Informational Guide

Events

Autumn

Fall

Tokyo

Autumn Spots: Tokyo

In this guide, we're covering Tokyo! Find the best hidden gems within the city to surround yourself in autumn leaves or walk rows of Ginko trees, or venture out for a day trip to some of the best nearby spots.

Where to Find Them

  1. Akigawa Valley

How to get there:

  • By car: 90 minutes from Tokyo Station

  • By train: Take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Hajima Station, then take the Itsukaichi Line from Hajima Station to Musashi Itsukaichi Station (south exit) , then take 檜52 bus from to Jurigi and walk for 4 minutes

  • Best time to visit: Early November to early December

  • Literally Autumn River in Japanese, this Tokyo spot couldn't get any clearer about when to visit in the name

  • It's hard to believe it is still in Tokyo in this hidden gateway

  • On your way back, stop by Seoto No Yu hot springs for a quick soak to warm up, or an ice cream to cool down and take in the last of the crisp autumn air before heading back into the city

  1. Showa Kinen Park

How to get there:

  • By foot: Approximately 20 minute walk from Tachikawa station (North Gate exit)

  • Best time to visit: Late October to late November

  • Entry fee: ¥450 for adults, ¥1,100 to ¥1,200 depending on the day for the inner garden light up

  • This expansive garden in western Tokyo has the best of both worlds, with rows of Ginko trees lining the entrance, to vibrant momiji leaves in the inner Japanese garden

  • Pack a picnic basket and spend the whole day there, people (and dog) watching for the most relaxing Tokyo autumn day!

  • Extend into the night with an illumination in the inner Japanese garden that almost feels like a park within the park itself

  • Best time to visit: Late October to late November

  • Entry fee: ¥450 for adults, ¥1,100 to ¥1,200 depending on the day for the inner garden light up

  • This expansive garden in western Tokyo has the best of both worlds, with rows of Ginko trees lining the entrance, to vibrant momiji leaves in the inner Japanese garden

  • Pack a picnic basket and spend the whole day there, people (and dog) watching for the most relaxing Tokyo autumn day!

  • Extend into the night with an illumination in the inner Japanese garden that almost feels like a park within the park itself

  1. Okutama

How to get there:

  • By car: Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo Station

  • By train: Take the Chuo Line from Tokyo Station to Oku-Tama Station and walk for 2 minutes

  • Best time to visit: Late October to mid November

  • A surprisingly easy access retreat from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo

  • For beginners, the trail between Okutama and Hatonasu station is mostly flat and is more of a stroll through the fall scenery rather than any real strenuous exercise. You can start your adventure from the Okutama Visitor Center

  • If you're willing to venture a little further afield, take a bus or drive out to the Mugiyama Floating Bridge to walk across the water! Check in advance as this floating bridge closes often depending on the weather conditions.

  • Best time to visit: Late October to mid November

  • A surprisingly easy access retreat from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo

  • For beginners, the trail between Okutama and Hatonasu station is mostly flat and is more of a stroll through the fall scenery rather than any real strenuous exercise. You can start your adventure from the Okutama Visitor Center

  • If you're willing to venture a little further afield, take a bus or drive out to the Mugiyama Floating Bridge to walk across the water! Check in advance as this floating bridge closes often depending on the weather conditions.

  1. Gotokuji

How to get there:

  • By car: Approximately 30 minutes from Tokyo Station and parking is available here

  • By public transport: Approximately 30 minutes from Shibuya or Shinjuku station and 45 minutes from Tokyo Station

  • Best time to visit: Mid to late November

  • Known as the lucky cat (maneki neko) temple of Tokyo, this temple which boasts being the birth place of these lucky cats is particularly beautiful in the autumn months

  • You'll be hard pressed to find a luckier sight than the red autumn leaves with the red markings of the beckoning cats

  • Best time to visit: Mid to late November

  • Known as the lucky cat (maneki neko) temple of Tokyo, this temple which boasts being the birth place of these lucky cats is particularly beautiful in the autumn months

  • You'll be hard pressed to find a luckier sight than the red autumn leaves with the red markings of the beckoning cats

  1. Koishikawa Botanical Garden

How to get there:

  • By train: Take the Marunouchi Line from Tokyo Station to Myogadani Station and walk for 15 minutes (exit 3)
    From Shibuya, take the Hanzomon Line to Jimbocho Station then change to the Mita Line to Hakusan Station and walk for 12 minutes (exit A1)

  • Best time to visit: Late November to early December

  • Entry fee: ¥500

  • Associated with the iconic Tokyo university, this garden holds the honour of being the oldest botanical garden in Tokyo and one of the oldest in the entire world!

  • With over 1,400 plant species, it's no wonder that this is a prime spot to enjoy the autumn leaves, right in the heart of the city

  • Best time to visit: Late November to early December

  • Entry fee: ¥500

  • Associated with the iconic Tokyo university, this garden holds the honour of being the oldest botanical garden in Tokyo and one of the oldest in the entire world!

  • With over 1,400 plant species, it's no wonder that this is a prime spot to enjoy the autumn leaves, right in the heart of the city

  1. Otaguro Park

How to get there:

  • By train: Take the Chuo Line from Tokyo Station to Ogikubo Station and walk for 6 minutes (south exit)

  • Best time to visit: Late November to early December

  • Entry fee: Free during the day, but there may be a light up in late November (check their website for more details)

  • This traditional Japanese garden, complete with a teahouse is tucked away in a residential part of Tokyo

  • As soon as the leaves start turning, all the nearby residents will make their way over to this peaceful park where they are greeted with rows of Ginko, before being let into an inner sanctuary of red momiji

  • Best time to visit: Late November to early December

  • Entry fee: Free during the day, but there may be a light up in late November (check their website for more details)

  • This traditional Japanese garden, complete with a teahouse is tucked away in a residential part of Tokyo

  • As soon as the leaves start turning, all the nearby residents will make their way over to this peaceful park where they are greeted with rows of Ginko, before being let into an inner sanctuary of red momiji

  1. Matsuchiyama Shoden

How to get there:

  • Best time to visit: Late November to Early December

  • This temple is just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and actually has a whole plethora of fascinating lore surrounding it

  • Most popularly known these days as the Japanese radish (daikon) temple, you'll find images of the daikon all around the temple and people will bring daikons as offerings to pray for good luck and health

  • In autumn, the Ginko lined temple is perfect for taking pictures in a kimono!

  • Best time to visit: Late November to Early December

  • This temple is just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and actually has a whole plethora of fascinating lore surrounding it

  • Most popularly known these days as the Japanese radish (daikon) temple, you'll find images of the daikon all around the temple and people will bring daikons as offerings to pray for good luck and health

  • In autumn, the Ginko lined temple is perfect for taking pictures in a kimono!

See our other guides for Autumn spots around Japan!

See our other guides for Autumn spots around Japan!

Please note that this article is intended as a guide and for informational purpose only. All images and content are rights of Doko Discover Co., Ltd. and must not be used without permission.

Please note that this article is intended as a guide and for informational purpose only. All images and content are rights of Doko Discover Co., Ltd. and must not be used without permission.