Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips
Autumn in Tokyo is a magical time, and I’m very excited to share this fall foliage guide with you. During this season, the city’s parks and gardens transform themselves with vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange. Having lived in Tokyo for over four years, I’ve explored not only the famous spots but also some hidden gems that offer equally stunning autumn foliage views without the crowds.
Are you ready for momijigari (autumn leaf hunting)? In this guide, I’ll introduce both popular and lesser-known places to enjoy fall foliage (also called koyo in Japanese) in Tokyo, not just in the heart of the city but also through day trips to scenic spots nearby.
When to See Autumn Foliage in Tokyo in 2024
According to the first forecast of the Japan Meteorological Agency for the fall 2024, the peak colors in Tokyo will be 26 November for yellow foliage 01 December for red foliage, so roughly from mid-November to mid-December. This forecast may get updated in the following weeks so make sure to check again for the Japan Meteorological Agency’s most updated information.
Here are two websites that I recommend you to look at to follow the forecast for best time for autumn leaves where you can search by location: Kouyou Nabi and Koyo Walkerplus (both in Japanese, but automatic translation in English is available). I highly recommend to use them if you plan a fall foliage hunt in Japan.
Best Places to Admire Autumn Leaves in Central Tokyo
1. Shinjuku Gyoen: A Tranquil Autumn Oasis Amid Tokyo's Urban Buzz
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is my favorite park in Tokyo. This huge park in the heart of the city offers a serene retreat, featuring an impressive blend of Japanese, French, and English gardens. Its expansive lawns are surrounded by maple and plane trees, creating a rich tapestry of red, orange, and gold in autumn.
Last year, my friends and I decided to capture the beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen's fall colors while dressed in rented kimonos from a nearby shop, called Vasara Kimono rental. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one I’d highly recommend!
In 2023, Shinjuku Gyoen hosted a breathtaking night illumination event organized by the creative group NAKED. The illuminations transformed the garden into a magical evening spectacle, offering a unique opportunity to experience the park in a completely new way. While it seems the event isn’t happening in 2024, I do hope that it will return in the future. Keep an eye out for its comeback—it's definitely an experience I’d recommend!
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to early December
🚇 Access: 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome station on the Fukutoshin, Marunouchi or Shinjuku Lines or 10 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku station to the entrance of the park.
🎟️ Entrance fee: ¥300 for adult
2. Todoroki Valley: Tokyo's Hidden Autumn Gem
If you’re searching for a lesser-known area of Tokyo where to admire the autumn colors, Todoroki Valley (等々力渓谷公園) is the place to go. Tucked away in Setagaya, exploring Todoroki Valley in autumn feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The grounds of Todoroki Fudoson Temple (等々力不動尊 明王院) are especially enchanting, with ginkgo leaves blanketing the paths in gold and maple trees wrapping the temple in a vivid cloak of colours. After soaking in the autumn beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this temple, you can head to a nearby Japanese garden, called Nihon Teien (日本庭園), located at the southern end of the valley. There, you can enjoy the autumn foliage while unwinding at a small traditional Japanese teahouse, where complimentary hot tea is available for visitors.
Something to know is that autumn foliage in Todoroki happens somewhat a bit later than other spots in central Tokyo, so if you’ve missed the peak, it might still be very colourful in Todoroki! For more details, you can read my guide Todoroki Valley: a Hidden Getaway in the Suburbs of Tokyo.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: End of November to Mid-December
IMPORTANT: Todoroki Valley is currently closed and has been since September 2023 due to falling trees with heavy rains and the resulting safety measures. According to Setagaya city’s website, the ban is expected to be lifted in fiscal year 2025, once the renovation work will be complete. Although it is not possible to descend into the valley from the entrance under the Golf bridge near the station, you can still visit the Todoroki Fudoson temple, the tea house and the Japanese garden entering by the southern entrance or the temple entrance.
🚇 Access: The nearest station is Todoroki Station (等々力駅) on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. From central Tokyo, you can reach the Oimachi Line via the Tokyu Toyoko Line at Jiyugaoka Station (自由が丘駅), or the Tokyu Den-enchofu Line at Futako Tamagawa Station (二子玉川駅).
3. Meiji Jingu Gaien: Walk Through Tokyo's Iconic Ginkgo Tree Avenue
Meiji Jingu Gaien (明治神宮外苑) is famous for its grand avenue of ginkgo trees, which turn a brilliant golden-yellow in autumn. With 150 ginkgo trees lining this 300-meter avenue, this is probably the most iconic location to admire gingko trees in central Tokyo in the fall. The avenue forms a glowing golden tunnel under the sunlight, making it a favorite among photographers. Night illuminations are also held, offering the option of an evening stroll to enjoy the magical ambiance of the golden-yellow leaves glowing against the night sky.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Early December
🚇 Access: Nearest station is Aoyama-Itchome Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon or Oedo lines.
4. Ueno Park: A Lively Autumn Outing with Culture and Color
Known for its numerous cultural attractions, Ueno Park (上野恩賜公園) is transformed into a sea of reds and golds in autumn. With its mix of maple trees and ginkgo trees, as well as museums, a zoo and temples, it’s the ideal spot for spending a fall afternoon that blends nature and culture. I was lucky to see an enchanting and surprising sight the last time I visited: winter cherry blossom with golden gingko trees in the background.
After exploring the park to your heart’s content, I’d recommend to head towards Yanaka area, a charming, old-world neighborhood in Tokyo (also called shitamachi), known for its narrow streets, traditional shops, and nostalgic atmosphere.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to early December
🚇 Access: Ueno park is right next Ueno station, one of Tokyo’s major transport hubs.
5. Hibiya Park: A Serene Fall Break in the Heart of Tokyo
Hibiya Park (日比谷公園) is one of the best parks in central Tokyo to admire autumn foliage. What captivated me during my visit was the peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the bustling city, next to Nihonbashi and Ginza areas, as well as the vibrant autumn colors beautifully contrasting with the park's historical monuments and the surrounding towering skyscrapers, creating a unique and unforgettable urban landscape.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Late November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: Stop at Hibiya station on the Mita, Hibiya or Chiyoda subway lines.
6. Rikugien Park: Step Into a Poetic Autumn Landscape at Night time
Rikugien (六義園) is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens, and in autumn, it feels like walking through a living painting.
During the autumn season, the gardens offer nighttime illuminations, and the reflections of the leaves on the lake's still waters create a dreamlike scenery.
If you’d like to attend the night illuminations, know that it can get very crowded on weekends, so I’d recommend to go on a weeknight.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Illuminations dates in 2024 haven’t been announced yet. For reference, last year, illuminations were held from November 22 to December 3 between 6pm and 8:30pm.
🚇 Access: The nearest stations are Komagome Station (7 minutes on foot) on the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, or Sengoku Station (10 minutes on foot) on the Toei Mita Line.
🎟️ Entrance fee: A special nighttime viewing ticket is required. Last year, you could book tickets online at a discounted price on the park’s website (¥900 instead of ¥1,100 at the door), which I would recommend to avoid long queuing at the gate.
7. Yoyogi Koen: The Perfect Autumn Spot for Outdoor Lovers
Yoyogi Koen (代々木公園) is a favorite spot for picnics, jogging, and family outings. What I love about this park is the lively but laid-back atmosphere to enjoy the crisp autumn air and golden leaves, all within walking distance of Harajuku and Shibuya’s vibrant streets. The ginkgo trees near the Harajuku Gate, zelkova trees in the central area, and Japanese maple trees surrounding the fountain pond are popular spots for enjoying the autumn foliage.
A recommendation that has nothing to do with autumn leaves: if you’re a dog lover, make sure to pass by the dog park!
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Late November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: A few minutes walk from Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote Line, or Meiji-jingumae station on the Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Lines.
Best Autumn Day Trips from Tokyo
8. Mizumoto Koen: Tokyo’s Serene Waterside Escape in Autumn
If you're craving wide open spaces and quiet waterfront views, Mizumoto Park (水元公園) is your perfect autumn getaway! Located in Katsushika Ward, this hidden gem is actually Tokyo’s largest park! Renowned for its birdlife, the park is particularly beautiful in autumn, when its « metasequoia forest » changes color. I also love how the park’s trees are beautifully mirrored in the still waters in their coat of reds and golds. If you’re looking for a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path day trip out in nature, then Mizumoto Park is the perfect place to go.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: Stop at Kanamachi station on the JR Joban line, then take a bus or walk about 20 minutes to Mizumoto park’s entrance.
9. Jindai-ji: A Temple Retreat and Botanical Wonderland in Fall
A day trip to this lesser-known area of Tokyo is a step back in time: after enjoying the warmth of a soba noodle lunch, you can visit Jindai-ji (深大寺), one of Tokyo’s oldest temples. The paths around the temple and nearby parks, the Jindai Botanical Gardens (神代植物公園) and its Aquatic Gardens, burst into vibrant shades of red and orange. You can lose yourself in the calm of the botanical gardens, where you can admire some of the best autumn foliage I’ve seen in Tokyo, as well as seasonal flowers such as the last blooming winter roses.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku station to Chofu station (about 20 minutes), then bus #34, #56, or #66 towards Jindai-ji.
🎟️ Entrance fee: ¥500 to visit the Jindai Botanical Gardens.
10. Inokashira Park - A Day Trip in Mitaka area for Autumn Wanderers
Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園), located in Mitaka, a quiet suburban area in western Tokyo, offers a delightful blend of art and nature, especially in autumn when the park’s trees come alive with warm hues of gold and red. You can take a stroll around the peaceful lake, framed by fiery maple trees, and stop by the local temple Inokashira Benzaiten (井の頭弁財天 大盛寺). The reason this can be a day trip is that there are plenty of things to do in Mitaka are. After a stroll around the park, you can explore the nearby Ghibli Museum (advance reservation is required) or Inokashira zoo, relax in one of the local cafes, and do some shopping in the vintage and cute shops that line the way from Kichioji station to the park.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: Stop at Kichijoji station on the Chuo Line (15 minutes from Shinjuku station) and walk 5 minutes to the entrance of Inokashira Park.
11. Showa Kinen Park - An Autumn Wonderland for Nature Lovers
Few places near Tokyo capture the spirit of autumn quite like Showa Kinen Park (国営昭和記念公園). With ginkgo-lined paths and maple forests, this extensive park offers the ultimate fall experience for nature lovers. I love this place so much that I have written a dedicated blog article to this day trip, Showa Kinen Park: A Must-Go Day Trip in Autumn From Tokyo, where you can find more information to plan your day there. Note that the fall foliage comes somewhat earlier than in other parts of Tokyo, starting from early to mid-November.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Early-November to Early December
🚇 Access: The JR Chuo Line connects the park to central Tokyo (Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station) while the JR Nambu Line connects the park to Setagaya district in southern Tokyo and also passes by central Tokyo (Shinagawa, Shibuya or Shinjuku station).
🎟️ Entrance fee: ¥450 for adult
12. Mitake: A Mountain Getaway for Autumn Hikes and Ancient Temples
For those who want a taste of adventure, Mitake (御岳山) is the ideal autumn escape. A scenic train and cable car ride take you to this sacred mountain, where vibrant maple trees and panoramic views greet you at every turn. The historic Musashi-Mitake Shrine (武蔵御嶽神社) adds a spiritual touch, while the mountain trails, draped in fall colors, are perfect for hikers of all levels. Read more in my detailed article One Day in Mitake: A Perfect Autumn Escape from Tokyo.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Late October and Late November
🚇 Access: From central Tokyo, it takes about 90 minutes to reach the JR Mitake station, the start of this day trip. From Shinjuku station, take a rapid train on the Chuo Line to reach Ome station. From there, transfer to the Ome Line bound for Okutama until you reach Mitake Station.
13. Lake Okutama: A Scenic Autumn Escape in Tokyo’s Wilderness
Photos by @bonjour.dora
Lake Okutama (奥多摩湖), tucked away even further than Mt Mitake in the mountains of western Tokyo, is a hidden gem for autumn lovers. Surrounded by lush mountains, the lake becomes a picturesque escape during fall, with walking trails and peaceful spots to take in the colors. Whether you're hiking along the shore or relaxing by the water, Lake Okutama in autumn provides the perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Using buses or a car to get around the lake, you can admire the enormous Ogouchi Dam (小河内ダム), cross the lake on the Mugiyama Floating Bridge (麦山浮橋), visit its local shrines, Ogouchi Shrine (小河内神社) or Okutama Onsen Shrine (奥多摩温泉神社).
You could also turn this day trip into a weekend trip to pair it with a day exploring the nearby Mt Mitake, mentioned previously.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-October to mid-November
🚇 Access: From JR Okutama Station, take the #9, #10, #11, #12, or #14 bus towards Okutama Lake (the bus stop depends on what you’d like to visit as the lake is quite big). Another option is to hike all the way from Okutama station to the lake, on the Okutama Mukashi Michi Walking Trail, a 10 km hike that I haven’t done yet but is definitely on my autumn bucket list in Tokyo.
14. Takao-san: An Autumn Hiking Classic Just Outside Tokyo
Located in Hachioji, in Western Tokyo, Takao-san (高尾山) is where Tokyoits go for a quick hiking trip and autumn retreat. Just an hour from central Tokyo, this mountain bursts into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in autumn. In November, during the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival, you can see various performances, such as taiko drumming or traditional dancing, held at the Kiyotake cable car station at the base of the mountain. Hikes of all levels are available, and you can also enjoy a cable car or lift ride part of the way up to the summit of Mt Takao where you can admire sweeping views all the way to Mount Fuji on clear days. Don’t miss the Momiji-dai (Maple Viewing Platform), about 10 minutes walk from the summit.
You can find here the hiking map of Takao-san, which shows the different hiking trails as well as the places to admire autumn foliage.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Early December (autumn foliage will start even sooner at the summit)
🚇 Access: From Shinjuku station, take the Keio line to Takaosan-guchi station. The ride takes about 1 hour.
15. Kawaguchiko: Wonderful Autumn Views of Mount Fuji
Kawaguchiko (河口湖) is an autumn dream come true, where you can admire the iconic snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji framed by the vibrant colors of fall. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, hop on a boat, or simply sit and admire this majestic scene from the shore. Popular places to admire autumn leaves are Oishi Park (大石公園), the Momiji Tunnel (もみじトンネル) and Rusugaiwa (留守ヶ岩). With a short train ride, you can pair your day in Kawaguchiko with a visit to the Arakurayama Sengen Park (新倉山浅間公園) and Chureito Pagoda (新倉山浅間公園 忠霊塔).
As these spots are more popular and easily accessible in a day trip, they tend to be more crowded. Because Mt Fuji Five Lake Area offer plenty of opportunities to admire stunning fall foliage, I would recommend, if you can, to stay a few days in the area and explore other lakes, such as Yamanakako or Saiko, which tends to be less crowded. And if you stay overnight around Kawaguchiko, you can attend the "Momiji Matsuri" festival held every year from the end of October to mid November, with stalls and romantic night illumination from sunset until 10pm.
I’d recommend you can also consult this website, See Mt Fuji, to find out a few days in advance what the visibility will be on the day of your visit.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Early to Late November
🚇 Access: From central Tokyo, you can either take an express bus (about 1 hour and a half when there is no traffic, so if you prefer this option makes sure to take one of the earliest buses) or trains (about two and a half hours) to Kawaguchiko. By train from Shinjuku Station, you can take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station and transfer to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station.
16. Nikko: A Cultural and Natural Wonderland in Autumn
Nikko (日光市) in autumn is nothing short of spectacular. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines centuries-old temples and shrines with breathtaking natural beauty, making it a top destination for autumn lovers. Nikko area is actually divided in two: Nikko city at the bottom of the mountain, where you can visit Toshogu shrine and other temples, and the Oku-Nikko area, including lake Chuzenji, known for its magnificent fall foliage and packed with hiking options.
Accommodations around Nikko tend to become expensive and rare during the autumn season, that’s why many travelers decide to make it a day trip instead. It is feasible, and I have done it myself once, but I would avoid going on a weekend in that case and be there as early as possible, and if you make plans in advance, I would recommend instead to plan a 2-3 days trip to Nikko, because there are so many things to do! You can read my article Nikko Guide: Things to Do, Suggested Itinerary and More, packed with more information on this amazing destination in Tochigi Prefecture, and a dedicated autumn itinerary suggestion.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: From early October in Oku-Nikko and late October/early November in Nikko
🚇 Access: Getting to Nikko from Tokyo takes around 2-2h30 depending on the type of train you decide to take. I recommend taking a train from Asakusa station on the Nikko-Kinugawa line to Tobu-Nikko station on the Tobu line, which takes around 1 hour 50 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on whether you choose a direct limited express train or take two trains. The Tobu line is not covered by the JR Pass, so you'll need to buy a ticket separately even if you have the JR Pass. If you prefer to use your JR Pass to get to Nikko, you can take a shinkansen to Utsunomiya station and catch a local train on the JR Nikko line. To save some money if you are planning to use public transportation in Nikko, I recommend you buy the Nikko All area pass (more details can be found in my Nikko Guide).
17. Karuizawa: An Elegant Mountain Escape Wrapped in Autumn Colors
Karuizawa (軽井沢), located in Nagano Prefecture, is a mountain town known for its upscale resorts and charming vibe in the heart of a lush forest. Located just a quick shinkansen ride from Tokyo, this nature escape is perfect for those seeking crisp mountain air, a change of atmosphere and stunning seasonal colors. Whether you’re cycling along quiet roads lined with fiery maples, exploring the peaceful Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝), or enjoying a break in a cozy café in the town’s elegant Karuizawa Ginzadori street (軽井沢銀座商店会), Karuizawa in autumn offers a refreshing mix of nature and relaxation in a truly enchanting setting. Don’t miss Kumobaike Pond (雲場池), probably the best momijigari spot in Karuizawa, where you can admire the maple leaves and their reflection on the lake’s surface. I’ll soon write a detailed guide on Karuizawa, so make sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be informed when it’s published.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Late September to Early November
🚇 Access: From Tokyo station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa station. The one-way trip takes one hour and ten minutes and costs ¥6,220.
A Few Tips to Enjoy the Autumn Season
1. Check the Autumn Foliage Forecasts
The timing of autumn varies not only by region and elevation, with peak colors appearing at different times, but also shifts each year due to changing weather patterns. The “best time to see autumn colors” mentioned in this article is based on general estimates from previous years. Fortunately, detailed autumn foliage forecasts are available online, allowing you to plan your trip around the most vibrant viewing periods. As introduced above, I recommend these two websites (Kouyou Nabi and Koyo Walkerplus) for autumn leaves forecasting by location. Timing is everything for the best experience, so keep an eye on updates as the season progresses to make the most of your momijigari!
2. Be Ready for the Crowd
Autumn is one of the most popular times to travel in Japan, especially to see the stunning fall foliage. Popular spots can get VERY crowded, particularly during weekends and peak foliage days. To beat the rush, plan to visit more popular spots in the morning or on weekdays if possible. Consider exploring lesser-known areas or going off the beaten path, to destinations like Mizumoto Park, Jindai-ji or Okutama Lake, to enjoy the beauty of autumn in a more peaceful setting.
3. Take your Time and Plan Ahead
Some of the places indicated in this article, like Nikko, Kawaguchiko or Karuizawa, could be explored at a more leisurely pace, as a 2 or 3 days trip. I added them as possible day trips as there is a lot you can see in a day and it can be sometimes difficult to find accommodation at affordable price during the peak of the season. But if you can plan in advance, I would recommend to consider staying longer in those places.
To Conclude
Japan in autumn is truly magical, and going on an autumn leaves hunt around Tokyo is a lot of fun. From the bustling parks of Tokyo to the tranquil retreats like Karuizawa, every spot has its own unique charm. With a little planning, you can really make the most of this breathtaking season.
Of all the locations I've introduced, is there one that particularly caught your eye?
Looking for other seasonal guides? You can check out my Sakura Viewing Guide in Tokyo or browse my Japan blog by season for guides and itineraries suggestions tailored to the time you’ll be exploring Japan.
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