Japan Turns Red: The Most Beautiful Spots for Fall Foliage in 2026

The seasons hold a particularly special place in Japan. Spring, with its cherry blossoms, is undoubtedly one of them. But anyone who has ever witnessed a mountainside in Hokkaido turning golden in the fall, a maple leaf glowing in front of a temple, or red foliage reflected in the water of a tranquil garden might find themselves wondering which season is actually the more spectacular.

Koyo is the Japanese term for the autumn foliage. And much like with sakura, people don’t simply take its arrival for granted: they wait for it, follow forecasts, plan outings, and, if necessary, even travel to see it. The associated pastime is called momijigari, which literally means “maple hunting.” This refers to the deliberate seeking out of particularly beautiful places to admire the fall foliage. And right now is the perfect time for it, because the 2026 Koyo season is currently in full swing. While some high-altitude regions in the north have already passed their peak, the grand spectacle of colors is still to come in large parts of Honshu.

Japan loves its fall foliage

To understand the enthusiasm for Koyo, you have to look back a little further. Momijigari can be traced back to the Heian period. At that time, Kyoto’s court aristocracy would travel to the mountains to admire the changing leaves, make music, and write poetry. Accordingly, autumn foliage also appears in classical works such as the poetry anthology *Kokin Wakashū* and in the *Genji Monogatari*. Later, the custom spread beyond courtly circles. By the 18th century at the latest, momijigari had become familiar to broad segments of the population. This fits with a culture in which the seasons remain remarkably present to this day. Seasonal ingredients, decorations, festivals, flowers, and landscapes mark the passage of the year. Beauty often lies precisely in its transience. This makes autumn foliage a natural counterpart to the sakura. Cherry blossoms captivate because they appear and can vanish again just a few days later. Koyo tells the same story more slowly: green turns to yellow, orange, and finally deep red before the leaves fall. The Japanese maple, or momiji, in particular, has become a symbol of this season. Its delicate leaves can change color from green to orange to an almost unreal red. Alongside it, the ginkgo, with its brilliant yellow, characterizes parks and tree-lined avenues in cities in particular. In Japan, autumn leaves also appear on kimonos, fans, and everyday objects—and even on the plate: In Osaka, for example, there is momiji tempura made from maple leaves prepared for this purpose.

Japan Travels with the Seasons

Yet the desire to set out for a seasonal experience is by no means limited to fall. In the spring, Japanese people flock to see the cherry blossoms; in the summer, festivals, fireworks, mountains, and coastlines are very popular; in the fall, the momijigari season begins; and in the winter, skiers and snowboarders head to snow-rich regions. Or you can combine snow with a hot onsen. Domestic travel in Japan also follows the calendar closely. Travel is particularly heavy during Golden Week in late April and early May, during Obon in mid-August, and around New Year’s. During these times, trains, planes, and accommodations can get quite crowded. In 2026, there was even a special occurrence: a so-called “Silver Week” took place again in September because several holidays and the weekend conveniently coincided. Such alignments are rare. The last time this happened was in 2015, and the next one isn’t expected until 2032.

Koyo, on the other hand, has the advantage of not being limited to a single long weekend. Japan’s enormous north-south expanse and its mountain ranges stretch the fall foliage season out over months. If you plan your trip wisely, you can theoretically follow the colors from the far north all the way to the far south.

Koyo 2026: Fall is taking a little longer this year

Just like with cherry blossoms, there are forecasts for fall foliage in Japan. The key difference, however, is that the direction is reversed. While the sakura front moves from south to north in the spring, koyo begins in the cold north and in the mountains and then works its way southward and to lower elevations.  For 2026, the current trend is for fall colors to appear at the usual time or slightly later than usual in many places. After a temporarily cooler first half of September, temperatures have been higher since the end of September. The Japan Weather Association therefore expects fall colors to be delayed in some areas, particularly in eastern and western Japan at lower elevations. In contrast, fall colors began earlier in some mountainous regions of Hokkaido and Tohoku. The Japan Meteorological Corporation also distinguishes between red maple and yellow ginkgo. According to its forecast published on October 1, yellow leaves are expected in Tokyo around November 26 and red leaves around November 28, for example. Nagano is expected to see its red leaves around November 21, and Hiroshima around November 28. Of course, forecasts can still shift depending on the weather. Anyone traveling in Japan now, at the end of October, therefore doesn’t have to wait until the end of November. Altitude is the key factor: In the Alps, Tohoku, and other mountainous regions, the season begins much earlier. Current observations show, for example, that the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route has already passed its peak at higher elevations, while Nikko is just beginning to turn color. Tokyo and Kyoto, on the other hand, are still largely green. And that’s exactly what makes an autumn trip through Japan so exciting.

Hokkaido: Where Japan's Fall Begins

If you want to experience the fall colors as early as possible, you’ll need to head north—and preferably up into the mountains. Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido is one of the first places in Japan where fall makes its appearance. In the alpine regions, the colors can begin as early as September. Daisetsuzan is also Japan’s largest national park, featuring a landscape of mountains, volcanic terrain, forests, and highlands. A particularly convenient option is the Kurodake Ropeway near Sounkyo. Hikers, on the other hand, can venture deeper into the landscape around Asahidake, Tomuraushi, or Tokachidake. And while the leaves may already be falling in the highest regions, the colors are just beginning further down. In a sense, autumn makes its way down the mountain. Those who are a bit late still have opportunities around Sapporo: widespread foliage coloration there is expected in early November 2026. 

Aomori: Waterfalls Amid Shades of Red and Gold

Further south, in Aomori Prefecture, one of Japan’s great fall classics awaits: the Oirase Gorge. The mountain stream flows from Lake Towada through dense forest, past moss-covered rocks and numerous waterfalls. In the fall, it transforms into a blend of flowing water, dark green, yellow, orange, and red. The best part: You don’t have to be a mountaineer. The roughly 14-kilometer stretch of river is perfect for hiking, and individual sections can also be explored separately. If you’re an early riser, you should also keep an eye out for Tsutanuma. In the second half of October, the morning sun can shine so intensely on the beech forests surrounding the lake that the landscape seems to glow almost red.

Tochigi: Nikko Has Several Autumns at Once

Located just about two hours from Tokyo, Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is one of the most convenient destinations for momijigari. And here, it becomes particularly clear why specifying a single date for autumn foliage often makes little sense. The region spans a wide range of elevations. Up in the Oku-Nikko area, the leaves begin to change color early; the colors then spread to Lake Chuzenji and the famous Kegon Falls, and later to the lower-lying temple and shrine districts. As a result, the season can stretch out over several weeks. The combination is particularly enchanting: golden and red forests, waterfalls, mountain lakes, and, nestled among them, the elaborately decorated buildings of the Toshogu Shrine. Here, nature and architecture truly vie for attention.

Nagano: Golden Autumn in the Japanese Alps

If you’d rather spend your fall hiking than visiting temples, you should add Nagano to your list. In Kamikochi, situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters, the clear Azusa River meets larch and birch forests and the peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps. The valley is particularly popular in October. Things can get quite lively around the Kappabashi Bridge; however, if you follow the river further toward Myojin Pond, you’ll quickly leave some of the crowds behind. Private cars aren’t allowed into Kamikochi anyway—the final stretch is covered by bus or taxi. The regular season ends in mid-November. Another spectacular option in this region is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route between Nagano and Toyama. Due to the enormous differences in elevation, the fall colors here literally cascade down the mountain in stages: earlier at the top, later at the bottom.

Yamanashi: Mount Fuji with a red frame

Sometimes, even a famous scene needs just a little more color. Around Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, Mount Fuji is framed by red maple leaves in the fall. The so-called Momiji Corridor—the area known for its maple-lined avenues—is particularly famous. Late October through mid-November is traditionally a fascinating time for the region. When clear skies add to the scene and Mount Fuji and the fall colors are reflected in the lake, it’s easy to see why cameras are constantly in use here. 

Hiroshima: Maple Island with a View of the Sea

In Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima offers a completely different kind of fall. Here, the red foliage meets shrines, mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea. The very name Momijidani—“Maple Valley”—reveals why a visit in the fall is well worth it. Around Momijidani Park, hundreds of maple trees turn shades of red and gold. Daisho-in Temple is also particularly charming in the fall; those who want to go higher can take the cable car toward Mount Misen or hike up and gaze out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea from there. Fittingly, you’ll even encounter maple leaves here while eating: Momiji Manju, small maple-leaf-shaped pastries, are among Miyajima’s most famous specialties. For Hiroshima, JMC forecasts yellow leaves around November 21 and red leaves around November 28 in 2026. 

Oita: Koyo in Kyushu

Even if you travel to Japan late in the year, you don’t have to miss out on the fall foliage. The peak of fall colors reaches Kyushu much later than Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. The Kuju Mountains in Oita Prefecture are particularly beautiful. Here, mountain landscapes, hiking trails, hot springs, and fall colors come together. The region around Taketa is known for its vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow; at higher elevations, the spectacle naturally begins earlier than in Kyushu’s cities. Anyone looking to combine a koyo trip with onsen is in excellent hands in Kyushu anyway. Stepping into a hot bath after a hike through the crisp autumn air is perhaps one of the most satisfying ways to come to terms with the end of summer.

So, when should I go to Japan?

Perhaps the most important thing to know is this: There is no single “perfect” time to see fall foliage in Japan. If you’re traveling in September, head to the high elevations of Hokkaido. In October, Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Japanese Alps are the places to go. In November, the options become vast: Nikko, the Fuji region, Nagano, Hiroshima, and finally the major cities. In late November and early December, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka become particularly interesting, while parts of Kyushu can still display their fall colors well into December.