Top 10 Tokyo Autumn Leaf Spots Japanese Locals Want to Visit in 2023

When Can You See Fall Colors in Japan?

As the hot summer days gradually yield to cooler temperatures from September onward, the trees in Japan begin to don a mesmerizing array of vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. For Tokyo and other parts of the Kanto region, the optimal viewing period for fall foliage is said to be from late October to early December. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecast released on October 3, 2023, Tokyo is expected to see its peak foliage period between November 26th and December 1st.

About Tokyo - The Most Popular Gateway to Japan

As one of the world's most dynamic cities, Tokyo attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, all keen to experience how it straddles tradition and innovation seamlessly. Centuries-old temples and serene parks are nestled alongside upscale shopping malls and futuristic skyscrapers, letting you immerse yourself in fall foliage in a completely different way.

Being a part of the Kanto region, Tokyo serves as an excellent launching point to explore the surrounding six prefectures: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. Why not soak in the atmospheric autumn vibes of Tokyo before exploring what fall looks like in the other prefectures?

Best 10 Tokyo Autumn Leaf Spots Ranking for 2023

Tokyo might be a big modern city, but there's plenty of spots to admire the fall foliage. Here are the top 10 autumn leaf spots in Tokyo according to data collected by Walkerplus and KoyoCh, two websites frequently used by the locals for travel and event information. Please note that the rankings below are based on data taken in October 2023, so it may not match what's shown on either website now.

We hope that you'll use this article as a general guide for planning which places you ought to visit for autumn foliage views!

10. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Spanning a vast 70,000 square meters, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden stands out for its unique design that incorporates several Chinese elements. Take for instance the Engetsu-kyo (Full Moon Bridge), a stone bridge said to have been designed by Ming Confucian scholar Zhu Zhiyu by invitation of the feudal lord at the time. It is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site.

We recommend visiting during its autumn festival. In 2023, it is set to take place from November 17 to December 5. Indulge in yummy food, watch musical performances, and if you’re lucky, join a guided tour around the park!

*Save time by booking your entry ticket online here: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden Admission Ticket in Tokyo

9. Ueno Park

If you are traveling with family and looking for an easily accessible autumn foliage spot, you may want to include Ueno Park into your itinerary. Not only is it conveniently located next to JR Ueno Station, but it also houses various family-friendly attractions, such as Ueno Zoo, the Tokyo National Museum, and the National Science Museum.

If you choose to visit, don’t miss out on Shinobazu Pond. It beautifully reflects its autumnal surroundings, creating the perfect backdrop for a stunning photo. Near the Shinobazu Exit of JR Ueno Station, you may also stumble upon a statue of Takamori Saigo, one of the most influential samurai in Japan’s history. There’s something captivating about his imposing figure juxtaposed against the vivid ginkgo yellows.

8. Rikugien Gardens

There’s a special allure in exploring a destination at night as the buzz of the daytime gives way to a serene calm. If this resonates with you, make your way to Rikugien Gardens in the fall. It is one of the few spots in Tokyo where you can view autumn foliage at night, with special photo spots set up for those wanting to take photos that will last a lifetime. When visiting in 2023, come between November 22 and December 3 for the night viewings.

The most popular spot for fall foliage photos in the Rikugien Gardens is the lake at the center. The radiant gold and red hues of the trees are reflected on its still waters, creating a surreal sight that draws in crowds every year. The old Tsutuji-no-Chaya teahouse, situated a bit away from the lake, offers a different yet equally ethereal view that we recommend you check out if you’d like to avoid the throngs of people.

*Save time by booking your entry ticket online here: Rikugien Garden Admission Ticket in Tokyo

7. Inokashira Park

Another popular autumn foliage destination for those traveling with family or a significant other is Inokashira Park. It opened as the first suburban park in Japan in 1917, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017. Aside from visiting the local zoo, you can explore the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki at the Ghibli Museum. It’s very quickly booked out, so we recommend making an advance reservation online.

A great way to relish the beauty of the autumn foliage here is by jumping onboard a giant swan boat or rowing boat at Inokashira Pond. As you paddle your way across the pond, your perspective of the red and gold foliage continuously changes. The tranquil fall scenery will shrink your world to the size of the boat, making the companionable silence or lively chatter within all the more memorable. This is also the reason why Inokashira Park is one of Tokyo’s popular date spots!

6. Yoyogi Park

Passionate about sports and exercise? Or visiting with your canine companion and looking for a place to unwind? Yoyogi Park comes fully equipped with a cycling course, basketball court, soccer field, lawn area, and more. Grab your travel buddy and explore this park at your own pace.

One of the most photogenic fall scenes in the park is the Ginkgo Tree Avenue near the Rose Garden. It’s not covered by the cycling route, but if you’re looking for classic Tokyo fall scenery, this is a must-visit. Let yourself be enveloped in the rejuvenating tranquility provided by hundreds of zelkova, ginkgo, and maple trees as you traverse the park.

5. Hama-rikyu Gardens

Hama-rikyu Gardens is an Edo-style strolling garden centered around a pond that boasts an illustrious history as a feudal and imperial retreat. It is surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, adding an interesting dimension to photographs. The gorgeous reds, yellows, and oranges of the autumn trees set against the metallic backdrop of these tall buildings make for award-winning visuals! 

One of the best places within the garden for soaking in the lovely autumnal scenery is the teahouse set in the middle of its pond. With the autumn colors and modern cityscape reflected against its waters, relax and savor “matcha” green tea while reflecting on how history and modernity complement each other so effortlessly in Tokyo.

*Save time by booking your entry ticket online here: Tokyo Hama Rikyu Garden Admission Ticket

4. Lake Okutama

Situated in a national park just two hours west of Tokyo’s city center, Lake Okutama is surrounded on all sides by mountains, so you’re guaranteed stunning autumnal views. There are multiple hiking trails that pass through the lake, but we recommend starting with the Miharashi no Oka course which takes just 1-2 hours. There are many opportunities to admire the red and gold foliage carpeting the surrounding mountains, with one of the most popular being the Happoiwa Observatory a relatively short distance away from the entrance to the lake.

Just remember to plan your visit to Lake Okutama during mid-November. Even though Okutama is still considered a part of Tokyo, the leaves change color faster here than in central Tokyo!

3. Mount Takao

Sometimes, you just want to escape the concrete jungle and seek solace in the midst of abundant nature. This may be a bit hard to believe, but Tokyo provides a convenient option for you to do just that. Simply hop on a train at Shinjuku Station and alight about 50 minutes later at Takaosanguchi Station. Here, you will be greeted by the majestic sight of Mount Takao in its full fall glory.

We highly recommend that you take the cable car from Kiyotaki Station at the base of Mount Takao to Takaosan Station at its summit so that you can fully absorb the gorgeous autumn landscape. November is also the month when the annual Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival is held. During the festival, you can witness a variety of performances against the fall backdrop. There’s something rather special about watching taiko drumming or yosakoi dancing amidst this colorful natural canvas!

*Save money and time by purchasing this online pass that'll cover your train trip from Keio Shinjuku Station and Mount Takao cable car seat: Keio 1-Day Ticket with Mt. Takao Cable Car and Chair Lift Ticket

2. Showa Kinen Park (Showa Memorial Park)

Just a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, Showa Kinen Park covers around 180 hectares of land and is so huge that you will need to spend one whole day exploring its every nook and cranny. It was constructed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign with the goal of revitalizing the greenery of the land and bringing a touch of nature to everyday life. As such, the park is full of spots where you can get close to nature, as well as facilities where you can dive deeper into Japanese culture and traditions.

For autumn scenery, the top two spots are the Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue, which forms a beautiful golden tunnel in the fall, and the Japanese Garden with numerous rest spots for sitting down and admiring stunning bright red foliage. During November at night, these two locations are beautifully lit up with all kinds of lighting, props, and even projection mapping equipment, transforming the spaces into works of art. You can even rent traditional Japanese umbrellas for that perfect photo!

1. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Just a short walk from Aoyama-itchome Station, Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Ginkgo Avenue spans an impressive 300 meters, flanked by 146 tall ginkgo trees spaced exactly 9 meters from each other. This was intentionally designed by Yoshinobu Orishimo, a master in early modern landscape architecture, to create a visual symmetry that truly pleases the eyes. This golden canopy is perhaps Tokyo’s most popular fall spot, with thousands visiting each year to capture the autumnal view.

For the best view, approach from Aoyama Avenue and head towards the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. Seeing the stately white structure of the museum at the end of the ginkgo tunnel will make anyone’s jaw drop. As for when to visit, we suggest mid-November to early December, as that’s usually when the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is held. Shop for souvenirs and eat all kinds of yummy food!

Enjoy Tokyo’s Autumn Foliage in a Myriad of Ways

Did your favorite autumn spots make the cut? Tokyo may be a giant metropolis with towering skyscrapers everywhere, but it is filled with pockets of nature that allow for autumn foliage to be savored pretty much anywhere and everywhere. So, while in Tokyo, why not relish the amazing beauty of Japan’s fall foliage by paying any one of these popular locations a visit?

 

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