AUTUMN IN TOKYO
Stroll and savor autumn in Tokyo.
As autumn deepens, Tokyo gradually turns shades of red and yellow. Maples coloring the edges of ponds, avenues of glowing golden ginkgo, and park paths where you walk on fallen leaves. Even without venturing far, there are plenty of places in Tokyo to enjoy the colors of fall.
This feature introduces 12 spots where you can enjoy the red leaves of maples and the yellow of ginkgo. We’ve also compiled approximate peak times, nearest stations, and fees.
Peak periods are based on typical years and may shift depending on temperature and weather. Construction, entry restrictions, hours, and event information may also change, so please check each official website before you go.
SECTION 01
Golden-hued
Tokyo ginkgo avenues
01Minato & Shinjuku
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
A golden avenue leading to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, iconic of Tokyo
From Aoyama-dori toward the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, ginkgo trees line up in orderly rows. The view with the gallery framed straight ahead is unique to this spot. It’s crowded at peak season, so for a leisurely look, aim for a weekday morning. Please take photos from the sidewalk.
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Best season
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Mid-November–early December
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Highlights
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About 300 m of ginkgo-lined avenue
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Access
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Walk from Tokyo Metro Gaienmae Station or Aoyama-itchome Station
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Fees
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Strolling the avenue is free
02Tachikawa & Akishima
Showa Kinen Park (National Government Park)
A vast national park where you can enjoy two ginkgo-lined avenues
The “Katarai no Icho Namiki,” where naturally shaped trees form a canopy overhead, and the Canal that stretches symmetrically on both sides of the fountain. Enjoy two avenues with distinct atmospheres at once. It’s about a 7-minute walk from the Nishi-Tachikawa Gate to the Katarai no Icho Namiki.
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Best season
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Early–late November
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Access
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About 2 minutes from JR Ome Line Nishi-Tachikawa Station (Park Exit) to the Nishi-Tachikawa Gate
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Admission
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Adults 450 yen / Ages 65+ 210 yen / Junior high school students and younger free
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Hours
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Varies by season. Check the official website
2026 “Yellow and Red Leaves Festival” & “Autumn Night Stroll”
Oct 29 (Thu)〜Nov 29 (Sun) / Illumination 16:30〜20:30. The Katarai Ginkgo Avenue and the Canal require only the park admission fee. A separate viewing ticket is required for the Japanese Garden illumination.
03Nerima Ward
Hikarigaoka Park
A tunnel of ginkgo trees along the “Fureai-no-Michi”
Along the “Fureai-no-Michi” leading from the station to the park, large ginkgo trees form a tunnel. These trees were transplanted from in front of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and after the peak viewing period the ground becomes a carpet of yellow. Take it easy on the expansive lawn and spend a relaxing time.
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Best viewing (typical)
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Mid-November〜early December
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Access
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8 minutes on foot from Toei Oedo Line “Hikarigaoka Station”
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Fees
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Free (some facilities have fees)
04Hachioji City
Koshu Kaido Ginkgo Avenue
A city-designated Natural Monument stretching from Oiwake-cho to Takao-cho
From Oiwake-cho to Takao-cho, ginkgo trees line about 4 km along the Koshu Kaido. As you approach Takao Station, mountain ridgelines come into view, opening up a spacious scenery different from the tree-lined streets in the city center. As this is a busy road, please view and take photos from the sidewalk.
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Best viewing (typical)
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Mid〜late November
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Location
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Along the Koshu Kaido from Oiwake-cho to Takao-cho
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Access
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Immediately by the North Exit of JR “Takao Station” (western starting point)
SECTION 02
Enjoy watersides and lawns
Parks with beautiful autumn foliage
05Musashino City / Mitaka City
Inokashira Park
Autumn hues reflected on the pond’s surface, together with a stroll in Kichijoji
When the trees surrounding Inokashira Pond turn colors, reds and yellows are mirrored on the water’s surface. You can circle the pond, take a break on a bench—it's a place to spend your time as you like. It’s easy to stop by along with shopping or dining in Kichijoji.
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Typical peak season
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Mid-November to early December
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Access
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JR/Keio “Kichijoji Station” 5 min on foot / “Inokashira-koen Station” 1 min on foot
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Admission
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Free (some facilities are paid)
06Shibuya
Yoyogi Park
Just steps from Harajuku. Enjoy an autumn stroll under a wide open sky
The sky feels remarkably wide for somewhere so close to Harajuku, and massive zelkova and ginkgo trees dot the grounds. After walking on the fallen leaves, unwind on the lawn field. It’s a park you’ll want to drop by on a whim without overplanning.
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Typical peak season
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Mid-November to early December
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Access
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3-minute walk from JR "Harajuku Station"／Tokyo Metro "Yoyogi-koen Station"
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Admission
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Free (some facilities charge a fee)
07Taito City
Ueno Park
Golden ginkgo leaves to enjoy along with museum hopping
Along the paths lined with art museums and museums, the yellowed ginkgo trees brighten the scene. Even taking a slightly longer stroll before or after an exhibition lets you encounter quintessential autumn scenery. It’s close to Ueno Station, making it easy to drop by.
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Typical peak season
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Mid-November to early December
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Access
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2-minute walk from JR/Tokyo Metro "Ueno Station"／1-minute walk from "Keisei Ueno Station"
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Admission
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Park: free (cultural facilities charge separately)
08Koganei City and more
Koganei Park
Autumn wrapped in broad lawns and the spirit of Musashino
Seemingly endless lawns and large ginkgo and zelkova trees. Because the grounds are spacious, the flow of people is easily dispersed, so you can spend a leisurely full day with family or friends. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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Usual best viewing time
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Mid-November to early December
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Access
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Route buses from JR「武蔵小金井駅」and others
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Admission
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Free (some facilities require a fee)
SECTION 03
Enjoy casually in the city center
Familiar autumn scenery nearby
09Chiyoda
Hibiya Park
An urban autumn-leaves stroll around the grand ginkgo and ponds
The impressive 「首かけイチョウ」 and the trees that color the waterside of 「雲形池」 pack the highlights of autumn into this compact park. It’s easy to stop by between work or shopping. Check areas under redevelopment construction before you go.
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Usual best viewing time
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Late November to early December
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Access
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Right by the exits of 「霞ケ関駅」 and 「日比谷駅」 / 8 minutes on foot from JR「有楽町駅」
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Admission
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Free (some facilities require a fee)
10Setagaya
Kinuta Park
A spacious park colored by zelkova and ginkgo trees
There are many zelkova and ginkgo trees with wide-spreading branches, and even the park paths carpeted with fallen leaves have their own charm. You can relax on the lawns or stroll over to the adjacent Setagaya Art Museum. Some areas of the park are restricted; please check the latest information.
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Typical peak season
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Late November to early December
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Access
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Tokyu “Yoga Station”: 20 minutes on foot, or by bus: get off at “Museum”
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Admission
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Free (some facilities charge a fee)
11Setagaya-ku · Meguro-ku
Komazawa Olympic Park
Enjoy tree-lined paths and sports in autumn
Large trees such as zelkovas line the jogging course, and whether you run or walk you can feel the autumn atmosphere. There are also plazas with playground equipment in the park, making it perfect for days when you want to be active.
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Typical peak season
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Mid-November to early December
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Access
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Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line “Komazawa-daigaku Station”: 15 minutes on foot
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Admission
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Free (some facilities charge a fee)
12Koto-ku
Kiba Park
A fall day enjoying ginkgo trees, open lawns, and a contemporary art museum
As you walk through the park stretching north to south, the scenery changes one after another: golden ginkgo leaves, expansive lawns, and views from the Kiba Park Ohashi Bridge. Drop by the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo or extend your walk to Kiyosumi-shirakawa. It’s an area where you can leisurely enjoy an autumn day.
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Typical peak season
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Mid-November to early December
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Access
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Tokyo Metro “Kiba” Station: 10 min on foot / “Kiyosumi-shirakawa” Station: 15 min on foot
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Admission
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Free (some facilities are paid)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about autumn foliage in Tokyo
When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo?
In a typical year, mid-November to early December is a good guideline. Ginkgo and the Tama area tend to peak earlier, while maples and zelkova in the city center color from late November onward.
Where are beautiful ginkgo-lined avenues in Tokyo?
Meiji Jingu Gaien, National Showa Memorial Park, Hikarigaoka Park, and the Koshu Kaido ginkgo avenue are representative.
Are there places to enjoy autumn leaves for free?
Yes. Yoyogi Park, Ueno Onshi Park, Hikarigaoka Park, and Hibiya Park have free admission. Some facilities and parking lots charge fees.
How can I avoid crowds?
For a leisurely walk, weekday mornings are ideal. On peak-season weekends, even stations and parking lots get crowded, so use trains and buses as much as possible and check the official website and social media before you go.
