Are you ready to see the world turn red and gold? If you are planning a trip to Japan, you are in for a treat. The Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025 season is going to be spectacular! Fall in Tokyo, or kōyō, is just as famous as the cherry blossoms in spring. It is a time when the city feels magical.
The forecast is already out! Experts say we can expect bright red leaves around December 2 and lovely yellow leaves around November 27. This gives you plenty of time to plan your adventure. Whether you love hiking up mountains or strolling through quiet gardens, Tokyo has a spot for you.
In this guide, we will explore 19 of the most beautiful places to see the changing leaves. Grab your camera and a warm scarf. Let’s go find the Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025 has to offer!
Famous Gardens for Fall Colors
Japanese gardens are built to look beautiful in every season. But in autumn, they truly shine. These gardens are carefully designed so that every tree looks like a painting.
1. Rikugien Garden
Rikugien is one of the top spots for the Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025. It is a traditional Edo-era garden that feels like stepping back in time. The garden is famous for its night illuminations. Imagine walking along the paths while lights shine up into the red maple trees. It looks like a dream!
The reflection of the trees in the central pond is perfect for photos. It gets busy, so try to go on a weekday if you can.
2. Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden
This is one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens. It is right in the middle of the city, next to the big Tokyo Dome. What makes it special is the mix of nature and city views. You can see bright red maple trees with tall skyscrapers in the background.
There is a weeping cherry tree here that turns orange in the fall. It is a quiet place where you might see artists painting the scenery. It is a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
If you want space to run around, Shinjuku Gyoen is perfect. It is huge! There are different sections, like a French Formal Garden and a Japanese Traditional Garden. This park is a favorite for picnics.
Look for the area called Momijiyama, or “Maple Mountain.” It is full of deep red colors. You can bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and relax under the colorful trees for hours.
4. Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu is unique because its pond is filled with seawater from Tokyo Bay. The scenery here is amazing. You can visit the tea house in the middle of the pond and sip matcha while looking at the Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025.
The contrast between the old garden and the modern Shiodome buildings nearby is very cool. It is a great spot to rest your feet after a long day of walking.
5. Imperial Palace East Gardens
Want to feel like royalty? Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The Ninomiya Garden inside is a hidden treasure. It has beautiful Japanese maples that bend gracefully over small ponds.
The trees are trimmed perfectly. It is a very clean and regal place to enjoy the autumn air. Plus, it is free to enter!
Stunning Parks and Golden Avenues
Tokyo isn’t just about red maples. The bright yellow ginkgo trees are just as famous. Here are the best parks to see them.
6. Meiji Jingū Gaien (Ginkgo Avenue)
This is the most famous spot for yellow leaves. There is a street here lined with huge ginkgo trees that look like golden torches. When the leaves fall, the ground turns into a yellow carpet.
From late November to early December, this street is a wonderland. It is very popular for taking photos. You can stroll down the 300-meter avenue and enjoy the crisp fall weather.
7. Showa Memorial Park
Located in Western Tokyo, this park is massive. It is worth the train ride! The best way to see it is by renting a bicycle. There are long paths lined with ginkgo trees that turn bright yellow.
There is also a Japanese garden section with lovely maples. Because the park is so big, it doesn’t feel too crowded. It is a great day trip for families.
8. Yoyogi Park
Right next to the trendy Harajuku area is Yoyogi Park. It is a fun place where people play music, dance, and have picnics. In autumn, the ginkgo forest turns gold and the maples turn red.
It is a very relaxed park. You can grab a crepe in Harajuku and then eat it under the falling leaves. Head to the south part of the park for the best colors.
9. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is famous for museums and a zoo, but the trees are beautiful too. There are over 8,000 trees here! You can see Zelkova trees and ginkgo trees turning yellow and orange.
You can ride a boat on the pond surrounded by colorful trees. It is a classic date spot in Tokyo. After your walk, you can visit the Tokyo National Museum nearby.
10. Hikarigaoka Park
This is a local secret. Located at the end of the Oedo subway line, Hikarigaoka Park has a wide avenue of ginkgo trees. It is much quieter than Meiji Jingu Gaien.
The park is huge, over 60 hectares! It is great for a “movie moment” picnic on the yellow leaves. If you dislike crowds, this is one of the places for the Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025.
Wild Nature and Hiking Spots
Sometimes you want to leave the city buildings behind. These spots offer real nature and fresh mountain air.
11. Mount Takao
Mount Takao is the most popular hiking spot near Tokyo. It is very easy to get to. You can hike up or take a cable car. The view from the top is amazing, and you might even see Mount Fuji!
During November, there is an autumn festival. The mountain is covered in red, orange, and yellow trees. It is a bit crowded, but the festive atmosphere is fun.
12. Mount Mitake
If you want something wilder than Takao, try Mount Mitake. It takes a bit longer to get there, but it is worth it. There is a beautiful shrine at the top and a small village.
The hiking trails take you past waterfalls and big rocks covered in moss. The colors here are deep and vibrant. It feels like a real adventure away from the city.
13. Todoroki Valley
Did you know there is a jungle in Tokyo? Todoroki Valley is a natural gorge with a river flowing through it. It is cooler down by the water.
In autumn, the green canopy turns golden brown and red. There is a lovely temple called Todoroki Fudoson. It is a perfect short escape for nature lovers.
Hidden Gems You Must See
Want to go where the locals go? These spots are less famous but just as beautiful.
14. Mizumoto Park
Mizumoto Park is unique because of its Dawn Redwood trees. These are living fossils! They turn a beautiful rusty red color in the fall. The trees reflect in the water channels, creating a stunning view.
It is located in the Katsushika ward and is one of the biggest parks in Tokyo. It feels very open and spacious.
15. Inokashira Park
Located in Kichijoji, a cool neighborhood, Inokashira Park has it all. There is a pond where you can rent swan boats. Paddling under the hanging maple branches is so romantic.
There is also a small zoo and a shrine. It is a very friendly and relaxed park. You can grab some yakitori (grilled chicken) nearby and enjoy the view.
16. Tokyo University (Todai)
You don’t have to be a student to visit! Tokyo University has a famous avenue of big ginkgo trees. The trees are huge and old. The ground becomes completely yellow with fallen leaves.
It is a quiet and smart-looking place. Seeing the old school buildings with the yellow leaves is very special.
17. Kinuta Park
This park used to be a golf course, so it has wide, soft grass lawns. It is perfect for lying down and looking up at the sky. The park has many types of trees, so you get a mix of red, yellow, and orange.
It is a great family spot. There is also a bird sanctuary, so keep an eye out for woodpeckers!
18. Hibiya Park
Hibiya Park is right next to the Imperial Palace. It was the first Western-style park in Japan. There is a giant ginkgo tree here that is estimated to be 500 years old!
It is very convenient to visit if you are shopping in Ginza. The mix of fountains, flowers, and autumn trees makes it a lovely urban oasis.
19. Otaguro Park
This is a small, quiet park that was once the home of a famous music critic. It has a beautiful koi pond and a tea house. The maple trees here are stunning.
At night, they light up the trees, and the reflection in the pond is breathtaking. It is a very peaceful spot to enjoy the Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025 without big crowds.
Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025 FAQ
Q: When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo? A: For 2025, the forecast says yellow ginkgo leaves will be best around November 27, and red maple leaves will peak around December 2.
Q: Where is the best place for night illuminations? A: Rikugien Garden and Otaguro Park are famous for their beautiful light-up events in the evening.
Q: Is it cold in Tokyo in late November? A: It can be chilly! You will want a jacket and maybe a scarf, especially for the evening illuminations.
Q: Can I hike to see the leaves? A: Yes! Mount Takao and Mount Mitake are excellent hiking spots with amazing fall colors.
秋の自家製味噌ラーメン
As the autumn air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there is perhaps no greater comfort than cradling a steaming bowl of authentic Japanese ramen. This Homemade Miso Ramen is a symphony of savory depth and heart-warming flavors. Imagine a robust, earthy miso broth, simmered to perfection, clinging to chewy noodles and topped with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork and a perfectly cured ajitama egg. It is a culinary embrace that warms the soul from the inside out, bringing the true taste of a Tokyo ramenya right into your own kitchen.
View the Full RecipeConclusion
Tokyo in the fall is truly a sight to behold. From the golden tunnels of Meiji Jingu Gaien to the fiery red maples of Rikugien, there is beauty everywhere. The Best Autumn Leaves Tokyo 2025 season promises to be colorful and exciting.
Don’t forget to check the forecast dates so you don’t miss the peak colors. Whether you are boating in Inokashira or hiking Mount Takao, you are sure to make wonderful memories. So, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing autumn adventure in Tokyo!
For more travel ideas, check out our guide on Japantovisit.com Things to do in Tokyo. If you want to track the weather, you can visit the : Japan Meteorological Corporation] for the latest updates.
