Tokyo has never stopped to give a lasting impression to those who want to see something new and exciting. Japan has four seasons and along with the passing of the seasons, come many spectacular events and festivals that gathers millions of tourists from all over the world.
Autumn is a very special season in Japan. This is the time when the foliage changes their colors and paint the surroundings in the colors of red, orange and yellow. This is a beautiful time of the year where people appreciate the beauty that they keep in their hearts until they see it again in the following year.
Make sure not to miss the autumn colors and visit these 10 places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo for a memorable experience.
1. Meiji Jingu Gaien
Meiji Jingu Gaien is a very popular place to view the beautiful colors of autumn. The ginkgo trees that line up the street creates a golden pathway for those who love to take a stroll. This wonderland that only appears during the autumn season is crowded with people. Make sure to bring a camera to take the scenic beauty with you.
Address: 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/
2. Rikugien
Rikugien is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens. Its popularity reaches its peak during autumn. This unique garden was created by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu during the Edo Period. Yoshiyasu is a great lover of poetry and hence he decided to create a garden that is similar to the poems he likes. Today, Rikugien is one of the main attractions of Tokyo when the colors of the foliage start changing. At night, the light illumination creates a breathtaking sight that is both picturesque and surreal.
Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/22/index.html
3. Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Shinjuku Gyoen Park is just a short walk away from Shinjuku Station. It is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and a great place to relax and unwind. During spring, the cherry blossoms showcase their beauty and charm to the masses. When autumn comes, the maple trees take center stage. This is one of the reasons why this park is very popular with the people in Tokyo. You get to enjoy seasonal sceneries without going too far from the city.
Address: 11 Naitocho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
4. Koishikawa Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo. Being old doesn’t mean that it’s behind the times. On the contrary, this garden is one of the attractions of the city all year round. Whether it be spring, summer or fall the garden is a favorite hangout place for couples and families who want to spend quality time with each other. It is especially beautiful during autumn when the maple trees cover the park in the shades of red and orange.
Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/
5. Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is very close to Meiji Jingu Shrine. It would be a great idea if you drop by this park after you visit the shrine and take a look at what it has to offer. This is also a gathering place for people from all walks of life who share the same interests. There are a few sports facilities in the park which you can use like the soccer and hockey field. You can spend a very relaxing autumn afternoon looking at the beautiful scenery and watch the people play around in Yoyogi Park.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index039.html
6. Hamarikyu Onshi Park
Hamarikyu Onshi Park is a small oasis surrounded by skyscrapers in Tokyo. Although it may not compare to the other parks when it comes popularity during the autumn season, it still has its own unique charm. Being near Tokyo Bay, the sea water ponds often have birds like ducks swimming in them. There is a tea house in the center of the park on which you can enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the views that can only be found in Hamarikyu.
Address: 1-1 Hamarikyu Teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index028.html
7. Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park is one of those “park for all seasons” in Tokyo. What makes Showa Kinen stand out from the rest of the parks and gardens in Tokyo is its flexibility. There are many flowering plants that bloom all year round and they are a sight to behold. There are various facilities in the park like the “Children’s play area” where the kids can frolic to their heart’s content. During summer, you can take a swim on the “Rainbow Pool” to enjoy yourself. When autumn comes, the ginkgo and maple trees paint the park in the colors of red, yellow and orange.
Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa-ku, Tokyo
Website: http://www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-english/schedule-english/
8. Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is one of the famous mountains in Tokyo. Although it cannot compare to the popularity of Mt. Fuji, Mt. Takao holds a very special place in the heart of the people. It is easily accessible by all forms of transportation, which makes it a natural hub for adventurous people. As you ascend the mountain trail you will appreciate the scenic views, especially during the autumn season. There is an event called the “Autumn Leaves Festival” that is held from November 1 – 30 where you get to enjoy various events and activities (concerts and the likes) in the mountain.
Address: 2205 Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/EV074/
9. Mitake Valley
Mitake Valley is a natural attraction that is greatly appreciated during autumn. While you will have to go a bit far from Tokyo to enjoy the scenery, it will definitely be worth it. In this valley that is away from the hustle and bustle of city life, one can forget his worries and just appreciate the natural beauty that is around them. The surrounding area is hiking trails for those who love to explore and discover new places.
Address: Mitake, Ome, Tokyo
Website: http://www.omekanko.gr.jp/us/us.php
10. Okutama area (Lake Okutama)
The Okutama area has many natural attractions that one can enjoy if they are willing to visit. The beauty that surrounds Lake Okutama is well-known among the locals and tourists alike. This man-made reservoir that is surrounded by mountains is like a beautiful painting when the leaves change its colors during autumn.
Address: Hara, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo
Website: http://www.ome-okutama.com/okutama/en/
Data is as of December 2018
Thumbnail is from Flickr