After the first sight of red leaves appears in Hokkaido in September every year, it heads south and arrives in Kyushu, making the whole of Japan turn red. The period from late September to early December when the autumn leaves turn red all over the country is called the "Japan Fall Foliage Season". When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Japan 2024? Here is the ultimate guide to the Japan autumn foliage forecast.
Table of Contents
1. Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2024
2. Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2023
3. Autumn in Japan (Travel Tips)
4. Things to Do during a 2024 Japan Autumn Leaves Tour
1. Japan Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
The red foliage in Japan appears in autumn when the temperature drops, showing off its orange and red color, and the leaves fall in the winter. The lower and cooler the temperature, the higher the chance of seeing the splendor of red leaves. When is the best time for autumn leaves in Japan 2024? Generally speaking, every year, Japan maple leaves season begins in September in Hokkaido in the north, then spreads to the Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai regions in the south in October, and reaches Kyushu in the south in December. The peak of autumn foliage is known as "koyo" in Japanese. When you view the maple leaves at the best time of the year, you can enjoy and photograph the autumn leaves at their best in the area. Check the fall foliage calendar and the best time for autumn colours in Japan 2024 in the following:
Hokkaido Area Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to see autumn leaves: Late September to mid-October
Best places to view fall colors in Hokkaido: Sapporo, Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo Gorge, Jozankei Onsen, Shiretoko Goko Five Lakes, Noboribetsu Onsen
Japan Tohoku Area Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to see fall colors: Early October to late October
Best places to admire autumn foliage in Japan Tohoku area:
Aomori Prefecture: Oirase Gorge, Shirakami-Sanchi, Lake Towada
Iwate Prefecture: Hachimantai, Chūsonji Temple
Miyagi Prefecture: Oufukasawa Bridge
Yamagata Prefecture: Zao Onsen
Fukushima Prefecture: Lac Goshiki, Urabandai, Mount Adatara
Central Japan and Hokuriku Region Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to see autumn foliage: Mid-October to mid-November
Best places to view fall foliage in Central Japan and Hokuriku Region:
Aichi Prefecture: Korankei Gorge, Oidaira Park
Nagano Prefecture: Hakuba, Karuizawa
Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine
Yamanashi Prefecture: Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi
Shizuoka Prefecture: Sumata Pass
Gifu Prefecture: Gero Onsen
Fukui Prefecture: Lake Kuzuryu
Ishikawa Prefecture: Kenroku-en
Niigata Prefecture: Yahiko, Lake Oku-tadami
Japan Chūgoku Region and Shikoku Region Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to see fall foliage: Late October to mid-November
Best places to see autumn leaves in Chūgoku and Shikoku Japan:
Tottori Prefecture: Daisen
Kagawa Prefecture: Kankakei
Tokushima Prefecture: Iya Onsen
Okayama Prefecture: Okutsu Valley
Hiroshima Prefecture: Miyajima
Shimane Prefecture: Adachi Museum of Art
Yamaguchi Prefecture: Chōmonkyō
Japan Kanto Region Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to enjoy autumn colors: Mid-October to late November
Best places to see fall foliage in Kanto Japan:
Tokyo: Rokugien Garden, Yoyogi Park, Okutama, Mount Takao
Mount Fuji: Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor, Arakurayama Sengen Park
Tochigi Prefecture: Nikko, Nasu
Kanagawa Prefecture: Kamakura, Hakone
Ibaraki Prefecture: Fukuroda Falls, Hananuki Gorge
Gunma Prefecture: Oze National Park, Ikaho Onsen, Shima Onsen
Saitama Prefecture: Chichibu
Chiba Prefecture: Yōrō Ravine.
Japan Kansai Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to see red leaves: Late October to early December
Best places to enjoy Japan foliage in the Kansai region:
Kyoto: Rurikō-in Temple, Arashiyama, Tōfuku-ji Temple, Eikandō Temple, Kiyomizu-dera
Shiga Prefecture: Three Mountains in Kotosanzan (Saimyoji, Kongorinji, Hyakusaiji), Keisoku-ji Temple
Wakayama Prefecture: Mount Koya
Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Midosuji Avenue, Minoh Falls
Nara: Nara Park
Hyogo Prefecture: Arima Onsen
Mie Prefecture: Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary), Mount Gozaisho
Japan Kyushu Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
Best time to view maple leaves: Early November - early December
Best places to appreciate the fall leaves in Kyushu Japan:
Saga Prefecture: Kunenan Gardens
Oita Prefecture: Yabakeimachi Oaza Shinyaba, Fuki-ji Temple
Fukuoka Prefecture: Akizuki Castle Ruins
Kumamoto Prefecture: Kikuchi Gorge
Miyazaki Prefecture: Takachiho Gorge
Kagoshima Prefecture: Kirishima Onsen, Soginotaki Park
After learning about the Japan autumn leaves prediction in various parts of Japan, which foliage viewing place do you plan to visit for its best fall colors in Japan? Leave us a message now!
2. Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2023
When is fall foliage in Japan? Beginning from November to early December, Japan's fall season marks the transition from the vivid hues of summer to the breathtaking, unmissable spectacle of the country's autumn foliage! It's the best time of the year to venture into the outdoors, to a stroll in both Japan's urban and natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the country as it changes seasons. To get to know about the best time for autumn colours in Japan, you can check the Japan autumn foliage forecast 2023 in the following for reference, which was released by Japan Meteorological Corporation.
Forecast for Red Leaves Viewing Dates
Forecast for Yellow Leaves Viewing Dates
It is important to note that the best time to see autumn colours in Japan 2024 is greatly affected by the climate. For a better experience in viewing the best fall foliage in Japan, you can plan a relatively long autumn leaves tour Japan (more than 10 days, and 14 days will be best), which will maximize your chances to catch the peak foliage and visiting as many as fall foliage viewing spots during your autumn trip in Japan.
3. Travel Tips on Japan Autumn Trip 2024
The climate of this time of year can vary, with evening temperatures that can dip to around 45 Fahrenheit (7 Celsius) late in the season. On warmer early season days, temperatures can rise to as high as 75 F (24 C), providing ideal weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Whether you're hiking through scenic trails, visiting historical sites, or simply enjoying the charm of Japan's cities and countryside, the fall season is a wonderful time of year for a visit to the country. It's also a lot less crowded than it gets in spring: the country's peak travel season due to it being the time of year when cherry blossoms bloom.
Travel Tips:
The fall season can get particularly cold, so it's good to have long-sleeved, layered clothing on hand for the cooler evenings.
In late September, Japan has two national holidays that line up to make up Silver Week: are Respect for The Aged Day, which happens on the third Monday of the month, and Autumnal Equinox Day. These two holidays each take up their own 3 day extended weekend during the week, so it is recommended to plan accordingly to avoid the crowds & traffic that can form during this season.
Have fun during the best time to visit Japan for autumn foliage 2024!
4. Cannot-Missed Experiences during Autumn Leaves Tour Japan 2024
Exploring Japan during autumn is a wonderful experience as you can witness the breathtaking fall colors in the best places for autumn leaves in Japan, such as parks, gardens, and mountainous regions across Japan. However, there is still a lot of excitement waiting for your explorations. Check out more things to do to experience your unforgettable autumn tours of Japan 2024.
-Enjoy Onsen (Hot Springs): Relax in natural hot springs, especially in places like Hakone or Beppu, where you can soak in warm, therapeutic waters while surrounded by autumn scenery.
-Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you can savor matcha (powdered green tea) while admiring the beauty of a Japanese garden.
-Savor Seasonal Cuisine: Indulge in seasonal delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, and persimmons. Try traditional autumn dishes like "kuri gohan" (chestnut rice) and "kabocha" (pumpkin) dishes.
-Take a Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes from the comfort of a scenic train ride. Consider the Sagano Scenic Railway (also known as the Sagano Romantic Train) in Kyoto or the Hakone Tozan Railway near Mount Fuji.
-Explore Rural Villages: Escape the hustle and bustle of the cities by visiting traditional rural villages like Shirakawa-go or Gokayama, where you can experience the charm of old Japan amidst autumn scenery.
-Attend Autumn Festivals: Experience traditional Japanese festivals like the Takayama Autumn Festival in Gifu Prefecture or the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto, or the Nikko Toshogu Shrine's Grand Autumn Festival. These events often feature colorful parades, performances, and delicious street food.
-Stroll around Historic Districts in Kimono: Take a leisurely stroll through historic districts like Gion in Kyoto or Asakusa in Tokyo. These areas are filled with traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and temples, providing the perfect backdrop for photos in your kimono.
-Participate in Cultural Workshops: Learn traditional Japanese arts and crafts like pottery making, calligraphy, or kimono wearing through hands-on workshops offered in various cities.
-Go Hiking and Nature Walks: Embark on scenic hikes through national parks like the Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps, the trails around Mount Fuji, or the Nakasendo Trail, all offering stunning autumn vistas.
Any of the activities listed here will provide you unforgettable experience during the best time in autumn to visit Japan. Take the Japan fall foliage schedule to enrich your travel itinerary!
5. Conclusion
This is our autumn leaves Japan forecast 2024 to enjoy the best fall foliage. Remember to check the peak foliage times for the specific regions you plan to visit, as autumn colors peak at different times throughout Japan depending on the location and altitude. Enjoy your autumn adventure in Japan by embarking on our crafted Japan autumn tour 2024!