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 in Tokyo, and do you know where to see autumn leaves in Tokyo? Here is our comprehensive guide to Tokyo fall foliage 2026.
Table of Contents
1. Autumn Leaves Tokyo Forecast 2026
2. Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Tokyo 2026
3. Less-crowded Spots to View Tokyo Autumn Foliage 2026
4. Tokyo Autumn Illumination 2026 to Enjoy Maple Leaves After Dark
5. Ginkgo Trees Viewing Spots to Witness More Tokyo Autumn Colors 2026
6. More Things to Do During Your Autumn Japan 2026 Tokyo Trip
1. Tokyo Autumn Leaves Forecast 2026
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 the Japan Meteorological Corporation, that predict the best time for autumn colours in Japan. Generally, every year from late September when Hokkaido red leaves 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.
When does autumn start in Tokyo? As it is located in the Kanto region, late October to the end of November is the best time to see the autumn foliage in Tokyo 2026. To keep up with more latest predictions, just check out the Japan autumn foliage 2026 forecast!
Enjoy the Tokyo autumn 2026 by embarking on the following Japan tours, and explore more in other parts of Japan after the Tokyo itinerary, as there are so many interesting things to do in Japan in November.
14 Days Tokyo - Nikko - Mt. Fuji - Hakone - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Nara - Osaka Tour
14 days | From $ 7355
11 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Hakone - Aomori - Morioka - Sendai Tour
11 days | From $ 6692
10 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Hakone - Nagoya - Nakasendo - Kyoto - Osaka Tour
10 days | From $ 6250
7 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Tour
7 days | From $ 3450
2. Where to See Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2026
There are so many places to see autumn leaves in Japan 2026. If you want to admire the most beautiful autumn colors in Japan when embarking on a fall foliage tour, 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 fall in Tokyo 2026, just go to the following places during the best time to see autumn colors.
Meiji Jingu Gaien: Stroll around the Ginkgo Avenue during the Tokyo Autumn Leaves Season
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 2026, 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. Don't miss it when you travel to Japan in November, as it is also one of the things to visit in Tokyo during this period.
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
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: Autumn Colours Tokyo Can Be Seen Everywhere in This Representative Garden
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 one of Tokyo best autumn spots. Especially the west side of the garden, near the Suiko-no-E(水香江), has the most attractive maple leaves. As one of the best gardens in Tokyo for autumn, the Rikugien Garden Autumn Illumination 2026 will definitely give you a fantastic view at night.
Mount Takao: Best Spot to Admire the Best Autumn Leaves near Tokyo Downtown
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.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A Popular Maple Viewing Spot in Shinjuku
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
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 to view Tokyo foliage 2026 in autumn. Compared with the Sakura season, Asukayama Park autumn has a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere, 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
Located halfway between Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Okutama is a man-made lake with a circumference of about 45 kilometers. During the fall season in Tokyo, 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.
In addition, if you want to enjoy Japan autumn 2026 in more Tokyo parks, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Hibiya Park, Ueno Park, and Inokashira Park are also good viewing spots.
If your time permits, I highly recommend you head to Nikko to enjoy the Nikko autumn colors in the enchanting natural scenery, as Nikko is a day trip from Tokyo, which takes only about 2 hours. Check out How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo for related reading.
Also, we found that some of you are curious about how far is Tokyo to Fukuoka or to Hakone. Check out How to Get from Tokyo to Fukuoka or How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo for more details.
3. Best Spots to View Tokyo Autumn Foliage 2026 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 quietly admire the spectacular scenery of fall in Tokyo.
Shiba Park
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
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 during the autumn Japan 2026 dates?
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
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 Tokyo fall leaves. 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
There are about 1,800 cedar trees in the park, making it the largest forest in Mizumoto Park. In Tokyo fall 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.
Todoroki Ravine
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 Tokyo fall leaves 2026, standing on the lookout platform, you can have a panoramic view of the valley dyed red.
Akigawa Valley
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 autumn season in Japan, it is colored red with 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 Tokyo in autumn.
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 season in Tokyo 2026 without too many crowds.
4. Autumn Illumination Tokyo 2026 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 the fall in Japan? So, where can you see the autumn leaves illumination in Tokyo? Let's take a look now.
Rikugien Garden
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.
Mejiro Garden Tokyo
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 beautiful 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!
Showa Kinen Park
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.
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 during autumn in Japan 2026, why not go to a park in Tokyo to enjoy the Tokyo autumn illumination at night?
5. Where to See Ginkgo Trees in Tokyo: Enjoy More Japan Fall Colors 2026
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 trees in Tokyo scattered all over the streets is also a stunning sight that cannot be missed during autumn in Tokyo if you hope to witness more fall colors in Tokyo. But what are the best secret spots to see autumn ginkgo trees in Tokyo? Here are 3 recommended spots to enjoy the Tokyo ginkgo during the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo 2026.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
When it comes to viewing the ginkgo trees in Japan, Mido-suji during the Osaka autumn festival and Meiji Jingu Shrine during the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival 2026 dates 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 in Tokyo is when the leaves are yellow, and the view intertwined with the golden ginkgos is as if you have traveled to a Japanese drama, which is really quite spectacular.
Hongo Campus, the University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo features rustic architecture and European-style buildings. The ginkgo avenue in Tokyo autumn 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 University of Tokyo 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
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 trees in the Tokyo Autumn Festival 2026.
6. More Things to Do in Tokyo in Fall 2026
There are so many best things to see and do in Japan all year round. In addition to viewing the stunning autumn foliage, here are some more suggestions for things to do during your trip to Tokyo in Japan fall season 2026:
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 2026.
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 stunning colors of autumn in Tokyo.
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 Tokyo autumn 2026 dates. It takes just 2 hours 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 your expectations for the fall Tokyo 2026, and we will craft an amazing itinerary tailored to your wishes!
What We'd Like to Say
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 leaf 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 2026 guide, and join us to create your private trip to enjoy Tokyo autumn 2026.