Japan Fall Foliage 2026: JMC Peak Dates for Kyoto, Tokyo & Beyond

JMC's first 2026 forecast predicts autumn temperatures will run higher than average nationwide, resulting in peak foliage that is "average" to "later than average" across most regions. This follows a pattern seen in recent years where warming autumn temperatures have gradually shifted peak viewing dates later.

Official JMC 2026 Peak Dates (Red Maple Leaves)

*Fukuoka and Kagoshima dates based on JMC data; verify against official JMC sources for precise figures.

Yellow Ginkgo vs. Red Maple

JMC tracks both maple (red) and ginkgo (yellow) peaks separately:

• Tokyo: Ginkgo peaks November 26; maple peaks November 29 (3-day gap)
• Osaka: Ginkgo peaks November 24; maple peaks December 4 (10-day gap)
• Kyoto: Ginkgo timing not explicitly stated; maple peaks December 11

Ginkgo typically turns at slightly higher temperatures than maple, so ginkgo peaks often arrive earlier—though the gap varies significantly by location.

Official JMC Peak: December 11, 2026

Kyoto's 2026 maple peak of December 11 falls in the average to slightly late range compared to the historical average. For context, JMC's long-run average for Kyoto maple is around November 25–27, making 2026 a noticeably later season.

What this means for travelers:

Plan for late November through mid-December as your primary Kyoto foliage window. The December 11 peak date is a city-wide average—specific locations will vary:

• Higher elevations (temples on Kyoto's eastern/western hills): Late November
• City-center temples (lower elevation): Early December
• Valley locations: Mid-December

Arashiyama Timing

Arashiyama—Kyoto's most famous autumn district featuring the bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Tenryu-ji Temple—typically peaks slightly earlier than Kyoto's city-wide average due to its riverside location and surrounding hills.

Based on historical patterns and 2026's delayed forecast:

• First color: Mid-November
• Peak viewing: Late November to early December (November 25–December 5)
• Best window: November 28–December 3

Note: The November 24 date referenced in some sources refers to Osaka's ginkgo average, not Arashiyama's maple peak. JMC does not publish location-specific forecasts for Arashiyama itself—plan around the broader Kyoto December 11 peak with flexibility for late November.

Other Kyoto Locations

Official JMC Peak: November 29, 2026

Tokyo's 2026 maple peak of November 29 is 1 day later than average—essentially on schedule. This reflects Tokyo's coastal location, which moderates temperature swings compared to inland cities.

Mt. Takao: November 18–20 Expected Peak

Mt. Takao (599m elevation), Tokyo's most accessible autumn mountain, colors earlier than the city center due to altitude. Based on JMC's elevation-adjusted forecasts and historical patterns:

• Expected peak: November 18–20, 2026
• Viewing window: November 15–25
• Access: Keio Line from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station (55 minutes)

The mountain offers multiple hiking trails, a cable car, and the Yakuo-in Temple complex. Weekend crowds are substantial—visit weekdays or arrive before 8 AM.

Tokyo City Center Locations

Urban heat island effects push city-center foliage later than Mt. Takao:

Hokkaido (September–October)

• Daisetsuzan National Park: Mid-September peak (earliest in Japan)
• Sounkyo Gorge: Late September to early October
• Jozankei Onsen: Early to mid-October
• Sapporo city: November 7 (JMC official)

Hokkaido's 2026 season runs later than average due to above-normal autumn temperatures—Sapporo's November 7 date is 10 days behind the historical average.

Tohoku & Northern Kanto (October–November)

Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture):

• Lake Chuzenji: Mid-October
• Kegon Falls: Mid-to-late October
• Toshogu Shrine area: Late October to early November

Nikko's higher elevations (1,200m+) color significantly earlier than Tokyo. The elevation gradient creates a 3–4 week viewing window from early October through early November.

Hakone & Fuji Five Lakes (November)

Hakone's mountainous terrain creates staggered timing:

• Higher areas (Owakudani, upper Hakone Ropeway): Late October
• Lake Ashi: Early to mid-November
• Gora Park: Mid-to-late November
• Hakone town: Late November to early December

The Hakone Ropeway (late October to mid-November) offers elevated viewing with Mount Fuji visible on clear days.

Nara & Osaka (Late November–Early December)

• Osaka city: December 4 (JMC official)
• Nara Park: Late November
• Mt. Yoshino: Early November (elevation 300m+)

Osaka's December 4 peak is near the historical average, making it a reliable late-season destination.

Book Accommodation Early

Fall foliage season coincides with peak domestic travel. Hotels in Kyoto, Tokyo, and major viewing areas often sell out months in advance—especially for late November weekends. For 2026's delayed season, early December may see increased demand as travelers adjust to the later peak.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Popular spots experience extreme crowding on weekends:

• Arashiyama: Unmanageable Saturday/Sunday crowds
• Kiyomizu-dera: Limited access during peak
• Mt. Takao: 2+ hour waits for cable car

Visit Monday–Friday when possible. Early morning (before 9 AM) offers the best light and fewest people.

Elevation Strategy

If you miss peak in the cities, head to higher ground:

• From Kyoto: Takao-san (Kyoto), Kurama/Kibune, Ohara
• From Tokyo: Mt. Takao, Okutama, Nikko
• From Osaka: Mt. Yoshino, Koyasan

Higher elevations color 1–3 weeks earlier than city centers.

Monitor Forecast Updates

JMC issues updated forecasts at:

• Early October (next update)
• Late October
• Late November

Check JMC's official site or the "Otenki Navigator" Koyo Navi section for real-time updates as your travel dates approach.

Night Illumination

Many temples offer special nighttime viewing (yakei) during peak season:

• Kyoto: Eikan-do Zenrin-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji
• Tokyo: Rikugien, some Hakone venues

These require separate tickets and often sell out. Book online when available, or arrive early for day-of purchases.

*Fukuoka date based on JMC data; verify against official sources for precise figures.

1. Later season: Most regions run average to slightly late due to above-average autumn temperatures
2. Kyoto's December 11 peak: Average to slightly late—plan for late November through mid-December
3. Tokyo on schedule: November 29 peak is essentially average
4. Hokkaido significantly delayed: Sapporo's November 7 date is 10 days behind normal
5. Flexible dates: Build 2–3 day buffers into your itinerary for weather adjustments

The 2026 season rewards travelers who can adapt to the delayed timeline. With Kyoto's peak pushed into December, early December becomes viable even for typically early-peaking regions—opening new itinerary possibilities for autumn travelers.

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Sources:

• Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) — 2026 Autumn Foliage 1st Forecast (September 2, 2026): https://n-kishou.com/corp/news-contents/autumn/
• JMC Otenki Navigator Koyo Navi (紅葉ナビ): https://www.otenki-navigator.jp/
• Japan Travel: https://en.japantravel.com/article/autumn-foliage-2026/72752
• Nippon.com: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02888/