When & Where to See Autumn Leaves in Japan 2025 (Forecast & Map)
Planning a fall trip to Japan in 2025? This guide brings together the latest koyo (autumn leaves) forecasts, an easy-to-follow “leaf wave” map, and month-by-month, region-by-region peak windows so you can time Kyoto temples, Tokyo’s ginkgo boulevards, Hokkaido highlands and more at their most vibrant. From classic hotspots to quieter alternatives, we’ve packed in practical itinerary ideas, illumination tips, and real-time resources to help you catch the colors at their peak.
2025 Fall Foliage at a Glance (What’s Different This Year?)
Japan’s 2025 koyo (autumn leaves) season is shaping up to be near-normal to slightly later in many regions. Expect quicker color in northern mountains mid-October, with some delay at higher elevations further south due to lingering warmth earlier in autumn. This outlook comes from the 2nd national forecasts by Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) and Japan Weather Association (JWA/tenki.jp).
The 2025 “Leaf Wave” Map (North → South Progression)
Use this to time your itinerary. Peaks vary by altitude and species (maples vs. ginkgo), so we list windows, not single days.
- Early–Mid Oct: Hokkaido highlands (Daisetsuzan/Asahidake, Sounkyo, Jozankei). Color accelerates rapidly mid-month in the north.
- Late Oct: Hokkaido lowlands and Tohoku gorges; early color in Central Alps high elevations. Early–Mid Nov: Northern/central mountains—Kamikochi (Nagano), Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Nikko (Tochigi); Hokuriku parks.
- Mid–Late Nov: Kansai icons (Kyoto/Arashiyama, Nara), Chugoku (Miyajima), Shikoku (Kankakei Gorge).
- Late Nov–Early Dec: Kanto cities (Tokyo’s ginkgo boulevards), Kanazawa, much of Kyushu; many urban sites hold color into early December.
- Early–Mid Dec: Southern lowlands and urban “last call” pockets.
Month-by-Month Forecast (2025)
October — Hokkaido & Tohoku Lead
- Hokkaido: Sounkyo & Jozankei typically mid Oct; Ōnuma Park late Oct–early Nov (near-normal).
- Tohoku: Oirase Gorge, Naruko Gorge, Urabandai trend late Oct (near-normal). Recent field notes show early high-elevation color at Daisetsuzan and along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
November — Mainland Spotlight
- Early–Mid Nov: Kamikochi (Nagano), Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Nikko; Hokuriku coast parks begin to peak.
- Mid–Late Nov: Kyoto/Arashiyama (many temples), Nara parks, Osaka gardens; Hiroshima/Miyajima; Kankakei Gorge (Shodoshima).
- Mid Nov: Kyushu highlights such as Yabakei and Takachiho Gorge.
Late Nov–Early Dec — Cities & the South
- Tokyo & Kanto lowlands: late Nov–early Dec (ginkgo and many city parks).
- Kyushu lowlands & major cities: late Nov–early Dec.
Regional Cheat Sheet — Best Spots & 2025 Peak Windows
- Hokkaido — Sounkyo / Jozankei: mid Oct; Ōnuma Park: late Oct–early Nov.
- Tohoku — Oirase / Naruko / Urabandai: late Oct.
- Kanto — Nikko mountains: late Oct; Mt. Takao: late Nov; Tokyo city parks & ginkgo: late Nov–early Dec.
- Chūbu (Alps) — Kamikochi: around mid Oct (slightly later than average in some years); Shirakawa-go: late Oct–early Nov.
- Hokuriku — Yahiko Park (Niigata): early Nov (often a touch later than average in 2025).
- Kansai — Kyoto (Arashiyama/temples): mid–late Nov, with some gardens holding color into early December.
- Chūgoku — Miyajima: late Nov (tending later); Mt. Daisen: early Nov.
- Shikoku — Kankakei Gorge: mid Nov.
- Kyushu — Yabakei / Takachiho: mid Nov; cities: late Nov–early Dec.
“Leaf Wave” Quick Reference
| Window (2025) | Regions Leading | Typical Highlights |
| Oct 1–15 | Hokkaido highlands | Daisetsuzan/Asahidake, Sounkyo, Jozankei. |
| Oct 16–31 | Hokkaido lowlands, Tohoku | Ōnuma Park; Oirase, Naruko, Urabandai. |
| Nov 1–10 | Chūbu Alps, Nikko, Hokuriku | Kamikochi, Shirakawa-go, Nikko, Kanazawa parks. |
| Nov 11–20 | Kansai, Chūgoku, Shikoku | Kyoto/Arashiyama, Miyajima, Kankakei Gorge. |
| Nov 21–Dec 5 | Kantō cities, Kyushu | Tokyo ginkgo boulevards; Yabakei, Takachiho.Late ginkgo/maple pockets in major cities. |
| Dec 6–15 | Southern lowlands & urban holdouts | Late ginkgo/maple pockets in major cities. |
Sample Itineraries (7, 10, and 14 Days)
Late October (North Focus, 7 Days)
Sapporo → Daisetsuzan (Asahidake) → Sounkyo → Otaru/Ōnuma → Fly to Aomori/Sendai
Why it works: Lines up with Hokkaido highland peaks and Tohoku’s late-October window.
Mid-November Classics (10 Days)
Tokyo (ginkgo preview) → Nikko → Kanazawa → Kyoto (temples/night illuminations) → Nara → Osaka
Why it works: Bridges early-mid November peaks in Nikko/Hokuriku with Kyoto’s mid-to-late-November sweet spot.
Late Nov–Early Dec City Color (14 Days)
Tokyo parks & boulevards → Nagoya/Kōrankei → Kyoto night illuminations → Hiroshima/Miyajima → Fukuoka
Why it works: Follows the wave into cities and western Japan as color lingers into early December.
Photo Spots & Night Illuminations (2025)
- Kyoto: Temple gardens around Arashiyama and Higashiyama often host evening light-ups in mid- to late-November—confirm dates a week ahead.
- Tohoku/Shikoku: Gorge viewpoints (Oirase, Naruko, Kankakei). Many vantage points are best in morning for backlit maples; carry a polarizing filter if shooting water.
- Urban ginkgo: Tokyo’s famed boulevards (e.g., Jingu Gaien) usually glow late Nov–early Dec; plan sunrise or late evening to avoid crowds.
- For real-time inspiration and access checks, match your plan against the Japan-Guide 2025 blog the week you travel.
Practical Tips (Crowds, Weather & Packing)
- Beat the queues: Visit headline temples/gardens right at opening or after 19:00 during light-ups; book shinkansen seats for weekend hops in November.
- Weather & layers: 2025 saw warmer-than-average early autumn, but expect crisp mornings by late November—pack a light down layer, gloves, and a compact umbrella.
- Photography etiquette: Tripods may be restricted at busy temples—check local rules; avoid blocking pathways in gorges.
- Transit hacks: Regional rail passes (JR East/West) can be cost-effective for 2–3 intercity moves in a week; buses reach many gorges more conveniently than trains.
Leaf Drop Season
With 2025’s koyo “leaf wave” rolling from Hokkaido to Kyushu, timing is everything—use the month-by-month forecast, map, and live reports to hit those sweet-spot windows. Pair the big-hitters (Kyoto, Nikko, Tokyo’s ginkgo) with quieter dupes, book trains early, and pack layers. Do that, and your feed—and your memories—will be peak-season level.
