Autumn foliage (kōyō or momiji) rivals cherry blossom season — and lasts longer. Colours start in Hokkaido's mountains in late September and reach Kyoto and Tokyo in mid-to-late November, lingering into early December.
Typical peak timing
| Area | Typical peak |
|---|---|
| Daisetsuzan (Hokkaido) | Mid–late September |
| Hokkaido lowlands, Tohoku mountains | October |
| Nikko (Lake Chūzenji/Irohazaka) | Mid–late October (higher), early November (town) |
| Japan Alps, Takayama, Kawaguchiko | Late October–mid November |
| Tokyo, Kamakura | Late November–early December |
| Kyoto, Nara, Osaka | Mid–late November into early December |
| Miyajima, Hiroshima | Mid–late November |
Dates vary by year and altitude; check regional forecasts from early autumn.
Top spots
- Kyoto: Tōfuku-ji, Eikan-dō (night illumination), Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, Ōhara. See our Kyoto guide.
- Tokyo: Icho Namiki ginkgo avenue (Meiji Jingu Gaien), Rikugien, Shinjuku Gyoen. See Tokyo.
- Nikko: Irohazaka road and Kegon Falls.
- Kawaguchiko: maple corridor with Mt Fuji.
- Miyajima: Momijidani Park — appropriately, maple valley.
- Kamakura: temples in early December.
Tips
- Kyoto in November is extremely busy — go early, visit lesser-known temples, or try evening light-ups.
- Book accommodation well ahead.
- See our seasons guide and seasonal calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Kyoto?
Typically mid-to-late November, sometimes extending into early December, depending on the year's weather.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: