So Long, Neon Lights…Hello Momiji!
Shedding its daytime summer heat and night-time neon flashes for fiery reds and bright yellows, Tokyo completely transforms in the autumn season. You have no idea what you're missing if you haven't seen the autumn foilage in Tokyo. Trust us. Called 'Momiji-gari' in Japanese, autumn leaf viewing has been Japan's national pastime for centuries,and during the autumn season, Tokyo offers a vibrant blend of urban landscapes and serene gardens - nature's masterpieces.
Ginkgo-lined avenues bathed in sunshine, crimson-kissed ponds in gardens, or mountains ablaze with colour- Tokyo has it all! And guess what? We've curated, not just the 5 best places to visit in Tokyo during autumn for you, but we also have a lowdown on some can't miss things to do like fruit-picking, cable cars, and day trips to indulge in while you're there!
Getting Around in Tokyo
First things first. Before you get to any of the gorgeous spots and indulge in autumn activities, you should know how to get in and around Tokyo.
Unleash Tokyo's Wonders with Tokyo Metro
Hop on-board trains arriving every few minutes and seamlessly breeze through Tokyo's iconic sights. Feel the city's pulse and avoid the hassle, arriving quickly and conveniently. Choose from 24-, 48-, or 72-hour unlimited passes covering both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Book your Tokyo Subway Ticket with just a click! You also have the option to get a 24-hour subway pass that allows you access to Tokyo Skytree Observation Tower that's up 450 metres in the sky!
Explore Tokyo with a Tokyu Pass
A convenient discount ticket that offers unlimited access to all Tokyu train lines for one whole day! This is a great option if you're exploring Shibuya, Daikan-yama, Naka-meguro, Jiyugaoka, etc. With this day-pass, you can move around popular spots in the city along the Tokyu Railways network.
Private Chartered One-Day Tour
If you wish to get around in the city in utmost comfort and luxury, and at your own pace, chartering a private, chauffeured car is the best choice. You can customise your itinerary, book for 6-9 people, with an experienced local driver, and explore the region for a whole day.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
The easiest way to witness the full glory of Tokyo's autumn spots and much more, is to get on a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus that gives you unobstructed views of the city, and main spots like Tokyo Tower, Ryogoku Edo-Tokyo Museum, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, etc.
And now, to the best places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo. Without further ado, the 5 must-visit Tokyo attractions in autumn are:
Autumn Views in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Nestled near Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a peaceful haven in the heart of Tokyo's bustling center. Its vast lawns, winding paths, and serene atmosphere make it a popular escape from city life. Every autumn, the park transforms into a vibrant spectacle of blooming reds, oranges, and yellows, making it one of the best gardens in Tokyo for autumn viewing. Originally built as a residence for a feudal lord during the Edo period, it later served as a botanical garden and an imperial retreat. After the devastation during WWII, it was restored and reopened to the public in 1949.
Key Attraction: A French Garden that showcases geometrical landscaping, colourful flower beds, and a central fountain, offering a touch of European grandeur.
Tip: While here, don't miss visiting the Edo-period holy Mount Takao that is just a 50-minute train ride from Shinjuku. Experience the breathtaking beauty with a Keio one-day ticket, that takes on a scenic ride on the Mt. Takao cable car or chair lift.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014 (map)
Contact: +81 3-3350-0151
Timings: Open Wednesday to Monday; Tuesdays closed.
Oct 1 to Mar 14: 9am to 4pm
Mar 15 to Jun 30 & Aug 21 to Sept 30: 9am to 5:30pm
Jul 1 to Aug 20: 9am to 6:30pm
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Built in 1629 by the first Mito lord, Yorifusa Tokugawa, this garden is the oldest surviving example of Edo period daimyo gardens. The garden uses the natural hills and forests to create miniature landscapes reflecting scenic spots from Japan and China. Naturally, when the autumn season rolls around, this makes it one of the best autumn spots in Tokyo.
Key Attraction: Unlike open gardens, Korakuen offers a contrasting, intimate experience built around a central 'pond and ocean' theme, surrounded by symbolic landscaping representations of mountains, rivers, and even rice fields.
Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004 (map)
Contact: +81 3-3811-3015
Timings: Open Daily: Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. When it opened, it was a park in the suburbs. But today, it is a beloved park near a residential area. It's divided into four areas - the area around Inokashira Pond, Gotenyama, a thicket of trees, the exercise facilities in West Garden and the second park. Also, the space surrounding Inokashira Pond is lowland, and that around Gotenyama is highland, so there's a nice, varied scenery to enjoy, especially when it is autumn in Tokyo.
Key Attraction: Inokashira Park Zoo that's home to diverse animals like monkeys, penguins and squirrels. It's a delightful spot for families and animal lovers.
Address: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005 (map)
Contact: +81422476900
Timings: Open 24/7(Except The Inokashira Park Zoo which is open from 9:30am to 6pm)
Ginkgo Avenue (Icho Namiki)
Tucked amidst the office buildings of Aoyama, and leading towards Meiji Jingu Gaien Park, lies Icho Namiki Avenue, a leafy haven famed for its breath-taking beauty. True to its name, meaning "row of ginkgo trees," the avenue boasts a stunning canopy that transforms into a mesmerising spectacle of golden hues during autumn.
Key Attraction:Photographers flock to capture the vibrant tapestry of leaves blanketing the ground in autumn, making it a magical time to stroll beneath this natural masterpiece and one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo.
Address: 2 Chome-付近 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061 (map)
Contact: +81334010312
Timings: Open 24/7
Rikugi-en Garden
Built in 1700 for a Japanese shogun, a stroll through the scenic paths in Rikugi-en Garden will grant you an instant feeling of peace and calm. It has been designed to evoke classic Japanese poems and recreate 88 stunning spots from the Kishu Wakanoura region.
Key Attraction: The huge central pond that serves as the heart of the garden. It beautifully reflects the stunning autumn foliage in Tokyo surrounding it, creating a sense of tranquillity.
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021 (map)
Contact: +81339412222
Timings: Open Daily: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
One Day Trips from Tokyo in Autumn
Mount Fuji and Fruit-Picking Adventure
Once you're done exploring the autumn foliage, you can hop on a mind-blowing adventure! Join in for a tour from Shibuya, Tokyo (just 3 kilometres from Shinjuku) and journey to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station for breath-taking panoramas. Along the way, wind through the scenic Fuji Subaru Line. To top it off, get hands-on and pick delicious seasonal fruits at a delightful Yamanashi orchard, and savour the local harvest.
Day Trip to Okutama
Just about two hours from the busy, bustling Tokyo is a hidden oasis, Okutama. Reaching there is so easy you'd want to visit more than once! The journey takes less than 2 hours from Shinjuku Station and approximately 2 hours from Tokyo Station. Okutama is nestled within the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park - a nature lover's paradise. With towering mountains, lush forests, and tranquillity blanketing the landscape, it's the perfect antidote to the urban frenzy, especially during autumn. Along with natural beauty, there's a plethora of outdoor activities to immerse yourself in. If you're yearning for a rejuvenating escape, Okutama is your answer.
How to Reach: From Tokyo/Shinjuku Station take JR Chuo Line
Transfer to JR Ome Line at Ome Station
Get off at Okutama Station
Ghibli Museum
This isthe animationand art museum of one of Japan's most famous animation studios - Miyazaki Hayao's Studio Ghibli - the producers of many feature length films like, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Located just outside of central Tokyo, in Mitaka, the museumisa must-see for fans. It's whimsically designed in the unique style of the films, and you'll find many famous characters there, including snapping pictures of life-sized robot from "Castle in the Sky" in the rooftop garden during autumn.
Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013 (map)
Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 10am to 6pm; Tuesdays closed.
Tips for Autumn Travel in Tokyo
Autumn in Tokyo is a magical time, with comfortable temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and a festive atmosphere. These tips should help:
Though the autumn viewing season starts mid-September, the best time to view this beauty is November and December.
Pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons can be warm and sunny.
Bring a light rain jacket as light showers are possible on some days.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the city and parks.
Make sure you book your stay well in advance, especially if you're travelling during November and December.
Photography Tips
Around late November to early December, you can capture stunning photos of the autumn season in Tokyo with planning and strategic shooting. Here are some tips:
Check "koyo forecasts" for specific locations before you visit. These forecasts show where and when leaves are changing colour in various regions in Japan.
Consider day trips to Okutama, Nikko, Mount Fuji, etc for diverse landscapes.
Different trees change colour at different times. Look for ginkgo (golden yellow) and maple (vibrant red) for contrasting shots.
Golden hour - soft light of sunrise and sunset enhances colours.
Look for unique angles. Shoot from low or high positions to create different perspectives.
Here's to Vibrant Memories
Witnessing Tokyo's autumn foliage that transforms the city into a pool of crimson, amber, and gold, is a bucket-list item that everyone must check. Crisp air caresses your face as you stroll beneath vibrant ginkgo avenues, marvelling at their sun-dappled leaves raining down. Traditional gardens offer serene havens, their ponds reflecting beautiful hues. Indulge in steaming bowls of ramen or savour sweet potato treats, warming your hands and heart. From serene nature escapes to a joyous cultural immersion, with Pelago by Singapore Airlinesto help you plan, Tokyo's autumn holiday paints an unforgettable memory.