2024, 1st ~Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast~ Peak timing expected to be around the usual time or later nationwide
Press Release
Japan Weather Association (JWA) released the first Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast on September 10, 2024.
【Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast for Various Regions Across the Country】
The best time for viewing autumn foliage this year is expected to be at the usual time or later in northern and eastern Japan, and likely to be at the usual time in western region.
The timing of autumn foliage peak depends on the changes in temperature. For example, if temperatures are higher than usual in the same period as previous years, a delay in the color change of the foliage may occur, while lower temperatures could lead to an earlier color change.
Looking ahead, the temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the country through November. However, weather patterns will gradually shift, with an increasing number of days experiencing autumn-like conditions. In addition, from mid-October onwards, some periods are expected to be cooler than average, particularly in eastern and western Japan.
【Autumn Foliage Viewing Peak Forecast by Region】
■Northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku)
The peak of autumn foliage is expected to be around the same time as in previous years or later. Temperatures are anticipated to remain high until late September. However, record-breaking high temperatures like those of last fall are not expected, and in regions such as the Daisetsuzan Mountains in Hokkaido, where foliage typically changes early, the colors are expected to progress smoothly compared to last year.
Although high temperatures are likely to continue in October, the peak viewing period is not expected to be excessively delayed. In various regions, the peak foliage viewing times are expected as follows: Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan Mountains by the end of September, Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture in early October, the area around Lake Toya in southern Hokkaido in early November, and Morioka Castle Ruins Park in Iwate Prefecture in late November.
■Eastern Japan (Kanto Koshin, Hokuriku, and Tokai)
The best time to view autumn foliage will be around the same time as in previous years or later. After mid-September, temperatures are predicted to remain high, but this trend of high temperatures is expected to ease slightly in October. From mid to late October, cooler morning temperatures are expected to become more frequent, which should promote steady progress in foliage color change.
In various locations, the peak foliage viewing times are expected as follows: Tateyama Ropeway in Toyama Prefecture in early October, Mt. Chausu Highland in Aichi Prefecture in late October, Kenrokuen Garden of special scenic beauty in Ishikawa Prefecture in late November, and Shakujii Park in Tokyo in early December.
■Western Japan (Kinki, Chugoku/Shikoku, and Kyushu)
This year, the best time to view autumn foliage will be around the same time as usual. Temperatures are expected to remain high from mid-September onwards, but this trend is expected to ease slightly in October. Throughout November, cooler morning temperatures are expected to become more frequent, which should facilitate steady progress in foliage color change.
In various locations, the peak foliage viewing times are expected as follows: in late October at Biwako Valley in Shiga Prefecture and Ebino Plateau in Miyazaki Prefecture, and in early December at Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture and Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture.
【Peak Viewing Times at Major Spots】
【JWA’s Autumn Foliage Forecast】
For more information about JWA’s autumn foliage forecast, please refer to the link below:
https://www.jwa.or.jp/english/service/seasonal-news-autumn-foliage-forecast/
【Autumn Foliage Forecast by tenki.jp】 *Available in only Japanese.
Details of the “Best Viewing Forecast for Autumn Foliage in 2024” and information of nationwide autumn foliage spots other than the above major spots are available on “tenki.jp”.
https://tenki.jp/kouyou/expectation.html
The status updates on the coloring in various regions will be provided from late September.
Tablet / Smartphone: https://tenki.jp/lite/kouyou/
Originally released in Japanese: 2024/9/10
PDF DOWNLOAD：2024, 1st ~Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast~
