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Kyoto autumn foliage 2026: dated reports and forecasts
Compare forecasts for Arashiyama, Tofukuji and Kiyomizudera, then check a dated report before travelling. These estimates are not a confirmed peak date for all of Kyoto.
Last reviewed and updated: · Manually reviewed
Recent verified reports
Only reports no more than three days old are counted. Zero means none verified in this list, not none anywhere in Japan.
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Starting to turn: 0 · Leaves falling: 0 · Other entries are unconfirmed or need a fresh check.
Kyoto
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| Location | Condition · report date | Forecast viewing period | Checked · source |
|---|---|---|---|
ArashiyamaWestern KyotoGetting from Osaka to Kyoto →Before visitingKyoto’s official survey is scheduled to start on October 30. Weathernews lists November 24 as an estimated start of good viewing, not an observation date. Start with a riverside walk and one temple. Check whether any report or photograph actually covers the Togetsukyo area. | Unconfirmed | onwards · forecastJapan Weather Association (JWA) · tenki.jp ↗ 2026-10-14 · round 2 Checked: 2026-10-23 onwards · forecastWeathernews ↗ Checked: 2026-10-23 | Kyoto City Tourism Association ↗ |
TofukujiSoutheastern KyotoGetting from Osaka to Kyoto →Before visitingThe Weathernews listing checked on October 23 gives November 23. Forecasts can change, so revisit the source before booking. Consider this for a temple-focused day. Check which part of the grounds a report shows and the entry rules for the area you want to visit. | Unconfirmed | onwards · forecastWeathernews ↗ Checked: 2026-10-23 | Kyoto City Tourism Association ↗ |
KiyomizuderaHigashiyamaGetting from Osaka to Kyoto →Before visitingWeathernews estimates good viewing from around November 25. Check Kyoto’s condition reports and any evening opening schedule separately. Pair the visit with a Higashiyama walk, leaving breaks for children. For an evening visit, decide your return station and transport in advance. | Unconfirmed | onwards · forecastWeathernews ↗ Checked: 2026-10-23 | Kyoto City Tourism Association ↗ |
Eikando TempleKyotoGetting from Osaka to Kyoto →Before visitingWe reviewed the official autumn visiting notice but could not verify a dated colour report. Opening dates do not establish peak foliage. Check the attraction’s latest notices before visiting. | Unconfirmed | No verified forecast date | Eikando official notices ↗ |
City reference-tree forecasts · separate from attraction reports
Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), second forecast issued October 1. These are not observed conditions across an entire city or at individual temples.
| City | Maple forecast | Ginkgo forecast | Checked · source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 2026-11-28 | 2026-11-26 | 2026-10-23Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) ↗ |
| Osaka | 2026-12-04 | 2026-11-24 | 2026-10-23Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) ↗ |
| Kyoto | 2026-12-11 | 2026-11-27 | 2026-10-23Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) ↗ |
Does December 11 mean peak colour everywhere in Kyoto?
No. City reference-tree forecasts and attraction forecasts describe different subjects. Even for Arashiyama, JWA estimates good viewing from around November 13 and Weathernews from around November 24. Neither is an observation.
Elevation, tree species and location affect timing. December is not automatically too late. Check dated photographs or reports for the area you plan to visit before deciding your route.
Turn foliage plans into a day out
Our suggestion: build a day around one area instead of combining Arashiyama and Higashiyama. For an evening visit, check admission and booking rules separately from leaf colour.
- Getting from Osaka to Kyoto →
- Plan Osaka and Kyoto together →
- Compare Minoh in Osaka →
- Compare transport costs with the pass calculator →
- Organise dates and notes in My trip →
- Japan travel checklist →
Foliage bus tours: a verified affiliate option for this page is not yet available.
Before you plan a foliage trip
When will Kyoto’s autumn leaves peak in 2026?
JMC’s second forecast, issued October 1, gives December 11 for Kyoto’s reference trees. Attraction forecasts differ: JWA lists good viewing from November 13 at Arashiyama, while Weathernews lists November 24. Both are forecasts, not measured peaks. Check dated reports close to your visit.
When should I visit Tokyo for autumn foliage?
The city reference-tree forecast gives November 28 for maple colour and November 26 for ginkgo. Compare the individual forecasts for Gaien, Rikugien and Mount Takao; different locations and trees can turn at different times. Dates cannot guarantee colour.
Can I see Kyoto’s autumn leaves on a day trip from Osaka?
Yes. Build the day around one area, such as Arashiyama or Higashiyama, and check your return journey. Use the Kyoto reports together with our Osaka-to-Kyoto transport guide.
What should I wear during Japan’s autumn foliage season?
Dress in layers and bring an outer layer for wind. Conditions vary by destination, elevation and time of day. For mountain walks or evening visits, check the local low temperature and rain forecast rather than relying on one national average.
Where can I check Japan’s autumn foliage forecasts?
Compare Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), Japan Weather Association (JWA) on tenki.jp, Weathernews, and reports from tourism bodies or attractions. This page is manually reviewed. Undated reports remain unconfirmed and reports older than three days are flagged for rechecking. Consult the original before travelling.
Update history
We aim to review sources manually two or three times a week during the season. The history below records completed updates.
- — Connected 19 locations in regional tables and separated JMC and JWA forecasts. Unverified figures were not used as current conditions.
Next review checkpoint: Pending: review all location forecasts after JMC’s next release, expected in early November · Release notice ↗
Once the season is confirmed finished, this address will retain the final records and an end-of-season notice.