With the harvest moon setting in on Japan in September each year, many see this as the official start of Autumn and take part in traditional Tsukimi (moon viewing ceremonies). Unlike Autumn in the western world, where we start pulling out our cozy socks and scarfs from the furthest corners of our drawers, you can expect the temperatures to be anywhere between 57 to 64 degrees making it an ideal time to visit Japan. You can look forward to the bright and warm days while strolling along the streets lined with maple trees which turn a beautiful deep red color and the ginkgo trees, which in contract, turn a golden hue. To see the color change in its peak glory aim for a trip to Japan in mid-November. We’ve plodded our way across the streets of Tokyo to bring you what we think are the 10 Autumnal leaves-viewing spots in the city. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Japan and get ready to enjoy the top 10 autumn leaves spots in Tokyo.
1. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
Lined with Ginkgo trees, this 300-meters (984 feet) long avenue is an absolute must-visit for the autumn season. For the best viewing time head there, but expect crowds in mid-November. There is even a traditional ceremony to celebrate autumn in the area. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival “Icho Matsuri” takes place at the end of the avenue, so you can stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one and enjoy some fantastic local food at the end. Sounds romantic to us!
Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
Address: Japan, 107-0061 Tokyo, Minato City, 1, Route 414
Website: Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
If you have a spare day, we can’t think of anything better than strolling through this stunning garden. Known as one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing, it’s not surprising that it also is one of the best spots for the autumn leaves in Tokyo. There are different styles of gardens to explore. The traditional Japanese landscape garden is relaxing and peaceful, the unique formal French garden is perfectly designed, and finally, the English landscape garden has plenty of open space. So grab your friends, a blanket and head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014
Website: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Opening hours: October - March: 9am - 4pm; March - September: 9am - 5:30pm
Price: 5 USD
3. Rikugien
Rikugien is translated as the ‘Six Poems Garden’ and it replicates 88 scenes from a number of famous poems. Designed in the Edo Period, this beautiful garden will transport you to a whole new world and is often considered as one of Tokyo’s best gardens. It will take about an hour to explore the Rikugien gardens, but of course, it will take longer if you stop to snap pictures of the beautiful autumnal colors! The color is thanks to the many Maple trees in the park and the best time of the year to visit is from late November to early December.
Rikugien
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021
Website: Rikugien
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily), Autumn and cherry blossom seasons: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
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4. Ueno Park
If you’re in central Tokyo and are looking for the ideal place to see the autumnal leaves then we have the perfect suggestion. Ueno Park is a huge open space, surrounded by many museums and is in a perfect location to watch the leaves. The best time of the year is mid to the end of November when the Maple leaves are in full color. Created nearly 150 years ago, Ueno Park was actually one of Japan’s first public parks. So not only can you watch the beautiful colors flutter to the ground you can also learn a slice of Japanese history.
Ueno Park
Address: Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Website: Ueno Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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5. Tokyo National Museum
Located on the periphery of Ueno Park this museum has many delights in-store, but also simply standing outside on an autumnal day is breathtaking. The foreboding backdrop of the museum building itself makes a perfect contrast to the vibrant colors of the trees surrounding it. If you are searching for an Insta-worthy shot then look no further than the Tokyo National Museum. In fact, on a bright yet crisp autumnal day, you’ll see many fellow revelers in tow.
Tokyo National Museum
Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712
Website: Tokyo National Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 USD
6. Todoroki Ravine Park
Next on our list is slightly off the beaten track. You’ll feel like you have the whole place to enjoy to yourself. It’s such a romantic spot and is perfect for you and your loved one. It is a small family-run park, and, for us, the highlights have to be the adorable wooden walkway that leads you to a red bridge. It is twenty minutes away from central Tokyo but believe us when we say that it is totally worth it.
Todoroki Ravine Park
Address: 1 Chome-22 Todoroki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0082
Website: Todoroki Ravine Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Otaguro Park
Another off-the-beaten-track listing is Otaguro Park which was once the former residence of Motoo Otaguro. If you’re interested, his house, which is now a museum is open to visitors. Stroll around the gardens at the site and you’ll see a perfect mixture of both ginkgo and maple trees. The ginkgo trees turn a beautiful golden color, while the maple leaves turn a deep red.
Otaguro Park
Address: 3 Chome-33-12 Ogikubo, Suginami City, Tokyo 167-0051
Website: Otaguro Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Showa Memorial Park
Also known as Showa Kinen Park this beautiful location is breathtaking throughout the year. In Autumn, take a stroll along the river and you’ll see the golden hues of the trees. This enormous park was created in 1983 and is easily a day worth of exploring. It is an hour west of central Tokyo, so can easily be accessed as a day-out. This is one of the romantic spots on our list, expect it to be busy during peak time and seasons.
Showa Memorial Park
Address: Midoricho 3173, Tachikawa-shi 190-8558
Website: Showa Memorial Park
Opening hours: Mar 1 - Oct 31: 9.30am - 5pm (daily); Nov - Feb: 9.30am - 4.30pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD
9. Mount Takao
One of the closest natural recreational areas to Tokyo is Mount Tako. Popular with hikers, thanks to the many trails, many people head to Mount Takao for the autumnal period. If you want to avoid the crowds we’d suggest that you avoid trail one as this is the most popular. The other trails are narrower and perhaps more difficult, but you’ll be awarded to your own personal pathway through the stunning sites of Mount Takao under the colorful foliage. Make it to the summit (there’s a cable car) and on a bright day, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji.
Mount Takao
Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-084
Website: Mount Takao
Opening hours: 8am - 5.45pm (daily)
Price: Under 10 USD
10. Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple
This unique place is home to one of Tokyo’s oldest trees (it is over 700 years old). It is a huge complex just a few minutes’ walk from Kuhonbutsu station in Tokyo. The walkway to the temple is surrounded by maple and gingko trees on either side. It is located in a quiet residential area, and, in comparison to some of our other sites listed is much quieter. Alongside the beautiful color change, you’ll also be able to enjoy the numerous statues of Amida Nyorai at the temple site.
Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple
Address: 7 Chome-41-3 Okusawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0083
Website: Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
Usher the beauty of autumn at Tokyo
We truly believe that the beautiful red and golden hues of autumnal Japan will dye the color of your heart. As you stroll down these streets, or around the temples and parks we’re sure that you’ll be amazed at the sheer beauty. So, what are you waiting for, book your flight today and get ready to explore this magical time.
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