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Sapporo & Jozankei autumn foliage 2026: dated reports and forecasts
Compare reports for Jozankei’s hot-spring town, Hoheikyo Dam and Sapporo Kokusai. These out-of-town reports do not describe all of central Sapporo.
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.
Near peak 0 locations
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Not yet 0 locations
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Starting to turn: 0 · Leaves falling: 2 · Other entries are unconfirmed or need a fresh check.
Sapporo & Jozankei
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| Location | Condition · report date | Forecast viewing period | Checked · source |
|---|---|---|---|
Jozankei hot-spring townJozankei, outside central SapporoJozankei transport and hot springs →Before visitingThe association’s October 21 report describes fading colours. This is its local assessment, not a measurement by JapanPin. Decide whether foliage alone or a hot-spring visit makes the trip worthwhile. Check the latest report and your return transport. | UnconfirmedSource report: Colours fading Historical report; not current conditions | No verified forecast date | Jozankei Tourism Association ↗ |
Hoheikyo DamNear JozankeiJozankei transport and hot springs →Before visitingThe official October 21 report says leaves are starting to fall. This is a separate area from the hot-spring town. Check that seasonal transport to the dam operates on your date. A running bus does not guarantee peak colour. | Leaves fallingSource report: Leaves starting to fall | No verified forecast date | Jozankei Tourism Association ↗ |
Sapporo Kokusai Ski ResortMountain area outside SapporoJozankei transport and hot springs →Before visitingThe official October 21 report marks fallen leaves and the end of the foliage season. This does not describe city parks or the hot-spring town. For a foliage trip, compare fresh reports from other places. Winter opening and gondola operation require separate checks. | Leaves fallingSource report: Fallen leaves; season ended | No verified forecast date | Jozankei Tourism Association ↗ |
Nakajima ParkCentral SapporoBefore visitingThe official site confirms the 2026 illumination schedule, but we have not verified a dated colour report. An event taking place does not establish peak foliage. Check the attraction’s latest notices before visiting. | Unconfirmed | No verified forecast date | Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry · event notice ↗ |
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: if reports show fading colour, consider hot springs or a city walk too. Seasonal buses and gondola dates must be checked separately from foliage conditions.
- Jozankei transport and hot springs →
- Sapporo options for families →
- 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.