Chugoku autumn leaves: when the maples turn red in 5 cities
Maple leaves turn red in Chugoku from around 22 November in Hiroshima to around 6 December in Shimonoseki in an average year (1991–2020), by the Japan Meteorological Agency's records for 5 cities.
The 5 cities in Chugoku
Sorted from the earliest to the latest average date.
- Cities
- 5
- First red
- 22 Nov
- Last red
- 6 Dec
| City | Maple turns red | Maple leaves fall | Red in 2025 | Ginkgo turns yellow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima広島 | 22 Nov | 9 Dec | 27 Nov (5 days later) | 15 Nov |
| Matsue松江 | 24 Nov | 10 Dec | 3 Dec (9 days later) | 21 Nov |
| Okayama岡山 | 29 Nov | 11 Dec | 27 Nov (2 days earlier) | 22 Nov |
| Tottori鳥取 | 30 Nov | 11 Dec | 1 Dec (1 day later) | 27 Nov |
| Shimonoseki下関 | 6 Dec | 17 Dec | 3 Dec (3 days earlier) | 24 Nov |
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency — Maple leaves turning red: dates in 2025 and 2026 (かえでの紅葉日) · Japan Meteorological Agency — Maple leaves turning red, every year since 1953 (CSV 015) · Japan Meteorological Agency — Maple leaves falling, every year since 1953 (CSV 016) · Japan Meteorological Agency — Ginkgo leaves turning yellow, every year since 1953 (CSV 013)
How the red moves through the region
From the JMA's map of average dates (1991–2020).
- 30 November: Kanto, Hokuriku, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku and northern Kyushu
The map lines are a broad picture. The averages of the 5 cities in Chugoku run from 22 November (Hiroshima) to 6 December (Shimonoseki).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency — Maple leaves turning red: map of normal dates, 1991–2020 (かえでの紅葉日)
The 2025 season in Chugoku
Against the 1991–2020 average, by the JMA's table.
- Later than average in 2025: Hiroshima (5 days later), Matsue (9 days later), Tottori (1 day later).
- Earlier than average in 2025: Okayama (2 days earlier), Shimonoseki (3 days earlier).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency — Maple leaves turning red: dates in 2025 and 2026 (かえでの紅葉日)
City pages in Chugoku
Frequently asked questions
When do the leaves change colour in Chugoku?
In an average year (1991–2020) the JMA's sample maples in Chugoku turn red from around 22 November in Hiroshima to around 6 December in Shimonoseki.
Where in Chugoku do the leaves turn red first?
Hiroshima, around 22 November on average. Shimonoseki is the last, around 6 December.
Related items
Sources for this page
- Japan Meteorological Agency Maple leaves turning red: dates in 2025 and 2026 (かえでの紅葉日)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Meteorological Agency Maple leaves turning red, every year since 1953 (CSV 015)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Meteorological Agency Maple leaves falling, every year since 1953 (CSV 016)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Meteorological Agency Ginkgo leaves turning yellow, every year since 1953 (CSV 013)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Meteorological Agency Maple leaves turning red: map of normal dates, 1991–2020 (かえでの紅葉日)checked October 2, 2026
- Japan Meteorological Agency Guidelines for biological season observations (生物季節観測指針)checked October 2, 2026
Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 2, 2026