Momiji · October to early December
Autumn in Japan: where to see momiji
In autumn Japan’s maples and ginkgos turn red and gold, and going out to see them, momijigari, is almost as popular as cherry-blossom hanami. The colour moves the opposite way to the blossom, from north to south and from the mountains down to the plains: it starts in Hokkaido and the high mountains in late September, reaches Nikko in October and arrives in Tokyo and Kyoto between mid-November and early December.
Updated 21 October 2026 · How we make our guides
Kyoto, Nara and the west
They are usually at their best between mid-November and early December. The most famous temples get crowded: go first thing in the morning.
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JapanKyoto
Tofuku-ji’s Tsutenkyo bridge over a sea of maples, the ponds of Eikan-do, Arashiyama, and the evening visits with the trees lit up at temples such as Kiyomizu-dera.
Mid-November to early December
Things to do in Kyoto -
JapanNara
The maples of Nara Park, with deer roaming free and Todai-ji in the background, and traditional gardens such as Isui-en.
Mid to late November
Things to do in Nara -
JapanMiyajima
Momijidani, the “maple valley”, behind Itsukushima Shrine: the maple leaf is the island’s symbol and gives its shape to its best-known sweet, momiji manju.
Mid to late November
Things to do in Miyajima -
JapanOsaka
The castle gardens and, on the outskirts, Minoo Park, with its waterfall among maples and the maple-leaf tempura sold along the path.
Mid to late November
Things to do in Osaka
Tokyo and around
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JapanNikko
Among the first to change colour: the hairpin bends of the Irohazaka road, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, and then the temples in town.
Mid-October to early November
Things to do in Nikko -
JapanMount Fuji
The maple corridor at Lake Kawaguchiko, lit up at night during its autumn festival, with snow-capped Mount Fuji behind.
November
Things to do in Mount Fuji -
JapanHakone
The forests around Lake Ashi and its hot-spring villages, with Mount Fuji peeking out on clear days.
November
Things to do in Hakone -
JapanTokyo
The ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien, a golden tunnel, and gardens such as Rikugi-en, with the maples lit up at dusk.
Late November to early December
Things to do in Tokyo -
JapanKamakura
Among the last to turn red: the maples at temples such as Hase-dera and Engaku-ji, an hour from Tokyo.
Late November to early December
Things to do in Kamakura
Mountains and the north
Autumn comes earlier here: by late October there’s already plenty of colour.
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JapanTakayama
The mountains around its old town of wooden houses, at the gateway to the Japanese Alps.
Late October to early November
Things to do in Takayama -
JapanShirakawa-go
Thatched-roof houses among harvested rice fields and red and yellow hillsides.
Late October to early November
Things to do in Shirakawa-go -
JapanKanazawa
Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three great gardens, with its maples and, in November, the yukitsuri: the ropes used to protect the pines from the weight of the snow.
November
Things to do in Kanazawa -
JapanSapporo
The ginkgo avenue at Hokkaido University and Nakajima Park, on the island where Japan’s autumn begins.
Mid-October to early November
Things to do in Sapporo
Frequently asked questions
When is momiji season in Japan?
It depends on the area and the year: in Hokkaido and the high mountains it starts in late September; in Nikko, Takayama and Shirakawa-go, between mid-October and early November; and in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka it is usually from mid-November to early December. Check that year’s forecasts before fixing dates.
Where can you see the red leaves in Japan?
In Kyoto (Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, Arashiyama), in Nikko (Irohazaka and Lake Chuzenji), at Lake Kawaguchiko with Mount Fuji behind, on Miyajima, in Nara and, in Tokyo, along the ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien.
Is it better to visit Japan in autumn or in spring?
Both are high season: spring for the cherry blossom and autumn for the maples. In autumn the colour moves from one area to another over several weeks, so it’s easier to catch it than the cherry blossom.
Do you need to book well ahead?
Yes, especially in Kyoto: November is one of the busiest months and accommodation fills up early.
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Cover photo: Martin Falbisoner (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.