Updated November 14, 2026 (JST): Lake Kawaguchi is entering its expected viewing period, while several of the 12 featured destinations in Kyoto, Tokyo and western Japan are forecast for later November. For travelers visiting this week, dated reports also identify colorful alternatives in Tokyo and Kyoto. The 12-spot outlook uses local forecasts and reports available through November 13; earlier-season locations retain their older, individually dated reports. Forecast viewing dates are estimates, not guaranteed peak days.
Already booked your trip to Japan? First find your travel dates below, then look for a suitable foliage stop near the cities you are visiting. A garden or day trip already on your route is usually more useful than traveling across Japan for a predicted peak.
Where to See Autumn Leaves, Based on Your Travel Dates
- November 14–19: Tokyo — Showa Memorial Park for golden ginkgo leaves; Kyoto — Jingo-ji or Sanzen-in for current maples; Fuji Five Lakes — Lake Kawaguchi, where color varies by section. Check recent reports and transport before making a special trip.
- November 20–23: Korankei (Aichi) is forecast from around November 20, Arashiyama (Kyoto) around November 23, and Miyajima (Hiroshima) around November 23–24. Do not assume all are at their best on November 20; Korankei’s weekend bus changes matter.
- November 24–30: Consider Eikan-do and Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto), Kenrokuen (Kanazawa), Akizuki (Fukuoka), or Rikugien (Tokyo), depending on your route and the latest location-specific reports.
- December 1–6: Rikugien and selected Kyoto gardens may still be options. Recheck leaf fall, admission rules and event closing dates before traveling.
Traveling November 14–19? Try these nearby alternatives
- Tokyo — Showa Memorial Park: The park reported its Canal ginkgo avenue at good viewing on November 12, while another ginkgo avenue was just reaching that stage. This is an autumn-yellow outing west of central Tokyo, not the red-maple garden experience at Rikugien. Official November 12 color report (Japanese).
- Kyoto — Jingo-ji or Sanzen-in: JR’s November 12–13 foliage reports marked both locations at good viewing. They are in outlying districts rather than central Kyoto, so check travel time and buses before treating them as quick temple stops. Arashiyama, Eikan-do and Kitano Tenmangu are forecast for later. JR Kyoto foliage report (Japanese).
- Fuji Five Lakes — Lake Kawaguchi: The lakeshore is around half colored as of November 13, but the Maple Corridor varies by section. Fujikawaguchiko Town also reported peak color at Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba and Lake Shoji on November 13. Check your transport before adding those more distant lake-area stops. Town’s November 13 local update (Japanese).
These are additional, time-sensitive alternatives, not additions to the 12-spot forecast below. Different colors reach their best stage at different places: golden ginkgo leaves are not the same as red maples.
All 12 Places: 2026 Viewing Outlook
The dates below indicate the estimated beginning of good viewing, not a single guaranteed best day. Local observations are dated separately. Some forecast dates differ between recent page captures, so a late-November window is more reliable than a single day at those sites. The list follows Japan’s seasonal progression, from earlier highland sites to later city gardens.
| Place | 2026 forecast / status | Latest reported colors |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido | Main foliage season over | Finished by Oct. 4 |
| Lake Chuzenji, Nikko | Past its main viewing period | End-stage foliage reported Nov. 13; some spots may still have leaves |
| Oirase Gorge, Aomori | Past its main viewing period | Leaves falling in Nov. 6 report (not newly rechecked) |
| Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi | Around Nov. 14 (lake shore) | About 50% colored Nov. 13; corridor color varies |
| Korankei, Aichi | Around Nov. 20 | Still early in visitor report Nov. 13 |
| Miyajima, Hiroshima | Around Nov. 23–24 | Only a few red maples reported Nov. 13 |
| Kenrokuen, Kanazawa | Late November (around Nov. 24–27) | About 30% colored Nov. 9, reported by garden office |
| Eikan-do, Kyoto | Around Nov. 24 | Coloring, Nov. 13 (Keihan report) |
| Arashiyama, Kyoto | Around Nov. 23 | About 20% colored Nov. 8; more color in Nov. 10 visitor report |
| Kitano Tenmangu, Kyoto | Around Nov. 25 | About 20% colored Nov. 11 |
| Akizuki Castle Ruins, Fukuoka | Around Nov. 25–26 | About 20% colored Nov. 13 |
| Rikugien, Tokyo | Around Nov. 29 | Not yet at the main color stage, Nov. 12 |
The estimates draw on Weathernews named-location forecasts, which can change, and the dated observations shown above. In particular, the Lake Kawaguchi forecast is for the lakeshore, not specifically the Maple Corridor. One photograph of a bright-red tree does not establish full color across a large destination. Check the latest location reports (Japanese).
Nine Featured Places for Mid- to Late November
Lake Kawaguchi and the Maple Corridor — Yamanashi
When: Good viewing is now forecast to begin around November 14 along the lakeshore. A November 13 report put lakeside color at roughly 50%, while visitors reported some vividly colored trees in the Maple Corridor and greener sections elsewhere. For travelers based in Tokyo who can make a Fuji Five Lakes day trip or overnight stop, this is the most immediate candidate on this list.
Plan your visit: The 2026 Autumn Leaves Festival runs November 7–29, with evening illumination until 9 p.m. Visit the lake and corridor as two related but different photo stops, and check same-week corridor pictures before traveling only for red maples. Color forecast and reports (Japanese) · Official 2026 festival details (Japanese).
Korankei Gorge — Aichi
When: Around November 20. A November 13 visitor report still described the autumn colors as too early for a peak visit. Korankei is a rural maple-valley outing from the Nagoya/Toyota area rather than a quick city-garden stop, so the return journey matters almost as much as the foliage date.
Plan your visit: The festival and evening illumination run through November 30, but those event dates do not guarantee peak color. There is no direct Yakusa Station–Korankei bus in 2026. Meitetsu Bus is suspending sections of certain services on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29. On November 21–23, some daytime buses from Josui Station also stop short of Korankei; the Asuke Tourism Association lists 6:08 p.m. as the last Korankei-to-Josui bus on that route. An evening-lighting trip therefore requires a separately verified return route. Do not rely only on a general journey planner, as the bus operator says some canceled services may still appear in its search tools. 2026 festival and bus guidance (Japanese) · Toyota City date-specific bus changes (Japanese) · Meitetsu Bus service notice (Japanese) · Color forecast (Japanese).
Momijidani Park on Miyajima — Hiroshima
When: Around November 23–24 for Miyajima. A November 13 visitor report still described relatively few red maples. If you are staying in Hiroshima, the maple valley is a natural addition to a visit to Itsukushima Shrine; do not rush to the island solely for peak color before a current local report confirms it.
Plan your visit: Combine the park with other Miyajima sights during daylight, then check the ferry timetable before your return. The forecast covers Miyajima more broadly and is not a separate peak-day guarantee for each tree in Momijidani Park. Color forecast and recent reports (Japanese).
Kenrokuen Garden — Kanazawa
When: Late November, approximately November 24–27 in recent spot-forecast captures. The garden office reported around 30% color on November 9, with additional visitors observing color developing by November 12. Favor a recent garden-specific observation over any single forecast date before making a foliage-focused visit.
Plan your visit: The official 2026 autumn evening illuminations are scheduled for November 7, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29; those evening sessions are free. Check the dates carefully—this is not a nightly event—and treat the colors as a separate question. Color forecast (Japanese) · Official evening dates (English).
Eikan-do Temple — Kyoto
When: Around November 24. Keihan’s November 13 report marked Eikan-do as coloring but not yet at peak. If red maple leaves around Kyoto temples are a priority, late November looks more promising than the middle of the month at this venue.
Plan your visit: The scheduled nighttime viewing runs November 20–December 6, with separate admission arrangements from daytime visits. Check conditions close to your date rather than booking around the opening night alone. Color forecast and status (Japanese) · Kyoto tourism event details (Japanese).
Arashiyama — Kyoto
When: Around November 23. The site-wide report still showed about 20% color on November 8, while a November 10 visitor noted more foliage developing. Different temple gardens and hillsides around Arashiyama may reach their best color at different times.
Plan your visit: Arashiyama offers a broad view of autumn on the hills around Togetsukyo Bridge. Go in the morning if you want to photograph the riverside before the busiest sightseeing hours; save time for the district rather than trying to squeeze in multiple distant Kyoto temples on the same day. Color forecast (Japanese) · Official area guide (English).
Kitano Tenmangu Maple Garden — Kyoto
When: Around November 25. A November 11 report showed about 20% of the trees coloring, making late November a stronger prospect for a foliage-focused visit than mid-November.
Plan your visit: The 2026 maple-garden season runs October 31–December 6, with illumination scheduled from November 13. Admission to the maple garden is separate from visiting the main shrine grounds; the official 2026 adult price is ¥1,500. Color forecast (Japanese) · Official maple garden schedule and admission (Japanese).
Akizuki Castle Ruins — Fukuoka
When: Around November 25–26. A November 13 report supplied through the local tourism association showed only about 20% color. Akizuki’s Kuromon Gate and maple trees are a late-November option for visitors staying in Fukuoka or exploring northern Kyushu.
Plan your visit: This is a regional outing, so check the local bus timetable and current leaf reports before traveling. If your trip ends before late November, do not count on its signature red-maple scene yet. Color forecast (Japanese) · Fukuoka official tourism information (Japanese).
Rikugien Gardens — Tokyo
When: Around November 29. Rikugien is still a later Tokyo option: the November 12 site status indicated that its main color had not yet arrived.
Plan your visit: Special nighttime viewing runs November 25–December 6, 6–8:30 p.m., with last admission at 7:30 p.m. The garden closes at 5 p.m. and reopens for the evening event. A separate ticket is required: advance admission is ¥1,000 online, while same-day admission is ¥1,200 online or at the main gate (cash only at the gate). Advance online tickets may sell out; confirm your date before traveling. Color forecast (Japanese) · Official 2026 evening tickets and hours (Japanese).
Three Famous Spots That Are Already Past Their Best
These destinations are included to show how the 2026 season has progressed—not as recommended November detours for peak foliage. You can still visit for scenery, but set expectations accordingly.
- Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido: Upper-mountain foliage was reported finished by October 4. November travel brings mountain-weather and ropeway considerations rather than a red-leaf trip. Latest spot information (Japanese).
- Lake Chuzenji, Nikko: The November 13 site status marked the main foliage display as finished, although Nikko’s official tourism reports still noted some attractive lakeside areas on November 10. Nikko’s official tourism site reported peak colors around its World Heritage shrines and temples on November 11, so a lower-elevation Nikko outing may still be worthwhile; check the exact location before your day trip. Latest spot information (Japanese) · Nikko tourism foliage updates (Japanese).
- Oirase Gorge, Aomori: Leaf fall was underway by November 6. If visiting for the stream scenery, confirm access and seasonal return buses, and expect more fallen leaves than full-canopy color. Latest spot information (Japanese).
Before You Change Your Travel Plans
If your flight and hotel are already booked, the most sensible choice is usually a foliage stop along your existing route. A forecast that improves by a day or two is rarely a good reason by itself to pay for a cross-country detour. By contrast, an evening ticket or a limited rural bus service can change whether the outing is practical.
- Check the exact place: A citywide forecast may not reflect a particular temple or a shaded maple corridor.
- Look for a recent dated color report: A photo posted today may show a much clearer picture than a forecast made last week, but one photo covers only its viewpoint.
- Keep events separate from foliage: Lighting schedules are fixed by organizers; natural color is not.
- Check your return: At rural sites, verify bus and ferry services before staying until after dark.
If you are planning a broader November route, our Japan in November guide covers weather and packing. For the overall 2026 forecast rather than individual sites, see Japan’s Autumn Foliage Forecast 2026.
Official Information and Forecast Sources
Forecasts can change, and the local reports above were not all filed on the same date. The nine featured mid- to late-season locations and the highlighted alternatives were reviewed on November 14 using reports available through November 13; the earlier-season reports retain their stated dates. Use these pages to check conditions before leaving. Weathernews provides location forecasts; parks, tourism organizations and transport operators provide location-specific reports, admissions and service rules.
- Japan Meteorological Corporation: 2026 national outlook (English)
- Weathernews: 2026 local forecasts and color reports (Japanese)
- JR Odekake: Kyoto foliage observations by location (Japanese)
- Kyoto Prefectural Tourism Federation: local color reports (Japanese)
- Showa Memorial Park: November 12 ginkgo color report (Japanese)
- Fujikawaguchiko Tourism: Autumn Leaves Festival 2026 (Japanese)
- Fujikawaguchiko Town: November 13 foliage conditions around Saiko and Lake Shoji (Japanese)
- Asuke Tourism Association: 2026 Korankei festival and transport guidance (Japanese)
- Toyota City: November 2026 Oiden bus changes (Japanese)
- Meitetsu Bus: November 2026 holiday route suspensions (Japanese)
- Nikko Tourism: Current foliage reports (Japanese)
- Visit Kanazawa: Kenrokuen autumn illuminations
- Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association: Rikugien 2026 nighttime viewing (Japanese)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I see autumn leaves in Japan in mid-November 2026?
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Among the 12 featured destinations, Lake Kawaguchi is the earliest upcoming choice, with its lakeshore forecast to enter good viewing around November 14. If you are already in Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park reported peak ginkgo color on November 12; if you are in Kyoto, Jingo-ji and Sanzen-in were reported at good viewing on November 12–13. These are additional options, so choose based on where you are staying and check recent reports before making a special trip.
- When is the best time to see Kyoto autumn leaves in 2026?
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For the three featured Kyoto destinations, current spot forecasts suggest good viewing from around November 23 at Arashiyama, November 24 at Eikan-do and November 25 at Kitano Tenmangu. Earlier in the month, JR’s November 12–13 reports show Jingo-ji and Sanzen-in already at good viewing. Compare your exact location and travel time rather than treating Kyoto as one uniform foliage forecast.
- Are autumn leaves at Rikugien in Tokyo already at their peak in mid-November?
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Not according to its November 12 site report: Rikugien is forecast to enter good viewing around November 29. For an earlier Tokyo outing, Showa Memorial Park’s Canal ginkgo avenue was already reported at good viewing on November 12. That offers golden ginkgo leaves, rather than Rikugien’s later garden maples.
- Is an autumn illumination date the same as the peak foliage date?
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No. Lighting and garden opening dates are announced in advance, while the natural color changes with weather. Check both the foliage report and the admission rules.
- Should I change my hotel reservations to follow the foliage forecast?
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Usually, start by looking for a suitable spot near your existing route. Consider changing a major booking only after checking the latest local reports, transport, cancellation costs and whether the new destination actually improves your trip.
