As the seasons turn, the leaves in many parts of the world change color. Nowhere is this more celebrated in Japan, where autumn leaf viewing occurs every season, often accompanied by festivals. In Tokyo, the center of much of Japanese culture, autumn leaf viewing can be enjoyed all around the city.
Whether you are going to Japan for vacation or for a business trip, taking the time to see the magnificent fiery colors of Japan’s autumn leaves is well worth it.
You can do a lot amazing activities in Tokyo in autumn. Why don’t you start your Tokyo trip by visiting a popular autumn foliage spot?
Here are ten of the autumn leaf spots around Tokyo! And check out the fall foliage forecast in Tokyo this year.
1. Inokashira Park
This century-old park is a small bit of artistic wilderness tucked away in the big city.
Located in the trendy Kichijoji neighbourhood, this park hosts the Ghibli Museum as well as Inokashira Park Zoo and many trails, lakes, and beautiful foliage for every season.
Be sure to visit Benten Shrine, a small shrine surrounded by trees. There are many festivals found here during the nicer part of the year, including the Kichijoji Anime Wonderland in October, when the leaves should be changed to red and gold.
Inokashira Park has no entry fee. It is located a five-minute walk from Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line and even closer from Inokashira-Koen Station on the Keio-Inokashira Line.
2. Showa Memorial Park
This vast park in the western suburbs of Tokyo features many gardens, lawns, groves, and trails for visitors to explore as they relax.
For some great autumn leaf viewing, stop by the ginkgo trees that line the park’s southeast canal and Japanese Garden with its numerous maple trees.
Once you have enjoyed the park’s beautiful outdoor areas, take a look at the Emperor Showa Memorial Museum to learn about the leader the park was built to honor.
There is also a bonsai museum and a large playground for children. You can rent bicycles in the park to get around its large acreage, which you’ll want to see all of!
You can get to the Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Koen) from central Tokyo’s Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station by the JR Chuo Line, a ride of around 40 minutes.
There are many entrances to the park, the most convenient of which is near Nishi-Tachikawa Station. Admission costs 450 yen.
Find some other popular parks in Tokyo city that ablaze with colors in Autumn.
3. Mount Takao
Mount Takao is home to the Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival every year in November. The festival takes advantage of the natural beauty of this wild area.
The festival occurs on weekends, featuring taiko drumming and other performances, as well as plenty of excellent festival food.
The area features many amazing local attractions, including trails, restaurants, and a local winery.
The cheapest and fastest way to get to Mount Takao is via Keio Railways.
Direct trains leave Keio Shinjuku every 20 minutes and arrive right at the foot of the mountain at Takaosanguchi Station. Admission to the park and festival is free.
4. Yoro Valley
Yoro Valley is a vibrant location that offers wonderful sights all year long. You can visit the largest waterfall (Awamata no Taki) in Chiba Prefecture, as well as enjoy many hiking and walking trails.
You can also see Shusse Kannon Temple, originally built in the 12th century, which you will access by crossing the scenic Kannon Bridge.
Near the local train station, you can end your busy day by soaking in a hot spring bath.
You can reach Yoro Valley by train or car. By train, take the Keiyo Line from Tokyo to Soga.
Change trains at Soga to the Uchibo Line and then change to the Kominato Line at Goi Station to reach Yoro-Keikoku Station. By car, take the Aqua Line to Kisarazu.
5. Musashino Park
Musashino Park is a place where life is closely connected to nature. In autumn, the park’s highlight is the grove of 60 maple trees that grow along the Nogawa River.
These trees turn red with the cooling weather. While you stroll along, you can also learn a lot about the natural environment that the park exists to conserve and teach about.
Admission is free. You can reach Musashino Park by bus. Take the Keio Bus from the north exit of Chofu Station to Musashino-Koen bus stop.
6. Nagatoro
The Fall Foliage Festival at Nagotro Town is held in November. The stunning natural scenery offers a wonderful break from busy metropolitan Tokyo.
White river rafting is a major attraction and the Hodosan Ropeway is open for extended hours during the festival, allowing you to get a great view of the autumn colors.
You can also rent a bicycle to enjoy some of the beautiful bike trails. At night, be sure to see the illuminated autumn leaves at Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park.
You can get to Nagatoro by taking a train from central Tokyo to Nagatoro Station a roughly two-hour trip.
7. Otaguro Park
Otaguro Park was once the home of the music critic Motoo Otaguro and was given over to Suginami City in the 1970s to be turned into a park. The park is a wonder.
For those coming for the autumn leaf viewing, the path from the entrance is lined with ginkgo trees that turn gold as the weather changes.
The grounds then open up into a Japanese garden and koi pond as well as Motaguro’s former home, which is now a museum.
From late November to the start of December, the park’s autumn leaves are illuminated nightly. The illumination makes the already incredible gardens into something magical. A “Koto” concert is held shortly after this starts.
Getting to Otaguro Park is possible by train. You can take the Marunouchi Line or JR Chuo Line to Ogikubo Station. From there, Otaguro park is an easy 10-minute walk from the South Exit. Admission is free.
8. Mitake Valley
Mitake Valley offers striking vistas along the Tama River every autumn. This scenic spot is said to be one of most popular autumn leaves viewing spots near Tokyo.
Enjoy walking along the riverbanks and seeing the fiery colored trees in this beautiful wild setting. You can also stop by the Gyokudo Art Museum.
To get to Mitake Valley, take the JR Ome line from Tachikawa stationto Mitake station. This train runs only twice an hour, so be sure to be on time to get the most out of your day.
9. Okutama
Full of picturesque villages, Okutama is an excellent autumn getaway. Enjoy hiking through the brilliantly colored trees or fishing in one of the many rivers in the area.
At Hikawa International Fishing Spot, you can even have the staff fry the fish you catch for you!
If you’d like to explore the waterways, many businesses offer stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, and rafting. Enjoy relaxing by taking a sake brewery tour, complete with sake sampling.
Finish the day (or start it) by taking a dip in one of the many hot spring baths to be found in the area.
You can get to Okutama by taking the JR Chuo Line heading to Nakano from Shinjuku, then switch to the Ome Line at Tachikawa Station, and get off at Okutama Station.
On weekends, the Chuo Line Holiday Rapid Okutama will take you directly from Shinjuku Station to Okutama Station.
10. Mizumoto Park
This huge park can be found at the northeastern edge of Tokyo in Katsushika ward. In autumn, the park’s stars are the 1,800 Metasequoia trees.
These trees turn red every autumn and it is a sight to behold as you stroll along the park’s many trails. An afternoon in this park is a great way to refresh the body and soul.
To get to Mizumoto Park, you can take a train to Kanamachi Station on the JR Joban-sen Line and Chiyoda-sen Line (Tokyo Metro Subway) or Keisei Kanamachi Station on the Keisei-sen Line.
The park is a toughly half-hour walk from these stations, though there are buses from the Kanamachi Station if you prefer not to walk.
