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【Autumn 2026】12 Picks of Japanese Gardens, Shrines and Temples in Tokyo｜An autumn outing exploring garden beauty and historic architecture

2026.11.09

GURUTTO TOKYO · AUTUMN 2026

Japanese Gardens, Shrines and Temples in Tokyo12Selections

An autumn outing through garden beauty and historic architecture

Mid-October to late November 2026

Autumn in Tokyo is more than just foliage.

Pond-centered gardens, Edo-period shrine buildings, stone temple architecture, and residences that trace modern history. In Tokyo, there are places where you can feel Japan’s aesthetics and culture along with the colors of the season. From the perspectives of autumn flowers, gardens, architecture, and history, we introduce 12 facilities featured on Gurutto Tokyo.

QUICK GUIDE

Facility quick reference

Facility	Area	Category	Ways to enjoy	Fees
Kameido Tenjin Shrine	Koto City	Shinto shrine	Flowers and gardens	Free general worship
Hatomori Hachiman Shrine	Shibuya City	Shinto shrine	Tokyo cultural history	Please check the official website for regular worship fees
Nezu Shrine	Bunkyo City	Shinto shrine	Historic architecture	Please check the official website for regular worship fees
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine	Minato City	Shinto shrine	Historic architecture	Please check the official website for regular worship fees
Kanda Myojin Shrine	Chiyoda City	Shinto shrine	Historic architecture	Please check the official website for regular worship fees
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple	Chuo City	Temple	Historic architecture	Please check the official website for regular worship fees
Ekoin Temple	Sumida City	Temple	Tokyo cultural history	Please check the official website for regular worship fees
Takao Komagino Garden	Hachioji City	Garden / Historic site	Flowers and gardens	Free admission to the garden and old folk house
Mukojima Hyakkaen	Sumida City	Gardens / Historic Sites	Flowers and Gardens / Tokyo’s Cultural History	General 150 yen／Ages 65+ 70 yen／Children (elementary and younger) and junior high students living or studying in Tokyo free
Happo-en	Minato City	Gardens / Historic Sites	Flowers and Gardens	Garden free to visit／TOKYO RED GARDEN 2026 free admission
Shibamata Taishakuten・Suikeien	Katsushika City	Temple & Garden	Flowers and Gardens／Historic Architecture	Combined admission: Adults 400 yen, Elementary and junior high students 200 yen
Tekigaiso Park	Suginami City	Gardens / Historic Sites	Tokyo’s Cultural History	Tekigaiso Main Building: General 300 yen, Elementary and junior high students 150 yen／Exhibition Hall & Lawn Plaza free

12 PLACES

Tour Japanese Gardens and Shrines & Temples

ShrineKoto City, Kameido

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Chrysanthemum hues and arched bridges. The “Tenjin of the East” reflecting Edo charm

An ancient shrine in Kameido enshrining Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the deity of learning. Modeled after Dazaifu Tenmangū, the grounds feature a drum bridge over the pond, wisteria trellises, and shrine buildings in harmony, creating a landscape rich in the atmosphere of Edo. Stroll along the pond while viewing seasonal flowers and leisurely savor the historic architecture and waterside ambiance. Perfect for a small autumn outing.

Autumn Highlights

The 2026 Chrysanthemum Festival is from Sun, October 25 to Sun, November 22. Chrysanthemums color the area in front of the main hall. Peak viewing is usually around early November, but it varies with the weather, so please check the latest bloom information.

Address: 東京都江東区亀戸3-6-1
Access: About a 15-minute walk from Kameido Station (North Exit) or Kinshicho Station (North Exit)
Hours: Main Hall 6:00–17:00／Grounds open 24 hours／Shrine office 9:00–18:00
Fees: General worship free

Official website See more on Gurutto Tokyo

ShrineShibuya Ward, Sendagaya

Hatomori Hachiman Shrine

Encounter a Fujizuka in a city-center grove at this historic Sendagaya shrine

A Hachiman shrine in Sendagaya with a history of over 1,100 years. Within the grounds are the “Sendagaya Fujizuka,” a Tangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Tokyo, as well as a Noh stage and a shogi hall, preserving the area’s unique faith and culture today. Despite its central location, you can feel the presence of trees, making it a historic shrine where you can enjoy both climbing the Fujizuka and strolling the precincts. It also fits easily into a walk around the neighborhood.

Autumn highlights

Enjoy a cultural stroll around the Fujizuka, the shrine buildings, and the Noh stage within the tree-lined grounds. In principle, the Fujizuka can be climbed at any time, but avoid nighttime and periods of festivals or maintenance, and follow on-site instructions.

Address: 東京都渋谷区千駄ヶ谷1-1-24
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Sendagaya Station, Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station, or Kita-Sando Station
Hours: Grounds open 24 hours／Shrine office 9:00–17:00／Prayers 9:00–16:00
Fees: Please check the official website for standard worship fees

Official website See more on Gurutto Tokyo

ShrineBunkyo Ward, Nezu

Nezu Shrine

A historical stroll through Yanesen to visit vermilion torii gates and Edo-period shrine buildings

A historic shrine representing Yanesen, said to have been founded by Yamato Takeru. Its Gongen-style main hall, tower gate, karamon, and other Edo-period buildings survive as a cohesive ensemble and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The vermilion torii leading to Otome Inari Shrine are also striking. Strolling through the precincts, you can savor vivid colors, intricate design, and long history all at once. It also makes a good stop on a Yanesen walk.

Autumn highlights

As you tour the rōmon gate, the main hall, and the vermilion torii, you can take your time appreciating the details of Edo architecture. In 2026, a limited autumn layered paper-cut goshuin is scheduled to be offered through Monday, November 30.

Address: 東京都文京区根津1-28-9
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Nezu Station, Sendagi Station, or Todaimae Station／about a 10-minute walk from Hakusan Station
Hours: Varies by month. Please check the official website for opening and closing times
Admission: Please check the official website for standard worship fees

Official website See more on Gurutto Tokyo

ShrineMinato-ku・Akasaka

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine

Edo-period shrine buildings and quiet moments amid the city’s trees

The guardian shrine of Akasaka, said to have been founded in Tenryaku 5 (951). The current shrine buildings were constructed by order of Tokugawa Yoshimune and, having escaped war damage, are precious examples of Edo architecture. Within the precincts you’ll find expressive komainu guardian dogs, stone lanterns, and a great ginkgo; step away from the city streets and a tranquil wooded landscape awaits. Recommended for days when you want to quietly tour architecture and nature. Also ideal for an Akasaka stroll.

Autumn highlights

The season when the great ginkgo in the precincts turns yellow. From Sunday, November 1, 2026, the seasonal goshuin “Great Ginkgo” will be available. As the coloring varies with the weather, please check the latest information.

Address: 東京都港区赤坂6-10-12
Access: On foot from Akasaka Station, Roppongi Station, Roppongi-itchome Station, and Tameike-sanno Station
Hours: Gate opens 6:00／Shrine office 9:00～17:00／Gate closes 17:30
Fees: Please check the official website for regular worship fees

Official website See more on Gurutto Tokyo

Shinto shrineChiyoda City・Ochanomizu

Kanda Myojin

Tokyo’s guardian shrine where Edo culture lives on in vermilion-lacquered halls

Its official name is Kanda Jinja. As the general guardian of Edo, this ancient shrine has long protected 108 neighborhood associations including Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and Otemachi. The vividly vermilion main sanctuary and Zuishinmon gate are adorned with intricate decorations, and within the precincts Edo culture coexists with the energy of the modern city. Pair your visit with strolls in Ochanomizu and Akihabara to feel the layers of Tokyo’s history. You can also enjoy a stroll around the area after your visit.

Autumn highlights

Admire the decorations of the Zuishinmon gate and the main sanctuary, and take a stroll that connects you to old Edo. The Autumn Grand Festival (Niinamesai) is scheduled from 14:00 on Wed, November 25, 2026.

Address: 東京都千代田区外神田2-16-2
Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Ochanomizu Station／about 7 minutes on foot from Akihabara Station
Hours: Amulet office 9:00～18:00 (until December 31, 2026)
Fees: Please check the official website for regular worship fees

Official website See more on Gurutto Tokyo

Buddhist templeChuo City・Tsukiji

Tsukiji Hongwanji

A Tsukiji landmark whose stone curves and design captivate the eye

The main hall, reminiscent of Buddhist architecture across Asia, especially ancient India, was designed by architect Chuta Ito. Inside, stained glass and a pipe organ are installed, and you can find original animal-themed decorations throughout. As you look for designs that defy the usual Japanese/Western categories, this is a landmark where you can appreciate the allure of modern temple architecture in Tsukiji. It’s also great for a rainy-day stroll.

Autumn highlights

An architecture spot that’s less affected by the weather. Conservation and repair work on the main hall—an Important Cultural Property—and other areas is scheduled until around December 2026; please follow on-site guidance when visiting.

Address: 東京都中央区築地3-15-1
Access: Directly connected to Exit 1 of Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
Hours: Main Hall 6:00–16:00
Admission: Please check the official website for the standard worship fee

Official website See details on Gurutto Tokyo

TempleSumida City・Ryogoku

Ekō-in Temple

An ancient temple that has memorialized many lives and tells the history of Ryogoku

Founded to commemorate those who died in the Great Meireki Fire, this Ryogoku temple has long extended compassion to people without family and even to animals. Within the grounds are the grave of Nezumi Kozō and more, and it also preserves the history of when sumo tournaments were once held here. As a place where disasters, memorial rites, and sumo culture intersect, it’s a historic temple best visited together with Ryogoku’s museums and sites. It invites quiet reflection on history.

Autumn highlights

Make it a starting point for a walk tracing Edo’s disaster history, memorial rites, and sumo culture alongside Ryogoku’s museums and historic sites. The daily 16:00 evening service is open to the public, but times may change depending on events.

Address: 2-8-10 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo
Access: About 3 minutes on foot from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit)／About 10 minutes on foot from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station
Hours: Temple office reception 9:00–16:30／Evening service 16:00
Fees: Please check the official website for regular worship fees

Official website See details on Gurutto Tokyo

Gardens・Historic SitesHachioji City・Takao

Takao Komagino Garden

With the mountains of Takao as borrowed scenery, enjoy three garden styles and a historic folk house

This garden in Hachioji City lets you enjoy three styles at once: a pond-strolling garden, dry landscape (karesansui), and roji. Colorful koi swimming in the heart-shaped pond, carefully tended bonsai, and views that borrow the mountains of Takao welcome visitors. Looking out at the garden from the interior of a prewar folk house, you can feel the connection between Japanese life and garden culture. It’s a spot to pair with a Takao stroll.

Autumn highlights

The garden’s trees turn colors, and you can feel the season even through the windows of the old house. For the 2026 autumn bonsai exhibition, there is a date discrepancy among official pages, so please confirm details with the garden.

Address: 268-1 Uratakao-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Takao Station or Takaosanguchi Station／From Takao Station North Exit, take a bus and get off at “Byoin-mae”; it’s right there
Hours: October 9:00–17:00／November 9:00–16:00 (old folk house open until 30 minutes before closing)
Fees: Free admission to the garden and the old house

Official website See details on Gurutto Tokyo

Gardens・Historic SitesSumida City・Higashi-Mukojima

Mukojima Hyakkaen

A garden for the people to encounter Edo literati culture and autumn wildflowers

In the Edo period, the antique dealer 佐原鞠塢 established this garden with the support of literati and calligraphers. Unlike daimyo gardens, its simple, literati-inspired scenery has been preserved, and it is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site by the national government. Its appeal lies in being able to appreciate seasonal flowers up close; it’s a garden best enjoyed with a leisurely stroll while turning your attention to the plants and Edo culture. You’ll find a different expression in each season.

Autumn highlights

November 7 (Sat)–30 (Mon), 2026: “Edo Hanayashiki Colored by Chrysanthemums.” You can also encounter autumn plants such as pampas grass, sasanqua, and Japanese anemone.

Address: 東京都墨田区東向島3-18-3
Access: About 8 min on foot from Higashi-Mukojima Station / about 13 min on foot from Keisei-Hikifune Station
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Admission: Adults 150 yen / Ages 65+ 70 yen / Free for elementary school students and junior high school students living or attending school in Tokyo

Official site See more on Gurutto Tokyo

Garden / Historic siteMinato-ku, Shirokanedai

八芳園

Garden beauty of Shirokanedai woven by pond, bonsai, and historic buildings

A vast Japanese garden in Shirokanedai said to date back to the Edo period. Centered on a pond, tea rooms, centuries-old bonsai, and historic buildings harmonize, letting you feel the changing seasons even in the city center. The official guide says the garden can be freely explored, and another attraction is that each turn along the walking paths offers a different view. Enjoy the scenery woven by waterside and trees. A garden to take your time with.

Autumn highlights

November 27 (Fri)–December 6 (Sun), 2026: “TOKYO RED GARDEN 2026.” The autumn-colored garden will be illuminated from sunset until 21:00.

Address: 東京都港区白金台1-1-1
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Shirokanedai Station Exit 2
Hours: Please check the official website for regular garden visiting hours／Illumination: sunset–21:00
Fees: Garden admission free／TOKYO RED GARDEN 2026 free entry

Official site See details on Gurutto Tokyo

Temple and GardenKatsushika・Shibamata

柴又帝釈天・邃渓園

Tour exquisite carvings and a pond garden along a single corridor

The formal name is 経栄山題経寺. In the carving gallery, you can view up close delicate wood carvings depicting stories from the Lotus Sutra, and at 邃渓園 you can enjoy the varied garden scenery from the corridor surrounding the pond. As the route connects in one sequence including the Great Guest Hall, the appeal is being able to fully savor the beauty of temple architecture, sculpture, and Japanese gardens. A landmark to make the centerpiece of a Shibamata stroll, and it pairs well with a walk along the temple approach.

Autumn highlights

The charm lies in being able to view the garden, carvings, and Great Guest Hall together. The official guide also features autumn foliage as one of the seasonal scenes, which you can take your time appreciating from the corridor.

Address: 東京都葛飾区柴又7-10-3
Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Keisei Line Shibamata Station／About 12 minutes on foot from Hokuso Line Shin-Shibamata Station
Hours: Gate open 5:00–20:00／Suikeien & Carving Gallery 9:00–16:00 (closes 16:30)
Fees: Combined admission: Adults 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen

Official site See details on Gurutto Tokyo

Garden / Historic SiteSuginami・Ogikubo

荻外荘公園

Walk through the residence and garden that shaped Showa-era political history

A nationally designated historic site: the former residence of Fumimaro Konoe, who served as Prime Minister, where important political talks in the early Showa period were held. In the restored buildings you can experience the spaces and materials of the time, and tour them together with the Exhibition Hall and the Lawn Plaza. This park lets you trace both the villa culture nurtured in Ogikubo and the course of modern Japan through residential architecture and garden scenery. The indoor exhibits are also worth taking your time with.

Autumn highlights

Enjoy the garden scenery and architecture alongside the indoor exhibits. From Sat, October 24, 2026, the Exhibition Hall will host the special exhibition “Fumimaro Konoe’s Grand Court Robes.” Admission to the Exhibition Hall is free.

Address: 東京都杉並区荻窪2-43-36
Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Ogikubo Station (South Exit)
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) / Usually closed on Wednesdays. Open specially on November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026
Fees: Tekigaiso Main Building: Adults 300 yen; Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen / Exhibition Hall and Lawn Plaza: free

Official website See more on Gurutto Tokyo

Visiting Manners

Etiquette for a pleasant visit

Basics at shrines

Bow before the torii gate and proceed without walking down the center of the approach
If a temizuya is available, purify your hands and mouth
In general, worship with two bows, two claps, and one final bow

Basics at temples

Bow before the main gate and enter the grounds quietly
If a chozuya/temizuya is available, purify your hands and mouth
Do not clap; place your palms together at your chest and pray

Common courtesies for gardens and shrines/temples

Give priority to on-site guidance: do not photograph worshippers or wedding parties without permission; confirm whether photography is allowed in main halls or indoor exhibits; avoid tripods that obstruct passage and speaking in loud voices. Practices may vary by shrine or sect.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I enjoy flowers from late October to November?

At Kameido Tenjin Shrine, the Chrysanthemum Festival is scheduled from October 25 to November 22, 2026, and at Mukojima Hyakkaen Gardens, “菊が彩る江戸花屋敷” is planned from November 7 to 30. Please check official information for the latest blooming status before your visit.

Are there any gardens or events you can enjoy for free?

At Takao Komagino Garden, admission and entry to the old folk house are free. Happo-en's "TOKYO RED GARDEN 2026" is also announced as free admission. For standard worship fees at temples and shrines, please check each facility's official information.

Where can I enjoy a Japanese garden and temple architecture together?

At Shibamata Taishakuten, you can visit Suikeien and the Sculpture Gallery with a combined admission ticket.

What should I keep in mind when taking photos?

Photography may be restricted in main sanctuaries/halls and indoor exhibits. Do not photograph worshippers or wedding parties without permission, and follow each facility's guidance.

AUTUMN IN TOKYO

Time in Tokyo, told by gardens and architecture.

Beyond peak blooms, if you turn your attention to stone and water, wooden architecture, sculpture, and the city's memories, an autumn stroll becomes even more profound.

Author of this article

ぐるっと東京

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