Map to see red leaves in Japan in autumn 2024

Autumn leaves in Osaka, Japan. Photo: Luke Ow/Unsplash

Surrounded by rich nature, Japan has four distinct and wonderful seasons. Autumn is considered the most beautiful time of the year when the landscape everywhere changes to brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange. The autumn foliage season in Japan, locally called koyo, has been admired by people for centuries, along with the cherry blossom season (sakura), attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists.

The best time to visit autumn with yellow and red leaves covering the sky in Japan is usually from late September to early December. Depending on the location, altitude of the localities and the temperature of each year, the expected schedule of each place will be different.

Rainy season landscape in Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Central Japan.jpg

A brilliant autumn scene at Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan. Photo: zicasso

Every year, the picturesque sight of autumn leaves begins in the cold northern regions of Japan such as Hokkaido and gradually moves towards the central and southern regions. In each region, the mountains are first colored, then the red and yellow leaves spread to the cityscape with parks, temples, gardens... Wherever you are, the autumn scenery is breathtaking and worth a visit.

Tourists planning to enjoy Japan's autumn can refer to the following forecast from the Japan Weather Association. Locations and best times to see the red and yellow leaves in 2024 in Japan (from north to south).

Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture: Mid-October (October 16th onwards)

Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture: Early November (October 28 onwards)

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture: Late November (November 21 onwards)

Akita City, Akita Prefecture: Mid-November (November 12th and later)

Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture: Mid-November (November 13th onwards)

Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture: Late November (November 12th onwards)

Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture: Late November (November 15th onwards)

Ishikawa City, Kanazawa Prefecture: Early December (November 24th onwards)

Tokyo City, Chiyoda Prefecture: Early December (November 28 onwards)

Aichi City, Nagoya Prefecture: Early December (November 28 onwards)

Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture: Early December (December 1 onwards)

Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture: Late November (November 22 onwards)

Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture: Early December (December 1 onwards)

Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture: Mid-December (November 22 onwards)

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture: Early December (December 2 onwards)

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMC), the 2024 red leaf season will be later than previous years. The weather forecasting website Tennavi said that temperatures in some areas of Japan are higher between September and November. Therefore, the most beautiful time for red leaves is later.