10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Tokyo

Planning a trip to Tokyo this autumn? Here are stunning spots to see fall foliage in Tokyo, from golden ginkgo streets to maple-filled gardens.

From golden ginkgo streets to peaceful gardens, Tokyo has no shortage of amazing spots for fall colors. Some are famous, some are totally underrated, and a few are perfect for a quick escape if you want more nature.

Here are my favorite places to see fall foliage in Tokyo. Bring a warm drink, charge your phone, and let’s go leaf-hunting.

1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

If you’re only visiting one spot for autumn leaves in Tokyo, make it Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s right in the middle of the city, but it somehow feels worlds away.

The park’s huge, with a mix of Japanese, English, and French garden styles. One minute you’re walking past wide green lawns, the next you’re crossing a bridge over a still pond surrounded by yellow ginkgo trees and red maples.

I love that variety! It keeps things interesting every time I go.

I usually grab a hot drink from a vending machine near the entrance and just wander. No plan, no rush.

If you come between mid-November and early December, that’s when the colors really pop. Late afternoon is my favorite. The light’s soft, and the reflections in the pond are unreal.

2. Koishikawa Korakuen

I found Koishikawa Korakuen by accident a few years ago, and it’s been one of my favorite places to see fall colors in Tokyo ever since.

It’s smaller and quieter than the big parks, so it’s perfect if you want to slow down and actually enjoy the moment.

This garden dates back to the Edo period, and you can really feel the history. The paths twist around ponds and bridges, and in late November the fall colors in Tokyo show up in full force.

The maple trees turn shades of red and orange, and there’s a massive ginkgo that looks like it’s glowing when the sunlight hits it.

What I love most is how peaceful it feels. You can walk the whole thing in under an hour, but I always end up staying longer.

3. Ginkgo Avenues at the University of Tokyo (Hongo Campus)

You probably wouldn’t expect a university to be one of the best places for fall colors, but the University of Tokyo’s Hongo campus completely surprised me.

The first time I went, I just stopped and stared. There’re long rows of ginkgo trees, glowing yellow from top to bottom. It looked like the whole street was covered in gold.

I love how the old red-brick buildings and ivy-covered walls give the place a mix of history and warmth. Walking through the campus feels quiet and cinematic, especially when the leaves start to fall and cover the ground.

The ginkgo trees usually hit peak color around mid to late November. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy it either. Just stroll in and take your time.

4. Rikugien Garden

Rikugien is where I go when I want that “wow” moment. It’s one of Tokyo’s classic stroll gardens, designed for slow wandering, and it completely transforms in autumn.

The path loops around a huge pond, and the reflections are unreal when the maples hit their peak.

Go close to sunset if you can. That’s when the light makes the whole garden glow.

I’ve stayed through to the evening light-up before, and it was beautiful. The trees are lit from below, the water shines, and the whole place feels calm even with people around.

5. Mount Takao

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Mount Takao is the perfect Tokyo day trip in autumn. Just an hour from Shinjuku by train, it’s an easy getaway with amazing views and mountain air.

You don’t have to be super outdoorsy either. You can hike up, take the cable car, or even the chair lift if you just want the view without the workout.

I usually do a mix. Hike a bit, snack a bit. There are little stalls along the way selling yaki dango (grilled rice dumplings) and warm drinks. Somehow they taste even better surrounded by trees turning red and orange.

There’s also a temple partway up that’s worth a quick stop. And when you reach the summit, you can sometimes spot Mount Fuji in the distance if the sky’s clear. The fall colors near Tokyo are usually best from mid to late November, so that’s when I try to go.

6. Lake Okutama

Want to escape the city for a full-on nature day? Head out to Lake Okutama. It’s only about two hours from central Tokyo, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in the mountains. And you kind of are.

The lake sits in the mountains, surrounded by dense forest that lights up with color in November.

There are a few short trails nearby if you want to hike, or you can rent a boat and paddle across the lake. Either way, it’s peaceful. Bring a lunch or grab something from the station before heading out.

If you’re the type who wants fresh air and views without going too far, this is one of the best places to see fall colors near Tokyo.

7. Meiji Jingu (Ginkgo Avenue / Icho Namiki)

This might be the most famous ginkgo spot in Tokyo.

You’ve probably seen photos of it. The tree-lined avenue in Meiji Jingu Gaien turns into a golden tunnel every fall. Seeing it in person feels even better.

I like to go early in the morning before the crowds show up. The ground gets covered in gold too, so every step feels soft.

There are cafés nearby where you can grab a drink and watch the street from the side. It’s one of those spots that makes autumn in Tokyo feel special. It’s easy to reach, no ticket needed, just pure color and calm.

8. Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is one of those places where anything can happen. You might see a jazz band playing, a group doing yoga, or someone walking their dog in a stroller. And in autumn? It turns into one of the most colorful spots in central Tokyo.

The trees here are amazing. You get a mix of ginkgo, zelkova, and maple, so the park glows in shades of red, yellow, and orange.

I usually start near the NHK entrance, where the trees are the brightest, then wander toward the center lawns.

There’s plenty of space to sit, take photos, or just walk without crowds. It’s one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo without leaving the city center.

9. Marunouchi Gyoko-dori

Gyoko-dori Avenue is my go-to spot for Tokyo’s fall colors near Tokyo Station.

The street runs between the station and the Imperial Palace, lined with rows of tall ginkgo trees that turn yellow in late November.

It’s short but beautiful. The view of the golden trees with the red-brick station behind them is classic Tokyo in autumn.

Oh and if you have time, keep going toward the Imperial Palace East Gardens. They have more maple trees and a peaceful contrast to the city backdrop.

10. Ueno Park

Okay, one more for good measure, Ueno Park. You might know it for cherry blossoms, but the fall season here is just as gorgeous.

It’s huge, and there’s so much to see: museums, shrines, ponds, and long tree-lined walkways bursting with color.

Maples and ginkgo trees light up the park, and the variety means you’ll catch something beautiful even if you visit a little earlier or later than peak season. It’s a great place to mix leaf-viewing with a little culture. 

Spend your morning wandering under golden trees, then pop into a museum or grab lunch at a food stall.

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