Tokyo in Fall: Discover 10 Unforgettable Spots for Autumn Colors
Nov 18, 2024
Autumn in Tokyo is a special time of year when the city comes alive with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the season for cozy walks, scenic parks, and peaceful gardens bathed in beautiful autumn hues. Tokyo has some fantastic spots to experience the fall foliage, each one offering its unique charm and atmosphere.
If you want to spend a crisp day outdoors surrounded by nature, here are ten perfect places in Tokyo to soak in the autumn beauty.
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Located by Tokyo Bay, Hama-rikyu Gardens contrasts Tokyo’s modern skyline with traditional Japanese landscape design. This historical site was originally a hunting ground for the Tokugawa shoguns. The garden features a large seawater pond that rises and falls with the tides, a unique feature in Japanese gardens.
In fall, the ginkgo and maple trees around the garden turn golden and red, creating a tranquil setting against the cityscape. Visitors can relax at Nakajima no Ochaya, a tea house on a small island in the pond, and enjoy tea while viewing autumn colors.
Location: 1-1 Chuo ward, Tokyo
Best Season for Foliage: Late November
Notable Feature: Seawater pond that changes with the tides
Rikugien Garden, often regarded as one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens, is a top spot for autumn color viewing. Established in 1702, Rikugien was designed as a stroll garden intended for scenic walking with carefully arranged views at every turn.
The garden was constructed by transforming a flat 8.9-hectare space into a landscape featuring a central manmade pond, small hills, and winding pathways. Historical records reveal that Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the ruling shogun at the time, was so captivated by its beauty that he visited the garden at least 58 times.
Autumn is particularly magical at Rikugien, where 450 Japanese maple trees and over 600 other maple and ginkgo varieties turn the garden into a canvas of reds, oranges, and gold. During the peak of the fall season, Rikugien hosts an evening light-up event, where the trees are illuminated, casting a dreamlike glow over the water and creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Location: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Peak Autumn Dates: November 22 - December 4, 2024
Evening Light-up Hours: 18:00 - 20:30 (last admission at 19:30)
Admission Fees: 900 yen (available on Asoview)
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Meiji Jingu Gaien is famous for its spectacular Ginkgo Avenue, a long, symmetrical path flanked by ginkgo trees that burst into vivid shades of yellow in late autumn. The canopy forms a golden tunnel that becomes especially magical when the afternoon light shines through, making it a top spot for photographers and families.
Every year, the Ginkgo Festival (Icho Matsuri) takes place here, offering seasonal foods, crafts, and local products, adding a festive vibe to the scenic setting.
Location: 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Peak Colors: Mid to late November
Nearby Landmarks: Meiji Shrine, Aoyama, Omotesando
Special Event: Annual Ginkgo Festival (Icho Matsuri), featuring food stalls and activities
This lesser-known garden, once the private estate of the Hosokawa samurai clan, is located in the Bunkyo ward and offers a peaceful escape. It’s particularly charming in autumn when the Japanese maple trees surrounding the central pond turn crimson and bright orange.
Higo-Hosokawa garden’s layout includes traditional stone lanterns, a small waterfall, and a tea house overlooking the pond. The intimate atmosphere makes Higo-Hosokawa Garden perfect for those looking to enjoy autumn colors in a calm, unhurried environment.
Location: 1-1-22 Mejirodai, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Best time for Foliage: Late November to early December
Unique Feature: Traditional tea house with pond views
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Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s largest and most versatile parks near Harajuku and Shibuya. Unlike the manicured gardens, Yoyogi Park has an open, sprawling layout with diverse trees that showcase a mix of autumn colors.
The park is popular for picnics, sports, and festivals, drawing a lively crowd year-round. In autumn, maples, ginkgos, and zelkovas turn shades of yellow and red, giving the park a warm, inviting look. It’s a fantastic spot for families and friends to gather for a relaxed day surrounded by nature.
Location: 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Peak Colors: Late November to early December
Nearby Attractions: Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando
As one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen is a true treasure. Originally created by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first daimyo of Mito, the garden is known for its meticulously arranged landscapes, inspired by famous scenes from China and Japan.
During autumn, the Japanese maple trees around the central pond turn brilliant shades of red, offering a vibrant contrast to the garden’s peaceful setting. The bridges, ponds, and stone lanterns add to the traditional Japanese atmosphere, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Location: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Best Time to Visit: Late November
Nearby Attractions: Tokyo Dome City, LaQua Spa
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Inokashira Park is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, located in the popular neighborhood of Kichijoji. The park centers around a large pond, where the reflection of red and yellow trees creates a picturesque scene.
The iconic paddle boats are a fun way to experience the autumn scenery from the water, and the Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine on the pond’s edge adds a cultural touch. This park is ideal for a peaceful walk, a boat ride, or just unwinding in nature. Nearby, Kichijoji offers vibrant shopping streets, cafes, and artisan shops for a full day out.
Location: 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo
Best Season for Colors: Mid to late November
Nearby Attractions: Kichijoji shopping district, Ghibli Museum
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Mt. Takao offers a stunning display of autumn colors set against natural mountain landscapes. Just an hour outside of central Tokyo, Mt. Takao is a popular hiking spot that’s easily accessible.
The trails are lined with maple trees that turn bright red and orange in early November, creating breathtaking scenery throughout the hike. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. For those who prefer a relaxed journey, a cable car is available, offering scenic views along the way.
Location: Takaocho, Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture
Best Time for Foliage: Early to mid-November
Notable Feature: Panoramic views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji on clear days
Otaguro Park in the Suginami ward is a hidden gem, offering an intimate and peaceful experience in autumn. Once the residence of a famous music critic, the park now serves as a public space with winding paths, ponds, and Japanese maples that display stunning reds in the fall.
The garden’s traditional features, including stone lanterns and a small wooden bridge, create a serene setting that feels far removed from the city. Due to its smaller size, Otaguro Park is perfect for a quick visit or a quiet afternoon of reflection.
Location: 3-33-12 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Peak Season: Late November
Nearby Area: Ogikubo shopping and dining options
Asukayama Park, located in Kita Ward, is a beloved local park with a history that dates back to the Edo period. It was originally established by Tokugawa Yoshimune, one of Japan’s most famous shoguns, as a place for commoners to enjoy cherry blossoms.
In autumn, the park’s ginkgo trees turn golden yellow, while the maple trees add a splash of red to the landscape. With a small museum, playground, and easy walking paths, Asukayama Park is an excellent choice for families or those looking for a relaxed day out.
Location:1-1-3 Oji, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Best Time for Foliage: Late November to early December
Features: Playground, city views, small local museums
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Tokyo’s autumn colors offer a unique mix of natural beauty, tradition, and urban landscapes, making it an ideal destination for experiencing the season. Late November is the best time for peak colors in most of Tokyo’s parks and gardens, while Mt. Takao and areas outside the city tend to peak earlier.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a camera for unforgettable shots, and consider exploring nearby shops or tea houses for a full Tokyo autumn experience.
