Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 14, 2026
The best time to see autumn leaves (maple trees) in Japan in 2026 will depend on temperatures from September onwards. In recent years, the lingering summer heat has tended to last longer, so the autumn colors are expected to change a little later nationwide. In Hokkaido, where the colors change earliest, it will start in mid-September, while in the plains of Kanto and Kansai, the peak viewing period is expected to be from mid-November to early December. Traveling to see the autumn leaves is a major event that many travelers look forward to every year. From the fiery red scenery spreading across the ancient temples of Kyoto to the magnificent nature of the Daisetsuzan Mountains in Hokkaido, the spectacular autumn scenery of Japan continues to fascinate people all over the world. Please use this autumn foliage forecast as a reference when planning your 2026 autumn trip!
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A key factor determining when autumn leaves change color is the temperature from September onwards. In recent years, autumns have generally been affected by high temperatures, so the peak viewing period tends to be delayed overall.
Three conditions for beautiful autumn foliage
For the colors to be vibrant, the following three conditions must be met:
• Large temperature difference between day and night: The greater the temperature difference, the more vibrant the colors and sheen of the autumn leaves become.
• Sufficient sunlight: Exposure to plenty of sunlight promotes the production of red pigments (anthocyanins).
• Adequate moisture: If the air is too dry, the leaves will wither and die before they can develop their beautiful colors.
Mountainous areas, lakeshores, and valleys change color earlier and more beautifully than the plains of urban areas because these places best meet the condition of "a large temperature difference between day and night."
In Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan mountain range, where temperatures drop early due to the high altitude, autumn leaves begin to change color in mid-to-late September, earlier than anywhere else in the country. It's one of the earliest places in Japan to experience the arrival of autumn. In the plains and urban areas, the change is slightly delayed, with the peak viewing period being from mid-October to early November. In the mountainous areas of the Tohoku region, the leaves will begin to change color from late September, and the peak viewing period in the plains is predicted to be from late October to early November.
Photo courtesy of Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
In the highlands of Nikko and Hakone, representative scenic spots in the Kanto region, the best time to see the autumn foliage is from mid-October to early November. On the other hand, in urban areas of Tokyo and around Lake Kawaguchi, where temperatures drop later, the peak is expected to be considerably later, from mid-November to early December. In addition, along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Chubu region, due to the difference in altitude, visitors can enjoy the "vertical autumn foliage," where the mountain slopes are colored in a gradient from the summit to the foot of the mountain, for an extended period from mid-September to early November.
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka Prefectural Tourism Federation
Kyoto (Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, etc.), one of Japan's premier autumn foliage viewing spots, will, as usual, be at its most beautiful peak from mid-November to early December. The Kyushu area, being at a lower latitude, will see its peak foliage concentrated from early to late November. For travelers who can only take time off in late November or early December, the Kansai and Kyushu regions are excellent areas for viewing autumn leaves.
Reference: Japan Meteorological Association (tenki.jp)
Below is a summary of the predicted autumn foliage seasons for major regions in 2026. Please use this when comparing and planning your trip based on your departure date.
| Area | Representative autumn foliage spots | 2026 Best Viewing Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Jozankei Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen | Early to late October |
| Tohoku | Zao Onsen, Hachimantai | Late Mar to mid-Apr |
| Tohoku | Oirase Stream, Lake Towada | Mid to late July |
| Kanto | Nikko (Lake Chuzeji) | Late Mar to mid-Apr |
| Fuji Five Lakes | Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi | Late April to late November |
| Tokyo | Mount Takao, Meiji Jingu Gaien | Mid-November to early December |
| Kyoto/Kansai | Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji Temple, Nara Park | Late April to early November |
| Kyusyu | Shin-Yabakei, Kikuchi-keikoku, Kunen-an | Late April to late November |
In addition to checking the timing, try to visualize the appeal of popular spots. Combining it with a luxurious accommodation experience is highly recommended.
The reason Kyoto's autumn foliage is so breathtaking is because of its harmony with the historic temples and Japanese gardens. From the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama to the Tsutenkyo Bridge at Tofuku-ji Temple and the illuminated maple trees at Eikan-do Temple, every view is as beautiful as a painting. Kyoto's peak foliage season is relatively late in Japan, from mid-November to early December, but in return, it boasts an overwhelming scale.
Photo courtesy of Yamanashi Tourism Organization
The "Autumn Leaves Corridor" on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi is a superb photo spot where you can capture Mount Fuji through the fiery autumn foliage, with the best time to visit being from early to late November. This area has also become a hot spot in recent years, with a succession of luxurious glamping facilities opening up, so enjoying autumn leaf viewing along with a luxurious stay is a popular trend.
Photo courtesy of Nikko City Tourism Association.
Lake Chuzenji in Nikko and the winding Iroha-zaka road are at a high altitude, so the leaves change color early, allowing you to enjoy the autumn foliage for a long period from late September to early November. It's highly recommended for those who want to enjoy autumn a little earlier in the Kanto area. The classic route is to combine it with a stay at the famous Nikko Onsen hot springs.
Many people may wonder, "Why does high temperatures delay the changing of the leaves?"
The reason leaves turn red is that in autumn, as daylight hours shorten and temperatures drop, the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, and the red pigment (anthocyanin) that was previously hidden becomes visible on the surface.
For this phenomenon to occur, a significant temperature difference between day and night and continuous low-temperature stimulation are necessary. If temperatures remain high into autumn, the trees will not feel the cold, and the timing of their autumn coloring will be delayed. Also, if a strong typhoon hits during this period or the air becomes too dry, the leaves may fall before they can change color beautifully.
This glamping facility is located in a lush, natural setting surrounded by autumn foliage, offering a variety of outdoor experiences. Enjoy activities unique to autumn, such as roasted sweet potato making, fluffy dessert making, complimentary drinks, a sauna, and hiking up Mt. Iwabushi. For dinner, savor luxurious gourmet options including high-quality hot pot dishes, BBQ featuring the rare "Danjo Beef," as well as a platter of local brand meats and beef loin.
This glamping facility is located in a forest that displays different expressions in each season, allowing you to relax and enjoy the pleasant breeze. During your stay, you can freely use the all-inclusive bar, and we offer a variety of activities such as an outdoor sauna and yoga experiences in nature. In addition, you can enjoy dishes made with high-quality local ingredients, such as Ibaraki Prefecture's brand beef "Hitachi Beef" and "Rose Pork."
This luxurious villa is nestled beside a popular avenue in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, featuring approximately 500 metasequoia trees. It offers a fantastical space where you can experience a sense of escape from the ordinary and enjoy a relaxing time. All guest rooms are equipped with natural hot springs from the hotel's own source, and one villa even boasts a private pool. For meals, you can savor carefully selected ingredients such as Australian sirloin steak, grilled Biwa trout marinated in homemade herbs, and Omi beef sirloin steak.
1. Secure your accommodation early: The autumn foliage season is the peak travel season in Japan. Popular tourist destinations, hot spring resorts, and glamping facilities fill up quickly, so it's essential to complete your reservations 1-2 months before departure.
2. Plan your route with altitude in mind: Even within the same area, the leaves change color earlier on higher mountaintops and later in the plains. If you want to enjoy the autumn foliage for as long as possible on one trip, plan a route that visits higher altitude areas first and then descends to the plains. This will increase your chances of encountering beautiful autumn colors.
3. Combine hot springs with autumn delicacies: Autumn in Japan is not just about the changing leaves, but also about "the autumn of appetite" and "the autumn of hot springs." Incorporate exquisite autumn delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, and saury, as well as hot springs to warm your chilled body, into your itinerary and enjoy Japanese autumn with all your senses.
A1. This is the Daisetsuzan mountain range in Hokkaido. It is the place where autumn arrives earliest in Japan, and the magnificent autumn foliage is usually at its peak from mid to late September.
A2. Typically, the peak viewing period is from mid-November to early December. Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Eikan-do Temple are famous as some of Kyoto's most representative scenic spots.
A3. I recommend luxurious glamping facilities around the Fuji Five Lakes area in Yamanashi Prefecture (such as piilo asobi & stay). You can enjoy top-class BBQ and a comfortable stay in a private space while being close to the autumn foliage of nature.
The most important thing for a successful autumn leaf viewing trip in Japan in 2026 is to diligently check the latest "autumn leaf front and flowering information" released by meteorological agencies. By acting on real-time information, you will greatly increase your chances of encountering magnificent autumn leaves at their peak.
From the early autumn colors of Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan Mountains to the vibrant reds of late autumn adorning Kyoto's ancient temples, Japan's autumn foliage slowly colors the archipelago from north to south over a period of approximately three months. Find the perfect area for your schedule and embark on the ultimate autumn journey!
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
