Marcy MinianoThere’s just something about travelling to Japan in the fall that feels magical; from the pleasant weather that’s neither too hot nor too cold, to the yummy seasonal food (pumpkin pies and persimmons, anyone?) and drinks (pumpkin spice latte fans, rejoice!). But perhaps we can all agree that the real main event would be the changing colours of foliage that make for a breathtaking display. Well, we’ve got good news for you: The official Japan autumn leaves forecast for 2023 is finally up!
Now you can finally book that autumn trip to the Land of the Rising Sun — if you haven’t already. Here’s when you can expect autumn leaves in Japan, according to recent data from the Japan Meteorological Corporation.
Note: Below is the latest Japan fall foliage 2023 forecast, as of 3 Oct 2023. We will be updating this article every time a new forecast is released.
Also read: 10 Best Airbnbs for Fall Foliage Views
Japan autumn leaves forecast for 2023
Overall, the best time to go to Japan for fall foliage in 2023 would be from mid-November to early December. There are currently two specific projections from the Japan Meteorological Corporation. One is for the vibrant red momiji (Japanese maple leaves), while the other is for the bright yellow ginkgo leaves.
Some areas have earlier forecasts than others, and at times, it depends on which autumn leaves you’d prefer more. Sapporo and Aomori have the earliest peak dates for both red maple and yellow ginkgo leaves. On the other hand, maple leaves in Kyoto, Kagoshima, and Wakayama might flourish as late as December. Meanwhile, the ginkgo foliage in places like Sendai and Fukuoka are expected to peak towards the end of November.
Read on for the location-specific forecast for autumn foliage in Japan in 2023.
1. Tokyo
Image credit: note thanun
When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 1 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 26 Nov 2023
2. Osaka
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 4 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 24 Nov 2023
3. Kyoto
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 12 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 27 Nov 2023
4. Sapporo
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 12 Nov 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 8 Nov 2023
5. Fukuoka
Image credit: Tayawee Supan
When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 10 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 27 Nov 2023
6. Aomori
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 16 Nov 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 7 Nov 2023
7. Sendai
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 29 Nov 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 30 Nov 2023
Also read: 10 Unique Airbnb Homes in Japan for the Trip of a Lifetime
8. Kanazawa
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 1 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 11 Nov 2023
9. Nagano
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 23 Nov 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 15 Nov 2023
10. Nagoya
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 3 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 18 Nov 2023
11. Wakayama
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 13 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 26 Nov 2023
12. Hiroshima
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 29 Nov 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 20 Nov 2023
13. Kochi
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When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 10 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 16 Nov 2023
14. Kagoshima
Image credit: Kagoshima Tourism Official Website
When to see red maple leaves: Peak – 14 Dec 2023
When to see yellow ginkgo leaves: Peak – 28 Nov 2023
Also read: 19 New Attractions in Japan to Check Out on Your Next Trip
So, which one’s your top pick to see Japan fall foliage in 2023? Don’t forget to check our Japan travel guides here to help you further help you plan your trip!
Featured image credit: Caleb Jack | Unsplash
