As the summertime heat of Japan fades and the cooler winds gather, this island bursts into a kaleidoscope of crimsons, oranges and yellows painting its land in blinding beauty. While Japan is known for its cherry blossom trees that gives out a very fairy tale-ish feel, the foliage for autumn in Tokyo, Kyoto and the rest of Japan is just as beautiful with lesser crowds, vibrant atmosphere and festivals taking place throughout the country.

These months are known for the famous momiji leaves (maple leaves) with its bright crimson colors that stands as a stark contrast against everything around it. The autumn season in Tokyo is also a great time to enjoy onsens, slurp on hot and delicious ramen or try out their traditional teas due to the chillier climate and drop in temperature.

Just like the sakura season, autumn in Japan also have their “blooming dates” as to when these foliage will be at their peak colors. Fall leaves in Tokyo comes at their brightest and prettiest from mid-November to early December and that’s the time when you can also see momiji leaves at their peak.

So in a city full of skyscrapers, where can you enjoy them to the fullest? Here are the best places in Tokyo to see autumn leaves and enjoy the picturesque charm that they have to offer.

Mount Takao – Supernatural Deities and Breathtaking Maple Leaves

If you want to see the beauty of Momiji in Tokyo, then head straight to the gorgeous Mount Takao that’s known for its red maple leaves in autumn and for its air of folklore, mystique and fantasy.

Mount Takao has both a significant history, religious importance and interesting folklore that revolves around the Yokai (Japanese demons or supernatural entities). This holy mountain is believed to be the worshipping grounds for the Tengu (a crow demon in Japanese mythology) and has a gorgeous temple dedicated to this deity.

While the temple itself is of beauty, the backdrop of the red maple leaves and the surrounding of the yellow and orange foliage brings an ethereal feel to the place. During the month of November when the momiji is at its best, the mountain also holds the popular Mount Takao autumn leaves festival where monks bless you on your climb up and performers give a show worth your while.

It’s also one of the best places for a day-trip from Tokyo for those who want to soak in some gorgeous nature vibes, do some hiking and take a dip in the onsen when you make your way back down.

Meiji Jingu Gaien – A Golden Gingko Tunnel

The Meiji Jingu temple is one of the most famous and visited temple in Japan and in Tokyo. It’s history relating to the emperor and its huge structure beckons every traveler that sets foot in the land.

That said, Meiji Jingu becomes extra special during autumn. The Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is a 300 meter long road leading to the temple that becomes a sight of gold with 146 gingko trees creating a stunning tunnel of bright yellow all the way towards the shrine grounds.

If you search for places to see the golden autumn leaves in Tokyo, then this place comes up most of the time. In fact, it’s popularity and unparalleled beauty has resulted in the annual Meiji shrine autumn festival known as the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival which is a celebration of the fall foliage.

The festival has been taking place since 1997 till this day with street performers, food booths and like minded folks gathering to appreciate the gift of nature.

Hase-dera Temple – Tiny Jizo Statues and Beautiful Momiji

For those pressed for time, there’s no need to travel all the way to Kyoto to get a taste of traditional temples sitting amidst the vivid autumn leaves. Just make your way to Hasedara temple in Kamakura, which is a seaside city just 1 hour and 30 minute train ride away.

Hasedara temple was said to have been built in 736 AD and is home to one of Japan’s largest wooden sculpture which is the eleven headed-kannon statue (the largest wooden structure being the Higashi Honganji temple in Kyoto).

During the fall season, Hasedara temple is surrounded with golden gingko leaves and the red momiji (maple) leaves that Japan is known for. While these striking colour surrounds you during the day, the temple is lit with dozens of illuminations after sundown, giving the whole temple a truly ethereal vibe.

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of taking public transportation and changing various trains, then you can opt for a private day trip to Kamakura with a guide and pick and drop from Tokyo.

Meguro River – Rivers and Reds Mix Together

Meguro river is mainly famous for the hordes of cherry blossom trees that lines the side of the river in Sakura season but what most don’t know is that it is equally beautiful during the country’s fall foliage season.

The 4km walkway that is usually known for its flurry pink turns into bright red and orange during the autumn season. The river and the bridge gets elbow-touching crowd during the sakura season which is why the autumn season is a breath of fresh air for those who would love to dwell in the beauty of Japan’s nature while avoiding the massive crowds that come with it.

You can admire the red leaves of the fall foliage in Tokyo while standing on the bridge of the Meguro river or take a boat ride through its waters.

Lake Okutama – An Autumn Reservoir

Lake Okutama is every outdoor lovers’ dream. Come autumn, this man-made reservoir becomes a beautiful blend of red, orange and yellows creating a picture-perfect work of art. The lake’s crystal-clear water reflects the color of the surrounding while the mountain is covered in the dense fall foliage.

There are numerous ways to explore the surroundings of Lake Okutama and experience its autumn beauty. You can hike one of its various trails around the lake such as the Ikoi Path or the Mukashi Michi Hiking Trail which takes you right through the heart of the autumn foliage. For a more leisure activity, you can walk across one of its floating bridges which gives a gorgeous vantage point of the fall leaves while feeling like you’re floating amidst the kaleidoscope of the autumn colors.

More adventurous spirits can opt for their river rafting activities. Since autumn in Japan is a time where temperatures drop to the chilly side, it’s a great time to soak in traditional Japanese onsen. Luckily, Lake Okutama is home to Okutama Onsen Moegi-no-Yu, one of the best onsens to sink into for some warmth.

Best Gardens in Tokyo for Autumn Viewing

The capital of Japan is not short of gardens and national parks and what better way to see the autumn leaves in Tokyo than visiting its famed green landscapes? With a bit of tradition and history amidst the modern, towering buildings, you can enjoy the fall leaves in Tokyo in these noble gardens.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park – 60 Hectares of Fall Foliage

One of the most visited parks in Japan and the best park in Tokyo for autumn, Shinjuku Gyoen national garden is a historic site that stretches for almost 60 hectares. This park was once an imperial garden that belonged to the Naito royal family during the Edo period. The park was partially destroyed during World War II air raids and later restored to its current state.

Today, the park is a site of beauty in both the Sakura season and fall foliage. Thousands of cherry trees come into full bloom during the month of March while November fills the space with autumn colors. With the park extending into a vast expanse, you can easily spend a whole day amiring the nature it provides, making it one of the best places to enjoy autumn season in Tokyo.

Rikugien Garden – A Poetry of Fall

This traditional pond-style garden and mountain is as poetic as it gets. Built during the 1700s for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien garden was created based on the theme of Waka poetry. The name Rikugien means “six poem garden” and the garden reflects this by creating miniature that reflects 88 scenes from famous peoms. Not only is it artistic in its concept but the entire garden itself is a great example of traditional Edo period gardens with central ponds.

During autumn, Rikugien transforms into a kaleidoscope of fiery hues, painting the landscape with shades of crimson, amber, and gold. The garden’s strategic design amplifies the allure of autumn, offering vantage points for capturing the seasonal spectacle. The gardens trails also go through forests and open lawns making it one of the best places to view autumn colors in Tokyo.

You can also enjoy the autumn foliage while sipping tea at the garden’s Tsutsuji no Chaya teahouse.

Hamarikyu Gardens – Traditional Imperial Garden Amidst Momiji

A one-of-a-kind garden in Japan, Hamarikyu garden is special for its maple leaves as well as its Shiori-no-ike ponds, which is a type of landscaping technique that mimics the ebb and flow of the tide. An imperial garden that was associated with the Shogunate, Hamarikyu garden is a picturesque place right in the middle and stark in contrast with its surrounding skyscrapers.

Visitors can walk over the Otsutai bridge and relax at Nakajima tea house while enjoying traditional matcha tea and Japanese sweets. Since it’s not as crowded as Shinjuku Gyoen, Hamarikyu gardens is the perfect place for you to enjoy momiji in Tokyo right in the heart of the city.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens – Art of the Japanese Autumn Foliage

Built during the Edo period of Shogun Tokugawa, Koishikawa Korakuen garden is a circular-style garden that is surrounded by color changing leaves come fall.

During autumn in Tokyo, the garden transforms into a scene straight out of traditional Japanese art, as Japanese maple trees (Momiji), Japanese zelkova, and countless ginkgo trees paint the landscape in stunning shades of crimson and gold, making it one of the best places to see autumn colors in Tokyo.

You can view these beautiful vivid colors by crossing the Togetsukyo bridge or by walking along the Oigawa River that resembles Kyoto’s Arashiyama.

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