2025, First~ Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast~
~Higher temperatures may affect the timing of leaf coloration— Peak viewing in northern and eastern Japan is expected to be around the usual time or later~
Press Release
Japan Weather Association (JWA) released the first Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast on September 18, 2025.
【Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast for Various Regions Across Japan】
This year, the peak viewing period for autumn foliage is expected to be around the usual time or later in northern and eastern Japan, and mostly around the usual time in western Japan.
This autumn, temperatures are expected to remain higher than average nationwide through October. The timing of peak autumn foliage depends on autumn (September–November) temperatures: Cooler weather accelerates color change, while warmer weather delays it.
Because above-average warmth is expected to continue through October, the timing of the peak viewing will likely be delayed, mainly in areas where foliage typically peaks early.
In November, temperatures are expected to gradually return to seasonal norms, allowing autumn to fully set in. As a result, many locations in the plains of eastern and western Japan are expected to reach their peak viewing period around the usual time.
【Regional Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast】
■ Northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku)
The peak viewing period for autumn foliage is expected to be around the usual time or later.
Temperatures are forecast to remain above average throughout autumn. However, from mid-October onward, more plain areas are likely to see morning temperatures drop below 10°C, prompting the foliage to begin coloring.
■ Eastern Japan (Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku, Tokai)
The peak viewing period for autumn foliage is expected to be around the usual time or later.
Temperatures are expected to remain high throughout autumn. In many lowland areas of eastern Japan, morning temperatures are not expected to drop below 10 °C until November. As a result, many foliage spots in these areas are likely to reach their peak viewing period from mid-November onward.
■ Western Japan (Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu)
The peak viewing period for autumn foliage is expected to be mostly around the usual time.
Temperatures are forecast to remain above average throughout autumn. However, as the high-temperature trend is expected to ease slightly from November onward, many areas in western Japan—where foliage typically peaks later than in northern and eastern Japan—are likely to reach their peak viewing period around the usual time.
【Autumn Foliage Forecast by tenki.jp】 *Only available in Japanese.
Details of the 2025 “Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast” along with information on foliage spots nationwide beyond the major locations listed above are available on “tenki.jp”.
https://tenki.jp/kouyou/expectation.html
In addition, color change updates (“irozuki jikkyō”) for various regions will begin in late September.
PC: https://tenki.jp/kouyou/
Tablet / Smartphone: https://tenki.jp/lite/kouyou/
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING THIS INFORMATION FOR CORPORATE PURPOSES WITHOUT PERMISSION (QUOTATIONS IN PRESS RELEASES OR USE FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES AMONG OTHERS ARE PROHIBITIED).
For corporate use, including product PR, please contact us using the inquiry form provided in the link below.
https://www.jwa.or.jp/contact/
【Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast 】
Japan Weather Association (JWA) has compiled answers to frequently asked questions regarding its Peak Viewing Forecast for Autumn Foliage.
Q1: What is the release schedule for the Forecast?
A1: This year, the forecast will be released three times. The second release is scheduled for October 9, and the third for November 6.
Q2: How does temperature affect the timing of peak viewing for autumn foliage?
A2: The peak viewing period of autumn foliage is influenced by temperatures in autumn (September–November). Cooler autumn temperatures typically lead to an earlier peak, while warmer temperatures delay it.
Q3: How does Japan Weather Association (JWA) forecast autumn foliage peak viewing?
A3: JWA analyzes the correlation between past maple leaf coloring dates and temperature data observed by the Japan Meteorological Agency across various regions. Based on this analysis, JWA has developed its own forecasting formula. Using this formula, JWA combines the 2025 observed temperatures with its forecasts of upcoming temperatures in each region to predict the timing of peak autumn foliage.
Q4: What is the criterion for determining the peak viewing time of autumn foliage?
A4: It is defined as the stage when the majority of the leaves on maple trees have turned red.
Q5: How does the timing differ in high-altitude areas?
A5: In high-elevation locations, the peak viewing period is generally expected to occur earlier than in the surrounding lower region.
Q6: Where can I check the autumn foliage forecasts?
A6: The forecast is available free of charge on the JWA corporate website (https://www.jwa.or.jp/english/) and on JWA’s weather forecasting platform “tenki.jp” (https://tenki.jp/).
Q7: Can the Forecast be used outside Japan?
A7: Autumn foliage is a seasonal phenomenon in Japan that we hope people around the world can enjoy. For inquiries regarding corporate use outside Japan, please contact us via the inquiry form:
https://www.jwa.or.jp/english/contact/
Originally released in Japanese: 2025/9/18
PDF DOWNLOAD：2025, First~ Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast~
