By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported
The Japan Meteorological Agency's autumn foliage front forecast is typically released every October. This year’s forecast has already been published, and based on current climate conditions, the 2016 foliage season is expected to be about 10 days later than last year.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. (Photo source / retrip)
The regions in Japan where maple leaves turn red generally progress from north to south. The currently expected peak foliage viewing periods are as follows:
Tohoku Region: Mid-October to mid-November
Kanto Region: Mid-November to mid-December
Kansai Region: Mid-November to mid-December
Shikoku Region: Mid-November to mid-December
Kyushu Region: Late November to mid-December
The most popular cities for maple leaf viewing in Japan are:
1. Kyoto Prefecture
2. Ishikawa Prefecture
3. Tokyo Metropolis
Each year during the peak foliage season, Japan sees a large influx of tourists. It is recommended to plan your trip according to the desired scenic spots and their corresponding optimal foliage viewing periods.