Tokyo Fall Foliage 2025: When and Where to See

Tokyo's fall foliage season usually starts in late November and lasts until mid-December. The best time to see the colors is often in the first or second week of December. If the weather is warmer than usual, the peak may come a little later.

You could enjoy amazing fall colors in central parks, temple gardens, and nearby mountains.

This guide will show you the best time and places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo. We also include the usual peak times from past years to help you plan your visit.

When to See Fall Colors in Tokyo

The best time to see fall colors in Tokyo is from late November to early December. Leaves usually start turning red and yellow around mid-November. You can still see them until about mid-December.

Unlike cherry blossoms, which fall quickly, autumn leaves change slowly. The colors last for three to four weeks, so you have a better chance of catching them.

Try not to go too early. If you visit in late October or early November, many trees will still be green.

In central Tokyo, places like Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien Garden, and Yoyogi Park usually reach their peak in late November. The colors often stay bright into early or even mid-December.

If you're visiting in early to mid-November, we recommend a day trip to the nearby mountains for an early glimpse of fall. Cooler regions like Mount Takao, Okutama, and the Hakone area see color changes earlier.

Where to See Autumn Leaves in Tokyo

Tokyo feels like a modern city, but in autumn, you'll also find beautiful spots with colorful leaves around traditional buildings and some of Japan's most famous landmarks.

Rikugien Garden

• Highlights: Edo-period landscape garden
• Address: 6-16-3 Hon-Komagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo (7-minute walk from JR Komagome Station)

Rikugien is one of Tokyo's most beautifully preserved Edo-era strolling wooden gardens. In autumn, the maple trees around the central pond turn vivid shades of red.

You could sit on tatami mats in a traditional teahouse, enjoy matcha and seasonal sweets, and take in the autumn view.

The garden lights up at 6:00 p.m. from late November to early December.

Shinjuku Gyoen

• Highlights: Blend of Japanese and Western garden styles
• Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo (10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, New South Exit)

Originally a garden for the imperial family, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the few places where you could see traditional Japanese garden design with Western-style landscaping.

In autumn, the maple, ginkgo, and bald cypress trees around ponds and by traditional bridges.

The flat pathways make it easy to walk in a kimono for a seasonal cultural experience. You could stop at the teahouse in the Japanese garden, sip matcha, and enjoy the peaceful autumn scenery.

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

• Highlights: Golden ginkgo trees in the city center
• Address: 1-1 Kasumigaokacho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of Tokyo's most famous ginkgo avenues. The 300-meter-long path is lined with ginkgo trees that turn brilliant yellow.

The 300-meter path is lined with golden ginkgo trees in late autumn. At the end, you could see the Meiji Memorial Museum. The scene makes a perfect photo spot.

For a cultural touch, you could visit the nearby Meiji Shrine main hall. It's known for its calm, solemn atmosphere. The avenue is also close to the upscale shopping street Omotesando, with many cafés and art galleries nearby.  It easy to combine a ginkgo walk with a relaxing day in the city.

Showa Kinen Park

• Highlights: Cycling, picnics, family-friendly
• Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan (10-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station)
• Best Time to Visit: Mid to late November

Showa Kinen Park is one of Tokyo's largest city parks, known for its natural landscapes.

In autumn, you could enjoy ginkgo avenues, maple groves, Japanese gardens, dry rock gardens, and traditional teahouses—all blending nature with Japanese aesthetics.

The Japanese garden area is illuminated at night during the peak season.

The park's vast area offers walking paths and bike rentals. There are playgrounds and picnic lawns, making it ideal for families.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

• Highlights: Serene Eastern-style garden
• Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan (5-minute walk from JR Iidabashi Station or Tokyo Dome)

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden was built in the early Edo period. The garden combines Japanese and Chinese design styles. It is great for visitors who enjoy history and culture.

In autumn, most maple trees are near the ponds and streams. Stone bridges, small hills, and water wheels add to the peaceful, traditional atmosphere.

The paths are short and easy to walk slowly. In fall, there are often short exhibitions and tea ceremonies. You could enjoy the quiet and a less crowded visit.

Shiba Park

• Highlights: Close-up views of Tokyo Tower
• Address: 4-chome Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo (2-minute walk from Toei Mita Line Shiba Park Station)

Shiba Park is one of Japan's oldest Western-style parks. It is famous for autumn leaves with Tokyo Tower as a close backdrop. This makes it a popular spot for markable autumn photos in Tokyo.

The historic Zojoji Temple is also inside the park. Its old buildings and golden leaves create a strong autumn atmosphere.

Shiba Park is suitable for a relaxed half-day visit.

Todoroki Valley

• Highlights: Natural gorge and stream-side foliage in the city
• Address: 1-22 Todoroki, Setagaya, Tokyo (3-minute walk from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line)

Todoroki Valley is a rare natural gorge in central Tokyo. In autumn, maple leaves turn red along the stream, mixing with small bridges, bamboo groves, and flowing water.

The trail runs about 1 kilometer. Along the way, you could stop at a small teahouse or visit Todoroki Fudoson, a quiet local temple surrounded by trees.

It is peaceful and rarely crowded, making it a great place to escape the city's noise and enjoy nature up close.

Where to See Autumn Leaves Outside Tokyo

There are many great places to see autumn leaves within a one to two-hour drive from Tokyo. You could visit classic Japanese temples or enjoy views of Mount Fuji framed by colorful foliage. A day trip is definitely worth considering.

Unlike the best viewing time in central Tokyo, the peak autumn colors in the surrounding areas usually come a little earlier.

Mt. Takao

• Highlights: classic Japanese mountain scenery
• Transportation: About a 1-1.5hour drive from Tokyo
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-November

Mt. Takao is one of the best places to enjoy classic Japanese mountain scenery in autumn.

The trails are full of red maples and golden ginkgo trees. You could stop at small teahouses and viewing spots along the way.

Halfway up, visit Yakuoin Temple, a quiet place with over 1,200 years of history.

You could hike to the top, or take a cable car or chairlift if you prefer an easier way to visit. On a clear day, you might even see Mt. Fuji from the summit.

In mid-November, the Maple Festival takes place. There are folk shows and local food stalls on the weekends, perfect for enjoying the season.

Kamakura

• Highlights: Rich in history and culture
• Transportation: About a 1-1.5hour drive from Tokyo
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-November to early December

Kamakura is known for its ancient temples and shrines, many surrounded by red maples and golden ginkgo trees. In autumn, one of the best ways to enjoy the fall colors here is by riding the Enoden train. This charming local railway weaves through the town, passing right by some of the best foliage spots.

Start your visit at Engaku-ji. This quiet Zen temple has hillside maples and a peaceful feel. In autumn, you might see the Enoden train pass the gate—a classic Kamakura view.

Next, take a 5-minute train or walk 1.5 km to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. This shrine is known for its samurai roots. Red leaves surround its bright buildings in fall.

Walk 10 minutes to Kamakura Station, passing Komachi Street. Stop for local snacks or coffee along the way. Then ride the Enoden train 5 minutes and walk 500 meters to Hasedera Temple. The temple has gardens, hill views, and evening light-ups during peak season.

A fall day in Kamakura is perfect for couples or people looking to enjoy the calm side of Japanese autumn.

Nikko

• Highlights: Mountain foliage and waterfalls
• Transportation: About a 2-hour drive from Tokyo
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to early November

Nikko is a top autumn spot where nature and culture meet. Start at Toshogu Shrine, surrounded by red maples and ancient cedar trees. The bright shrine buildings look stunning against the fall colors.

You could also explore Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, both known for dramatic mountain foliage.

Crowds can be heavy on weekends, especially during peak foliage. To avoid crowds, arrive early or visit on a weekday. During fall foliage season, it's best to stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere.

Lake Kawaguchi

• Highlights: Mt. Fuji views, lakeside foliage, evening light-ups
• Transportation: About a 1.5-2 hours drive from Tokyo
• Best Time to Visit: Mid to late November

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the best places to enjoy autumn leaves with Mt. Fuji in the background. Along the lakeside, you red and gold leaves reflect on the water.

Day turns to night. The Momiji Festival begins. Glowing leaves attract many photographers. The Momiji Corridor is a must-see spot for a classic "Japanese autumn" view.

The clear air of autumn also brings better chances of seeing Mt. Fuji, especially early in the morning. To make the most of your visit, go on a weekday to avoid crowds, and consider staying overnight to enjoy the calm morning light by the lake.

Hakone

• Highlights: Fall foliage, Mt. Fuji views, hot spring stays
• Transportation: About a 1.5-2 hours drive from Tokyo
• Best Time to Visit: Late October to mid-November

Hakone is perfect for a fall escape. You can soak in a hot spring, see colorful leaves, and enjoy lake views with Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Many ryokans in Hakone have garden views from private baths. Options like Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka, Gora Byakudan, and KAI Hakone let you enjoy the fall scenery right from the water.

Around Lake Ashi, red maples and golden grasses paint the hills. On clear days, you could even see Mt. Fuji rising behind the lake.

For a quiet cultural stop, visit the Hakone Museum of Art. The garden, with its elegant Japanese design, is only open during the fall season.

The Hakone Tozan Railway is also a highlight. The train from Yumoto to Gora winds through forests filled with bright autumn leaves right outside your window. You could also take the Hakone Ropeway for a panoramic view over the mountains.

We recommend you stay overnight. You'll have time to enjoy a slow-paced onsen stay, and early morning Fuji views before the crowds arrive.

Okutama

• Highlights: Lakeside foliage, river gorge hikes, countryside views
• Transportation: About a 1.5-2 hours drive from Tokyo
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-November

Okutama is Tokyo's hidden autumn retreat for travelers looking to escape the crowds. The area is known for peaceful hiking routes, vivid fall colors, and quiet countryside charm.

There are many ways to explore the area. You could enjoy boating on Lake Okutama, hike through mountain trails, or try kayaking along the upper Tama River.

The hiking routes include both gentle countryside walks and more rugged mountain paths. Some narrow trails are covered in fallen leaves, so it's important to watch your step.

For a scenic paddle, head to the Mitake Gorge area. You can kayak through colorful canyon scenery, or take the 4km walking path along the riverbanks. Water gets chilly in autumn, so bring warm changeable clothes.

How to Avoid Crowds During Autumn Leaves Season in Tokyo

Visit on weekday mornings before 10 a.m. when the light is perfect for photos and fewer people are around. Avoid weekends and check Japanese public holiday dates like Culture Day (Nov 3) or Labor Thanksgiving Day (Nov 23).

How Early to Book for Fall Foliage Season

To avoid high prices and fully booked hotels, it's best to book your autumn trip to Japan 3 to 6 months in advance.

Autumn is one of Japan's busiest travel seasons, especially from mid-November to early December, when fall colors reach their peak.

During this time, hotel prices can rise by 20–40%, and rooms in popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza often sell out one to two months ahead.

Planning day trips to places like Nikko or Hakone? These destinations are also very popular in fall. For guided tours and transportation, try to reserve at least three months ahead to secure your spot.

What to Wear & Bring in Tokyo's Autumn

• Typical weather: 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F), dry with big temperature differences between day and night.
• Layered clothing: A light down jacket, sweater, and innerwear help you adjust to changing temperatures.
• Hat or sunglasses: UV rays are still present even with soft autumn sunlight.
• Comfortable shoes: Many gardens have gravel paths or gentle slopes.
• Compact umbrella: November is usually dry, but it's smart to be prepared for light rain.

Let's Help You Arrange Your Hiking Tour in Japan

If you have any questions about planning your autumn trip or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We'll help you create your Japan itinerary based on your preferences.