Japan’s Hottest Year Extends Autumn Foliage into December

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented autumn, marked by record-breaking heat that has extended the season’s famous foliage well into December. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 2024 is officially the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1898, with autumn temperatures averaging 2.5 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal. This unusual warmth has not only delayed the peak viewing period for autumn leaves but also prolonged it, creating a rare opportunity for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the vibrant scenery later than ever before.

In Kyoto, the Eizan Railway, known for its scenic routes through maple forests, has extended its special autumn services. The railway’s nighttime “light-up” trains, which use floodlights to highlight the foliage, usually conclude in November. However, due to the delayed color change, operations have been extended, allowing visitors to continue admiring the spectacle into December.

A New Seasonal Phenomenon: Autumn Leaves in December

The prolonged foliage season is one of the more visible impacts of Japan’s changing climate. The JMA reported that this autumn’s average temperature was 1.97 degrees Celsius higher than normal, making it the warmest autumn on record. Cities across the country experienced significant temperature increases: Tokyo saw a 2.4°C rise, Nagoya recorded a 2.9°C jump, and Sapporo, located in northern Japan, experienced a 1.2°C increase.

This shift has altered the timeline for viewing autumn leaves, a cherished tradition in Japan. The Japan Meteorological Corporation predicts peak foliage will occur around December 5 in Tokyo and December 9 in Osaka—much later than the usual late-November peak. The extended season has boosted tourism, already fueled by a weak yen and a post-pandemic surge in travel. Japan, which reopened its borders later than many countries, is now reaping the benefits of increased visitor interest in seasonal attractions.

Climate Change’s Double-Edged Sword

While the extended foliage season is attracting tourists and enhancing Japan’s scenic beauty, it also highlights the broader and more concerning implications of climate change. Japan experienced its hottest summer on record earlier this year, mirroring global trends of extreme heat waves. These rising temperatures have led to various anomalies, including the disappearance of Mount Fuji’s iconic snow cap for an unusually long period. Snow returned to the peak only on November 6, about a month later than average, signaling further disruptions to Japan’s seasonal patterns.

Experts caution that these temperature shifts are not isolated incidents but part of a larger trend driven by global warming. Prolonged warm weather can affect ecosystems, disrupt agriculture, and lead to more extreme weather events. Although the delayed autumn has created a temporary boost for tourism, the long-term impacts could be far more significant.

A Unique but Cautionary Season

For now, the extended autumn has provided a unique experience for those in Japan. Tourists flocking to Kyoto’s illuminated maple forests and city parks are enjoying a rare December spectacle. However, the unusual timing serves as a reminder of the changing climate and its far-reaching effects.

As Japan navigates the challenges posed by these shifts, the current season stands as both a beautiful anomaly and a warning of the environmental changes ahead.