With trees turning vibrant shades of yellow, red and orange, autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan. Each year around this time, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) releases its highly anticipated autumn leaves forecast to help us plan our seasonal sightseeing.
Following Japan’s hottest summer on record, forecasters are predicting an unusually short autumn, followed by a sudden plunge into winter temperatures. As a result of these climate shifts, JMC expects the autumn foliage to arrive later than usual.
So when can you expect to see the gorgeous red momiji and golden ginkgo leaves in Osaka, Kyoto and other destinations across the Kansai region? JMC’s latest official forecast, published on November 4, is the final autumn foliage update of 2025 — and here’s what it reveals.
Yellow ginkgo leaves
In the Kansai region, Kobe is expected to see yellow ginkgo leaves first, around November 16, three days later than usual. In Osaka, the ginkgo trees are forecast to turn yellow around November 26, while in Kyoto, colour is expected around November 30 – that’s four and six days later than average, respectively.
Nara’s golden hues are forecast to arrive seven days late on November 25. Meanwhile, Wakayama is set to see yellow ginkgo leaves about six days behind the norm, around November 29.
Red momiji leaves
The Japanese maple, or momiji, is expected to experience a bigger delay, with Kyoto and Wakayama forecast to see their red leaves around December 15, up to 10 days later than usual.
According to JMC’s forecast, Nara’s momiji will arrive nine days later than average, on November 30, while Kobe’s will appear four days late, on December 5. In Osaka, you can expect the momiji to begin blushing around December 7, about six days behind the norm.
Do bear in mind that these forecasts are based on current weather conditions and may change depending on the climate.
For the best places to see autumn leaves in Osaka, check out our feature here. And if you’re visiting Kyoto, don’t miss our guide to the historical city’s most beautiful autumn leaves illuminations.
This article was originally published on October 2 and updated on November 11.
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