Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!

Japan’s Meteorological Corporation has released its first fall color forecast for 2026, providing a glimpse into when the vibrant hues of autumn will paint the country’s landscapes. The appeal of autumn travel in Japan is undeniable, thanks to the pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and the absence of large crowds. However, the main draw remains the breathtaking fall colors, particularly the vivid reds and yellows that adorn the country’s forests, gardens, and temples.

The timing of witnessing these colors is crucial, as arriving too early will reveal green leaves, while waiting too long may result in brown and withered foliage. To assist travelers in aligning their plans with nature’s schedule, the Japan Meteorological Corporation has crafted a fall foliage forecast.

Typically, the fall colors progress from north to south in Japan, starting in the cooler northern regions and moving down to the warmer southern areas. High-altitude zones, often situated inland, also tend to showcase their colorful leaves earlier than lower-lying regions.

The forecast maps illustrate the predicted peak color dates for Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. In comparison to an average year, JMC anticipates that eastern Japan will experience a later onset of crimson maples and yellow ginkgo leaves. Additionally, the corporation has compiled a list of peak color dates by city.

Maple/ginkgo trees in Sapporo are expected to reach their peak on November 7/6, while Sendai’s leaves are forecasted to be at their most vibrant on November 25/29. Tokyo’s maples and ginkgoes will peak on November 29/26, while Kanazawa’s leaves will burst into color on November 30/10. Nagano’s maples will peak on November 20/14, Nagoya’s on December 2/17, Kyoto’s on December 11/27, Osaka’s on December 4/24, Wakayama’s on December 11/26, Hiroshima’s on November 28/20, Kochi’s on December 9/16, Fukuoka’s on December 7/27, and Kagoshima’s on December 10/27.

The forecast suggests that ginkgo trees generally reach their peak color before maples, meaning travelers may need to choose between seeing one or the other. However, unlike cherry blossoms, which are fleeting, fall colors can be enjoyed for a more extended period. While perfectly timing a trip to witness both maples and ginkgoes at their peak might be challenging, there is enough overlap that even if one leaf type is looking its best, the other is likely to be photogenic as well.

JMC predicts that this year’s overall fall color season will unfold as follows: in north Japan, maples will peak from early October to mid-November in mountainous regions and mid-October to late November in flatlands, while ginkgoes will peak from early November to late November in flatlands. In eastern Japan, maples will reach their peak from late October to early December in mountainous areas and late November to mid-December in flatlands, while ginkgo leaves will peak from early November to early December in flatlands.

In west Japan, maples will peak from late October to early December in mountainous regions and late November to mid-December in flatlands, while ginkgoes will peak from mid-November to early December in flatlands.