Why Autumn 2025 Is the Best Time to Visit Japan – Top Spots, Dates & Travel Tips
Published by JewelTours Japan – Your Japan-based travel experts
Autumn in Japan is like no other. The country turns into a palette of deep reds, golds, and fiery oranges – from glowing red maple leaves in Kyoto to crisp mountain air in Nagano. And this year’s autumn seems poised to be even more colorful and visitor-friendly.
For your dream trip here are all the details about visiting Japan during autumn 2025—and how you can make it unforgettable with tips from JewelTours Japan.
Why Travel to Japan in Autumn / Fall?
Autumn (September–November) offers the best combination of climate, culture, and colour:
- Mild weather: Clear skies, low humidity, and average temps of 13–22°C
- Stunning foliage: From Hokkaido in October to Kyoto in mid-November
- Festivals: Traditional matsuri, moon-viewing, and harvest celebrations
- Smaller crowds: Compared to cherry blossom season, autumn is more relaxed
Best Time to See Fall Colours (Koyo)
Timing is everything for autumn in Japan. Here’s a regional forecast for 2025:
| Region | Peak Season Dates |
| Hokkaido | Oct 1 – Oct 20 |
| Tohoku (Aomori, Sendai) | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Tokyo/Nagano | Nov 1 – Nov 20 |
| Kyoto/Osaka | Nov 15 – Dec 5 |
| Hiroshima/Fukuoka | Late Nov – Mid Dec |
💡 JTJ Tip: We adjust itineraries weekly based on Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts for real-time peak colour.
Top Places to Visit in Autumn 2025
Here are our top recommendations, refined from over a decade of custom tours:
1. Kyoto -Traditional Autumn Elegance
- Eikan-do & Tofuku-ji: Known for fiery maple leaves
- Arashiyama: River cruises with fall colours on both banks
- Private tea ceremonies: Hosted in seasonal gardens
2. Nikko & Lake Chuzenji – Nature Meets Spirituality
- Just 2 hours from Tokyo
- Highlights: Kegon Falls, temple trails, and the famous Irohazaka Road
3. Kanazawa – Culture, Cuisine, and Colour
- Kenroku-en Garden: Ranked among Japan’s top three garden
- Enjoy local seafood in the crisp autumn air
4. Kamikochi – For Scenic Hikers
- Valley walks beneath snow-dusted peaks
- Perfect for photographers and quiet seekers
5. Kyushu – Late Autumn Escapes
- Kumamoto, Mount Aso, and onsen towns like Kurokawa
- Foliage lasts into December with fewer tourists
Seasonal Food to Try in Autumn
Autumn in Japan is the time to enjoy special once-in-a-year tastes. One of them is matsutake mushrooms, also known as Japan’s black truffle because they have a very strong smell and are hard to find. Sanma or Pacific saury is another loved product during this season and it is mostly grilled with daikon which is freshly grated. Kuri-manju, sweet chestnut-based desserts, and other traditional wagashi are also popular among those who like it sweet and delicate during autumn. In addition to that, there are roasted sweet potatoes sold at street corners, candied into snacks or made into cakes.
JewelTours Japan (JTJ) caters for foodies by providing custom-made food tours, cooking classes for each season and private dining experiences that showcase the best of autumn in Japan.
Why Book Your Autumn 2025 Trip Now?
Autumn is one of the most popular travel seasons in Japan, especially between October and November when the fall foliage is at its peak. This period sees flights and boutique accommodations fill up quickly fast hence early booking is necessary. Early reservations also guarantee you access to top-rated guides, private transportation services and prime leaf-viewing spots before they are all taken up. Moreover, JTJ tailors their tours with some flexibility so that they can be adjusted according to real-time weather and foliage conditions for capturing the best colours at the right time.
Why Choose JewelTours Japan?
JewelTours Japan (JTJ) prides itself with being based in Japan which means you get local insights as well as real-time updates from an on-the-ground team. It covers off-the-shelf tours that lack any sort of personal touch by offering fully customized trips. Its area of specialty lies in itineraries where there is gentle pacing thereby making them ideal for matured travelers who are either couples or multi-generational families looking for a vacation that will give them relaxation but at the same time be educational. Additionally, JTJ designs SEO-friendly itineraries targeting bloggers, influencers and content creators whose purpose is to have content resonate as well as perform exceptionally well.
