Autumn Leaves 2026 / September 2026

Autumn Leaves in Japan: September 2026

4 koyo spots typically peaking in September 2026, across Japan. Windows are re-checked against official sources.

Travelling in Japan in September 2026

Peak typhoon season, so build slack into any tight itinerary. The heat eases in the second half of the month, fireworks displays taper off, and the first autumn colour appears in the mountains of Hokkaido.

Japanese public holidays this month — expect heavier crowds at the spots above, and on the trains to them:

Autumn leaves in September 2026: common questions

Which autumn leaf spots are on in Japan in September 2026?
This page lists 4 autumn leaf spots falling in September 2026, spread across 4 regions — Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Tohoku and Koshinetsu. Highlights include Sounkyo Gorge Autumn Leaves (Daisetsuzan), Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Autumn Leaves and Bandai-Azuma Skyline Autumn Leaves (Jododaira). Every date is re-checked against the official source for that event.
When exactly do they run?
Across the 4 listed here, the season starts as early as Sep 15 and as late as Sep 25, with the last of them running until about Oct 31. Individual dates are on each event's page; windows shift by a week or more from year to year with the weather.
Are there any public holidays in Japan in September 2026?
Yes — Respect for the Aged Day (Monday, September 21), National Holiday (Tuesday, September 22) and Autumnal Equinox Day (Wednesday, September 23). Popular viewing spots and the trains to them are noticeably busier on public holidays and the weekends either side of them.

See the full koyo calendar →