Just give it steady not heavy water for the next couple of weeks. Japanese Maples have dormant buds for this situation and will often rebud back out.

I was away for two weeks earlier this spring. Five of my trees were very dehydrated when i got back. Most of the leaves dropped. After a month or so, they are budding back.

Possibly keep it away from full sun and keep steady not heavy water on it, and it might just bud back out.

Mike

Thank you so much for your advice! It's good to know that all hope isn't lost.

I have small Japanese maples on my balcony and I travel a lot. When I travel, I bring the small trees inside and put a plastic bag over them and place them in the bathtub (no water in the tub). The bathroom is dark. I've left the trees this way for up to 2 weeks and I've never had a problem. In fact, I've noticed new growth in my absence. But be carefull taking them back out to the balcony. Make sure they are "re-introduced" to the sun.