2026 autumn foliage: peak expected slightly later than average amid warmer fall

Sunshine, rain and cool mornings and evenings could bring vivid autumn colors

For leaves to develop vivid colors, autumn needs a suitable balance of sunshine and rain, along with a marked drop in temperature.

In September, the autumn rain front lingered near Honshu on many days, and sunshine hours were below average in many areas from Tohoku to Kyushu. Reports from the locations suggest that some people have found the colors less vivid. By contrast, reports from Hokkaido, which had relatively more sunshine, describe vivid colors not seen for several years.

Weather is expected to change periodically across Japan in the coming weeks. At locations yet to reach peak color, the sunshine, rain and cool mornings and evenings needed for vivid foliage are expected to occur.

Foliage currently at its peak in Hokkaido and the mountainous areas of Honshu

Color change advanced through early October as cold air moved in repeatedly and clear skies caused temperatures to drop overnight through radiational cooling.

In Hokkaido, areas at peak color are shifting from the mountains to the plains. Foliage can be enjoyed across the region until around early November, but leaves in the mountains could fall following a low-pressure system around October 14. An earlier visit is recommended.

Peak-color areas are expanding in the mountainous parts of Honshu. Many locations have ropeways, offering views of vivid foliage below. Temperatures at higher elevations are lower than on the plains, so visitors are advised to bring an extra layer, such as a hoodie or jacket.

November is the peak foliage season in eastern and western Japan

More locations in eastern and western Japan are expected to reach peak color in November. However, autumn temperatures are forecast to be high this year, and many places are expected to peak later than usual.

The current forecast indicates that in early November, foliage viewing will be concentrated in higher mountains such as Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture. By mid-November, locations such as Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture are expected to reach peak color. In late November, foliage is expected to be at its best closer to the plains, including along the ginkgo-lined avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo and at Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto Prefecture.

Because peak color is expected to start later, we expect some locations on the plains in each region to retain autumn foliage until around mid-December.

However, this year, heavy rain linked to the autumn rain front and typhoons that repeatedly approached and passed Japan has caused damage in some places, including Chiba Prefecture. Peak foliage is still some time away, but access to some well-known viewing locations has been affected. Check the latest information before setting out to view the leaves.