Tokyo is a vibrant city with endless possibilities, especially during the beautiful fall season when the weather is cooler and the foliage turns stunning shades of red and gold. When is autumn leaves in Tokyo and do you know where to see fall foliage in Tokyo? Here is our comprehensive guide to autumn foliage in Tokyo 2024.
Table of Contents
1. Autumn Leaves Tokyo Forecast 2024
2. Best Places in Tokyo to See Autumn Leaves 2024
3. Less-crowded Spots to View 2024 Fall Foliage in Tokyo
4. Autumn Illumination Tokyo 2024 to Enjoy Maple Leaves After Dark
5. Ginkgo Trees Viewing Spots to Witness More Autumn Colors in Tokyo
6. Experience More During Your 2024 Tokyo Fall Foliage Trip
1. Tokyo Autumn Leaves Forecast 2024
The Sakura in spring and maple leaves in autumn are beautiful sights not to be missed every year in Japan. There are special organizations such as Japan Meteorological Corporation that predict the best time for autumn colours in Japan. Generally, every year from late September when Hokkaido's maple season begins, until the end of the autumn leaves festival in Kyushu in December, Japan's fall foliage season extends for three months. However, the time when the maple leaves turn red varies depending on the region and the actual weather.
For Tokyo, which is in the Kanto region, late October to the end of November is the best time to see the Tokyo fall foliage, according to the Tokyo autumn leaves forecast 2023. To keep up with more Japan autumn foliage forecast, check out the autumn leaves calendar Japan 2024!
2. Where to View Autumn Leaves in Tokyo 2024
There are so many places to see autumn leaves in Japan. If you want to admire the most beautiful fall foliage in Japan, you don't have to go deep into the mountains, as there are many maple-viewing spots hidden in the bustling Tokyo metropolitan area. To enjoy the autumn foliage season in Tokyo, just go to the following places during the best time to see fall colors.
Meiji Jingu Gaien: Stroll around the Ginkgo Avenue during Tokyo Autumn Leaves Season
Best time to visit Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue: Mid-November to early December
The Meiji Jingu Gaien, known as the "Avenue of Ginkgoes," is one of Tokyo's most iconic sights to enjoy the autumn leaves in Tokyo. Take a short walk to the northeast of Gaienmae Station and turn left to see the dazzling golden world. There are 146 ginkgo trees lining the 300-meter-long road of Meiji Jingu Gaien, which is also known as the "Golden Avenue". During the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival, if you have enough time, you can rent a bicycle and ride slowly down Ginkgo Avenue, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility in the metropolis of Tokyo.
Address: 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0013, Japan
Access: A 10-minute walk from JR "Shinanocho" Station, a 10-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line "National Arena" Station, a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Gaienmae" or "Aoyama-1chome" Stations
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3401-0312
Yoyogi Park: Enjoy both Ginkgo and Maple Leaves in a Beautiful Mix of Orange, Red and Yellow Colors
Best time to admire the Yoyogi Park autumn leaves: Late November to early December
The Yoyogi Park is planted with six types of broadleaf trees, including zelkova, ginkgo, and maple trees. In the Yoyogi Park autumn, more than 1,300 trees turn red in order, making the park one of Tokyo's most classic fall foliage viewing spots where you can enjoy strolling through the park. The park is well-equipped with plazas and fountains, and there are many benches for visitors to sit down and enjoy the beauty of Yoyogi Park in autumn. To the right of the park's Harajuku Gate is a row of golden yellow ginkgo trees, while to the west of the fountain are reddish maple trees, making for a stunning contrast of fall colors in Tokyo.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Access: 3 minutes walk from Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line, 3 minutes walk from Yoyogi Park Station on Tokyo Metro.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3469-6081
Rikugien Gardens: Tokyo Autumn Colors Can Be Seen Everywhere in This Representative Garden
Best time to view Tokyo fall leaves at Rikugien Garden: Late November to early December
Rikugien Gardens is a representative daimyo garden of the Edo period in Tokyo. During the Rikugien Garden autumn, the garden is colored with not only Japanese maples, but also wild maples and ginkgoes, and there are also rockeries and ponds in the garden, making it a great place to view fall foliage in Tokyo. Especially the west side of the garden, near the Suiko-no-E(水香江), has the most attractive maple leaves. At night, the Rikugien Garden autumn illumination gives you a fantastic view.
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
Hours: Closes 5 PM
Phone: +81 3-3941-2222
Mount Takao: Best Spot to Admire the Best Autumn Leaves near Tokyo Downtown
Viewing time to enjoy Mount Takao autumn leaves festival: Early to late November
It goes without saying that Mount Takao is synonymous with autumn foliage viewing in Tokyo. There are many more spots to view the Mount Takao autumn leaves, with the top of the mountain being the most colorful. The temperature difference between day and night at the top of Mt. Takao is large, providing a bright environment for Japanese maple trees there. If the air is fresh, you can look out over the snow-covered mountains in the distance. By the way, it is also worth seeing the Red Leaf Terrace from the top of the mountain to the side of Mount Jinba. It is a great choice to enjoy autumn leaves near Tokyo as it takes only about an hour or so by train from downtown Tokyo to reach Mt. Takao. It is also a good place for Tokyoites to go for a hike during the best time to see maple leaves in Tokyo.
Address: Near Takaozan Station, Hachioji, Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A Popular Maple Viewing Spot in Shinjuku
Best time to enjoy Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden autumn: Early November to early December
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden contains three gardens with very different styles and a large greenhouse. The gardens are colored red with Japanese maple leaves in autumn, and the area around the large ginkgoes at the entrance to Shinjuku Gate in particular is an excellent spot for photography. There are large ginkgoes under the maple leaves, so you can enjoy the stunning red and yellow maple leaves. The flaming red of the maple trees and the golden yellow of the ginkgo trees are intertwined with each other, showing the incredible autumn colors in Tokyo.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station, Shinjuku 3-chome Station on the Tokyo Metro, or Sendagaya Station on the JR Chuo Line
Hours: Closes 5:30 PM
Phone: +81 3-3350-0151
Asukayama Park: Admire Tokyo Autumn Leaves in a More Relaxed and Quiet Atmosphere
Best time to appreciate the Tokyo red leaves at Asukayama Park: Late October to mid-November
In addition to being one of the best spots to enjoy the charming Tokyo cherry blossoms in spring, Asukayama Park is also a popular spot for Tokyo foliage viewing in autumn. Compared with the Sakura season, Asukayama Park has a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere during the autumn leaves season, so you can enjoy the beauty of the red leaves in peace.
Address: 1 Chome-1-3 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0002, Japan
Access: Take the Toden Arakawa Line, get off at "Asukayama" station and walk for about 2 minutes
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3908-9275
Lake Okutama: A Picturesque Spot to Admire the Tokyo Red Leaves in Autumn
Best time to enjoy Lake Okutama autumn: Early to late November
Located halfway between Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Okutama is a man-made lake with a circumference of about 45 kilometers. During the Tokyo autumn foliage season, a walk along the shore of the lake provides a picturesque view of the red leaves reflected in the lake from afar, and the pontoon bridge over the lake is also a sight to behold, making it a perfect place to visit on a clear autumn day.
Access: Take the Nishitokyo Bus from JR Aomi Line Otama Station for about 15 minutes and get off at Lake Otama.
In addition, if you want to enjoy more Japan autumn colors in Tokyo's parks, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Hibiya Park, Ueno Park, and Inokashira Park are also good viewing spots.
3. Best Spots to View 2024 Tokyo Autumn Foliage without Crowds
If you are looking for the best place to see autumn leaves in Tokyo, you are suggested to head to those viewing spots without crowds where you can admire the spectacular scenery of fall leaves Tokyo quietly.
Shiba Park
Best time to enjoy red leaves Tokyo at Shiba Park: Late-November to Early December
Shiba Park is one of the oldest parks in Japan. In 1873, along with Ueno Park, Asakusa, Fukagawa Park, and Asukayama Park, it was designated as one of the first parks in Japan by order of the Taishōgō, setting a precedent for the construction of subsequent parks. Initially, it was an expansive park that included the Zenko-ji Temple precincts, but due to the separation of church and state after the war, some of the precincts were excluded, thus making it a ring-shaped park. As its name suggests, Shiba Park has many Japanese maple trees planted alongside the gurgling stream, and during the Tokyo autumn leaves festival, the flowing water is beautifully reflected in the red leaves.
Address: 4 Chome-10-17 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Access: 12-minute walk from Hamamatsucho on the JR Yamanote Line; 2-minute walk from Akabanebashi on the Toei Oedo Subway Line.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3431-4359
Kyu Asakura House
Best time to enjoy fall foliage Tokyo at Kyu Asakura House: Mid-November to End of November
The Kyu Asakura House is a Japanese garden built in the 8th year of the Taisho period and is an important historical and cultural property in Japan. In addition to enjoying the year-round scenery and the old buildings that are characteristic of the Taisho period, you can participate in the Maple Leaf Tea Ceremony, which is held every year. What is it like to enjoy a tea party with many foreign travelers under the Japanese maple trees tinted with autumnal red color at the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo?
Address: 29-20 Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Access: 5-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Hours: Closes 6 PM
Phone: +81 3-3476-1021
Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park
Best time to enjoy autumn foliage Tokyo at Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park: Mid-November to Early December
The terrain in the park is undulating, the woods are dense, and the spring water accumulates into a stream and flows into the pool, contrasting with the bright fall leaves in Tokyo. This was once a royal pool. The park is located in the port area and is surrounded by many foreign embassies, so you can see foreigners from different countries everywhere in the park, giving it a strong international atmosphere.
Address: 5 Chome-7-29 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
Access: Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Hiroo Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3441-9642
Mizumoto Park
Best time to see the fall leaves Tokyo at Mizumoto Park: the end of November to the beginning of December
There are about 1,800 cedar trees in the park, making it the largest forest in Mizumoto Park. In Tokyo autumn leaves season, the green cedar trees turn brownish-red, and especially during the late fall foliage season, you can catch a glimpse of the dreamlike light in Mizumoto Park. It is said to be a stunning Tokyo foliage spot known to the locals.
Address: 3-2 Mizumotokoen, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0034, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3607-8321
Todoroki Ravine
Best time to enjoy Tokyo autumn colors at Todoroki Ravine: Mid-November to Early December
This creek is the only river in Tokyo's 23 wards and is located in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, just a 5-minute drive from the train station. There are many sights to see along this 1-kilometer-long stretch, such as the Japanese garden, which is located on the slopes of the Todoroki Ravine. When it is the best time to see fall colors in Tokyo, standing on the lookout platform, you can have a panoramic view of the valley dyed red.
Address: 1 Chome-22 Todoroki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0091, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3704-4972
Akigawa Valley
Best time to admire Tokyo fall colors at Akigawa Valley: Early November to Early December
Akigawa Valley is located in Akino City, Tokyo, and it takes just over an hour by car from Shinjuku to the nearest station, Musashi-Gokkaichi. During the Tokyo fall foliage festival, it is colored red with Japanese maple leaves. The maple leaves seen from the left and right of the river vary from red to yellow and seem to be gradient. In addition to being the perfect place to enjoy the autumn leaves around Tokyo in a quiet and peaceful way, many Japanese people come here especially on holidays for barbecuing, fishing, and even camping, making it a great place to visit Japan autumn Tokyo.
Address: 1420 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 42-558-111
Now I'm sure you will have your answer to where to see autumn leaves in Tokyo. Just pick your favorite foliage viewing spot to enjoy the autumn in Tokyo Japan without too many crowds.
4. Tokyo Autumn Illumination 2024 to Enjoy Light-up Fall Foliage
Many people know that nighttime cherry blossoms are infinitely beautiful, but did you know that viewing maple leaves at night is also a popular experience during Japan's fall foliage season? So where can you see the autumn leaves illumination in Tokyo? Let's take a look now.
Rikugien Garden
Best time to enjoy Rikugien Garden Tokyo autumn: Late November - Early December
Rikugien Garden autumn illumination time: 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Rokugien Garden is a 7-minute walk from JR Komagome Station and is said to be one of the two gardens in Edo. It is a year-round attraction that attracts visitors as a healing oasis in the middle of the city. In November and December, Rokugien Garden is illuminated at night, and the red leaves illuminated by the green and white light create a unique view in the darkness. The ancient courtyard is paired with modern lighting. The image of maple leaves reflected in the water is deeply impressed. The Rikugien Garden illumination is on until 21:00 at night.
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3941-2222
Mejiro Garden
Best time to view the Tokyo maple leaves at Mejiro Garden: Late November - Early December
Mejiro Garden autumn night light-up time: 5 pm to 9 pm
This garden is also located in Tokyo. The stone pagoda and the trees and grasses are reflected in the water, and the beauty of the Japanese garden is mysterious and serene at night. It's hard to believe that you can find such beauty of fall foliage in Tokyo. The lights here are of different colors, and the colorful illumination makes it very special and gorgeous to enjoy the best autumn leaves in Tokyo!
Address: 3 Chome-20-18 Mejiro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0031, Japan
Phone: +81 3-5996-4810
Showa Kinen Park
Best time to visit autumn foliage Tokyo at Showa Kinen Park: Early November - the End of November
Showa Kinen Park autumn illumination time: 16:30 – 21:00
Showa Memorial Park is one of the best parks in Tokyo for autumn leaves, featuring brightly colored maple leaves and ginkgo leaves. It is often illuminated in the evenings for a few weeks in November as part of the "Special Autumn Illumination of Tokyo Foliage". Showa Kinen Park is very large, and there are two main locations for illumination: the Japanese Garden and the Ginkgo Tree Path. The Japanese Garden is a "garden within a garden" on the north side of the park, with a separate wall and a small gate. The line at the gate usually starts before the lights go on, so if you want to get the best shot of the autumn leaves festival Tokyo, you'd better arrive early and walk quickly after the gate opens.
Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0014, Japan
Phone: +81 42-528-1751
In Japan, viewing red leaves at night in autumn is as famous as viewing cherry blossoms at night in spring. If you want to have a different experience of viewing fall leaves in Tokyo, why not go to a park in Tokyo for autumn leaves to enjoy the Tokyo autumn illumination at night?
5. Best Viewing Spots for Ginkgo Tree Tokyo: Enjoy more Autumn Colors
In contrast to Kyoto's autumn foliage which is represented by temples and dry landscape gardens, Tokyo autumn foliage is concentrated in famous gardens and civic parks. In addition to the Japanese red maple, the golden ginkgo tree in Tokyo scattered all over the streets is also stunning scenery that cannot be missed during autumn in Tokyo if you hope to witness more fall colors in Tokyo. Here are 3 recommended spots to enjoy the Tokyo ginkgo during the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo 2024.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Venune
Best time to view Tokyo ginkgo at Meiji Jingu Gaien: Late November to Early December
When it comes to viewing the ginkgo trees Japan, Mido-suji during the Osaka autumn festival and Meiji Jingu Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival must be mentioned. 146 ginkgo trees are planted in four rows along the 300-meter ginkgo avenue in the Meiji Jingu Gaien, which is one of the most famous ginkgo avenues in Tokyo, and the street is colored yellow with ginkgo leaves, giving it an autumnal feeling of desolation. At the end of this Tokyo ginkgo avenue, you can see the building of Meiji Memorial Museum, which looks like an exquisite oil painting. The best time to see this Ginkgo Avenue Tokyo is when the leaves are yellow, and the view intertwined with the golden ginkgoes is as if you have traveled to a Japanese drama, which is really quite spectacular.
Address: 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0013, Japan
Hongo Campus, the University of Tokyo
Best time to see ginkgo biloba avenue Tokyo at the University of Tokyo: Late November to Early December
The University of Tokyo features rustic architecture and European-style buildings. The ginkgo avenue in Tokyo autumn leaves season makes this ancient and serious campus a little more romantic. From late November to early December every year, the avenues of the campus are covered with ginkgo biloba leaves that drift in the wind, and the golden color of the avenues is beautiful and poetic. There is also a huge century-old ginkgo tree on the Hongo Campus, and when the Tokyo ginkgo season arrives, the tree is full of yellow colors, making the Tokyo University autumn leaves fantastic.
Address: 7 Chome-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
Access: Take the Namboku Subway Line, get off at "Todai-mae Station" and walk for 1 minute.
Hikarigaoka Park
Best time to see Tokyo Ginkgo Avenue at Hikarigaoka Park: Early to Mid-November
Kougaoka Park is located in Nerima District, Tokyo. You can take the Toei Subway Oedo Line to "Kougaoka" station. As soon as you exit the station, you will see a beautiful ginkgo avenue. And you can arrive at Hikarigaoka Park by slowly strolling along the avenue. The dense trees and the yellow ginkgo trees contrast with each other, forming the incredible autumn colors in Tokyo. There is also an even more spectacular ginkgo avenue in the park, and the ginkgo carpet in late fall is very romantic. If you want to avoid the crowds and find a spot where you can enjoy the ginkgoes in peace and quiet during the Tokyo autumn foliage season, Hikarigaoka Park is highly recommended!
Address: 4 Chome-1-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0072, Japan
Access: Approx. 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line.
In addition to these three must-see ginkgo spots in Tokyo recommended above, Showa Kinen Park, Ueno Park, and Yoyogi Park are also great places to enjoy ginkgo biloba in Tokyo autumn 2024.
6. More Things to Do During a 2024 Tokyo Autumn Leaves Trip
In addition to viewing the stunning autumn foliage, here are some more suggestions for things to do during your trip to Tokyo in the fall 2024:
●Visit Temples and Shrines
Explore Tokyo's cultural heritage by visiting temples and shrines like Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and Zōjō-ji Temple. The Tokyo maple leaves atmosphere adds an extra layer of tranquility to these historical sites.
●Explore Tsukiji Market
Indulge in delicious seasonal foods at Tsukiji Outer Market. Sample fresh seafood, street snacks, and seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts and sweet potato treats.
●Relax in an Onsen (Hot Spring)
Unwind and rejuvenate your body in one of the best Onsens in Tokyo. There's nothing quite like soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by the Japanese red maple.
●Attend a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Experience the tranquility of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which can be particularly soothing during the comfortable weather of autumn in Tokyo.
●Experience Shinjuku's Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku. From karaoke bars to izakayas (Japanese pubs), there's something for everyone. Don't forget to check out the illuminated streets and skyscrapers of Shinjuku at night.
●Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street
Take a stroll through the bustling streets of Harajuku, known for its vibrant fashion scene and quirky shops. Don't miss Takeshita Street for unique shopping and street food.
●Visit the Tokyo Skytree
Get a bird's-eye view of the city from the observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree. The panoramic views are especially breathtaking when surrounded by the colors of autumn in Tokyo Japan.
●Explore Akihabara
Dive into the electric town of Akihabara, known for its vibrant anime and gaming culture. Explore the numerous electronics shops, manga cafes, and themed restaurants.
●Enjoy a Cruise
Take a relaxing cruise along the Sumida River or Tokyo Bay to enjoy the city's skyline and fall colors from a different perspective.
●Attend a Festival
Fall is the festival season in Japan. Look out for events like the Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival, the Setagaya Hachimangu Autumn Festival, or the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony. These festivals offer a glimpse into Japanese traditions and culture.
●Visit Tokyo Disney Resort
Experience the magic of Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, which are equally enchanting during the fall season with special decorations and events.
●Explore Art and Culture
Visit museums and galleries to appreciate Japan's rich artistic heritage. Places like the Tokyo National Museum, Mori Art Museum, and teamLab Borderless offer captivating exhibitions year-round.
●Enjoy a Day Trip to Mt Fuji from Tokyo
Mount Fuji is a very popular attraction all year round as there are too many things awaiting tourists' exploration. It is highly recommended to take a day trip to Fuji from Tokyo to enjoy the Fuji Kawaguchiko autumn leaves festival during the fall foliage season. It takes just 2 hours around to travel from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko.
●Attend a Sumo Tournament
If you're lucky enough to visit during a sumo tournament season (usually held in September, November, and January), watching a sumo match in person in Tokyo is a must-see cultural and thrilling experience.
Visiting Tokyo in the fall is a fantastic idea, and Tokyo often hosts various cultural celebrations and exhibitions that can add extra excitement to your trip! Tell us what you expect to experience during your 2024 Tokyo autumn trip!
Conclusion
Every year from the end of October to the beginning of December, Tokyo ushers in the glamorous fall foliage season, when the streets and alleys of Tokyo are filled with strong autumn colors, and walking along the maple leaves avenues is like stepping into a colorful fairy tale world. If you're planning a trip to Tokyo this fall, you won't want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the stunning autumn leaves. Follow this Tokyo Fall Foliage Viewing Guide, and join us to arrange your private 2024 Tokyo autumn tour itinerary now.