Japan Autumn Foliage Spots 2026

Japan autumn foliage spots, guided by local tourism partners

Japan Autumn Foliage Spots 2026

Gorges draped in brocade, old temples framed by maples, Mt. Fuji seen across a lake — autumn in Japan looks completely different depending on where you stand. Peak colour travels from north to south and from the mountains down to the valleys over roughly two and a half months, so wherever your dates fall, somewhere is at its best. This feature gathers autumn foliage spots from across Japan along with viewing times and access, written by the people who actually live there.

This Autumn’s Must-See Foliage SpotsPick up autumn spots

Starting with four editors’ picks —
from sweeping views of Mt. Fuji to quiet maples in a hot spring town.

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[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

Yamanashi

In autumn, Hokuto City is a popular area where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage for an extended period, thanks to its varying elevations. It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station by Limited Express Azusa train. Once you arrive at JR Kobuchizawa Station, rent a car from the rental car service located directly connected to the station and head out for a drive to explore the magnificent natural scenery of the Mount Yatsugatake and Oku Chichibu.

Best time: mid Oct – early Nov

Writer: Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamanashi

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2026 Edition | 12 Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots in Tanba City , Hyogo Prefecture !

Hyogo

Tamba City can be reached in about an hour and a half from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. Autumn in Tamba City is full of things to see. Every year, many tourists visit the city for the "Tamba Maple Tour." In this article, we will introduce famous spots for viewing autumn leaves.

Best time: early Nov – mid Nov

Writer: Visit North Kansai

Hyogo

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Autumn foliage Feature Articles in Izu City ~The autumn colors of Izu that soothe the soul~

Shizuoka

Best time: mid Nov – early Dec

Writer: Izu City Inbound Promotion Project Team

Shizuoka

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A complete guide to the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival 2026: Highlights, access, and surrounding attractions.

Yamanashi

Every year, many tourists visit the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival to take in the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves. This time, we will introduce some recommended spots to visit in conjunction with the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival.

Best time: early Nov – late Nov

Writer: Fujikanko kaihatsu Co.,Ltd.

Yamanashi

More Spots, Sorted by Peak SeasonAutumn leaves timeline

Listed from the earliest peak season at the top to the latest at the bottom.
Match it to your travel dates to find somewhere just starting to turn.

From mid-October Highlands and mountain valleys begin to turn

A bicycle trip around Fukui, Katsuyama, to see the best spots for autumn leaves - Convenient e-bike rental at Katsuyama Station

Fukui

We will introduce a course for traveling around autumn leaves and cosmos fields on an E-bike rental bicycle, which is recommended for the comfortable autumn season. Since it is a rental bicycle, you can move freely and it is easy to get around, so it is recommended. Take photos and enjoy your trip.

Best time: mid Oct – late Nov

Writer: Katsuyama DMO

Fukui

6 Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Nara Accessible by Kintetsu Train from Osaka

Nara

Nara, easily reachable on a day trip from Osaka, is home to some of Japan’s most beautiful autumn foliage. This guide introduces 6 must-visit spots accessible via Kintetsu Railway, including details on the best viewing periods each year. (Photo: Tanzan Shrine)

Best time: late Oct – early Dec

Writer: Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

Nara

From late October Gorges and hot spring towns take on autumn colour

Gozaisho Ropeway: Best Autumn Foliage Spot Near Nagoya & Osaka

Mie

At Mt. Gozaisho in Mie Prefecture, autumn arrives earlier than at the base, with beautiful fall foliage appearing from late October. This article highlights the best spots, tips for enjoying the area, and practical information on visiting via the Gozaisho Ropeway. The area is easily accessible from Nagoya and Osaka, making it perfect for a day trip.

Best time: late Oct – mid Nov

Writer: Mie Kotsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

Mie

Naruko Onsen: A stroll through the spectacular autumn foliage! 5 recommended spots and information on the best time to see them

Miyagi

Naruko Onsen is a famous autumn foliage spot in northwest Miyagi Prefecture. In autumn, the scenery turns Aka and yellow, making it a seasonal travel destination where you can luxuriously enjoy both hot springs and autumn foliage viewing.

Best time: late Oct – early Nov

Writer: MINAMIAOYAMA REAL ESTATE Inc.

Miyagi

8 Recommended Hotels in Kyushu for Beautiful Autumn Leaves and Luxury Hotels [2025]

Fukuoka

Kyushu has many popular autumn foliage spots where you'll want to take photos with the beautiful autumn leaves as a backdrop. What makes your autumn foliage trip even more special is staying at a charming hot spring inn or a hotel with a spectacular view. Cuisine made with local seasonal ingredients will further enhance the charm of your trip.

Best time: late Oct – early Dec

Writer: JR KYUSHU HOTELS & RESORTS Inc.

Kyushu

From early November Ancient capitals and famous sites hit their peak

7 recommended spots to see autumn leaves in Kyoto

Kyoto

We will introduce you to some autumn foliage spots that are easily accessible from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi and where you can fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere. We will also introduce a carefully selected list of recommended spots where autumn leaves will be lit up to brighten up Kyoto at night.

Best time: mid Nov – early Dec

Writer: Hotel Forza

Kyoto

Recommended by Okayama residents! 10 autumn foliage spots in Okayama

Okayama

This time we will introduce ``Okayama's fall foliage spots'' recommended by Okayama residents. Introducing the real voices of Okayama residents who have visited and been moved by the beauty of standard tourist spots, valleys, mountain trails, parks, temples, and more. There are also hidden gems that only those in the know know about!

Best time: mid Nov – late Nov

Writer: Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Okayama

[Autumn leaves] 3 autumn leaves spots in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture

Ehime

Ozu City in Ehime Prefecture is blessed with many spots to view autumn leaves from the last week of November to the beginning of December. This time we will introduce 3 of them!!

Best time: late Nov – early Dec

Writer: Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture

Ehime