Autumn Leaves in Kyoto in Late December: Will You Catch Them? (2026)
In an average year, Kyoto's autumn leaves reach peak color around December 5. For a December 21–31 trip, the chance of overlapping peak color is ~13%, and the chance of seeing at least some autumn color is ~13%.
13%chance of peak color · 13% chance of catching at least some
usual color
this window
Nov 17darker = peak colorDec 39
What you'll likely see
Falling / past peak · ~10.5 days
Across December 21–31 in an average year, expect roughly 10.5 days of falling / past peak. Past peak — colours fading and leaves coming down. Gingko carpets can still be striking.
This window is a stretch in Kyoto — on the same dates you'd likely have better odds of autumn leaves in Kagoshima (53%) or Yokohama (48%) instead. Hotels there for these dates: Kagoshima · Yokohama.