Six Places in Tokyo to Enjoy the Autumn Colours

Few countries offer an array of colour in autumn like Japan does. As the weather cools and the trees begin transforming into oceans of red, orange and yellow foliage, spending time partaking in autumn leaf hunting, known as momijigari in Japanese, becomes popular across the country.
But while many might think the best of autumn lies beyond the borders of the big cities, Tokyo is also home to a number of incredibly beautiful spots, all bursting with colour and waiting to be explored.

Sporting crystal-clear rivers that wind their way through rolling hills, it’s almost hard to believe that the serene Akigawa Valley is a part of Tokyo.
While a picturesque location year-round, Akigawa Valley’s true beauty lies in its autumn scenes, particularly those from the Ishibune-bashi Bridge. From this spot, visitors find themselves surrounded by a forest of colours sprawling right out into the distant mountains, while the Minami-akigawa River passes right beneath your feet.

The Ishibune-bashi Bridge of the Akigawa Valley offers a truly breathtaking viewpoint for the autumn colours of Japan. © Tokyo Convention＆Visitors Bureau

With rental equipment available, visitors can also enjoy a spot of fishing or make use of the area’s barbeques and campgrounds to get the most out of time spent in this incredible location.
Address: 1420 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173

Akigawa Valley

Tokyo Akiruno

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Within walking distance of the Imperial Palace and Ginza, Hibiya Park is one of Tokyo’s more central locations and is rich in both history and autumn beauty.
Originally the grounds of a feudal lord’s palace during the Edo period, then a military parade area during the Meiji era, Hibiya Park was converted into a western-inspired public park as of 1903 and today offers visitors a vast 16 hectares of nature and waterscapes.

A pocket of nature in the centre of the city, Hibiya Park’s colours offer a brilliant contrast against the surrounding buildings. © Tokyo Convention＆Visitors Bureau

With plenty of spots to sit down and breathe in the colours of autumn reflected in the numerous fountains and ponds, Hibiya Park lends itself as the perfect place for a quiet picnic in one of Tokyo’s most pristine pockets of nature.
Address: 1 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0012

Hibiya Park

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Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Hibiyakouen 1-6

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Situated in Tokyo’s west, Inokashira Park is a serene location with plenty to see and do, allowing visitors to enjoy the hues of autumn in a variety of ways.
Centred around the 1.5 kilometre Inokashira Pond, where visitors can hire either a row boat or giant swan and paddle out for a unique view of the surrounding trees, Inokashira Park is an area perfect for both recreation and relaxation.

The Benzaiten Shrine atop Inokashira Pond adds a traditional element to the surrounding nature. © Tokyo Convention＆Visitors Bureau

The area surrounding the pond offers plenty of space for a picnic beneath the coloured leaves, while also providing a front row seat to the musicians and street performers who can often be seen on weekends.
Adding a traditional element of beauty to the landscape is the Benzaiten Shrine, which sits atop a small island on the pond. This shrine, believed to be inhabited by a jealous goddess, creates an ornate centrepiece amongst the backdrop of autumn leaves.
Address: 1 Chome -18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005

Inokashira Park

Tokyo Musashinoshi Gotenyama 1-18-31

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A location famous around the world due to its Instagram-worthy nature, the Jingu Gaien Gingko Avenue is possibly the most stunning display of gingko trees throughout all of Japan.
With gingko trees lining both sides of the avenue, which leads up to the Meiji Jingu Memorial Museum, autumn sees the area turned into a stunning column of yellow both overhead and underfoot as the leaves begin to fall.

The symmetry and vibrance of Jingu Gaien Gingko Avenue creates a scene like few others in Japan. Photo by Tom Tor on Unsplash

It is here that around mid-November to early December the Jingu Gaien Gingko Festival also takes place. During the festival, the avenue is closed to traffic and a number of street food vendors come together to offer a variety of traditional dishes from across Japan.
Please note: specific dates for the festival are yet to be announced.
Address: 1 Chome -7 Kita-aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061

Meiji Jingu Gaien

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku

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Tucked away amongst the residential streets of Ogikubo in Tokyo’s west, Otaguro Park is a quaint yet picturesque location that during autumn, offers up some truly unique and colourful scenes.
Once the estate of the late music critic Motoo Otaguro, today the park is centred around a koi-filled pond, complete with a pavilion that creates the perfect viewpoint from which to take in the surrounding landscape from atop the water.
Amplifying the already impressive scenery, from late November to early December, the park is illuminated at night, creating a mirror like reflection of the colourful foliage across the surface of the lake.

The night time illumination of Otaguro Park creates an array of colours impossible during the day time

Please note: the illumination typically takes place for one week, but specific dates are yet to be announced.
Address: 3 Chome-33-12 Ogikubo, Suginami City, Tokyo 167-0051

Otaguro Park

Tokyo Suginami-ku Ogikubo 3-33-12

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A sprawling oasis of leisurely walking paths, ponds and lush nature, the 300-year-old Rikugien Gardens are specifically designed as a place to stroll through the landscape, creating a relaxing and ever-changing experience perfect for viewing the colours of autumn.

Paths and bridges winding through Rikugien Gardens allow for a variety of incredible autumn views. © Tokyo Convention＆Visitors Bureau

Several traditional tea houses located throughout the park are also open to the public, offering the chance to stop and soak in the scenery with a cup of tea. While during November, much of the gardens are lit up in an impressive display, accentuating the reds and oranges of the maple trees throughout. Just be prepared for larger crowds during these illuminations.
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021

Rikugien Gardens

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Tokyo Bunkyou-ku Honkomagome 6

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