular Viewing Spots: Matsue Castle, Yuushien Garden, Gohonmatsu Park

Okayama (Okayama Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 28 | Yellow Foliage: November 24
Popular Viewing Spots: Okutsukei Valley (Kagamino), Okayama Korakuen Garden (Okayama), Kanba Falls (Maniwa)

Hiroshima (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 28 | Yellow Foliage: November 21
Popular Viewing Spots: Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Mitaki-dera Temple

Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 10 | Yellow Foliage: November 29
Popular Viewing Spots: Momiji-dani Park (Iwakuni), Kozanji Temple (Shimonoseki), Rurikoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda (Yamaguchi)

Tokushima (Tokushima Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 29 | Yellow Foliage: December 10
Popular Viewing Spots: Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge (Miyoshi), Iya Valley (Miyoshi), Jorokuji Temple (Tokushima)

Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 30 | Yellow Foliage: November 25
Popular Viewing Spots: Iwabe Hachiman Shrine (Takamatsu), Okuboji Temple (Sanuki), Kagawa Yosui Memorial Park (Mitoyo)

Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 9 | Yellow Foliage: November 25
Popular Viewing Spots: Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyama), Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden (Matsuyama), Nishiyama Koryuji (Saijo)

Kochi (Kochi Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 9 | Yellow Foliage: November 16
Popular Viewing Spots: Befu Gorge (Kami), Kochi Castle (Kochi), Josei Park (Kochi)

Kyushu Region (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima Prefectures)

This year, the foliage viewing peaks are expected to be noticeably later than average. Both the autumn and yellow foliage are predicted to reach their viewing peaks in early to mid-December, although there are a couple of areas where the yellow foliage is forecasted to peak in late November.

Fukuoka (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 7 | Yellow Foliage: November 28
Popular Viewing Spots: Akizuki Castle Ruins (Asakura), Kamado Shrine (Dazaifu), Ohori Park (Fukuoka)

Saga (Saga Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 5 | Yellow Foliage: November 26
Popular Viewing Spots: Ryumon Valley (Arita), Seikei Park (Taku), Obuchi Mebuchi Park (Saga)

Nagasaki (Nagasaki Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 13 | Yellow Foliage: December 9
Popular Viewing Spots: Jufukuji Temple (Nagasaki), Nita Pass (Unzen), Glover Garden (Nagasaki)

Kumamoto (Kumamoto Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 8 | Yellow Foliage: December 3
Popular Viewing Spots: Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto), Kumamoto Prefectural Office Promenade (Kumamoto), Umenoki Todoro Park Suspension Bridge (Yatsushiro)

Oita (Oita Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: November 29 | Yellow Foliage: December 8
Popular Viewing Spots: Kenmin no Mori (Oita), Yabakei Gorge (Nakatsu), Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge (Kokonoe)

Miyazaki (Miyazaki Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 4 | Yellow Foliage: November 28
Popular Viewing Spots: Gokase Valley (Gokase), Takachiho Gorge (Takachiho), Ebino Plateau (Ebino)

Kagoshima (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Autumn Foliage: December 10 | Yellow Foliage: November 27
Popular Viewing Spots: Tarumizu Senbon Ichou (Tarumizu), Sengan-en Garden (Kagoshima), Kirishima Jingu Shrine (Kirishima)

Don't Miss Out on Japan's Autumn Views

The peak viewing periods for autumn foliage generally last for around 1 to 2 weeks, although this can change depending on the area and the weather. As a beloved symbol of autumn in Japan, these vibrant leaves attract people from not only across Japan, but also from around the world who want to take in the breathtaking beauty of this striking spectacle. We hope that this list helps you find the spot you want to visit for your own momijigari!

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Reference: Japan Meteorological Corporation 2026 Autumn Foliage Forecast (1st forecast)