Autumn Color Reports 2026

North Japan at peak
Higher elevations in central and northern Japan are peaking now.
See Autumn Color Forecast 2026
Expected Peak
Tokyo
Late Nov - Early Dec
Kyoto
Mid Nov - Early Dec

Alpine Route: Past Peak

Beyond Peak
After Schauwecker’s visit to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route two weeks ago, I followed in his footsteps yesterday to see how the autumn colors had progressed in this beautiful pocket of Japan’s Alps.The route...
By Aimee Gardner·

Nikko: Starting to Change

Starting to Change
Following our last report from the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, I visited Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture on October 8, 2026, to check the autumn colors. With clear blue skies and sunshine, it was a perfect day to be out...
By Thomas Rönnlund·

Alpine Route: Peak Colors

Peak Color
The Japan Alps are among the first places in Japan to see autumn colors, after Hokkaido’s high mountains, where I was two weeks ago.The Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route makes them accessible even without hiking. The...
By Stefan Schauwecker·

Daisetsuzan: Peak Colors

Peak Color
Japan’s 2026 autumn color season has arrived! The colors on Hokkaido’s highest mountains peaked a few days ago and are looking spectacular. Today, I visited Mount Asahidake in Daisetsuzan National Park for our first...
By Stefan Schauwecker·

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