koyo in last week Oct/1st week Nov

Hi ppl, am planning to fly into Tokyo in either last week of Oct or 1st week Nov, and planning to make use of the JR East pass. Was planning on visiting the autumn leave sites in Tohoku (eg Oirase / Tazawako) but from what I've gathered from various websites so far, seems that the season's earlier this year. Would anyone who's familiar with the situation on the ground (ie. in Japan) be able to advise whether these spots are likely to be worth visiting still or should I plan for other locations, and if so, any recommendations? Thanks in advance

If are flexible, then I would just wait and see, i.e. consult the tourist information and/or this website a couple of weeks later about the current state of autumn colors.

I think autumn colors are not that far off their regular pace this year. So, if you are not flexible, I recommend to make bookings around the average best dates.