When is the best time to go to Japan to see red leaves?

Japan is wearing a brilliant coat of red and yellow leaves stretching from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Along with that, the number of Vietnamese tourists to Japan is growing strongly.

If spring is remembered for cherry blossoms, autumn is the time when Japan is immersed in the romantic colors of red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves. The 2025 red and yellow leaf forecast map released by the Japan Meteorological Agency shows that the best time to see the leaves will last from early November to mid-December, depending on the region.

In Hokkaido (the northernmost region), the autumn leaves will start from November 7, earlier than other localities. Aomori will welcome the autumn leaves from November 14, Sendai from November 26, and Tokyo will be in full bloom from November 30. In the central region, Nagoya is expected to start the autumn leaves season from December 3, Osaka from December 4, Kyoto from December 12. Southern provinces such as Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kochi will fall between December 9 and 12.

For yellow leaves, the season usually comes one to two weeks earlier than red leaves. For example, Tokyo has its yellow leaves season from November 26 but the red leaves do not turn bright until November 30. Kyoto starts wearing yellow from November 28 before turning red on December 12.

The autumn scenery in Japan evokes a vivid picture, both romantic and poetic. The roads lined with bright red maple leaves, the parks covered with golden ginkgo leaves, and the ancient temples create the perfect backdrop for visitors to capture memorable moments.

Kakunodate Samurai District - Akita Prefecture

PHOTO: JNTO

According to the latest statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), in August 2025, Japan welcomed about 3.42 million international visitors, up nearly 17% over the same period last year. Of which, Vietnam contributed about 61,200 visitors, up 16.7%, reaching the highest level ever in August.

Experts say the number of Vietnamese tourists traveling to Japan has increased steadily this year thanks to many factors: Flight routes between the two countries have been restored and opened, tour prices to Japan are more competitive, along with the special appeal of the red leaf season, considered the peak season for attracting international tourists.

Autumn is beautiful all over Japan, but some destinations are always considered "symbols" of the red leaf season such as:

• Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Icho Namiki Avenue with rows of bright yellow ginkgo trees is a famous check-in spot.
• Kyoto: Ancient temples such as Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando or the Arashiyama area with bamboo forests and Togetsukyo bridge reflecting on the Hozu River offer an experience that is both ancient and poetic.
• Osaka: Osaka Castle is surrounded by hundreds of maple and ginkgo trees. From the castle tower, visitors can admire a "sea" of red leaves.
• Hokkaido: Moerenuma Park and Mount Moiwa are brilliant in late autumn foliage, combined with the chilly climate, creating a very unique feeling of nostalgia.
• Fukuoka - Kyushu: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine or Ohori Park are autumn destinations that many young Vietnamese people visit.

In addition, Hiroshima, Nagoya or Sendai are also cities worth considering for Vietnamese tourists on their journey.

Domestic travel agencies have quickly launched many autumn tour packages to Japan with flexible schedules of 5-7 days, focusing on famous leaf-viewing spots. Tour prices range from 25-40 million VND/person, depending on departure time and accompanying services.

Vietnamese people speed up to go to Japan to see the leaves

PHOTO: JNTO

According to a representative of a tourism company in Ho Chi Minh City, currently, tours to Japan during the red leaf season are the second best-selling tours after cherry blossom tours. Vietnamese tourists, especially families and young people, tend to choose tours that combine culinary culture experiences with natural scenery.

Along with that, airlines also increased flights from Vietnam to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka to meet demand.

Experts say that the red leaf season not only brings landscape value but also serves as a cultural "bridge" between Vietnam and Japan. Mr. Hideki Manabe, JNTO representative in Vietnam, said: "We are very happy that more and more Vietnamese tourists choose Japan to experience autumn. The red and yellow leaves are the characteristics that bring the image of Japan closer to international friends."

Suggested 7-day itinerary to see Japanese leaves

Day 1 - 2: Fly to Tokyo, visit Shinjuku Gyoen, Icho Namiki Avenue.

Day 3 - 4: Travel to Kyoto, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Eikando, Arashiyama.

Day 5: Osaka - Osaka Castle, Dotonbori at night.

Day 6 - 7: Fukuoka - Dazaifu Shrine, Ohori Park, experience Kyushu cuisine.

This schedule is suitable for late November, early December - coinciding with the peak of leaf season.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/di-nhat-ban-ngam-la-do-thoi-diem-nao-dep-nhat-185250923163502939.htm