2025 Japan Fall Forecast & Top Fall Foliage Spots

Visiting Japan during the fall foliage season offers a unique and breathtaking experience, characterized by vibrant landscapes and rich cultural traditions.

Japan’s autumn foliage, known as koyo, transforms the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves. This natural spectacle is particularly prominent in regions like Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Tokyo, where you can see the iconic Japanese maples (momiji) and ginkgo trees.

Here’s our list of the best fall foliage spots across Japan to take your fall trip to the next level:

Fall in Japan & Foliage Forecast Map

| Weather: Mostly sunny with warm afternoons and a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Expect cool mornings and evenings, especially in October and November.

| Temperatures:

• September – Average 22°C (72°F); High 28°C (82°F); Low 16°C (61°F)
• October – Average 16°C (61°F); High 22°C (72°F); Low 10°C (50°F)
• November – Average 9°C (48°F); High 15°C (59°F); Low 3°C (37°F)

※Check the weather forecast regularly for accurate weather information and the indication of rain.

| What to wear: Pack a warm, lightweight jacket for early fall, and switch to a thick winter coat or padded outerwear by November. Boots, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, cardigans, thick socks, plus an umbrella for possible rain are recommended.

※Dress in multiple layers for changing temperatures.

*Based on forecast released by Japan Meteorological Corporation

1. Arashiyama, Kyoto

Arashiyama is a picturesque area that beautifully combines autumn leaves with traditional Japanese architecture. Key highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. The vibrant colors of the surrounding gardens and mountains create an authentic Japanese atmovsphere that is particularly enchanting in the fall.

• Kyoto Randen Pass & Bicycle Rental at Arashiyama
• Kyoto Customized Private City Sightseeing 1 Day Tour
• Kyoto Must-See Spots 1 Day Private Tour
• Kyoto Arashiyama 1 Day Private Tour

2. Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido

As the largest national park in Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan is known for being one of the first places in Japan to showcase fall colors. The park offers stunning panoramic views, especially from the Ginsendai trailhead to the peak of Mt. Akadake, where visitors can enjoy vivid shades of red and orange across the landscape.

3. Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko is famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. The Irohazaka slope provides a scenic drive through vibrant foliage, while attractions like Chuzenji Lake and Ryuzu Waterfall offer breathtaking views of autumn leaves against a backdrop of waterfalls. The area is also home to several hot springs, allowing visitors to soak in the beauty of the season at a local onsen.

• Nikko 1 Day Private Tour from Tokyo
• Nikko 1 Day Guided Tour from Tokyo (Toshogu Shrine + Kegon Falls + Lake Chuzenji/Onsen)
• Nikko Private 1 Day Tour with Private Transportation (+ Licensed guide/ Driver)

Check out our blog for the best onsens in & around Tokyo!

4. Korankei, Aichi

Korankei Gorge, located near Nagoya, is celebrated for its approximately 4,000 Japanese maple trees lining the Tomoe River. This area is particularly photogenic, especially with the vermilion Taigetsukyo Bridge serving as a stunning focal point amidst the colorful foliage. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to capture the essence of autumn in Japan.

• Shirakawa-go Village & Takayama UNESCO 1 Day Tour from Nagoya
• Kamikochi Walking Tour from Nagoya

5. Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo

The Meiji Jingu Gaien is renowned for its Ginkgo Avenue, where towering ginkgo trees transform into a golden tunnel in late autumn. This popular spot in Tokyo offers a unique urban experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the fall colors without leaving the heart of the city. The best time to visit is typically from mid-November to early December.

• Tokyo Private Walking Tour & Kimono Experience with Licensed Guide
• Tokyo City 1 Day Private Tour
• Tokyo Private 1 Day Tour (+ Licensed guide/ Driver/ Private transportation)
• Tokyo Customized Private City Sightseeing 1 Day Tour

Check out these other great things to do in Tokyo:

• teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Admission Ticket
• Tokyo Skytree Enjoy Pack (+ Kimono/ Small World/ Sumida Aquarium/ Edo Kiriko/ Japanese Tea Ceremony / Keikyu Hatoku Ticket & Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket option)
• Tokyo Tower Observatory Main Deck (150m) Admission Ticket
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo Admission Ticket

We hope this guide has helped you plan your fall foliage expeditions across Japan. To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!