Warm autumn pushes Japan's red leaves later this year, forecasters say

Autumn leaves in much of Japan will reach their best a little later than usual this year because of higher-than-average temperatures, according to the 2026 forecast from Weathernews.1

Repeated cold air since the end of August brought normal timing to high mountain areas. Hokkaido's Mount Asahi has already finished its season, and Kamikochi's Karasawa in Nagano peaked on schedule. For most places that usually peak from late October, warmer weather is expected to slow the colour change.1

When to go

Weathernews expects Nikko in Tochigi to peak from late October, and lowland spots such as Arashiyama in Kyoto from late November or later, slightly behind the average. In Kanto, Koshin, Tokai and Kinki, the season should last into mid-December.123

Colour

September was cloudier than usual from Tohoku to Kyushu, and some locals reported duller leaves. But with the usual cycle of sun and rain expected from now on, places that have yet to peak should still turn bright. Hokkaido, which had more sun, reported its most vivid colours in years. Visitors are advised to check access in advance, as heavy rain this summer closed some roads, especially in Chiba.12

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