Autumn in Tokyo: The City’s Must-Visit Parks for Fall Foliage
Hi, this is Tammie from THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN. Tokyo dazzles in every season, but there’s something truly magical about autumn. The vibrant fall colors breathe new life into the city, while seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes and chestnut-flavored desserts offer a taste of the season.
In this article, we’ve gathered our top parks in Tokyo to experience the beauty of autumn foliage, with the hope of inspiring your next visit and making your stay at THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN even more memorable. Best of all, thanks to the convenient location of THE LIVELY, you can easily reach most of the parks mentioned below within 30 minutes by public transport.
Tokyo’s best spots to enjoy fall colors
Overview of Best Parks in Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Gaien: Ginkgo Avenue
- Evening illumination Rikugien garden
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Ueno Park
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Meiji Jingu Gaien： Ginkgo Avenue
Known for its iconic ginkgo tree-lined avenue, Meiji Jingu Gaien is a must-visit during the fall season. The avenue comes alive with brilliant golden-yellow leaves, creating a natural canopy overhead. It’s one of the best places in Tokyo for a fall walk, especially for photographers. During late November, the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival celebrates the ginkgo’s beauty with local food stalls and seasonal delicacies.
It is recommended to visit between November and December to best enjoy the fall colors. However, be prepared for potential crowds, as this spot is particularly popular during the peak season.
Evening illumination Rikugien garden
Tokyo is home to over 30 traditional gardens, and Rikugien Garden stands out as one of the most picturesque, making it a must-visit no matter the season. Known for its stunning autumn foliage, Rikugien becomes even more magical from late November to early December when the garden hosts its annual illumination event, bathing the trees and pathways in a warm glow.
To make your visit even more memorable, purchase a lantern at the entrance to guide you along the illuminated paths. Tickets are available in advance for 900 yen, or at the garden’s ticket counter for 1,100 yen on the day of your visit.
You can get tickets ahead of time for 900 yen, or same day tickets at the gardens ticket counter for 1,100 yen.
https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/rikugien-garden-autumn-illumination/33182
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast garden that offers a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. In autumn, the park’s Japanese, French, and English-style gardens turn a variety of stunning fall colors, with the Japanese maple trees being particularly captivating. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic or an afternoon of exploring.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most iconic green spaces, known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and expansive natural beauty. As autumn sets in, the park becomes a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows, thanks to its many maple, ginkgo, and cherry trees. The wide pathways lined with these colorful trees make it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll to admire the seasonal transformation.
In addition to its natural charm, Ueno Park is home to several cultural institutions, including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and multiple art galleries, making it a unique blend of nature and culture. After taking in the fall foliage, visitors can easily enjoy a bit of Tokyo’s history and art all within the same space.
Tip: Be sure to stop by Shinobazu Pond, where the autumn leaves reflect beautifully off the water, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Occupying 70,000 square meters, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Tokyo. Its design, influenced by the Chinese Confucian scholar Zhu Shun Shui, incorporates many elements inspired by the scenic beauty of China, adding a unique cultural dimension to the garden’s natural splendor.
From November 17 to December 3, the garden comes alive with its autumn festival, a perfect time to enjoy the vibrant colors of the season, including its iconic red maples. Visitors can also experience traditional Japanese music during a koto and shakuhachi flute performance on Thursday, November 23, with shows at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
For a cozy treat, indulge in charcoal-grilled mitarashi dango (sweet soy sauce-glazed mochi) and amazake (a warm, sweet rice drink) served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select days: November 18, 19, 23, 25-30, and December 1-10.
We hope this list inspires you for your next trip to Tokyo and helps you discover the beauty of autumn in all its vibrant glory. Enjoy the stunning fall colors and peaceful moments that these parks and gardens offer—perfect for creating unforgettable memories during your stay.
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