Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025: When and Where to See the Most Stunning Fall Foliage

One of the most popular activities among travelers visiting Japan is witnessing the breathtaking natural scenery created by the phenomenon of autumn leaves changing color. This seasonal transformation leaves a lasting impression, enchanting first-time viewers and inspiring many to return again. If you’ve experienced it before and wish to revisit but are unsure if your timing will align with the peak foliage season, Gother is here to guide you through the Japan Autumn Foliage 2025 forecast. We’ll help you discover the best time to enjoy the autumn foliage and recommend top spots and iconic viewpoints where both locals and tourists love to check in for this spectacular seasonal display.

Japan Autumn Foliage Forecast 2025 – When is the most beautiful season? If you want to experience its full glory, don’t miss this guide. Discover the ideal travel period and the best scenic spots for autumn leaf viewing across Japan. The beauty of autumn in Japan isn’t just about colorful leaves—each region offers its own unique charm. From early fall in Hokkaido to peak season in Kansai during November, famous spots like Arashiyama in Kyoto and Koyo Gardens in Tokyo are must-visits. Strolling through landscapes painted in red maples and golden ginkgo leaves is an unforgettable autumn foliage viewing experience that will captivate your heart.
 

For the period when leaves begin changing color in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, it occurs in autumn. Trees that were once lush green start to shift to shades of red, orange, or even yellow. Afterwards, the brightly colored leaves fall to the ground, creating a wonderfully romantic scene and signaling the arrival of winter’s chill. Each well-known region has its own schedule for this transition, starting in the north and moving south, spanning from September through early December.

Leaf Color Change Periods in Major Regions 

• Hokkaido Late September to mid October
• Tohoku Early October to late October
• Tokyo Mid November to early December
• Kanto Mid November to early December
• Kansai Mid November to late November
• Kyoto Mid November to late November
• Kyushu Late November to early December

Before setting off to see the autumn foliage in Japan 2025, all travelers, whether seasoned visitors or first-time visitors to Japan, need to prepare in advance to fully enjoy the magical wonders of nature without facing obstacles that might prevent them from witnessing it, and to arrive at their destination according to the plan.
 

Essential Preparations

• Passport, which must be valid for at least six months
• Round-trip airline ticket to specify your entry and exit dates and times
• National ID card for identity verification
• Credit card in case online payment is unavailable; however, it is recommended to carry cash for exchanging into Japanese yen (JPY) for emergencies
• Accommodation booking confirmation, either a printed copy or the email confirmation sent by the property

• Clothing Choose clothing that provides warmth, such as a T-shirt or shirt layered with a lightweight jacket. You may also bring a scarf and gloves to protect against the cold wind, as well as long pants like jeans or corduroy, and comfortable sneakers or walking boots for long distances
• Camera Capturing photos during this season is essential to preserve memories. If using a smartphone, be sure to bring a spare battery or power bank to ensure you have enough power throughout the day
• Rain gear Since autumn in Japan may bring light rain in some areas, carrying an umbrella or raincoat will help keep your viewing uninterrupted and may even add a different ambiance to your experience

  When you’re all set and have checked the dates for forecasting the autumn foliage in Japan, it’s time to set off and truly immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere. Whether it’s vibrant red leaves, orange hues, or even golden yellows, there are spots and viewing points you won’t want to miss. To ensure this enchanting foliage experience is etched into your memory, Gother has gathered 10 top autumn foliage viewing spots in Japan for 2025 so you can enjoy these colorful landscapes all day long.

 

Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture

Of course, when in Japan, you can’t miss a highlight like Mount Fuji. That’s why, when choosing a spot to view autumn foliage, Lake Kawaguchi often comes to mind first. From here, you’ll enjoy the majestic Mount Fuji as a stunning backdrop, sunlight shimmering over the lake’s surface, and a profusion of colorful leaves gently drifting down, creating a truly romantic scene. In the surrounding area, you’ll also find the Momiji Kairo maple corridor, a small canal-side road lined with Japanese maple trees shedding their leaves, making it another must-visit landmark.

 

Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

We've curated an all-inclusive look at Nikko, a city in Tochigi Prefecture bursting with top-tier autumn foliage spots that will leave you breathless. Whether you're after cityscapes, waterfall vistas, or panoramic heights, you can experience them all. Recommended highlights include the vermilion-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge, the winding Irohazaka Road, the Akechidaira Ropeway, and the majestic Kegon Falls. Be sure not to miss the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where 70 Jizo statues stand amidst a forest ablaze in autumn hues an impeccably beautiful sight. And that's just the beginning; countless other spots await. Exploring this single city alone makes the trip to witness Japan’s foliage forecast more than worth it.

 

Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo

  If you’re traveling in Japan and planning to base yourself in the capital city of Tokyo and want to admire the autumn foliage, don’t miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Gaien. It’s filled with ginkgo trees that shed their green leaves, turning into a breathtaking golden yellow. This is one of the most famous spots in the capital for viewing fall colors. Beyond simply enjoying the scenery, you can also bring snacks and drinks for a picnic a leisurely pastime that Tokyoites love during this autumn season.

 

Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture

Kamikōchi in Nagano Prefecture is another autumn-leaf viewing spot set against the backdrop of towering mountains. This area is part of the Japan Alps within Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, sitting at about 1,500 meters above sea level. In addition to the mountain scenery, there’s a bridge with a rather lengthy walkway that extends the time you can marvel at the splendid natural beauty, where trees and streams merge into a truly breathtaking view.

 

Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido

  For those who want to witness the autumn foliage before anyone else, Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido is the landmark you must check in at. You can enjoy the view from above via the aerial ropeway that takes you to the mountain peak, where you’ll see countless trees painted in green, red, yellow, and orange hues. Once the ropeway reaches its destination, hiking down will offer a different kind of travel and viewing experience. Rest assured, this memory will stay with you for years to come.

 

Ouchi-juku Village, Fukushima Prefecture

  Ouchi-juku village in Fukushima Prefecture is an ancient post town nestled in the heart of nature. With around 50 traditional houses, it exudes the charm and atmosphere of the Edo period and preserves the time-honored way of life of the Japanese people, creating a deeply immersive experience for visitors. Surrounded by lush natural scenery, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for those who come to admire the beautiful autumn foliage. However, it is not only in autumn that Ouchi-juku charms travelers; each season offers its own unique experience.

 

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Prefecture

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a famous temple and landmark of Kyoto registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another popular spot for viewing autumn leaves. Its beauty fully lives up to its world heritage status, offering stunning foliage views from anywhere on the temple grounds. For the best view of the vibrant leaves, we recommend standing on the upper wooden veranda of the main hall an expansive structure about 13 meters high where you can take in both the colorful leaves and the cityscape of Kyoto in full view.

 

Osaka Castle, Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Castle in Osaka Prefecture is another historic attraction beautifully preserved. This city-center castle offers an autumn foliage viewing experience in the expansive park surrounding the castle, featuring a variety of colorful leaves and vibrant golden ginkgo trees. You can enjoy these stunning views against the backdrop of the city's skyscrapers. There are plenty of photo spots for check-ins. Whether you visit in the morning, afternoon, or evening, you’ll be treated to an incredibly romantic view. 
 

Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge, Oita Prefecture

  If you want to take a leisurely stroll amid autumn foliage, Gother recommends adding the Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge in Kokonoe, Oita Prefecture, to your Japan 2025 autumn-leaf–viewing must-visit list. The highlight here is the suspension bridge itself—it spans 375 meters in length and stands 173 meters above the gorge, making it the longest suspension bridge in Japan. The bridge stretches across a valley filled with trees as far as the eye can see, offering incredible vistas of changing leaves in every direction. You’re guaranteed to be impressed by this spot.
 

Obara Town, Aichi Prefecture

Obara, Aichi Prefecture, is a destination where you can witness autumn foliage and cherry blossoms blooming at the same time. This unique feature is the city's selling point. The cherry blossoms here are a variety called Shikizakura. These small blossoms bloom twice a year, making them more special than other varieties found throughout Japan. Visiting Obara is truly rewarding: not only will you enjoy the changing leaves, but you'll also see cherry blossoms in full bloom. So, if you missed these pink blossoms during the spring season, Obara offers an impressive second blooming. 

This completes Gother's 2025 Japan Autumn Foliage Forecast for everyone wishing to experience leaves turning from green to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, falling to the ground in a breathtaking display. Traveling during this season provides a unique adventure, creating lasting memories of nature's beauty and a romantic ambiance at any time of day, whether morning, midday, or even evening. 

If you're eager to immerse yourself in cool breezes and light rain that make sightseeing comfortably enjoyable without the heat and sweat, prepare your essentials and plan your schedule to catch the foliage at its peak. Don't wait, book your flight to Japan with Gother now at https://www.gother.com/en-us/flights/japan. We've partnered with numerous renowned airlines to offer you special fares. We guarantee your autumn foliage trip in Japan will be unforgettable from booking your ticket to traveling to Japan and returning to Thailand.