Autumn

Autumn Travel in Japan: Koyo & Hiking Season

Autumn colour (koyo) starts in Hokkaido and the high mountains in October, then moves south through Tohoku to reach Kyoto and Tokyo by mid-to-late November. It is also peak hiking season, since many high-altitude trails close for winter once the leaves finish.

Climate range

Temperatures cool steadily through the season — Hokkaido and the mountains turn cold by October, while Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka stay mild into November.
Humidity drops sharply after summer, making autumn one of the most comfortable seasons for walking and hiking.
Typhoon risk continues into September and can affect the early weeks of the season, especially in western and southern Japan.

Crowds and booking

Peak koyo weeks draw crowds similar to cherry blossom season, especially in Kyoto — hotels and ryokan book up 2–3 months ahead of the peak.
Regional peak weeks are staggered (Hokkaido and the mountains in October, Tohoku in early-to-mid November, Kyoto and Tokyo in mid-to-late November), so booking pressure follows the colour south.
Outside the peak colour weeks in each region, autumn is easier to book than the height of spring.

Where this season suits

Autumn suits travelers who want temple and garden scenery in Kyoto, or hiking before mountain trails close for winter. Mount Iwate’s autumn trails catch Tohoku’s colour well before it reaches Kyoto, for travelers who want koyo earlier in the season. The prefectures below round out the classic koyo bases.

What to pack and safety

Layers again: cool mornings and evenings, milder midday, and colder conditions at altitude if hiking.
A light rain layer for the tail end of typhoon season in September and early October.
For mountain trails, check trail and cable-car closure dates directly with the operator — many close for the season once the leaves finish, sometimes with little public notice.

Checking exact event dates

Peak koyo weeks shift by a week or two each year depending on autumn temperatures, and cannot be predicted far in advance. Confirm current conditions on JNTO’s autumn foliage guidance, and check specific festivals on JNTO’s festivals and events listings before booking non-refundable hotels or trains. Checked 2026-07-30.