Autumn Leaves in Tokyo: Best Time and 12 Viewing Spots

Time your trip to coincide with the crimson leaves in Tokyo

While spring explodes in a deluge of bright pinks and pure whites, the autumn season offers a regal spectrum of crimson reds, vivid oranges, and bright yellows. Tokyo's autumn leaves usually peak from mid-November to early December. Mountain areas such as Okutama and Mt. Takao turn earlier, from late October to mid-November. Timing shifts a week or two each year with temperature, so check the each spot's information before you travel. From immaculately manicured Japanese gardens to rugged mountain wilderness, autumn in tokyo is a time when the foliage truly comes alive.

Gardens and Parks in Central Tokyo

Yoyogi Park

A short walk from Meiji Jingu Shrine, "Yoyogi Park" is a fantastic location to take in the hues of Tokyo's fall foliage. Go for a leisurely stroll, gather with friends for a picnic under the trees, or rent a bike and ride around the park's cycling course on a crisp fall afternoon.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late November to Early December
Access: Yoyogi-koen Station | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line | 3 min on foot
More Information: Yoyogi Park

Meiji Jingu Gaien

For the best modern fall views, head to "Meiji Jingu Gaien," which boasts a long avenue, Icho Namiki, lined with bright yellow ginkgo trees. This is one of the most popular fall photo spots in the city. In particular, the rows of yellow ginkgo trees with the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in the background make for a perfect view.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Mid November to Early December
Access: Gaienmae Station | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
More Information: Meiji Jingu Gaien

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A short ten-minute walk from Shinjuku Station brings you to "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden." In the expansive garden, you can enjoy a slow-paced stroll or a relaxing picnic, surrounded by traditional landscapes and fall foliage.
Please note:
Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using sports equipment and musical instruments in the garden are prohibited.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Mid November to Early December
Access: Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station | Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line | Exit 1 | 5 min on foot
More Information: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Management Office

Inokashira Park

Located in the trendy shopping area of Kichijoji is the picturesque "Inokashira Park." At its center lies Inokashira Pond, which offers swan boat rentals—a great way to take in the fall scenery. Once you finish your ride, you can visit the Inokashira Park Zoo or the nearby Ghibli Museum, Mitaka.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Mid November to Early December
Access: Inokashira-koen Station | Inokashira Line | 1 min on foot
More Information: Inokashira Park

Ninomaru Gardens

Part of the Imperial Palace, the convenient location of Ninomaru Gardens makes for an easy day trip. Enjoy the serene garden views, followed by a walk across the expansive palace grounds, then head to nearby destinations such as the Budokan, the National Diet Building, and the upscale shopping area of Ginza.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late November to Mid December
Access: Otemachi Station | Tokyo Metro Tozai Line | Exit C13a | 5 min on foot
More Information: A guide to the Tokyo Imperial Palace: history & how to tour

Rikugien Gardens

For the best traditional views, head to "Rikugien Gardens," one of the most popular autumn spots in Tokyo. Constructed in the Edo period (1603-1867), the gardens contain around 560 trees and are especially beautiful when painted with autumn colors.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late November to Mid December
Access: Komagome Station | JR Yamanote Line | Namboku Line | 7 min on foot
More Information: Rikugien Gardens

Hama-rikyu Gardens

Located in Shiodome, the "Hama-rikyu Gardens" boasts incredible autumn views, with towering skyscrapers on one side and the wide-open Tokyo Bay on the other.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late November to Early December
Access: Shiodome Station | Toei Oedo Line | Yurikamome Line | 7 min on foot
More Information: Hama-rikyu Gardens

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

The traditional "Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens" is most popular in the autumn when its abundant maple trees transform into vivid hues of red and orange.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late November to Early December
Access: Iidabashi Station | Toei Oedo Line | 3 min on foot
More Information: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Ueno Park

In addition to its famous zoo, shrines and museums, "Ueno Park" is also a great place to observe the changing colors of fall. There are thousands of trees in the park, providing visitors with an abundance of photo opportunities. The red leaves of the maple trees make a stunning backdrop.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Mid November to Early December
Access: Ueno Station | JR Line | Park Exit | 5 min on foot
More Information: Tokyo Metropolitan Ueno Park

Day Trips from Central Tokyo

Showa Kinen Park

"Showa Kinen Park," a thirty-minute trip from central Tokyo, is an idyllic place to take in Tokyo's fall colors. The park contains a beautiful pathway of ginkgo trees which turn a brilliant yellow, perfect for taking some nice photos. In the evenings, the park is illuminated for guests to enjoy.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late November to Mid December
Access: Nishi-Tachikawa Station | JR Ome Line | Nishi Tachikawa Gate | 2 min on foot
More Information: Showa Kinen Park

SHOWA KINEN PARK

Lake Okutama

A two-hour train ride from central Tokyo, escape the congestion of the city to enjoy expansive natural landscapes and outdoor recreation at "Lake Okutama." Walk through river valleys, peaceful villages, and dense forest trails, surrounded by some of the most beautiful foliage in the greater Tokyo area.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Late October to Mid November
Access: Oku-Tama Station | JR Ome Line | Okutamako Bus Stop
More Information: Lake Okutama

Mt. Takao

Take a scenic day trip to the nearby peak of "Mt. Takao." The entire mountain region turns a bright shade of orange and red, and the temperate weather makes for the most pleasant hikes of the year.

Basic Information

Best Time to Visit: Mid November to Early December
Access: Takaosanguchi Station | Keio Takao Line
More Information: Mt. Takao