Spring brings delicate cherry blossoms, but in autumn Tokyo transforms into a brilliant canvas of deep reds, vivid oranges and bright yellows. Koyo (autumn leaves) in Tokyo typically peak from mid-November to early December, while mountain areas such as Okutama and Mt.

【1-Day Tour Routes】[Departing from Osaka] 2026 One-Day Tour to Todaiji Temple & Nara Park & Tsubosaka-dera Temple & World Heritage Yoshino-yama Autumn Foliage & Fruit Picking Experience (Autumn Limited)

Available 2026-11-02

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【1-Day Tour Routes】[Departure from Nagoya] 2026 Central Japan Kotakeyama Eihoji Temple & Korankei Autumn Leaves One-Day Tour (Pink Four-Season Cherry Blossoms + Chinese Guide)

Available 2026-11-10

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Takao turn colorful from late October to mid-November. Because temperatures shift each year, the peak can move by one to two weeks, so always check the latest information before you go. From immaculate Japanese gardens to deep mountain nature, autumn is when Tokyo’s trees are at their most vivid.

Planning Your Trip Around the Foliage Season

Travel Tips

The best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo is mid-November to early December

Autumn weather changes quickly between warm and cool — bring a sweater and a scarf to be safe

Weekends and national holidays draw large crowds of tourists and locals; visit on weekdays or early morning to avoid the rush

Gardens and Parks in Central Tokyo

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park, a short walk from Meiji Jingu Shrine, is a superb spot for maple viewing in Tokyo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with friends, a picnic under the trees, or a relaxed bicycle ride along the park’s cycling paths on a crisp autumn afternoon.

Best viewing time: late November to early December | Access: 3-min walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)

Meiji Jingu Gaien

For a more modern autumn landscape, visit Meiji Jingu Gaien. Its long ginkgo avenue, lined with brilliant yellow trees, is one of Tokyo’s most popular fall photo spots — especially the golden ginkgo framed by the Seitoku Kinen Kaikan (Memorial Picture Gallery).

Best viewing time: mid-November to early December | Access: Gaienmae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen, about a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, is a top koyo destination. Stroll or picnic within the vast, beautifully colored garden. Note: no alcohol, no smoking, and no play equipment (except the children’s plaza).

Best viewing time: mid-November to early December | Access: 5-min walk from Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Exit 1)

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park sits in the trendy shopping district of Kichijoji. Rent a swan boat and enjoy the autumn scenery across Inokashira Pond, then visit the Inokashira Park Zoo or the Ghibli Museum nearby.

Best viewing time: mid-November to early December | Access: 1-min walk from Inokashira-Koen Station (Keio Inokashira Line)

Ninomaru Garden

Part of the Imperial Palace, Ninomaru Garden is easy to visit during the day. Enjoy the serene garden within the palace grounds, and combine it with the nearby Budokan arena, the National Diet Building, or upscale shopping in Ginza.

Best viewing time: late November to mid-December | Access: 5-min walk from Otemachi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Exit C13a)

Rikugien Garden

For traditional beauty, visit Rikugien, one of Tokyo’s most beloved autumn destinations. Built in the Edo period, the garden contains about 560 maple trees that make autumn especially gorgeous.

Best viewing time: late November to mid-December | Access: 7-min walk from Komagome Station (JR Yamanote Line / Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)

Hama-Rikyu Gardens

Located in Shiodome, Hama-Rikyu Gardens offer beautiful fall scenery — with skyscrapers on one side and a sweeping view of Tokyo Bay on the other.

Best viewing time: late November to early December | Access: 7-min walk from Shiodome Station (Toei Oedo Line / Yurikamome)

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

This traditional garden, Koishikawa Korakuen, transforms its maples into brilliant reds and oranges — one of the most popular autumn spots in Tokyo.

Best viewing time: late November to early December | Access: 3-min walk from Iidabashi Station (Toei Oedo Line)

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is famous for its zoo, shrines and museums — and its autumn maples are equally impressive. Thousands of trees dot the park, and the fiery red leaves make a stunning backdrop for photos.

Best viewing time: mid-November to early December | Access: 5-min walk from Ueno Station (JR Line, Park Exit)

Day-Trip Spots from Central Tokyo

Showa Kinen Park

About a 30-minute drive from central Tokyo, Showa Kinen Park is one of the best places to enjoy autumn colors near the capital. Its golden ginkgo avenues are spectacular, and evening illuminations add a romantic touch.

Best viewing time: late October to mid-November | Access: 2-min walk from Nishi-Tachikawa Station (JR Ome Line, Nishi-Tachikawa Exit)

Lake Okutama

About two hours by train from central Tokyo, Lake Okutama lets you escape the city and soak in grand nature. The gorges, quiet villages and deep forest trails wrapped in autumn colors are among the finest scenery Tokyo has to offer.

Best viewing time: late October to mid-November | Access: from Okutama Station (JR Ome Line), take a bus

Mt. Takao

Take a day trip to Mt. Takao and enjoy the view from the summit. In autumn the mountain glows in vivid orange and red, with mild weather that is perfect for hiking.

Best viewing time: mid-November to early December | Access: Takaosanguchi Station (Keio Takao Line)