Japan Autumn Leaves 2026 Trip Checklist: Forecast Dates, eSIM and Travel Tips
Planning a koyo trip to Japan in autumn 2026? Here are the forecast peak dates by city, how the season moves across the country, and the checklist for data, transport and payments before you fly.
Quick answer: Japan's autumn leaves (koyo) move from north to south: Hokkaido and high mountains colour first, from around late September into October, central Japan from mid-October to late November, and milder southern areas into December. The first 2026 forecast from Japan Meteorological Corporation puts red maple peaks around 29 November in Tokyo, 4 December in Osaka and 11 December in Kyoto. Forecasts are updated, so book flexibly, fill in Visit Japan Web and install your Japan eSIM at home.
Key takeaways
- JNTO describes the koyo season as running from late September to early December depending on place, elevation and temperature.
- First 2026 forecast (Japan Meteorological Corporation, 2 September): red maple peaks around 29 Nov in Tokyo, 4 Dec in Osaka, 7 Dec in Fukuoka and 11 Dec in Kyoto.
- Yellow ginkgo peaks come earlier in cities: around 24 Nov in Osaka, 26 Nov in Tokyo and 27 Nov in Kyoto.
- Forecasts change with the weather. The next update was scheduled for early October, so check again before booking non-refundable trips.
Which network you get, and what it really costs
In Japan the Fizen eSIM roams on KDDI (4G/5G). This is a Japan-only plan. At 128 kbps you can still send messages and load map tiles, but not hold a video call. Unlimited plans run at up to 10 Mbps, which is enough for calls and 720p video.
| Plan | Days | Price | Per day | Per GB | After the high-speed data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 3 | US$13.88 | US$4.63 | n/a | slows to 10 Mbps |
| Unlimited | 5 | US$17.69 | US$3.54 | n/a | slows to 10 Mbps |
| Unlimited | 7 | US$27.50 | US$3.93 | n/a | slows to 10 Mbps |
| Unlimited | 10 | US$35.18 | US$3.52 | n/a | slows to 10 Mbps |
| Unlimited | 15 | US$49.00 | US$3.27 | n/a | slows to 10 Mbps |
| Unlimited | 30 | US$70.94 | US$2.36 | n/a | slows to 10 Mbps |
| 3 GB | 3 | US$7.66 | US$2.55 | US$2.55 | slows to 384 kbps |
| 3 GB | 7 | US$8.11 | US$1.16 | US$2.70 | slows to 384 kbps |
| 1 GB | 3 | US$8.51 | US$2.84 | US$8.51 | slows to 384 kbps |
| 1 GB | 3 | US$9.94 | US$3.31 | US$9.94 | slows to 128 kbps |
| 5 GB | 7 | US$10.12 | US$1.45 | US$2.02 | slows to 384 kbps |
| 5 GB | 15 | US$10.13 | US$0.68 | US$2.03 | slows to 384 kbps |
| 5 GB | 30 | US$10.14 | US$0.34 | US$2.03 | slows to 384 kbps |
| 5 GB | 7 | US$16.68 | US$2.38 | US$3.34 | slows to 128 kbps |
Prices and carrier read from the Fizen catalogue on 23 September 2026. Data only, no calls or SMS.
Prices are before the welcome credit. A new user who opens the eSIM tab in the Fizen app for the first time gets US$10 of eSIM credit automatically, with no code, valid for 12 months. The app shows how much of it comes off your order. Paying by card on the web works too, but the credit only applies in the app.
You planned the whole trip around one photo: Kyoto's temple maples glowing red. You arrive, the trees are still green, and the locals are sending each other photos of a valley two hours away that is at peak colour right now. You are standing outside Kyoto Station with no data, trying to work out which train to take.
When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Japan in 2026?
According to JNTO, the season begins in the colder areas of northern Hokkaido and gradually moves south, running from late September to early December depending on place, elevation and temperature. For cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, mid-November to early December is the classic window. The first 2026 forecast shows some places later than the seasonal average, such as Sapporo, while Tokyo's maples are forecast close to schedule.
| Region | Typical koyo window | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido (Daisetsuzan, Sapporo area) | From around late September in the mountains, into early November in the city | Earliest colours in Japan, cool weather |
| Tohoku and the Japan Alps | Around mid to late October in many areas | Mountain valleys, onsen towns and hiking |
| Nikko, Hakone and Kanto mountains | Around late October to November, varying by elevation | Popular day trips from Tokyo, busy weekends |
| Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka (lowland cities) | Around mid-November to early December | Temples, gardens and parks, night illuminations |
| Kyushu and southern areas | Around late November into December | Later colours, milder weather |
Japan autumn leaves forecast 2026 by city
Japan Meteorological Corporation released its first 2026 koyo forecast on 2 September. Here are the forecast peak dates for major cities.
| City | Red maple (momiji) peak | Yellow ginkgo peak |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | Around 7 November | Around 6 November |
| Kanazawa | Around 30 November | Around 10 November |
| Nagano | Around 21 November | Around 13 November |
| Nagoya | Around 2 December | Around 17 November |
| Tokyo | Around 29 November | Around 26 November |
| Osaka | Around 4 December | Around 24 November |
| Kyoto | Around 11 December | Around 27 November |
| Hiroshima | Around 28 November | Around 20 November |
| Fukuoka | Around 7 December | Around 27 November |
City forecasts usually refer to observation trees in town, while famous spots in the hills around Kyoto or Tokyo can colour earlier. Updated forecasts follow during the season, so check again in October and November.
Japan koyo trip checklist before you fly
- Entry rules. Check whether your nationality needs a visa on official Japanese government sources. Rules differ by passport and can change.
- Visit Japan Web. Optional, free and official at vjw.digital.go.jp. Register your immigration and customs details in advance and show the QR code at major airports.
- Flexible bookings. Kyoto and Tokyo hotels fill up in late November. Choose refundable options if you are timing the peak.
- Phone eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked, with a Japan eSIM installed at home over Wi-Fi.
- IC card set up. Add Suica or PASMO to your phone wallet if your phone supports it, or plan to get a physical card on arrival.
- Some yen cash for smaller temples, shrines, rural buses and local restaurants.
- Layers. Mornings and evenings get cold, especially in the mountains and at night illuminations.
- Power bank within airline carry-on limits. Photos and maps drain batteries quickly on long walking days.
- Offline copies of hotel addresses in Japanese and your rail reservations.
Why you want your own mobile data on a koyo trip
Autumn leaves travel is one of the most phone-dependent trips you can take in Japan. Free Wi-Fi exists in stations and cafés, but not on a mountain trail or a crowded temple path.
- Live foliage reports. Spots change from green to peak to past-peak within days. Local reports help you choose between destinations on the morning itself.
- Train and bus times, including last services from rural valleys and changes on busy weekends.
- Crowd dodging. Checking which gardens are packed and switching to a quieter temple nearby.
- Timed entry and illuminations. Some night light-ups and gardens use online tickets.
- Maps and translation for menus, signs and bus stops in smaller towns.
- Sharing photos with family without waiting for hotel Wi-Fi.
How to get around and pay in Japan in autumn
| Situation | What usually works | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| City trains, subways and buses | IC cards such as Suica or PASMO, physical or in a phone wallet | Top up before a day trip, rural lines may need cash tickets |
| Shinkansen and limited express | Tickets online, at machines or ticket offices | Reserve seats early for weekends in November |
| Convenience stores and chains | Credit cards, IC cards and mobile wallets | Konbini are great for quick breakfasts and ATMs |
| Temples, shrines and gardens | Often cash for entry fees | Carry coins and small notes |
| Small restaurants and rural areas | Cash more common | Some places are card-free, check before ordering |
| Contactless bank cards on transit | Accepted on a growing number of lines | Look for the contactless logo at the gate |
Japan is now far more card-friendly than it was a few years ago, but autumn trips to temples and countryside still reward carrying some cash.
Terms and conditions
- Information only. This checklist is general travel information, not legal, immigration, financial or investment advice.
- For readers in the United States. This article provides information only. It is not an offer, solicitation or sale of any product or service, and it is not financial, investment, legal or tax advice. Fizen is not offered to US Persons.
- Event details can change. Dates, venues, phases and schedules are set by the organisers and can change. Check the official website before you book flights or hotels.
- Entry rules are official-source only. Visa, travel-authorisation and arrival-card rules are set by the destination's government, differ by passport and can change. Confirm them on the official sites linked here before you fly. Foliage forecasts are estimates and peak dates vary with weather.
- Plans vary. eSIM prices, data allowances, hotspot support and validity depend on the plan and are shown on the checkout page, which takes precedence over this article. Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Travel eSIMs are data-only, with no calls or SMS.
- No affiliation. Fizen is not affiliated with JNTO, Japan Meteorological Corporation, JR, any rail operator, temple, garden or any carrier or app named here.
- Availability. Fizen is not offered to US Persons. Fizen is a self-custody app: your keys and recovery phrase are yours, and nobody, including Fizen, can recover them if lost.
- Full terms. Master Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Disclaimer on the Fizen site.
Sources
- JNTO: Autumn leaves forecast and season guide
- JNTO: Autumn guide
- Time Out Tokyo: first official 2026 autumn leaves forecast
- Digital Agency: Visit Japan Web
- Visit Japan Web instruction manual
Information checked in September 2026. Foliage forecasts are updated during the season and entry procedures can change: confirm on the official sources before you travel.
