Japan Autumn Foliage Forecast 2026: Peak Maple & Ginkgo Dates
2026 Japan kōyō forecast from the first JMC release: Tokyo maple ~Nov 29, Kyoto ~Dec 11, plus regional windows for Nikko, Hokkaido, and Kawaguchiko. How to plan before the October update.
The first official 2026 autumn foliage (kōyō) forecast from the Japan Meteorological Corporation landed in early September. That is the signal travelers wait for after a warm summer: when cities might peak late, and whether your November leave actually lines up with Kyoto’s maples.
This page turns that forecast into a trip plan. For destination depth, use autumn Japan 2026, Kyoto foliage, Japan in October, and Japan in November.
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First 2026 city peaks (maple vs ginkgo)
JMC publishes separate outlooks for red maple and yellow ginkgo. They do not peak on the same day.
| City | Maple (red) ~peak | Ginkgo (yellow) ~peak |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Nov 29 | Nov 26 |
| Kyoto | Dec 11 | Nov 27 |
| Osaka | Dec 4 | Nov 24 |
| Nagoya | Dec 2 | Nov 17 |
| Sendai | Nov 25 | Nov 29 |
| Sapporo | Nov 7 | Nov 6 |
| Fukuoka | Dec 7 | Nov 27 |
Treat these as first-pass planning dates, not guarantees. Warm autumns push lowland peaks later. An early-October forecast update usually tightens the picture — refresh before you pay non-refundable deposits.
Regional windows (how to actually book)
| Region | Planning window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido mountains | Mid Sep – early Oct | Already turning while Tokyo is still green |
| Hokkaido plains / Sapporo | Late Oct – early Nov | City ginkgo/maple nearer the table above |
| Tohoku | Late Oct – mid Nov | Gorges and highland routes |
| Nikko / Hakone mountains | Late Oct – mid Nov | Strong for Tokyo day trips in October |
| Kawaguchiko / Fuji lakes | Early – mid Nov | Classic pagoda + Fuji + maple corridor |
| Kyoto / Nara temples | Late Nov – early Dec | Often the finale after a warm year |
| Tokyo parks / Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo | Late Nov | See ginkgo avenue guide |
Safest first-timer Golden Route foliage window: roughly Nov 18 – early December, with Kyoto at the end of the trip if the December 11 maple outlook holds.
How to use the forecast without overthinking it
- Lock the region to your dates, not the other way around. Mid-October leave → Nikko, Alps, Tohoku, early Kawaguchiko. Late November leave → Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara.
- Book beds now for Kyoto and Nikko weekends; keep one flexible day for weather.
- Go at opening. Peak color plus midday tour buses is how famous spots feel ruined.
- Watch the early-October JMC refresh, then adjust day trips if peaks slide.
Where to go from Tokyo when color starts
If you are based in Tokyo in late October or November and want Fuji-side color without renting a car:
DIY Nikko remains the other October workhorse: Nikko day trip.
FAQ
When is the best time for autumn leaves in Japan in 2026?
It depends on the region. Mountains and the north peak in October; Tokyo and Kyoto lowlands are more late November to early December on the first forecast.
Is Kyoto foliage late this year?
The first JMC maple outlook for Kyoto is around December 11 — later than many travelers assume. Build Kyoto toward the end of a late-autumn trip.
When is the next forecast update?
Typically early October. Recheck before finalizing foliage-critical hotel nights.
Maple or ginkgo first?
In many cities, ginkgo peaks a few days before maple. Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Gaien avenue is a ginkgo story.
Should I visit in October or November?
October for mountain color and fewer temple crowds. Late November for classic Kyoto/Tokyo peak photos.
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Alex Rivera
Travel & Living Editor
Expat guide. Helps people actually move to and navigate Japan.
Moved from London to Tokyo in 2018. Went through the full gaijin experience—visa, housing, banking, the works. Now writes the guide he wished he had.
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Moving to Tokyo, expat life, travel, Kyoto vs Tokyo, onsen
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