The 2026 forecast puts Kyoto’s peak fall color in late November into early December, with Weathernews calling Arashiyama around November 24 and the Japan Meteorological Corporation putting Kyoto’s red maples around December 11. Tokyo’s ginkgo trees are forecast to peak around November 26.
I’d plan a Kyoto trip for the last week of November into the first week of December.
The yellow ginkgo turns first, around November 27 in Kyoto. The red maples come after.
Tofukuji, Eikando, Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama are the big ones. They’re also the most crowded.
Go at opening time. With kids, that’s the difference between a gorgeous morning and a stroller in a crowd.
In 2025 Tofukuji, Eikando and Arashiyama were already into fallen leaves by December 12, so don’t push it too late.
Kyoto hotels for late November book early, same as cherry blossom season.
Quick answers
When is peak fall foliage in Kyoto in 2026?
Late November into early December. Arashiyama is forecast around November 24 and the red maples around December 11.
When is fall foliage in Tokyo in 2026?
Ginkgo around November 26 and maples around November 29.
Where are the best fall leaves in Kyoto?
Tofukuji, Eikando, Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama.
Is Kyoto crowded in fall?
Yes, very. Go at opening time and on weekdays.
When is it too late for fall leaves in Kyoto?
By mid December. In 2025 the big spots were into fallen leaves by December 12.
Want help planning this one?
Tell me who’s coming and roughly when, and I’ll take it from there.
Plan my trip with NicoleTake the 2 minute trip quizKeep planning: Kyoto with kids, Japan travel guide and Osaka with kids.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices and dates last checked October 2026 and change often.
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