Great Places to See Autumn Leaves in Tokyo

Seasons in Japan are defined by the unique memories and activities that can only be enjoyed during that time. In the winter, Tokyo lights up with state-of-the-art illuminations to celebrate the holiday season. During spring, it’s time to have a picnic with friends and see the cherry blossoms. In summer, fireworks and summer matsuri (festivals) are a yearly tradition. This autumn, enjoying the changing colors of the leaves is something you definitely should not miss. Here are places around Tokyo where you can see the best scenery of the season.

Yoyogi Park

For Tokyo residents, this may be no surprise. Yoyogi Park is a great spot to immerse yourself in nature because it’s free to enter and easily accessible. Nestled between the neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, this park breaks up the dense city center without stranding its guests too far away from restaurants and train stations. Because there are wide grassy areas and multiple pathways, Yoyogi Park is also a great place to bring your kids or pets.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

This park features three distinct gardens that come together to create a stunning nature retreat. Shinjuku Gyoen’s three gardens include the Japanese Garden, highlighted this time of year by the striking red maple leaves, the British Garden, which is now bathed in the golden color of ginkgo trees, and the French Garden, which brings to mind the romantic atmosphere of a European autumn. These areas are all favorite spots for photographers capturing fall foliage.

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Not far from Yoyogi Park, Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is a long, straight road in Kita-aoyama that is lined with beautiful ginkgo trees. The normally green foliage turns a brilliant gold color during the fall season. If you are into photography or just want to take a fall-themed picture, this is often regarded as one of the best spots to enjoy autumn in Japan.

Inokashira Park

Despite not being very large, Inokashira Park offers plenty of activities you can partake in. Located in Kichijoji, this park boasts a long walkway lined by various trees that surround Inokashira Lake. You can take a paddle boat out onto the water or admire the shrine in the center of the lake from the park’s many paths. You can also find Inokashira Park Zoo and the Ghibli Museum only a short walk away. For anyone looking for unique ways to enjoy the autumn leaves, Inokashira Park is a great option away from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo.

Showa Kinen Park

Found outside of central Tokyo in Tachikawa, this huge park is a nice escape from claustrophobic city centers and seasonal shopping booms. There are large open spaces in the 1.6 square kilometers that are connected by footpaths, rental bike paths and even a small train that moves around the park. Much like Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue, Showa Kinen Park is known for its glorious ginkgo trees that turn bright yellow in the fall. There are multiple places in the park to take good photos, but you might need a full day to see them all.

Mt. Takao

Located in Hachioji, Mt. Takao is a great natural recreation area that doesn’t require you to leave Tokyo. There are many trails with varying amounts of difficulty if you want to get some good exercise. There’s also a cable car that will take you halfway up the mountain. There are various points of interest that you should check out on your way up, including a temple, monkey park and onsen. Once you reach the top, celebrate with a beer or some snacks at the outdoor Mt. Takao Beer Mount.

Hamarikyu Garden

This garden is one of the most unique places you can visit to enjoy nature in the city. Located in Chuo Ward, Hamarikyu Gardens sits on the mouth of the Sumida River and is separated from the surrounding neighborhoods by a seawater moat from Tokyo Bay. There is a teahouse inside that can be accessed by two bridges that span the water. The traditional Japanese landscape, combined with the tall buildings in the background, creates an interesting blend of natural beauty and urban cityscape, providing a unique view of the autumn leaves.

In Tokyo, November is considered to be the best time to see autumn leaves at their peak. One thing to note is that the timing of the leaves changing colors can only be estimated. It is therefore a general rule of thumb to plan a visit on the earlier side, just in case. Each of these locations has a unique nature retreat to offer, so make sure to enjoy the magnificent autumn colors while you still can.