AUTUMN LEAVES
Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2022

Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2022

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Occurring each year from late September through to mid-December, depending on which region of the country you are referring to, the autumn leaves of Japan rival the legendary cherry blossoms of spring in the fragile beauty and cultural importance. On this page you will find the following information:

Autumn Leaves ‘Koyo’ Forecast 2022

Varieties of Autumn Leaves in Japan

The Importance of ‘Koyo’ & ‘Momijigari’

Best Autumn Leaves in Nagano

Best Autumn Leaves in Tokyo

Best Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

Autumn Leaves in Nagano: Join a Guided Tour

Book With Us! Nagano’s No. Tour & Charter Operator

This page is one of several on which you’ll find everything you need to know about where and when to find the best autumn leaves, so you can plan and book your autumn adventure in Japan. Let’s start with when and to expect the leaves this year:

AUTUMN LEAVES ‘KOYO’ FORECAST 2022


Released on September 1st, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has published its forecast for 2022. As we move into autumn, you can expect the forecast to be refined with more exact dates. We will update that information as it becomes available. The map above is regarded as the main autumn leaves forecast however it specifically refers to when you can expect red and amber trees, such as ‘momiji’ (Japanese maples) to turn. The dates that yellow-leafed trees such as ‘icho’ (gingko) and ‘karamatsu’ (Japanese larch) are expected to turn, varies a little as shown on the map below. As you can see from the map above, our home region of Nagano is expected to turn at the end of October in areas of higher elevation – such as Shiga Kogen, Tateyama-Kurobe, Kamikochi and Togakushi– followed by lower areas from mid-November onward – such as Nagano City, Matsumoto, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Overall, temperatures are higher than usual this year and the leaves will turn a little later in the areas of lower elevation.

When planning your autumn visit and seeking-out the best spots to enjoy the leaves, our advice is to allow flexibility in your schedule so that you can move to the best areas as the condition of the leaves becomes more certain.

VARIEITIES OF AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPAN


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Japan’s beautiful ‘momiji’ are without doubt the most famous autumn trees, loved for their vibrant colour and delicate beauty. Yet the name momiji covers a variety of trees, a grouping that is just one of many trees that turn in colour each autumn. Our ‘Varieties of Autumn Leaves in Japan’ page introduces some of the most common trees you’ll find along with shrubs and grasses of equally vibrant colour.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ‘KOYO’ & ‘MOMIJIGARI’


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The term ‘koyo’ refers to the red leaves of autumn but overtime has come to encapsulate all coloured trees of autumn. Much like the fabled cherry blossoms of spring, koyo season is cherished for its passing and fragile beauty – a time to enjoy ‘momijigari’ or ‘hunting for autumn leaves’ with family and friends. Our ‘The Importance of ‘Koyo’ & ‘Momijigari’ in Japan’ page these quintessential Japanese terms and what to expect when visiting in autumn.

BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN NAGANO


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Within easy reach of Tokyo, Nagano and the surrounding prefectures making-up Central Japan are blessed with some of the country’s ‘koyo’ spots, thanks to the region’s mountainous character and cooler climate. Our ’20 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In & Around Nagano’ page introduces some of our favourite spots and when the leaves are likely to be at their best.

BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN TOKYO


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If you’re visiting Japan from abroad, chances are that you’ll be spending some time in Tokyo. For those heading there in autumn, the city’s parks turn-on a spectacular show of colour while other great ‘koyo’ spots are found within an hour or two of the capital. Our ’15 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In & Around Tokyo’ page lists the best options in city for enjoy in the leaves.

BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN KYOTO


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Japan’s ancient capital boasts many of the country’s most important temples and shrines. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the historic sites of Kyoto are at their most spectacular in autumn, when the surrounding gardens frame the buildings in exceptional beauty. Our ’10 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto’ page has our recommendation of some of the best spots in the city to seek-out the leaves.

AUTUMN LEAVES IN NAGANO: JOIN A GUIDED TOUR


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For visitors heading to our home region of Nagano and Central Japan from late-September through November, some of our most popular group tours head to destinations known for this beautiful autumn leaves including Kamikochi, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and Kanbayashi Onsen. Our ‘Autumn Leaves in Nagano: Join A Guided Tour’ page has details of the tours on offer in autumn including how to book with us!

BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR


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Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent and the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region including seeking-out the best autumn leaves. Need some tips on where to find them? Our ’20 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In & Around Nagano’ page has some great recommendations of ‘koyo’ destinations in the region and when you can expect to leaves to be at their best.

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Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.

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For guests wanting to access any of these destinations in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination. We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide – whichever works best for you! 

Why choose us? 

Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.

Got a question about enjoying the autumn leaves in Nagano? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!

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