Weathernews reported on September 3 2026 that the best time to see the autumn leaves in Japan is expected to be usual in the regions where it is usually in the middle of October and latter than usual in the region where it is usually after late October.

The best times to see the autumn leaves in major tourist destinations are expected to be around October 23 in Nikko of Tochigi Prefecture, around October 26 in Onuma Park of Hokkaido, around October 27 in Towada Lake of Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture, around November 22 in Kanazawa Kenrokuen of Ishika Prefecture and around November 24 in Arashiyama of Kyoto Prefecture.

Also, Weathernews has forecasted that the best times will be around November 2 in Daisen of Tottori Prefecture, around November 19 in Miyazima of Hiroshima Prefecture, around November 23 in Korankei of Aichi Prefecture and around November 30 in Akizuki of Fukuoka Prefecture. 

Regarding the vibrancy of the autumn foliage, there are concerns about color development in some areas due to a lack of sunlight in September, according to Weathernews.