Japan Autumn Leaves 2025: Peak Forecast Map and Best Dates by Region

Updated September 13, 2025

TL;DR

• Open our Autumn Leaves Map and pick a date using the date picker to see expected coverage for that day.
• Use the Yellow or Red toggle to switch between ginkgo-type yellow and maple-heavy red coverage.
• Follow the legend to read Pre-turn, Patchy, Turning, Peak, Past peak at a glance.

How to use our Koyo Map

1. Pick a date on the calendar at the top of the map.
2. Use the Yellow or Red toggle to choose the leaf color family you care about.
3. Tap a prefecture from the table below to see the forecasted peak coverage date.
4. Recheck as your trip approaches. The map updates through the season.

Legend on the map

• Pre-turn - mostly green with early hints of color
• Patchy - scattered trees have turned, good for scouting
• Turning - strong color across many spots, rising photo odds
• Peak - most trees are in color and still holding leaves
• Past peak - color fading or leaves dropping

Plan by windows, not single days

Foliage shifts across multi-week windows, not overnight. The date picker shows day-by-day detail so you can see the progression, but treat any given area as a range. If you have flexibility, target places that show Turning or Peak for a stretch of days around your travel dates. If your dates are fixed, scan the map north or south to find regions aligned with your timeframe.

Yellow vs red

• Yellow coverage often lights up city avenues and riverside walks earlier in a region.
• Red coverage tends to define classic temple gardens and mountain valleys. Use the toggle to match your taste and route.

Quick answers

How often do you update the map?
We refresh the model during the season as new information comes in.

What if my dates are fixed?
Pivot regions. If your target city shows Patchy, look for nearby highlands or a different latitude showing Turning or Peak on the same date.

Why can one city feel like it has multiple peaks?
Microclimates. Shaded temple valleys can peak later than sunny avenues. The map reflects the broader pattern for each area.

Booking and on-the-ground tips

• Popular gardens and night light-ups can sell out. Reserve on Klook or GetYourGuide where available.
• Kyoto and Kanazawa hotels tighten around peak. Compare rates on Trip.com.
• Reliable data helps with maps and cams. Consider Japan Wireless for pocket Wi-Fi.

Final word

Autumn color flows south and from mountains down to cities over weeks. Use the date picker to see each day’s snapshot, switch Yellow or Red to your preference, and let the legend guide which prefectures to prioritize.

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