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Natural Phenomenon · Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko + nationwide, Japan

Autumn Leaves (Kōyō) Japan

“Japan's autumn colour season — rival to cherry blossom, less crowded but equally spectacular”

Kōyō is Japan's autumn colour season — red maples + yellow ginkgos peak in Kyoto + Tokyo mid-November, Nikko in late October. Rivals cherry blossom in beauty but less crowded + cheaper. Temple + garden settings are Japan's classic autumn photos. Book 3-6 months ahead.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
Peak Kyoto/Tokyo: November 15-30. Nikko: October 25-November 15
Following year
2027
Peak Kyoto/Tokyo: November 15-30. Nikko: October 25-November 15

Kōyō sweeps south to north over 6 weeks. Peak: Nikko + Hokkaido late October, Kyoto + Tokyo mid-November, Kyushu late November.

Duration
1-2 week peak per location (6-week full country season)
Crowd
Less crowded than
Budget/day
$120-250 mid-range (1.5-2× normal Japan)
Book ahead
3+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Photographers + culture travellers + repeat Japan visitors
  • ✓Book Kyoto hotels 3-4 months ahead
  • ✓Track kōyō forecast at Japan Meteorological Corporation (updated weekly Sep-Nov)
  • ✓Best Kyoto spots: Tofukuji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, Eikan-do, Arashiyama
  • ✓Nikko autumn is 2-3 weeks earlier than Kyoto — combine both for extended trip
  • ✓Kōyō is often cheaper than sakura for flights
  • ✓Ryokan (traditional inns) with autumn views cost premium but iconic

Book hotels for Autumn Leaves (Kōyō) Japan 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.

Fly to Osaka Kansai (for Kyoto) or Tokyo Narita/Haneda

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Airport transfer

Getting out of Kyoto (KIX)

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Frequently asked

When is autumn colour season in Japan?
Peak Kyoto/Tokyo: November 15-30. Nikko + Hokkaido: October 25-November 15. Kyushu: late November. Full country season sweeps 6 weeks.
Best places for Kōyō in Japan?
Kyoto (Tofukuji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, Eikan-do, Arashiyama), Tokyo (Rikugien Garden, Meiji Jingu Gaien), Nikko (Chuzenji Lake + Ryuzu Falls), Hakone.
Kōyō vs Sakura — which is better?
Sakura for delicate pink beauty + hanami parties. Kōyō for rich reds + oranges, longer season, less crowded, cheaper. Kōyō is arguably underrated.
Is autumn a good time to visit Japan?
Yes — arguably better than sakura for Japan trip. Cheaper, less crowded, comfortable temperatures (10-20°C), longer 6-week season.
How do I track the kōyō forecast?
Japan Meteorological Corporation website (Japanese but easy) + LiveJapan English forecast. Updated weekly September-November.