The Japan Weather Association has released its second “Autumn Foliage Viewing Forecast” for 2023.
The best time to view autumn foliage tends to be earlier when temperatures are cooler from September to November and later when temperatures are warmer. This year, record-breaking late summer heat in September is expected to delay the coloring of autumn foliage in many areas.
Although some days in the first half of October will be affected by cold air, temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the country in the second half of October and into November. As a result, this year’s autumn foliage will be later than usual in Hokkaido and Tohoku, and will be at its best in the second half of October. In eastern and western Japan, the autumn foliage is expected to be late or about the same as in previous years, with the best time to view the leaves gradually beginning at higher elevations.
As of October 3, the best viewing areas are around Akadake in Hokkaido (in the Daisetsuzan mountain range), Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture, Senjidashiki in the Central Alps, and Murodou-daira and Nomugi-toge in Tateyama in the Northern Alps. The cold weather is expected to intensify around October 5 and 6, and the color of the mountains is expected to change even at the foot of the peaks.
On a sunny day, the contrast between the autumn leaves and the blue sky is beautiful, on a cloudy day, the leaves’ true colors are seen, and on a rainy day, the leaves are wet and glossy, so the view can be enjoyed according to the weather.
© Source travel watch