Visiting Tokyo for its autumn foliage is almost an annual must-do for many, but in previous years, the timing of the foliage season was delayed due to temperature changes. In Tokyo, you’ll have to wait until mid-November to enjoy the foliage. If you’re planning a Tokyo foliage trip this year, you can refer to the predicted foliage periods — and we’ll also introduce 8 great Tokyo spots for viewing the autumn leaves !
Predicted Best Time to View the Foliage
Tokyo: Expected from mid-November to mid-December
Last year, the autumn foliage across Japan bloomed gradually between October 17 and November 23. Mount Takao only began showing its red leaves around November 20. It’s expected that this year will be similar, with peak times around mid-November — so plan your trip accordingly.
? Hokkaido: Early October – Early November
? Tohoku: Early October – Mid-November
? Kanto: Late November – Late December
? Kansai, Tokai, Hokuriku: Early November – Early December
? Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu: Early November – Mid-December
Tokyo is part of the Kanto region. Due to rising temperatures last year, the foliage season was delayed, so this year the timing is likely to be slightly later as well. The best time to see the leaves is probably around the end of November.
Japan’s First Western-Style Modern Park | Hibiya Park
Located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and spanning 160,000 square meters, Hibiya Park has been open since 1903. It offers different scenery throughout the seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, and red leaves in autumn and winter — attracting many tourists who make a special trip even amid their busy schedules. It’s said to be Japan’s first Western-style modern park and one of the few places in Tokyo where you can enjoy seasonal blooms.
Hibiya Park is full of autumn charm, and the best part is its proximity to central Tokyo — after enjoying the foliage, you can head straight to do some shopping.
Hibiya Park
? Address: 1-6 Hibiya Koen, Chiyoda, Tokyo
? Transportation:
1. Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Chiyoda Line – Kasumigaseki Station, Exit A10 or A14
2. Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line – Hibiya Station, Exit A10 or A14
3. Mitsukoshimae Station on the Toei Mita Line, Exit A10 or A14
4. Yurakucho Station on the JR Line, an 8-minute walk
Meiji-era English, French, and Japanese garden | Shinjuku Gyoen
When it comes to famous maple-viewing spots in Tokyo, how could Shinjuku Gyoen not be on the list? Spanning across the two trendy districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya, it brings a touch of tranquility to the bustling city. The land where Shinjuku Gyoen now stands was originally the residence of the Naito family, lords of the Takatō Domain in Shinano Province during the Edo period. It was later transformed into an imperial garden and completed in 1906. As one of the most representative gardens of the Meiji era, it seamlessly blends three styles—French, English, and Japanese—without any sense of disharmony.
Surrounded by maple leaves, with the ground carpeted in a layer of fallen foliage, taking a stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one is simply romantic.
Shinjuku Gyoen
?Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo
?Hours: 9am–6pm
?Transportation: Take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Sendagaya Station, then a 5-minute walk
Hotspot for night maple viewing | Rikugien
Tokyo boasts countless maple-viewing spots, but Rikugien is the only one in the city where you can enjoy night maple views, attracting many visitors in recent years. By the way, Rikugien is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional Japanese gardens, located in Komagome, Bunkyo Ward. It was built in 1695 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, the shogun’s chief aide during the Edo period, and took seven years to complete.
Rikugien is not open for night visits on regular days; it is specially opened during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Rikugien Garden
?Address: 6-chome, Honkomagome, Bunkyo City
?Hours: 8am–5pm. Special hours apply during the maple leaf season. For details, check the official website.
?Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Komagome Station, then walk about 7 minutes.
Olympic Village turned into a large urban forest | Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park once served as the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and was later developed into a vast urban forest. During both spring and autumn, the park is always packed — it’s no exaggeration to call it one of Japan’s most beloved spots for cherry blossom and maple leaf viewing. Additionally, there’s a high-quality flea market every weekend, offering everything from clothing and handmade goods to household items.
The red leaves and ginkgo here are so beautiful. Having a picnic on this ground covered with fallen maple leaves is so relaxing.
Yoyogi Park
?Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
?Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, then walk about 5 minutes.
Stroll on a crimson carpet of maple leaves | Koganei Park
Koganei Park is located along the Tamagawa Aqueduct and spans across four municipalities within Tokyo. It is a very spacious park that is well-known among locals but less familiar to tourists. Its maple leaf viewing season mostly falls in late November, which helps visitors avoid the peak crowds and enjoy the solemn beauty of the red leaves in peace. The park was originally just a large green space, created in 1940 as part of the celebrations for the 2600th anniversary of the Japanese Imperial reign. After the war, it even briefly served as the temporary residence of the Japanese Crown Prince. In 1954, it was officially named Koganei Park.
In autumn, enjoy the vibrant red leaves and ginkgo trees.
?Address: Koganeicho, Koganei City, Tokyo
?Transportation: Take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station, then walk about 20 minutes
200 maple trees in a national garden | Tsubakiyama Garden
A green oasis in the city, Tsubakiyama Garden is a national garden designed in 1915 by landscape architect Mr. Senji for the Ekimoto Teijo Villa. It features 200 maple trees, wildflowers from the Musashino region, and a spring selected as one of Tokyo’s “57 Famous Springs,” all available to enjoy in one place. The best time for autumn foliage is expected to be mid-November to early December.
The garden showcases 200 maple trees, wildflowers from the Musashino region, and a spring selected as one of Tokyo’s “57 Famous Springs.”
?Address: 2 Minami-cho, Kokubunji City, Tokyo
?Transportation: JR Chuo Line / Seibu Kokubunji Line / Seibu Tamagawa Line to Kokubunji Station, a 2-minute walk
An urban green oasis just an hour from central Tokyo | Mount Takao
For a mountain hike and autumn foliage experience, Mount Takao is just an hour’s drive from central Tokyo. Enjoy a pleasant mountain walk or take the cable car to admire the maple leaves. The best time for autumn foliage is expected to be mid- to late November.
Mount Takao is perfect for a relaxing day trip and autumn leaf viewing.
Mount Takao
?Address: Mount Takao, Hachioji City, Tokyo
? Transportation: Take the Keiō Line from JR Shinjuku Station and get off at Takaosanguchi Station
Tokyo’s Hidden Paradise | Lake Okutama
A highly recommended outing spot by locals—Lake Okutama, located in western Tokyo, is the nearest national park to the city. It boasts distinct seasonal scenery: cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall. The walking trails are comfortable, making it ideal for families and casual day-trippers.
The mountain scenery is strikingly beautiful, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Lake Okutama
? Address: 1740 Kawano, Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo
? Operating Hours: 9am–5pm (park facilities close at 4:30pm)
? Closed: December 29 to January 3 of the following year
? Transportation: Take the JR Chūō Line from Shinjuku to Tachikawa Station, transfer to the JR Ōme Line, and get off at Okutama Station (approx. 110 minutes)
This article is republished with permission fromHong Kong 01, originally published in01 Travel/01 Food.