2024 Autumn Leaves Calendar 2024年桜の紅葉 / 黄葉

Every autumn, Japan transforms into a dreamlike landscape, thanks to the vibrant display of colors offered by the changing leaves.

As the maple trees (momiji) turn a brilliant red, the ginkgos take on a bright yellow hue, creating a striking contrast in the parks and mountains throughout the country. While this season is less publicized than the cherry blossom season (hanami), it holds significant importance for the Japanese people.

For example, on the island of Miyajima, visitors can enjoy Momiji Manjû, small maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste. These local treats are a symbol of autumn and a must-try for anyone visiting this island, known for its picturesque landscapes.

In 2024, temperatures are expected to be higher than usual. As a result, the best time to view the leaves will be slightly later than normal. For Osaka and Tokyo, this will likely be around early December.

The following information is current as of September 3, 2024, and is sourced from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

2024 Maple Leaf (Momiji) Color Change Calendar

Here are the forecasts for when the maple leaves will begin to change color in several major Japanese cities for 2024:

2024 Ginkgo Leaf Color Change Calendar

Here are the forecasts for when the ginkgo leaves will begin to turn yellow in several major Japanese cities for 2024:

Kōyō, Momiji, Kaede: What’s the Difference?

When discussing autumn colors in Japan, you’ll often hear the terms Kōyō, Momiji, and Kaede. Although these words are sometimes used interchangeably, they have specific meanings:

• Kōyō (紅葉): This term refers to the general process of leaves changing color in autumn, whether they turn red or yellow. While there’s no direct translation for this concept in English, it encapsulates the essence of autumn in Japan.

• Momiji (もみじ): This word specifically refers to the red leaves of maple trees in autumn. When people talk about Momiji-Gari (紅葉狩り), it literally means "hunting for red maple leaves," a popular activity where people visit mountains or parks to admire these stunning autumn colors.

• Kaede (楓 / かえで): This term simply means "maple" in Japanese. It’s the general word for the tree, regardless of the season.

Understanding these terms will help you better appreciate the subtleties of Japanese autumn culture and fully immerse yourself in this magical time of year.