2025, 2nd Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast
~Peak Viewing Expected Around or Later Than the Usual Time Nationwide; Color Change to Accelerate in Northern Japan From Mid-October~
Press Release
Japan Weather Association (JWA) released the second Autumn Foliage Peak Viewing Forecast on October 9, 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.
The timing of peak autumn foliage depends on autumn (September–November) temperatures: Cooler weather accelerates color change, while warmer weather delays it.
In September, temperatures were higher than average nationwide. The warmer-than-average trend is expected to continue through October. However, in Hokkaido, temperatures are forecast to be below average in mid-October and around average toward the end of the month. In early November, temperatures are expected to remain above normal nationwide, but in late November, many regions are expected to experience an increasing number of seasonally typical cold days.
【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.
Since September, temperatures have generally remained above average. However, in Hokkaido, many days are expected to be cooler than average through mid-October, and near average toward the end of the month. As a result, in many parts of Hokkaido, the color change is likely to progress rapidly in mid-October, leading to peak viewing around the usual time.
In the Tohoku region, temperatures are expected to remain near or above average through late October, and therefore, the peak viewing period is likely to be around the usual time or later.
■ Eastern Japan (Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku, Tokai)
The peak viewing period for autumn foliage is expected to be around the usual time or later.
Temperatures have remained above average since September, and this trend is expected to continue. According to the latest forecast, October temperatures are projected to be even higher than in the previous outlook (issued on September 18). As a result, in mountainous foliage spots, the peak viewing period is likely to be delayed.
In contrast, in lowland areas, however, as the warm temperature trend eases from late November onward, the peak viewing period is expected to occur around the usual time.
■ Western Japan (Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu)
The peak viewing period for autumn foliage is expected to be around the usual time or later.
Temperatures have remained above average since September, and this trend is forecast to continue. According to the latest outlook, temperatures from October through early November are expected to be higher than in the previous forecast (issued on September 18). As a result, in high-altitude areas, the peak viewing period is likely to be delayed, with many locations reaching their peak later than usual.
In lowland areas, however, as color change progresses from late November onward, the peak viewing period is expected to be mostly 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
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/english/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 third release is scheduled 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: 2025/10/9
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