Autumn in Japan 2025: Foliage Forecast, Festivals, and Best Places to Visit

Autumn has a special magic in Japan. Trees change leaf color, festivals return and cool air replaces summer heat. If you are thinking of visiting Japan this autumn, 2025 offers many beautiful sights and lively events. Below are what to expect this fall, when, where and why it’s worth going. 

When Will Leaves Change?

The Japanese Weather Association (JWA) released its forecast on September 18, 2025. They predict that in northern and eastern regions the peak autumn foliage will come around the usual time or a little later than normal. In western Japan, the timing should be about average. Warmer-than-average temperatures through October are the reason for the delay in many places. 

Some specific forecast dates: 

• Sapporo – November 7, 2025
• Nagano – November 23, 2025
• Kanazawa – November 30, 2025
• Tokyo – November 30, 2025
• Kyoto – December 12, 2025

Photo credit: Tsunagu Japan

If you travel south or stay in lower elevations, expect color change later, often into early or mid-December. 

Where to See Autumn Best

Here are some of the top spots and events to enjoy autumn color and culture this year: 

Takayama Autumn Festival, Gifu Prefecture

• October 9-10, 2025
• Beautiful floats, lanterns and an Edo-period town atmosphere. Great in early autumn. 

Photo credit: Kids Zone

Kawagoe Festival (Kawagoe Hikawa Festival), Saitama 

• Mid-Oct 2025, third weekend
• Old storehouses, grand floats and lively music in a historic town just outside Tokyo. 

Photo credit: Fragments of Perceptions

Kurama Fire Festival, Kyoto

• October 22, 2025
• Torches, night walks and a spiritual and dramatic atmosphere. Good mix of culture and autumn air. 

Photo credit: Into Japan

Nada Fighting Festival (Nada no Kenka Matsuri), Himeji 

• October 14-15, 2025
• Loud, energetic shrine clashes, big crowds and intense tradition. 

Photo credit: Nipponderful

What the Weather Will Feel Like

• Cooler days and nights: temperatures drop in October and especially in November. Layers will be helpful. 
• More autumn than summer: expect lower humidity, clearer skies and crisp air, good for walking, hiking and taking photos. 
• Because of warmer temperatures earlier in fall, the color change (foliage) is predicted to be delayed in some places. 

Why Fall in Japan is More Than Just Leaves

Autumn is culture, food and tradition, not just nature’s show: 

• Tsukimi (moon-viewing parties) are held in early October. People gather at temples or outdoors to view the harvest moon. 
• Festivals (matsuri): Many autumn matsuri happen in October. These include float parades, local food and performances. It’s a great chance to see and experience the lives  of locals. 
• Flowers and Chrysanthemums: The chrysanthemum is a symbolic flower in Japan. Many temples and towns host chrysanthemum shows from mid-October to November. 

Staying Connected This Autumn With Smiles

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