Picture this: You’re strolling under a tunnel of golden ginkgo leaves, paused by fiery maple branches overhead. Fall in Tokyo turns the city into a living canvas of red, orange, and gold.
If you’re hunting for the tokyo autumn leaves best spots, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll learn when to go, where to find the brightest hues, and how to beat the crowds. Let’s make sure your Tokyo fall trip is the most colorful one yet.
Plan your momijigari trip
When to go
The fall foliage season typically runs from mid-October through early December in Tokyo (Japan Rail Pass). Peak colors often happen around mid-November, though timing varies by neighborhood and elevation. Keep an eye on forecasts from the Japan Meteorological Agency as your trip approaches.
How to book ahead
Tokyo’s most popular spots fill up fast during autumn. Aim to reserve your accommodations and transport at least six months in advance. For packing and transit hacks, check our tokyo seasonal travel tips.
Tokyo autumn leaves best spots
Here’s a quick overview of must-see leaf-viewing locations across Tokyo and beyond. Scroll down for detailed breakdowns.
| Spot | Area | Best time | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meiji Jingu Gaien | Central Tokyo | Mid-Nov to early Dec | Ginkgo avenue |
| Rikugien Gardens | Bunkyo | Late Nov | Illuminated maples |
| Koishikawa Korakuen | Bunkyo | Early Dec | Edo-period landscapes |
| Shinjuku Gyoen | Shinjuku | Mid-Nov to early Dec | Mixed-style gardens |
| Yoyogi Park | Shibuya | Late Nov | Maple and ginkgo mix |
| Showa Kinen Park | Tachikawa | Late Nov | Large-scale lights |
| Mt. Takao | Hachioji | Early to mid-Nov | Mountain hike |
| Okutama | West Tokyo | Mid-Nov | River valley leaves |
| Nikko | Tochigi (day trip) | Late Oct to mid-Nov | UNESCO shrines |
| Kawaguchiko | Yamanashi (day trip) | Early Nov | Mt. Fuji views |
Central Tokyo gems
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Known as Ginkgo Avenue, this tree-lined boulevard turns a brilliant gold each autumn. The 150 trees form a glowing tunnel you can bike or stroll through. Night illuminations run from late November to early December (UME Travel). Arrive at sunset for the best light and smaller crowds.
Rikugien Gardens
This Edo-era garden blooms in fiery reds and golds each November. Weekday evening light-ups paint the pond reflections with warm hues. It’s wise to visit on a weeknight to avoid crowds (Rakuten Travel).
Koishikawa Korakuen
One of Tokyo’s oldest landscape gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen offers winding paths beneath maple and zelkova canopies. Early December brings peak color. The intimate scale means less elbow-to-elbow crowds.
Western Tokyo parks
Shinjuku Gyoen
A sprawling mix of Japanese, French, and English gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen dazzles from mid-November to early December. Maple reds intertwine with ginkgo golds. Grab a picnic mat and settle on the lawns for a relaxing afternoon.
Yoyogi Park
Just steps from Harajuku’s bustle, Yoyogi Park transforms in late November. Over 1,300 trees—including zelkova, ginkgo, and maple—turn vibrant hues in sequence. Benches and plazas make it easy to pause and admire the view.
Showa Kinen Park
This expansive park in Tachikawa hosts one of Tokyo’s largest autumn light-up events. November illuminations highlight ginkgo avenues and maple groves. Plan to spend an evening here if you love nighttime leaf gazing.
Mountain escapes
Mt. Takao
A quick train ride from Shinjuku, Mt. Takao’s hiking trails offer early to mid-November foliage at higher elevations. Don’t miss the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival, running late October through early December, with taiko drumming and food stalls at Takaosan-guchi station (Japan Travel).
Okutama
Head west into the mountain valleys of Okutama for mid-November maple glows and river-valley vistas. Trails range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging ridge hikes. Pack a bento and enjoy lunch by Lake Okutama.
Day trips beyond Tokyo
Nikko
For an early start to leaf peeping, Nikko’s shrines and national park light up in late October to mid-November. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshogu Shrine looks spectacular framed by scarlet leaves.
Kawaguchiko
At the foot of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko mirrors crimson trees in early November. The iconic view behind Chureito Pagoda is a photographer’s dream.
Dive into night illuminations
Rikugien light-up
Experience the poetic glow of Rikugien after dark when warm lights reflect on still waters. Evening hours typically run mid-November to early December.
Mejiro Garden tickets
This cozy garden hosts a limited-entry night illumination in late November. Arrive early for a numbered ticket and soak in the fiery reds and golds against the moonlit sky.
Edo-Tokyo open air museum
Historic buildings and surrounding trees are softly lit in late November, creating a serene, less-crowded illumination spot. Accessible via Musashi-Koganei Station plus a short walk (Rakuten Travel).
Experience local autumn events
Autumn Ginza event
Stroll through Ginza’s streets decked out for fall, where traditional performances blend with art installations. It’s a modern twist on seasonal celebrations (Japan Travel).
Takahata Fudoson chrysanthemum festival
At Takahata Fudoson Shrine in Hino, chrysanthemums in every color frame the temple grounds each November. The festival showcases floral displays and traditional crafts (Go Tokyo).
Mount Takao autumn leaves festival
Every November, Takaosan-guchi station buzzes with taiko drummers, yosakoi dancers, and food stalls. Enjoy the cultural performances alongside fiery autumn leaves (Japan Travel).
Get travel and photography tips
Transportation advice
Tokyo’s rail network makes leaf-spot hopping a breeze. Use your JR Pass for day trips to Mt. Takao, Nikko, and Kawaguchiko. For local transit, grab a Suica or Pasmo card for smooth transfers across subway and bus lines.
Packing essentials
Layer up—mornings can be crisp, afternoons pleasantly mild. Bring comfy walking shoes, a compact umbrella (rain chances hover around 20% in November), and a small backpack for water and snacks.
Photography pointers
Aim for golden hour light—early morning or late afternoon—to make reds and golds pop. Try backlighting leaves for a glowing effect, and frame your shots with temple gates or torii arches for context. For more inspo, see our tokyo photography seasons.
FAQs
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When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo?
Peak color typically appears mid-November to early December, though some mountain spots glow earlier. -
How crowded do popular leaf spots get?
Weekends and holidays draw big crowds. Aim for weekday mornings to beat the rush. -
Can I see autumn leaves at night?
Absolutely. Many gardens host nightly light-ups in November. Check individual garden websites for dates and ticket info. -
Do I need a JR Pass for fall foliage trips?
It’s handy if you plan day trips to Mt. Takao, Nikko, or Kawaguchiko, but not essential for central Tokyo spots. -
What is momijigari and how do I plan for it?
Momijigari means “leaf hunting.” Plan your trip six months ahead for accommodations, track forecast sites for timing, and pack layers to stay comfortable.
