What’s the best time for autumn color tours in Japan?
If you are planning a Japan trip to take in its incredible autumn leaves, naturally you’d want to know the best time to go. The timing for autumn color tours in Japan can vary depending on the region and the specific weather conditions each year. Generally, the best time to experience vibrant autumn foliage, known as “koyo” in Japanese “紅葉” in kanji, is from late October to early December.
Here’s a rough guide to the peak times for autumn colors in different parts of Japan:
Hokkaido
Late September to early October
Tohoku (northern Honshu)
Early to mid-October
Kanto (Tokyo and surrounding areas)
Mid to late November
Chubu (central Japan)
Mid to late November
Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara)
Mid to late November
Chugoku (Hiroshima, Okayama)
Late November
Shikoku
Late November to early December
Kyushu
Late November to early December
Okinawa
Late November to early December
Cities highlighted in red are those often on the itineraries of many first-time visitors. Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa can be considered for repeat visitors to Japan.
In the Japanese Alps where Nagano City, Takayama and Matsumoto are located, autumns leaves look their best earlier than in the other cities mentioned above. The same can be said of Kanazawa, another popular tourist city in Japan, although it is not considered to be part of the Japanese Alps.
Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the actual timing can vary from year to year based on factors like temperature and weather conditions. It’s a good idea to check local forecasts and updates closer to your planned visit. Additionally, higher elevations and mountainous areas tend to experience autumn colors earlier than lower elevations and coastal areas.
If you have any questions planning your Japan trip, why not get in touch with Laurus Travel?
