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Top 11 Autumn Destinations in Tokyo for a Stunning 2023 Viewing of Fall Colors

Enjoying the breathtaking spectacle of leaf-color transformation, commonly known as koyo in Japanese, is an unforgettable autumn experience. We've curated a list of stunning locations in and around Tokyo for you to immerse yourself in this seasonal beauty.

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Enjoying the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, known as koyo in Japan, is an enchanting experience....
Enjoying the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, known as koyo in Japan, is an enchanting experience. These selected hotspots in and around Tokyo promise a picturesque autumn.

Top 11 Autumn Destinations in Tokyo for a Stunning 2023 Viewing of Fall Colors

Fall Foliage Bliss in Tokyo: Top Spots for Autumn Leaves

Autumn is an enchanting season in Tokyo, with breathtaking autumn foliage displays that seamlessly mix traditional Japanese gardens, urban parks, and serene mountain landscapes. The best time to immerse yourself in the warm hues of autumn in central Tokyo typically falls between late November and early December [1][3]. Here's our pick of the top spots in Tokyo and its suburbs to capture the magic of autumn.

City-Centered Delights

  • Rikugien Garden
  • Highlights: A captivating Edo-period landscape garden with stunning maple trees showcasing their vivid red foliage around the central pond. During autumn evenings, the gardens are illuminated, enhancing the experience [1][3].
  • Address: 6-16-3 Hon-Komagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen
  • Highlights: Boasting a unique blend of Japanese and Western garden styles, this park offers a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, including maple, ginkgo, and bald cypress trees, nestled amongst ponds and under picturesque bridges [1][3].
  • Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
  • Yoyogi Park
  • Highlights: Renowned for its verdant greenery, Yoyogi Park offers a pleasant stroll through vibrant autumn foliage, with an energetic and upbeat atmosphere [2][3].
  • Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo.
  • Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
  • Highlights: Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the iconic ginkgo-lined avenue, which transforms into a golden tunnel in late autumn [3].
  • Address: Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shibuya/Minato, Tokyo.
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • Highlights: Steeped in history, this beautiful Japanese garden is an oasis for autumn colors [3].
  • Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo, Tokyo.

Larger-Scale Beauty

  • Showa Kinen Park
  • Highlights: This expansive park offers sprawling spaces adorned with autumn foliage, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic [3].
  • Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo.
  • Inokashira Park
  • Highlights: Surrounding a picturesque lake, Inokashira Park offers a picturesque autumn foliage setting, complete with a lively atmosphere [3].
  • Address: 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo.

Beyond the City Limits

  • Mt. Takao
  • Highlights: A short journey from Tokyo, Mt. Takao boasts scenic hiking trails, offering breathtaking autumn vistas [3].
  • Mitake Valley
  • Highlights: Sitting in the mountainous region northwest of Tokyo, visitors can explore serene forests, waterfalls, and dramatic autumn foliage in Mitake Valley [3].
  • Kamakura (Hasedera Temple)
  • Highlights: The Buddha statue, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, is a standout feature of Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, a short train ride from Tokyo [3].

The Lowdown

| Location | Highlights | Ideal Time ||-------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------|| Rikugien Garden | Illuminated maple trees | Late Nov–Early Dec || Shinjuku Gyoen | Blended Japanese/Western gardens | Late Nov–Early Dec || Yoyogi Park | Large park, autumn foliage | Late Nov–Early Dec || Meiji Jingu Gaien | Ginkgo-lined avenue | Late Nov–Early Dec || Koishikawa Korakuen| Traditional Japanese garden | Late Nov–Early Dec || Showa Kinen Park | Expansive park, seasonal colors | Late Nov–Early Dec || Inokashira Park | Lakeside views, lively atmosphere | Late Nov–Early Dec || Mt. Takao | Hiking, autumn vistas | Nov || Mitake Valley | Forests, waterfalls | Nov || Kamakura (Hasedera)| Temple, foliage | Nov |

These locations truly encapsulate the glory of Tokyo's autumn hues, presenting the perfect fusion of tradition, nature, and urban beauty [1][3]. When you're ready to experience the magic of autumn in Tokyo, remember to bring a warm jacket or scarf to combat the cooler weather. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the autumn foliage at its best, plan your visit during weekdays or early in the morning.

For more autumn inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or tag us to get featured! Happy exploring!

[Sources][1] Tokyo My Way. (n.d.). 11 Best Autumn Spots in Tokyo for Beautiful Fall Foliage, Leaves, and Koyo Time. Retrieved August 26, 2023, from https://tokyo-myway.com/11-best-autumn-spots-in-tokyo/.[2] GoGo Japan. (n.d.). Yoyogi Park - Best Things to Do near Shinjuku. Retrieved August 26, 2023, from https://www.gogojapan.com/topics/things-to-do-near-shinjuku/yoyogi-park.[3] Tokyo Cheapo. (n.d.). Autumn Leaves in Tokyo: The Best Spots and Best Times to Visit. Retrieved August 26, 2023, from https://tokyocheapo.com/things/autumn-leaves-tokyo.

  1. For those seeking a serene home-and-garden setting steeped in history, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo offers a tranquil oasis of autumn colors.
  2. For travelers interested in places to visit that blend culture and nature, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western garden styles showcasing a kaleidoscope of autumn colors.
  3. For nature enthusiasts looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations, Mitake Valley boasts serene forests, waterfalls, and dramatic autumn foliage nestled in the mountainous region northwest of Tokyo.

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