Best Times and Places to See Autumn Colors in Japan! Fall Foliage Forecast 2019

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Best Times and Places to See Autumn Colors in Japan! Fall Foliage Forecast 2019

Every fall, Japan turns all shades of yellow and red in a breathtaking display of autumn colors. The turning of the leaves is called koyo, and watching it is at just as popular as watching the cherry blossoms in spring.

So when do the leaves turn? Here you'll find the forecast for this year, as well as the most popular viewing locations. We've also added our personal recommendations! Make sure you check this info before planning your trip.

*This article has been updated with the latest information as of October 2019.

2019 Foliage Forecast

Source: Weathernews Inc.

■ Momiji (Japanese Maple Tree) Viewing Time Forecast by Location

■ Ginkgo Viewing Time Forecast by Location

■ When Will the Leaves Turn This Year?

According to Weathernews Inc (October 24, 2019), many fall foliage spots in Hokkaido have reached their seasonal peak. Popular spots such as Mount Asahi and Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido, as well as Tohoku's taller mountains are now at the end of their foliage season.

Meanwhile, in Tohoku and the Eastern Japan mountains the changing of color has been delayed. It is forcasted that leaves will turn later than normal. The other spots in Eastern and Western Japan are expected to reach their seasonal peak without delay. However, due to the recent impact of typhoons there are cases of leaf discoloration, fallen trees, and road closures in the Kanto and Chubu areas of Eastern Japan. Be sure to check the latest information when planning your trip.

Must-See Autumn Leaves Spots in Japan

Here is a list of beautiful places you can't miss if you want to see the autumn colors in Japan. The viewing period forecast is based on information from Weathernews Inc. 'Estimated starting date' refers to the forecast published on September 5, while 'Viewing period' refers to the average of each year.　（＊month/day）

Daiseteuzan National Park(Hokkaido)

Estimated starting date: ended
Viewing period: Mid-September - Early October

Onuma National Park(Hokkaido)
Estimated starting date: ended

Viewing period: Mid-October - late October

Lake Towada - Yasumiya area (Aomori Prefecture)

Lake Towada - Yasumiya area (Aomori)
Estimated starting date: ended
Viewing period: late October - early November

Zao (Yamagata Prefecture)

Zao (Yamagata)
Estimated starting date: ended
Viewing period: early October - late October

Irohazaka Winding Road(Tochigi)
Estimated starting date: ended

Viewing period: late October - early November

Lake Ashi(Kanagawa)
Estimated starting date: around 11/11

Viewing period: early November - late November

Mt. Takao(Tokyo)
Estimated starting date: around 11/18

Viewing period: Mid-November - early December

Meijijingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue(Tokyo)
Estimated starting date: around 11/26

Kamikochi - around Kappa-Bashi Bridge (Nagano Prefecture)（長野県）

Kamikochi - around Kappa-Bashi Bridge (Nagano)
Estimated starting date: ended

Viewing period: late October

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go(Gihu)
Estimated starting date: around 11/2
Viewing period: late October - early November

Kurobe Gorge Railway (Toyama Prefecture)

Kurobe Gorge Railway (Toyama)
Estimated starting date: around 11/2

Viewing period: late October - mid-November

Korankei (Aichi Prefecture)

Korankei (Aichi)
Estimated starting date: around 11/19
Viewing period: mid-November - early December

Osaka Castle(Osaka)
Estimated starting date: around 11/18

Nara Park(Nara)
Estimated starting date: around 11/15

Viewing period: mid-November - early December

Mount Yoshino (Nara Prefecture)

Mount Yoshino (Nara)
Estimated starting date: around 11/17

Arashiyama(Kyoto)
Estimated starting date: around 11/23

Viewing period: mid-November - early December

Shin-Yabakei (Oita Prefecture)

Shin-Yabakei (Oita)
Estimated starting date: around 11/10

Viewing period: mid-November - late November

Kusuikei(Oita)
Estimated starting date: around 11/6

Are you looking forward to the autumn season? If you're planning to witness the turning of the leaves in Japan this year, we hope this article will help you prepare your trip!

※Please keep in mind that these forecasts are subject to change due to weather conditions. We recommend you check the latest information before your trip.

*The above article is based on information from October 2017.
*This article has been updated with the latest information as of October 2019.

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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 11 11,2019 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team