When is Best for Autumn Leaves at Norikura Highlands "O-Kaede" Maple Tree? 10-Year Shifts ＆ Latest Peak Forecast
The "O-Kaede" (Great Maple Tree) standing in Ichinose Meadow within Norikura Highlands is one of the most popular autumn foliage spots in the local area. I, too, find myself visiting Norikura Highlands every year during this season. Around mid-October, everyone eagerly awaits the leaves to change color.
Compared to the past, the peak viewing time has shown the following shifts:
10 Years Ago (Around 2015): Peak foliage was around mid-October (Oct 15).
Present (2020s): Peak foliage is now around late October (Oct 20–25) — about 1 week later than before.
This photo shows the O-Kaede maple on October 28 last year. While the surrounding mountains had transitioned to calmer late-autumn tones, the O-Kaede still retained its striking presence.
In my memory, the peak foliage for Mt. Norikura (around the area from Hotoku-Reijin to Taisekkai) used to be around September 27, and for the Sawando area around October 23. Based on that, I believe the best time for peak foliage today is about one week later than those dates.
[Historical Data Comparison] Autumn Foliage Timeline of O-Kaede (2015–2025)
Here is a 10-year record of the maple tree’s color changes, photographed and observed locally by the Okami (Inn Owner) every year.
10-Year Autumn Foliage Timeline for "O-Kaede" (2015–2025)
Here is a historical record of the maple tree's color changes observed and photographed locally over the past decade:
Date Photographed | Color Status & Key Features |
Oct 15, 2015 | Peak Season. A stunning "Three-Tiered Foliage" (snowy peak, red mid-mountain, green valley). |
Oct 16, 2022 | About 50% turned. Just before the peak. |
Oct 20, 2022 | Peak Season. Fully vibrant colors. |
Oct 24, 2024 | Leaves starting to fall, but still beautiful. |
Oct 28, 2025 | Surrounding mountains settled into late-autumn tones, but the O-Kaede retained a strong presence. |
Summary of Autumn Foliage Schedule: Mt. Norikura & Sawando Onsen
Along with the O-Kaede maple, the peak foliage timing across the entire Mt. Norikura and Sawando Onsen areas has also shifted later:
Upper Mt. Norikura (Igahara to Taisekkai): Early October (Oct 1 – Oct 10) (Previously late September)
Norikura Highlands (O-Kaede & Ichinose Meadow): October 20 – October 25
Sawando Onsen Area (Around Keiryuso Siorie): Late October – Early November (Previously around Oct 23)
If you are planning an autumn trip to Kamikochi or Norikura, we recommend aiming for late October rather than mid-October for the best foliage experience!
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