Here's the official 2026 forecast for autumn leaves in Japan – updated October 1

Now that autumn is finally here, the country's famous koyo season is just around the corner. In just a few weeks, Japan will be transformed into a sea of fiery red maples and golden-yellow ginkgo trees – making koyo one of the most spectacular times of year to explore the country. 

If you’re hoping to plan your trip around the season, you’re in luck. On October 1, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its second official forecast detailing expected dates for two of the most popular types of koyo: red momiji maple and yellow ginkgo leaves. In the latest update, not much has changed, but the forecast has been pushed forward by a day or two in some areas of Japan.

Here’s a closer look at this year’s forecast.

Red momiji leaves forecast

According to this year’s forecast, Hokkaido will be the first to see the brilliant momiji leaves, with Sapporo projected to turn red around November 4. Further south, Kanazawa is expected to see its leaves turn red by November 30, Nagano by November 21, and Nagoya by December 2. 

In Tokyo, the leaves are expected to turn by November 28, right on track with the seasonal average. In Osaka, the leaves are forecast to turn by December 4, followed by Kyoto on December 11. For Fukuoka, leaves are expected to turn by December 7, Hiroshima by November 28 and Kagoshima by December 10.

Yellow ginkgo leaves forecast

Ginkgo trees tend to be more sensitive to temperatures and often reach their peak before momiji. This year, Sapporo is expected to see its ginkgo trees turn yellow by November 3, followed by Kanazawa on November 10, Nagano on November 14 and Nagoya on November 17.

In Tokyo, the leaves are forecast to turn by November 26 – three days later than the seasonal average – while Kyoto is expected to reach its peak around November 27 and Osaka on November 24. Further south, Hiroshima is projected to see its ginkgo leaves turn by November 21, followed by Fukuoka on November 28 and Kagoshima on November 27.

The next forecast is set for early November. To see the current full, detailed forecast with more destinations across Japan, visit the JMC website.

This article was published on September 4 2026 and updated on October 5 2026.

More from Time Out Tokyo

Shibuya launches its latest campaign to keep Halloween under control

Enter a state of Zen at this evening garden light-up coming to Tokyo for the first time

Japan ranked as the best country in the world for travel and tourism

Tokyo’s record-breaking rainy streak set to end this week

5 of the best gigs to catch in Tokyo this October

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. Plus, check out our Time Out Japan coupons for exclusive discounts.