KYOTO — Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is well known for its seasonal beauty, with the peak of autumn foliage being just as popular with tourists as the spring blossoming period. This year, however, the prime kouyou (autumn leaves) viewing time is being delayed due to climate change.
Peak viewing usually comes at the end of November. But this year the leaves in Kyoto only began to change around mid-November, roughly two weeks later than usual, as a result of prolonged summer heat. Now, the peak is not expected until mid-December.
