Tokyo autumn leaves forecast 2023 — 13 best autumn spots in Tokyo & best place to see autumn leaves in Tokyo

Mt Takao Monkey Park & Wildflower Garden (Address: 2179 Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan / Hours: 9:30AM–4:30PM / Phone: +81 42-661-2381)

Getting there

Take the Keio Railways goes straight to Takaosan, travel time is about 50 minutes, 390 JPY ($3.71), stops at Takaosanguchi Station right at the foot of the mountain.
Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Takao Station (550 JPY ($5.23), takes about 40 minutes), then transfer to Keio Line for 1 more station to Takaosanguchi Station (130 JPY ($1.24), 3 minutes).

Location: Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan
Cable car opening hours: 8:00 – 17:45, every 15 minutes
Ticket price: 480 JPY ($4.56) (one way), 930 JPY ($8.83) (round trip)

Mount Mitake (Mitakesan) – The sacred mountain in Tokyo

Mitake Mountain is also one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo in the autumn of Japanese people. Visit Mount Mitake and pray at Musashi Mitake Temple – A sacred temple more than 2000 years old to enjoy the fresh air of autumn filled with yellow leaves, red leaves at the temple are deeply imprinted with the culture and history of the land of the rising sun.

Located about an hour and a half from Shinjuku, the Mitake valley is located upstream of the Tama River and is an ideal location for shinrinyoku – immersed in the fresh air of nature – as well as admire the romantic scenery of autumn red leaves. Near Mitake station on JR Ome line, there is a 4km long road that is suitable for hiking.

Visiting sites

Musashi Mitake Shrine (Address: 176 Mitakesan, Ome, Tokyo 198-0175, Japan / Phone: +81 428-78-8500)

Ayahiro Falls (Address: Mt. Mitake, Ome 198-0175, Tokyo Prefecture)

Mt. Mitake’s Rock Garden

Getting there

From downtown Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Ome Station (about 75 minutes from Shinjuku). From Ome Station, take the JR Ome Line (usually located opposite the arrive line) to Mitake Station (20 minutes). The fares to go from Shinjuku to Mitake Station around 920 JPY ($8.73)/(one way).

After arrive at Mitake Station, take the bus to the Mitake cable car station (10 minutes, 280 JPY ($2.66)/ticket, every 30 minutes).

Location: Ome, Tokyo
Hours: 7AM – 7PM
Ticket prices:
Cable car (Takimoto St. – Mitakesan St.): Adult: 590 JPY ($5.59)/(one way), 1110 JPY ($10.53) (round trip); Child: 300 JPY ($2.85)/(one way), 560 JPY/round trip)
Elevator (Mitakedaira St. – Daitenboudai St.): 100 JPY ($0.95)/(one way), 190 JPY ($1.8)/(round trip)

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

It is hard to believe that right next to the busy and modern complex of Tokyo Dome is an ancient garden that has existed for centuries. It feels like stepping into the wilderness right in the heart of the city downtown.

In Koishikawa Korakuen garden, the maple leaves around the three lakes begin to turn red and orange. This scene makes this place the most ideal and unbeatable walk across Tokyo.

In the southeast corner of the garden, the rows of ginkgo trees also turn yellow in late November, the scenery becomes more sparkling with the afternoon sunlight.

Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
Hours: 9AM–5PM
Phone: +81 3-3811-3015

Yoyogi Koen (Yoyogi Park)

Yoyogi Park was previously used as a home for athletes and players during the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. It was officially opened in 1967.

With an area of about 54 hectares, the park is home to many species of plants, including 6 beautiful species of color changing plants in the autumn, such as 1.000 Zelkova trees, 200 ginkgo trees, 100 maple trees… help this place becomes as one of the best autumn spots in Tokyo to admire red leaves right in the inner city.

With a convenient location, easy access from the stations in many ways, the park is always bustling especially on crowded weekends with various activities such as picnics, cycling, instrumental practice, … Moreover, there are also very interesting events and fair markets here. Spread the canvas and relax to enjoy the charming natural scenery, so wonderful!

Once you visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, head to Yoyogi Park to see another collection of maple leaves and ginkgo trees.

Getting there

3 minutes on foot from JR Harajuku Station, 3 minutes walk from Yoyogikoen Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, 3 minutes walk from Meiji Jingumae Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda – Fukutoshin Line, 6 minutes from Yoyogi Hachiman Station on Odakyu Line.

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Area: 54.1 ha (134 acres)
Phone: +81 3-3469-6081
Admission: Free
Url: http://www.vvdcreative.com/sakuhin/17-3yoyogipark/

Imperial Palaces East Gardens

The best place to see red leaves at Imperial East Gardens is the Ninomaru Japanese Garden built in the second defensive circle of the previous Edo castle. In addition, some ginkgo trees and other trees scattered around the walls of the castle and the park’s spacious grounds will also become a great spot for seeing red leaves.

If you want a true royal life experience, go to the Imperial Palace. Ninomaru Garden, an extra garden of the Imperial East Gardens will be full of maple trees and some graceful ginkgo trees stand on the edge of the ponds and are elaborately trimmed.

Getting there

Take the Yamanote line and get off at Tokyo main station.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Hours: 9AM–4PM
Phone: +81 3-3213-1111
Admission: Free

Mizumoto Park

Nestled in a single landscape, Mizumoto Park is one of Tokyo’s autumn treasures. Come to one of the capital’s largest parks to witness the color change of nearly 2,000 red maple trees, reflecting on the surrounding water. The park is located in Katsushika with an area of more than 68 hectares, so it is not a thing for you to be hesitant about the crowds.

Address: 3-2 Mizumotokoen, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0034, Japan
Area: 92 ha
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 3-3607-8321

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Located in the precinct that once inhabited the Naito clan – the warlord in the Edo era, Shinjuku Gyoen became the royal garden in 1906 and opened to the public after the Second World War.

Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park with many trees and a long red leaves season, from mid-November to early December every year. This is an attractive place to “escape” the city and see the fall colors. Beautiful spots in the park to see the discolored leaves are Japanese garden and Momijiyama (“Maple Mountain”).

Spacious, airy with an area of up to 58.3 hectares, the garden is divided and designed in many styles such as French, Italian, traditional Japanese, … So even though the red leaves in the same, you can enjoy different autumn colors in different way. In addition, in the French garden, you will see roses in the fall.

Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Hours: 9AM–6PM
Area: 58.3 ha (144 acres)
Plants: 20,000 trees; 1,500 subtropical and tropical plants
Phone: +81 3-3350-0151
Admission: 500 JPY
Url: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/

Hamarikyu Gardens

Although there is no outstanding fall color here, but along the northwestern edge of the large garden in Hama Rikyu will also be a beautiful place to see red leaves in Tokyo. The most brilliant autumn leaves in Hama Rikyu are from late October to early December.

Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046, Japan
Hours: 9AM–4:30PM
Phone: +81 3-3541-0200

Inokashira Park

Perhaps many people often know Inokashira Park is famous for its cherry blossoms but when the autumn comes, Inokashira park is also extremely beautiful. Not the Momiji red leaf, the park will be dyed red by the leaves of the cherry trees and the yellow color of the Icho leaf. You can paddle on the lake and admire the wonderful view of autumn in this park. The best time to see momiji is from mid-November to mid-December.

Address: 1 Gotenyama and 1 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino 180-0005, Tokyo Prefecture
Area: 39 ha
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 422-47-6900
Admission: Free
Getting there: 1 minute walk from Inokashira-koen station, Keio-Inokashira line

Best autumn spots in Tokyo: Lake Okutama

Okutama Lake is an artificial lake with a circumference of 45 km in western Tokyo close to Yamanashi province. Okutama Lake is beautiful when autumn comes. You can drive or rent a bicycle to stroll around the lake or take a walk on the floating path on the lake surface to see the beautiful scenery of the mountains full of bright red color that surrounds Okutama Lake. The best time to see autumn leaves here is from mid-October to mid-November.

This is also a great campsite in the fall and really great, cool air, beautiful scenery and you can experience climbing, sailing or fishing here.

Address: Hara, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun 198-0223, Tokyo Prefecture
Getting there: Take the bus from Okutama station, JR Ome Line to Lake Okutamako station

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)
• Tokyo Amazing Sightseeing Bus Day Tour
• Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
• Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo
• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
• Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
• SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
• TeamLab Planets Ticket
• TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
• Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (BKK and DMK Airport Pick Up) for Japan (Unlimited Data)
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Looking for best autumn spots in Japan? Read here. And Kyoto here. And top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo travel blog — The fullest Tokyo city guide for a budget trip for the first time visiting Tokyo, Japan.