Kyoto Autumn Leaves Front-line Report 2026 No.1: What's Coloring Now in October

Where the 2026 koyo front is right now

Kyoto's maple season usually opens in late October, but 2026 is running slightly later than average because of a warm September. The Japan Weather Association's October 1 forecast puts the citywide "koyo" peak around December 11, and Weathernews' second forecast (October 8) also stresses slower coloring this year. So in late October, most city temples are still only partly yellowing; the first real color appears in the higher northwest hills.

What's coloring first

As of around October 21, Takao (the Jingo-ji, Kozan-ji, Jikko-in cluster), Kibune and Kurama, and the Ohara area in the north are already showing clear color — these are the places you can chase now. Eikan-do had visitor reports in early October of some trees beginning to turn. The headline city spots — Tofuku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama — are mostly still marked "not yet," so there's no rush.

November is when it peaks: spot-by-spot forecast

Lining up the forecasts: Takao's Jingo-ji about Nov 11-19; Arashiyama about Nov 22-Dec 7 (best around Nov 28); Eikan-do about Nov 19-Dec 2 (best around Nov 25); Tofuku-ji's Tsuten-kyo about Nov 18-Dec 5; Kiyomizu-dera about Nov 23-Dec 6; Kitano Tenmangu's "Shiseki Odoi Momiji-en" about Nov 24-Dec 10. Higher ground colors first, the city follows in waves — that's the golden rule of Kyoto koyo.

Night illuminations are already lit

For night maple light-ups, plan ahead: Kodai-ji's special evening viewing opened October 23 and runs through December 13; To-ji's light-up is October 31-December 13; Eikan-do November 11-December 6; Kiyomizu-dera November 21-30. The koyo front typically launches in September and exact dates follow each temple's official announcement, so check the latest report a week or two before you go.

How to schedule a kimono koyo day

To shoot empty morning temples and lit-up evening maples in one day, stretch your timeline. Kyo Mirai Kimono (Kiyomizu-dera) is one of the few shops near Kiyomizu that opens earliest — from 6:00, dressed and out by 6:30 — so you can photograph Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka in soft, crowd-free light, head to Arashiyama or Takao in the afternoon, and still catch the evening light-up on the way back. No need to rush back: late return is supported in store, keeping the whole day relaxed.

Practical notes

The koyo front changes weekly; recheck the latest report one to two weeks before departure. Mountain and city timing can differ by more than two weeks, so don't fixate on Kyoto's overall date. Temperatures in October run about 19-24°C by day and down to around 11°C at night; from November it's colder, so layer warm inner wear under the kimono. For specific styles and booking, see Kyoto kimono rental and kimono experience at Kiyomizu-dera.