Come autumn time, Tokyo will transform into a painter’s palette as its iconic Japanese maple trees will dazzle your eyes with its bright hues of red, orange and yellow. Your Kanto trip will surely be made memorable as you take in this stunning visual spectacle and soak up the tranquil vibes. While there are many incredible maple viewing spots in Tokyo, you may want to consider prioritizing these top 10 Tokyo autumn leaf spots as recommended by locals and endorsed on platforms like Walkerplus and Weathernews.
When Can You See Fall Colors in Japan?
Summer is known to be sweltering in Japan. As the hot summer days gradually yield to cooler temperatures from September onward, the leaves begin to don a mesmerising array of vivid reds, oranges, yellows and browns. Their colorful facade uplifts the spirits of locals and travellers who are lucky enough to observe the change. It’s worth noting that there are two distinct kinds of autumn foliage - namely yellow ginkyo leaves and red momiji (maple) leaves - in Tokyo, so be prepared for different kinds of spectacular scenery!
For Tokyo and other parts of Kanto, the optimal viewing period is said to be from mid-October to early December. However, it would be best to check with official tourism sources and pinpoint the specific viewing period so that you can avoid disappointment.
Tokyo - Your Convenient Gateway To Viewing Autumn Foliage
As one of the world's most dynamic cities, Tokyo attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, all keen to experience how it straddles tradition and innovation seamlessly. As centuries-old temples are nestled alongside upscale shopping malls and futuristic skyscrapers, you will have a great time gaining insights into its rich cultural heritage and technological prowess. What's more, Tokyo boasts a wide array of parks and gardens, ranging from serene Japanese-style gardens and family-friendly parks to spacious national parks. This lets you immerse yourself in Tokyo's fall foliage across different settings. You will surely gain a nuanced appreciation of its beauty.
In addition, being a part of the Kanto region, Tokyo serves as an excellent launching point to explore the surrounding six prefectures: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. This means that you can first soak in the atmospheric autumn vibes in Tokyo before exploring other prefectures to see how autumn is like in these neighboring prefectures!
10. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: Admire Autumn Foliage In Traditional Japanese Garden
If you wish to experience autumn leaf viewing in a traditional Japanese garden, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden would exceed your expectations (and then some). Spanning a vast 70,000 square meters, it's a popular destination during autumn as many people eager to witness the unabashed glory of its red and orange maple leaves pay it a visit. Its unique features rooted in its early Edo era origins and designed by a Chinese Confucian scholar named Zhu set it apart from other gardens. Take for instance the Engetsu-kyo (Full Moon Bridge), where avid photographers attempt to capture the poetic display of maple leaves draping over it.
Timing-wise, it would be best for you to visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden from late November to early December so that you can participate in its annual autumn festival. This festival not only satisfies your tummy with yummy food, but also broadens your cultural horizons with musical performances and even demonstrations on how garden rangers use a technique called yukizuri to protect the trees from heavy snowfall!
9. Ueno Park: Bond With Your Family Amidst The Magnificence Of Autumn Foliage
If you are travelling with your spouse and children, you may want to include Ueno Park into your itinerary. Not only is it conveniently located next to JR Ueno Station, but it also houses various family-friendly attractions. It is home to Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum and National Science Museum, so you can find a diverse range of activities that will cater to your family's preferences. Your visit to these places of interest will be made more memorable as you are constantly greeted by the sight of vibrant ginkyo trees, revitalized by this touch of Nature's magic.
Ueno Park itself is also perfect for a leisurely stroll. Near the Shinobazu Exit of JR Ueno Station, you will encounter the statue of Takamori Saigo, renowned as Japan's last samurai. His imposing figure is captivatingly juxtaposed against the vivid yellows - and you will feel that you are immersed in an aura of regal majesty. Shinobazu Pond is another highlight, providing the perfect backdrop for artistic photo opportunities with reflections of the colorful ginkyo leaves. It is best to visit Ueno Park from early November to early December.
8. Rikugien Gardens: Revel In An Enchanting Autumn Evening
For some travelers, there's a special allure in exploring a destination at night because the buzz of the city gives way to a serene calm, thus allowing them to fully appreciate their surroundings. If this resonates with you, read on. Rikugien Gardens distinguishes itself from other gardens because it allows visitors the rare opportunity to admire maple trees in the evening! It would thus be optimal to plan your visit from late November to early December so that you won't miss out on this unique night time viewing.
Fans of this garden are enamored of the lake in the center of the premises that is graced by a picturesque island. Here, the maple leaves cast their radiant gold and red hues on the still waters, creating a surreal sight that is accentuated by the lovely illuminations. Keep in mind, however, that this lake tends to draw many visitors who are in search of stunning photographs. So, it's advisable for you not to spend too much time in queues so that you will have ample time to explore the equally superb ponds scattered throughout the garden.
7. Inokashira Park: Create Cherished Family Memories Amidst Autumn Foliage
Other than Ueno Park, Inokashira Park stands out as a popular destination for families with young children. It not only boasts a captivating zoo, but also contains the Studio Ghibli museum. This means you and your children can indulge in both animal encounters and anime delights, all while savoring the autumnal charms! Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
A great way to relish the beauty of autumn foliage here is by paddling aboard a giant swan or a rowing boat on the large park pond. As you paddle your way across the pond, your perspective of the foliage continuously changes, thus offering you varying angles of these seductive ginkyo leaves. It’s a fabulous way to spend quality time with your child, working together on the paddle and discovering scenic photo spots. Even if you are not traveling with children, consider paddling with your companion, delighting in either companionable silence or lively chatter, depending on your moods and personalities. So, remember to visit Inokashira Park from late November to early December.
6. Yoyogi Park: Pedal Through A Tapestry of Autumn Colors
For active travelers who are passionate about maintaining their exercise routine during their travels, Tokyo has you covered. Yoyogi Park offers an excellent way for you to cycle around its expansive grounds while marveling at the spectacular autumn foliage that befalls your eyes from late November to early December. In actual fact, Yoyogi Park housed the athletes who participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a legacy that seems to infuse it with enduring sporty vibes. Perhaps this explains why rental bike shops can be found at various locations.
Grab your travel buddy, rent a bicycle and explore this park at your own pace. Let yourself be enveloped in the rejuvenating tranquillity provided by the hundreds of zelkova, ginkgo, and maple trees. Remember to take a break at the main fountain, where you will be seduced by brilliantly red maple trees. Also don’t forget to explore the southern side of the park where the harmonious interplay of red maple trees and yellow ginkyo trees creates an aesthetic masterpiece.
5. Hama Rikyu Gardens: Frame Your Autumn Foliage Against Skyscrapers
Some travelers want to seek respite from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. Others, however, prefer to observe the interplay between nature and man-made structures in the same space. If the second option appeals to you, read on. Hama Rikyu Gardens is surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, adding an interesting dimension to your photographs. After all, the gorgeous reds, yellows and oranges set against the metallic backdrop of these tall buildings make for award-winning visuals.
Hama Rikyu Gardens boasts an illustrious history as the former family garden of the Tokugawa shogunate. Japanese history buffs would relish the opportunity to step back into the Edo era because this relic from the past is still remarkably well preserved today. Notably, it houses a teahouse called “Nakajima no Ochaya”, where visitors can relax and savor matcha and wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets). It’s good if you could take a moment to reflect on how history and modernity complement each other so effortlessly in Tokyo!
4. Lake Okutama: Reel In Your Own Catch Amidst Autumn Foliage
Few experiences rival the immense satisfaction of catching fresh fishes - it is a testament to one's wit and strength. If you are passionate about fishing back home, you'll be keen to find out how you can indulge in this hobby in Japan. In your case, Lake Okutama fits the bill as it just requires you to undertake a short trip of under two hours from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Okutama Station. What’s more, you don’t even have to bring your fishing gear as you can rent it at designated spots like the Hikawa International Fishing Spot. Once you've caught some fishes, you can get the friendly staff to fry them up for you. Savoring the fruits of your labor amidst the gorgeous red, yellow and orange leaves will surely engage your senses and uplift your spirits.
After a delectable lunch, you may feel like working off those calories, so why not embark on the four-kilometer hiking trail that starts and ends at JR Okutama Station? Taking you on a fun journey through sparkling rivers and majestic mountains, this trail lets you luxuriate in the pleasant autumn foliage. Just remember to plan your visit to Lake Okutama during mid November, for the leaves change color faster here than in central Tokyo!
3. Mount Takao: Enjoy Tokyo’s Autumn Foliage In The Great Outdoors
Sometimes, you just want to escape the concrete jungle and seek solace in the midst of abundant nature. This may be a bit hard to believe, but Tokyo provides a convenient option for you to do just that. Simply hop on a train at Keio Shinjuku Station and alight about 50 minutes later at Takaosanguchi Station. Here, you will be greeted by the majestic sight of Mount Takao. Witnessing the passionate reds and oranges of the maple leaves for as long as the eye can see will do wonders for your soul. It is highly recommended that you take a cable car ride from Kiyotaki Station at the base of Mount Takao to Takaosan Station at its summit so that you can fully absorb the peaceful vibes emanating from the gorgeous landscape.
Additionally, the annual Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival provides an attractive incentive for you to visit this mountain. Held throughout the entire month of November, it aims to showcase several aspects of Japanese performing arts. There’s something rather special about watching taiko drumming or yosakoi (traditional Japanese cultural dance) amidst the natural grandeur, a colorful canvas that will make your heart leap with joy!
2. Showa Memorial Park: Awe At Autumn Foliage in Japanese And Western Gardens
The optimal time for autumn leaf viewing in Tokyo is typically late November. However, if your schedule only allows you to visit Kanto during mid November, there's no need to worry about missing this annual spectacle. Just a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park in the Tachikawa area sprawls over 160 hectares and is so huge that you will need to spend one whole day exploring its every nook and cranny. The trees here usually transform into vibrant shades of oranges, reds, yellows and browns around mid-November, thus providing the perfect chance for you to experience this transient natural wonder.
Moreover, nature enthusiasts will gravitate towards this park due to its unique blend of Western and Japanese gardens. And no wonder. Showa Memorial Park was constructed to commemorate the 50th anniversity of Emperor Showa's reign after all. Take your time to enjoy picnics on the various lawns so that you can compare and contrast the atmospheres evoked by the glorious autumn foliage in both types of gardens. Don't miss prime spots like the Japanese Garden, adorned with many maple trees, and the canal near the Tachikawa Entrance that is decorated lovingly with ginkyo trees.
1. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue: Be Dazzled By The Long Ginkyo Tree Tunnel
Built in honor of Emperor Meiji, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a fascinating power spot from which you can absorb wholesome positive energy. In particular, its outer garden unveils the spell-binding Jingu Gaien Ginkyo Avenue whose spectacle will render you speechless. That’s because it spans an impressive 300 meters, flanked by 146 tall ginkyo trees spaced exactly 9 meters from each other. Hence, its eye-catching canopy of yellow leaves as well as the visual symmetry created by the precision utilized in planting the trees make you feel safe and warm as you stroll towards the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, playfully kicking through the blanket of fallen leaves decorating the ground. You will feel soothed by the embrace of Mother Nature.
Another great reason to visit the Jingu Gaien Ginkyo Avenue is to partake in the splendid Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival. Typically held from mid November to early December, it perfectly aligns with the peak of the ginkyo season, so you can enjoy the festivities when the Avenue is at its prettiest! You and your fellow travelers will relish the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Japanese carnival. Expect to eat yummy Japanese food from all over Japan and buy souvenirs to commemorate your trip!
Enjoy Tokyo’s Autumn Foliage In Myriad Ways
Tokyo’s diverse selection of parks and gardens suggests that you can find several options that suit your preferred travelling style - and other options that offer novel and intriguing experiences. Why not embrace a blend of the familiar and the new? This will enable you to relish the amazing beauty of autumn foliage in various delightful ways.
