Autumn leaves forecast 2026 (second edition): Tokyo 28 Nov, Kyoto 11 Dec, Nikko from late Oct — still late

This week's news · Checked 2026-09-02

Update 15 October 2026 — the second edition keeps the late dates. The Japan Meteorological Corporation published its second edition on 1 October: maple peaks Sapporo 4 Nov · Tokyo 28 Nov · Hiroshima 28 Nov · Osaka 4 Dec · Fukuoka 7 Dec · Kyoto 11 Dec (first edition: Sapporo 7 Nov, Tokyo 29 Nov — almost unchanged). A third edition is due in early November. Weathernews (second forecast, 8 October) adds: spots that usually turn before mid-October are on schedule, but spots that turn after mid-October will be slightly later than usual because of a warm autumn — Nikko (Tochigi) from late October, Arashiyama (Kyoto) from late November; for Irohazaka in Nikko, Travel Voice reported Weathernews' figure as around 23 October. What it means: a 25 Nov–5 Dec trip still catches Tokyo and Kyoto; if you go to Nikko over the Deepavali–late-October break, the leaves are only starting up top (Irohazaka, Lake Chuzenji) — see prayer rooms and halal food for a Nikko day trip.

What happened. The Japan Meteorological Corporation published its first 2026 autumn-leaf forecast on 2 September. After a long hot summer, peaks are expected 3–9 days later than usual: Sapporo 7 Nov · Tokyo 29 Nov · Osaka 4 Dec · Kyoto 11 Dec.

What it means for you. For Malaysians this is good news: a 25 November–5 December trip catches both Tokyo and Kyoto in one journey. November fares are also cheaper than December.

What to do now. Kyoto hotels rise 30–60% in this season and fill up fast. Book a cancellable room now, and wait for the second forecast (usually early October) to confirm dates.