Guide to the Best Viewing Periods for Japan's Top 3 Autumn Foliage Regions

The 2025 ⏰ is here! On September 2nd, Japan Meteorological Corporation released its first autumn foliage forecast. Surprisingly, this year’s foliage season is expected to be quite late, especially in areas like Sapporo and Nagano, where the peak viewing period may be over 10 days later than usual. Kyoto, Kochi, and Fukuoka are also predicted to be 7 days later than last year. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Japan’s earliest autumn foliage will still be in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

‼️ To ensure a smooth trip and avoid visiting during the transition period between green and red leaves, I’ve compiled a list of recommended dates, iconic foliage spots, and itinerary plans for popular autumn foliage destinations. For those who don’t want to plan everything themselves, feel free to use this as a reference!

1️⃣ Japan’s Earliest Foliage｜Hokkaido
⏰ Best Viewing Period: October 10th–25th
✅ Late September: Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway (waterfall, open-air hot springs, hot pot)
✅ Mid to late October: Jozankei (open-air baths + autumn foliage)
✈️ 6-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: New Chitose International Airport → Lake Toya
Day 2: Lake Toya → Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch → Mount Usu Volcano
Day 3: Lake Toya → Otaru → Jozankei Hot Springs
Day 4: Jozankei → Sapporo Lake
Day 5: Around Sapporo
Day 6: Return

2️⃣ Kanto｜Tokyo, Mount Fuji
⏰ Best Viewing Period: November 25th–December 10th
✅ Mid-November to early December: Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Corridor
✅ Late November: Shinjuku Gyoen / Rikugien Garden
✈️ 7-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Narita Airport → Rikugien Garden Night Foliage
Day 2: Nikko → Lake Chuzenji → Kegon Falls → Kinugawa Hot Springs
Day 3: Shinkyo Bridge → Nikko Toshogu Shrine → Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Day 4: Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Corridor → Mount Fuji Hot Springs
Day 5: Music Box Forest Museum → Lake Ashi Pirate Ship
Day 6: Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue → Shinjuku Shopping District → Tokyo Tower
Day 7: Return

3️⃣ Kansai｜Kyoto, Osaka
⏰ Best Viewing Period: November 28th–December 8th
✅ Late November to early December: Kyoto Arashiyama / Eikando Temple (famous night foliage)
✅ Mid to late November: Kifune Shrine Autumn Foliage Lantern Festival
✈️ 7-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Kansai Airport → Kyoto → Kiyomizu Temple
Day 2: Eikando Zenrinji Temple → Train Autumn Foliage Tunnel → Kifune Shrine Lantern Festival
Day 3: Arashiyama → Hozugawa River Cruise → Arima Hot Springs
Day 4: Nunobiki Herb Garden → Kobe Port → Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori
Day 5: Universal Studios Japan (full day)
Day 6: Nara Park → Mount Wakakusa → Umeda Sky Building Night View
Day 7: Return

Included Services:
* Airport pick-up and drop-off + transportation throughout the trip (7-seater or 10-seater business vehicles)
* Local Chinese-speaking guide for professional service and seamless communication
* 1-on-1 professional travel planner to customize your itinerary
* Formal contract signing for peace of mind, with platform guarantees for safe travel
* Online concierge available before and during your trip to answer any questions

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