Warm colors, crisp air, and the smell of chestnuts and persimmon⁠—autumn in Tokyo is a delight to the senses. With shrines and gardens in the inner city as well as stunning mountains and lakes on the fringes, you don’t need to go very far to find the best fall foliage spots in Japan. The optimal viewing dates depend on the area, but Tokyo’s autumn leaves can be seen from mid-October to early December. Check out the list below for recommendations.

Map created using Wanderlog, a road trip planner on iOS and Android

Lake Okutama

Lying on the fringes of outer Tokyo, Okutama is among the perfect spots for a fall hike, which culminates in a spectacular view of Lake Okutama. There are two floating bridges located on the lake: Tozura and Mugiyama. These two bridges are located several stops away from the main viewing area, so make sure to check bus schedules beforehand.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-October to mid-November
Also known as: Okutama-ko (奥多摩湖, おくたまこ)
Location: Okutama-shi
Google Maps

Akigawa Valley

For a tranquil escape, Akigawa Valley is unmatched with its breathtaking blend of autumn leaves and crystal-clear waters. You can visit the fall foliage spot as part of a hiking trail which you can cap off with a free footbath or a full soak at Seoto no Yu hotsprings. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: November to early December
Also known as: Akigawa Keikoku (秋川渓谷, あきがわ けいこく)
Location: Akiruno-shi
Google Maps

Fuchu Forest Park

A sizeable park in the quiet suburbs of Tokyo, Fuchu Forest Park has a Japanese garden divided into east and west zones. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for taking a stroll along the pond and gazing at autumn colors. A museum, as well as an art theater, can also be found within the premises of the park.

Recommended viewing dates: November to early December
Also known as: Akigawa Keikoku (秋川渓谷, あきがわ けいこく)
Location: Fuchu
Google Maps

Rinshi-no-Mori Park

Formerly the research site of studies related to forestry, the park is home to massive trees that display an array of toasty colors come fall. Rinshi-no-Mori also has a pond as well as a playground for children.

Recommended viewing dates: early November to early December
Also known as: Rinshi-no-Mori Kōen (林試の森公園, りんし の もり こうえん)
Location: Shinagawa
Google Maps

Hikarigaoka Park

Hikarigaoka Park in autumn, row of ginkgo trees

One of the areas in Tokyo where you can find a “ginkgo road.” While lesser known than the row of ginkgo trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien, Hikarigaoka nevertheless makes a spectacular sight. If you prefer smaller crowds, you might want to visit this spot instead.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Hikarigaoka Kōen (光が丘公園, ひかりがおか こうえん)
Location: Nerima
Google Maps

Mt. Mitake

Mt Mitake Lift to Anzan Sug
Lift to Anzan Sugi. Taken November 2020.

Mt. Mitake is loved for its mossy “Rock Garden,” which is especially beautiful in summer, but come autumn and people flock to see the lovely fall hues. The hiking trails are hardly a challenge, but a cable car is also available for those who want to skip the hike. Follow this guide if you’re looking for an easy day hike. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: early to mid-November
Also known as: Mitake-san (御岳山, みたけさん)
Location: Ome
Google Maps

Showa Kinen Park

Taken November 2019.

A park for all seasons, Showa Kinen’s autumn attraction is its two rows of ginkgo trees that form a tunnel and a carpet of bright yellow leaves.

Recommended viewing dates: early November to early December
Also known as: Showa Memorial Park, Showa Kinen Kōen (昭和記念公園, しょうわ きねん こうえん)
Location: Tachikawa
Google Maps

Hatonosu Valley

Hatonosu Valley Suspension Bridge

Red and golden leaves, a suspension bridge and the sound of Tama River rushing past⁠—Hatonosu Valley is ideal for nature lovers. While in the area, make sure to drop by Gallery Poppo for some quiet time at a quaint cafe with a gorgeous view.

Recommended viewing dates: early to late November
Also known as: Hatonosu Canyon, Hatonosu Keikoku (鳩ノ巣渓谷, はとのす けいこく)
Location: Okutama
Google Maps

Mitake Gorge

Mitake Gorge in autumn

Just a few minutes away from Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line, Mitake Gorge is a beloved fall foliage spot. From the bridge, you can take in the view of autumn colors as well as the Tamagawa River, streaming through the rocks below. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: mid to late November
Also known as Mitake Keikoku (御岳渓谷、みたけ けいこく)
Location: Ome
Google Maps

Koganei Park

Among the biggest parks in Tokyo, Koganei is ideal for sports, barbecues, and picnics. Ginkgo trees thrive in November and a carpet of yellow leaves can be seen during peak season. The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum, where historical Japanese buildings are preserved or replicated, is also located within the park.

Recommended viewing dates: early to late November
Also known as: Koganei Kōen (小金井公園, こがねい こうえん)
Location: Koganei
Google Maps

Mizumoto Park

Mizumoto Park Metasequoia in Autumn

Tokyo’s largest water park comes alive in autumn with warm colors. Aside from being a popular birdwatching spot, Mizumoto Park‘s “Metasequoia Forest” has the most dawn redwoods in Tokyo. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Mizumoto Kōen (水元公園, みずもと こうえん)
Location: Katsushika
Google Maps

Rikugien

Rikugien in autumn

A traditional Japanese garden with elegantly designed ponds and bridges, Rikugien extends its business hours in autumn to showcase autumn leaves lit up at night. The garden is very popular and tends to be crowded even on weekdays. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: 六義園, りくぎえん
Location: Bunkyo
Google Maps

Mount Takao

Mt. Takao in autumn
View from the chair lift. Taken Dec 2021

Mt. Takao is a popular weekend getaway among locals because of its relative proximity to the city center and easy trails. Riding the mountain lift is recommended for an exciting viewing experience. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Takaosan (高尾山, たかおさん)
Location: Hachioji
Google Maps

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens in Autumn

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens is popular for its roses, but its Japanese garden is just as stunning in fall. A bazaar can usually be found within the premises and musical events are hosted every now and then. A quaint, little cafe that serves both a tasty and a hefty slice of carrot cake can also be found within the area.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Kyu-Furukawa Teien (旧古河庭園, きゅう ふるかわ ていえん)
Location: Kita
Google Maps

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens is a green oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle. The park dates back to the Edo period and has two ponds that were formerly used to capture ducks for sport. It also happens to have a duck grave, which is among the interesting things you can find in the park, aside from its beautiful fall foliage.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Hamarikyu Onshi Teien (浜離宮恩賜庭園, はまりきゅうおんしていえん)
Location: Chuo
Google Maps

Akigawa Valley

Akigawa Valley is blessed with several autumn foliage viewing spots, but among the favorites is the view you get when you walk the length of the suspension bridge. The hot spring “Seoto no Yu” is also in the area, where you can enjoy a free foot bath or a good soak for ¥900.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as Akigawa Keikoku (秋川渓谷, あきがわ けいこく)
Location: Akiruno
Google Maps

Inokashira Park

Autumn at Inokashira Park
Photo taken December 2020.

Quite possibly the loveliest park in Tokyo, Inokashira Park has a big pond where people can row boats. Inokashira Park Zoo is also located within the premises, as well as the beloved Ghibli Museum. The park is located in Kichijoji where you can find plenty of cozy restaurants and animal cafes, so it’s easy to plan a full-day itinerary within the area.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to mid-December
Also known as: Inokashira Kōen (井の頭公園, いのかしら こうえん)
Location: Musashino
Google Maps

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

One of, if not the most popular spot in Tokyo where a tunnel and a carpet of ginkgo leaves can be seen. The sight is undeniably arresting, but the place also tends to be crowded, especially on weekends. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, but booking in advance is recommended during peak season.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Jingu Gaien Ichō Namiki (神宮外苑いちょう並木, じんぐがいえんいちょうなみき)
Location: Minato
Google Maps

Jindai Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking to spend a day with fall foliage, a retro town and an onsen dip in the itinerary, this area makes a perfect candidate. For more information, see this post.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Jindai Shokubutsu Kōen (神代植物公園, じんだい しょくぶつ こうえん)
Location: Chofu
Google Maps

Hibiya Park

Autumn at Hibiya Park
Photo taken November 2016

Opened in 1903, Hibiya Park has the 3rd oldest fountain in the city. Its S-shaped pathway is lined with ginkgo trees, but maple leaves can also be found in abundance. The park is close to several shops, cinemas, and malls, including the recently opened Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. It’s among the most accessible fall foliage spots in Tokyo. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Hibiya Kōen (日比谷公園、ひびや こうえん)
Location: Chiyoda
Google Maps

Yasukuni Shrine

As controversial as Yasukuni Shrine is, its autumn beauty is undeniable. The tall ginkgo trees lined neatly in two rows are a striking sight, and you don’t have to go in the shrine to see them. I’d recommend visiting the place and see what the buzz is about for yourself. The shrine is practically harmless; it’s the museum that makes people uncomfortable.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Yasukuni Jinja (靖国神社, やすくに じんじゃ)
Location: Chiyoda
Google Maps

University of Tokyo Hongo Campus

Ginkgo Avenue leading to Yasuda Auditorium, University of Tokyo
Ginkgo Avenue leading to Yasuda Auditorium

The ginkgo leaf is the University of Tokyo’s symbol, so it’s not surprising that the campus has a so-called ginkgo avenue that turns into a stunning yellow come fall. The university also has a small pond where maple leaves can be seen. The Hongo campus also happens to be adjacent to Yayoi campus, where the statue of Hachiko reunited with his master stands.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Tokyo Daigaku Hongo Kyanpasu (とうきょう だいがく ほんごう キャンパス)
Location: Bunkyo
Google Maps

Shiba Park

The best place to see Tokyo Tower and autumn colors. I recommend taking an afternoon stroll in the area followed by dinner at TANGO. The Italian restaurant has an open terrace on the second floor where you can dine while gazing at Tokyo Tower.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Shiba Kōen (芝公園, しば こうえん)
Location: Minato
Google Maps

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

This lovely Art Deco building was the former residence of Prince Asaka, a member of the imperial family. Other than its cultural exhibits and gorgeous interior decor, the art museum also has a Japanese garden with maple trees that turn red and orange in autumn.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Tokyo-to Teien Bijutsukan (東京都庭園美術館, とうきょうとていえんびじゅつかん)
Location: Minato
Google Maps

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Koishikawa Korakuen fall colors

Originally a property of the Mito Tokugawa Clan, Koishikawa Korakuen is both a historic and a scenic spot. The Japanese garden was designed to allude to several well-loved areas in China and Japan. Red spider lilies or higanbana can also be seen in early October. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: 小石川後楽園, こいしかわこうらくえん
Location: Bunkyo
Google Maps

Kinuta Park

Autumn at Kinuta Park

Formerly a golf course, Kinuta Park has vast stretches of manicured lawn. The park is known for its cherry blossoms, but you can also see zelkova, maple, and ginkgo leaves in autumn.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to mid-December
Also known as: Kinuta Kōen (砧公園、きぬたこうえん)
Location: Setagaya
Google Maps

Yoyogi Park

One of the busiest parks in the city, Yoyogi Park has around 1,300 trees that paint the area red, gold, and orange in autumn. Events are usually held all year round.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Yoyogi Kōen (代々木公園, よよぎこうえん)
Location: Shibuya
Google Maps

Tonogayato Garden

Tonogayato Garden fall foliage

It takes about an hour to fully walk the length of Tonogayato Garden, the footpath of which is intelligently designed to follow the slopes of the landscape. As a result, it feels as if people are exploring a variety of small gardens rather than one, big park. Tonogayato has a small bamboo grove, an idyllic pond, and a wooden resting area that frames the lovely fall foliage as if it were a painting.

Recommended viewing dates: late November to early December
Also known as: Tonogayato Teien (殿ヶ谷戸庭園, とのがやとていえん)
Location: Kokubunji
Google Maps

Ueno Park

Ueno Park in Fall
© Pixta

Ueno Park is one of the most accessible and iconic fall foliage spots in Tokyo. Famous for its cultural landmarks, the park comes alive in autumn with warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. Stroll along the spacious paths lined with ginkgo and maple trees, and make sure to visit the Shinobazu Pond for a serene view of the autumn reflections on the water. The park is also home to museums, a zoo, and historic temples, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: Early November to mid-December
Also known as: Ueno Kōen (上野公園, うえのこうえん)
Location: Taito
Google Maps

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen in autumn

A true oasis in the heart of the city, Shinjuku Gyoen offers one of the most breathtaking autumn displays in Tokyo. This expansive park blends French, English, and Japanese garden styles, creating a picturesque setting for fall colors. Wander through the serene pathways under the canopy of ginkgo and maple trees, or take a break by the tranquil ponds, where the reflection of vibrant foliage doubles the beauty. Shinjuku Gyoen is also less crowded than some other popular parks, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful autumn retreat. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: mid-November to early December
Also known as: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑, しんじゅくぎょえん)
Location: Shinjuku
Google Maps

Meguro River

Meguro River in Autumn

While the Meguro River is best known for its cherry blossoms, it transforms into a hidden autumn gem as the leaves of the trees lining the river turn vibrant shades of red and yellow. Strolling along the river in autumn offers a peaceful and scenic escape from the bustling city, with reflections of the colorful foliage creating a striking contrast against the water. This spot is perfect for an afternoon walk, followed by a cozy café visit at one of the many trendy spots along the riverbank. Read more.

Recommended viewing dates: Late November to early December
Also known as: Meguro-gawa (目黒川, めぐろがわ)
Location: Meguro
Google Maps

Similar Posts