#119 Best Spots for Autumn Leaves in Tokyo
How to enjoy beautiful autumn leaves without traveling far.
Even at the time of writing, the maximum temperature in Tokyo has risen to nearly 35 degrees Celsius roughly every day, making it hard to believe that it is September. At this rate, the heat would continue until October. However, for those visiting Japan during the autumn season, you are probably in the final stages of planning your trip. The autumn leaves begin in Hokkaido in late September and gradually move southward through December. The Japanese meteorological authorities have released the first report on the best time to expect autumn leaves in 2024. The key to the beauty of the autumn leaves is the temperature drop just before the season. While it is too early to determine the best time for the autumn leaves this season, I want to share some of my favorite spots in Tokyo to view autumn leaves.
Overview of Autumn Leaves in 2024
According to the first autumn leaves forecast for this year recently released by the Japan Weather Association, temperatures are expected to remain high nationwide through November, with periodic changes in the weather and a gradual increase in the number of days covered by autumn air. The autumn leaves viewing season is expected to be average or a bit later than average in northern and eastern Japan. From mid-October onward, it will be near normal in western Japan. The forecast for each region is as follows.
Northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku)
High temperatures will continue until late September but will be lower than last year's record-breaking temperatures. The coloring is expected to progress steadily.
Eastern Japan (Kanto, Koshin, Tokai)
The high-temperature trend will ease in October, with some morning temperatures below normal from middle to late October. Leaf coloring is expected to progress steadily.
Western Japan (Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu)
The high-temperature trend will ease in October, morning temperatures will be below average on more days in November, and autumn leaves are expected to progress steadily.
My recommendations
While there is still some time before the full-blown autumn leaves season, I would like to introduce some of my favorite places in Tokyo for autumn leaves viewing. It may be a good idea to combine some of these spots on your arrival or departure day in Tokyo and visit them for a leisurely half-day stroll. Compared to cherry blossoms in spring, you can see autumn leaves for a relatively long period. In addition, the time of year for viewing the autumn leaves differs between central Tokyo and Mt. Takao in the western suburbs, so it is possible to choose a spot according to the schedule of your visit.
Meiji Jingu Gaien (Map)
This is the most famous spot for autumn leaves in central Tokyo, and the sight of the 146 ginkgo trees turning yellow is spectacular. The timing of the coloring of the trees is slightly different on each side of the path. When the leaves have fallen to a certain extent, the fallen leaves become a carpet of yellow, which is a different kind of tasteful sight. However, there is a high possibility that the surrounding environment will change drastically, so if you want to enjoy the current atmosphere, you should visit this place as soon as possible.
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Map)
The former Edo Castle has many historical sites, and the Japanese garden and surrounding wooded areas are magnificent in the autumn colors. Sightseeing at the Imperial Palace often ends in front of the Nijubashi. Still, if you have time during autumn, I highly recommend visiting the beautifully colored East Gardens. Access is from Otemachi or Takebashi subway stations, where you must walk a bit. The park is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but there are some irregular holidays, so please check before you leave.
Nezu Shrine (Map)
I always visit this historic shrine to guide visitors who wish to go off the beaten path. The shrine is famous for its azalea season in spring, and the collaboration of the Senbon-torii gate and the yellow-colored ginkgo trees is lovely. The combination of Nezu Shrine and Yanaka makes for a typical walk of downtown Tokyo.
Showa Memorial Park (Map)
This park was constructed as part of a commemorative project for the 50th anniversary of the Showa Emperor's reign, as a national park, 32 km in a straight line from Tokyo Station to Tachikawa Station, a 50-minute train ride. A cycling path is laid out on the vast site, and visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and grasses. During the autumn leaves season, the ginkgo trees just inside the main gate are magnificent. Many commercial facilities have been built in Tachikawa recently, and the area is popular among locals. Tachikawa is also a busy transfer station for hikers who want to hike Mount Takao and Okutama.
Mt. Takao (Map)
This mountain is a mecca for one-day hikers in Tokyo. Cable cars and lifts are available from the foot station, and its easy elevation (599 meters) makes it popular among hikers of all levels. It takes an ordinary hiker about an hour and a half to reach the summit on foot from the base station. Takao Yakuoin, a famous mountain worship place, is also located on the mountain, providing a cultural experience. Mt. Takao is home to a variety of vegetation and colorful autumn leaves. Because it is easily accessible from the city center, it is highly crowded during the autumn leaves season, and you should avoid visiting on holidays and weekends.
Finally
The best time to view the autumn leaves depends significantly on the temperature changes in October, so it is difficult to say precisely when the best time is. However, if you pick up the best places to view autumn leaves in Tokyo, it can easily be included in your itinerary.
If you want to see the natural beauty of the autumn leaves, like in the Tohoku region, you must carefully plan the area and time of year to visit. If you want to visit Kyoto or other famous places that are the focus of over-tourism, you must confirm the outline of measures to prevent congestion. Since foreign and Japanese tourists move simultaneously during the autumn leaves season, you should avoid traveling to these areas on weekends and national holidays.
I hope to be able to provide more specific information when the autumn leaves season approaches closer. I would be delighted if this post helped you plan.
The Mt Takao photo is lovely. I like the Japanese expression 紅葉狩り. It sounds so active!
I can’t wait to visit in late November! Thank you for this guide 😌