Autumn Leaves in Japan 2026: When and Where to See Koyo

Updated October 2026, based on the September 2026 foliage forecasts

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Autumn leaves, or koyo, turn Japan's temples, gardens and mountain roads red and gold every year. The colours move south and downhill over about two months, so the right place depends on when you travel. Here's the 2026 timing, the best spots, and the night light-ups worth planning around.

2026 koyo forecast: peak dates by city

On September 2, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Corporation published its first foliage forecast. It expects colours to peak somewhat later than usual across the country after the long summer heat, especially in the north and in Nagano. Yellow ginkgo usually peaks a few days before red maples.

City dates are the forecast "peak" for the official observation trees. Forecasts are updated through the season, so check again a week or two before your trip. Nikko and Hakone have no single official date; the windows above are typical ranges.

Kyoto: temples, maples and night viewings

Kyoto is the classic koyo destination, and in 2026 the maples are expected to be late, so the last week of November and early December look better than mid-November this year. Weathernews forecasts Arashiyama's peak from around November 24, earlier than the official city observation tree, so the main temples and gardens should look good from late November. Popular spots include Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama and the hillside temples of northern Kyoto. Weekends at peak time are very crowded, so start early in the morning or visit on weekdays.

Kyoto autumn light-ups

Exact 2026 dates for many temple light-ups are announced only a few weeks ahead, so use last year's schedule as a guide and confirm on each temple's official site:

• Kiyomizu-dera: autumn night viewing ran November 22 – December 7 in 2025, about 17:30–21:00, with the temple's famous blue beam of light. Expect similar timing in 2026.
• Eikan-do: the evening light-up ran November 11 – December 10 in 2025, entry about 17:30–20:30, with a separate night ticket (around ¥1,000 in recent years; check the current price).

Many other temples run their own illuminations from mid November. Dates and prices are set by each temple, so confirm on the official site before you go. If you'd rather not navigate crowded buses at night, a guided evening tour is an easy alternative.

Browse Kyoto tours and night walks on Klook (opens in a new tab)

Tokyo: ginkgo avenues and garden illuminations

You don't need to leave the city for good colours. Tokyo's ginkgo trees turn bright yellow in late November, and the maples follow.

• Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue: a 300 m avenue of ginkgo trees. The 2026 Ginkgo Festival is listed for around November 15 – December 1, with food stalls and evening lighting in the final week (organisers confirm dates in the autumn, so check before you go).
• Rikugien Garden: an Edo-period garden near Komagome Station. Its autumn night illumination ran November 28 – December 9 in 2025, about 18:00–20:30, and required an advance night-viewing ticket. Check the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association site for 2026 dates and booking.
• Showa Kinen Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Mount Takao are other easy options. Takao is a short train ride west of central Tokyo and colours a little earlier than the city.

If you want several things in one day, see our list of Tokyo attractions to book in advance.

Nikko: the earliest colours near Tokyo

Nikko is about two hours north of Tokyo and peaks earlier because of its altitude. The higher area around Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka hairpin road usually colours from mid to late October, while Nikko town and the shrine area follow into early November. Weekends from mid October to early November bring heavy traffic on Irohazaka, so go on a weekday and leave early. A day tour from Tokyo avoids the bus queues.

Compare Nikko day tours on KKday (opens in a new tab)

Hakone: leaves, hot springs and (maybe) Fuji

Hakone's colours move down the mountain from early November to early December, so there's a long window. Good areas include the ropeway over Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and the gardens around Gora. Combine leaf-viewing with an onsen and you have one of the best autumn day trips from Tokyo. For the route and passes, see our Hakone day trip guide.

Compare Hakone Freepass prices on Klook (opens in a new tab)

Tips for a koyo trip

• Watch the forecast. Peak colour can shift by a week or more. Plan a flexible day if you can.
• Go early. Popular temples are much calmer in the first hour after opening.
• Book hotels early for Kyoto. Late November is one of Kyoto's busiest times of year.
• Layer up. Days can be mild, but evenings at light-ups and mornings in Nikko or Hakone get cold.
• Stay connected. You'll use maps and train apps constantly. An eSIM is the simplest option; see eSIM vs pocket WiFi.

See Saily's Japan eSIM plans (opens in a new tab)

FAQ

When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Japan in 2026?

For Tokyo and Kyoto, late November to early December. The 2026 forecast puts Tokyo's maple peak around November 29 and Kyoto's around December 11, a little later than usual. For earlier colours, go to Nikko or the mountains in late October.

Is early November too early for Kyoto?

In 2026 probably yes for the maples in the city centre. You'll see some colour on higher ground, but the main temples are forecast to peak later. Late November to early December is a safer bet.

Do I need to book Kyoto's night light-ups in advance?

Kiyomizu-dera and Eikan-do have generally sold night entry at the gate, with no reservation needed. Some smaller temples, special events and Tokyo's Rikugien Garden use advance or timed tickets, so check each official site.

Where can I see autumn leaves on a short Tokyo stopover?

Jingu Gaien's ginkgo avenue and Rikugien Garden are both central and easy by train. Mount Takao is a half-day trip if you want a hike.

Bottom line

In 2026, think "later than usual": Nikko in late October, Hakone in November, and Tokyo and Kyoto from late November into December. Lock in your Kyoto hotel now, keep a flexible day for peak colour, and plan at least one evening for a temple light-up. Planning a winter extension? See what to book for Japan in winter.

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• eSIM vs Pocket WiFi vs SIM card for Japan
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• How much mobile data do you need in Japan?
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