Discover Autumn's Beauty: Unmissable Autumn Foliage Spots in Tokyo and the Kanto Region!
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Autumn in Japan is synonymous with breathtaking foliage, and while there are numerous renowned spots across the country, Tokyo also boasts stunning autumnal scenery. In this article, GTN staff have curated a selection of Tokyo's finest foliage spots for your enjoyment.
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The charm of Japan lies in its ever-changing, seasonally diverse landscapes.
As autumn unfolds, Japan offers a myriad of spots where the autumn foliage is simply mesmerizing.
Here, GTN staff will guide foreign visitors and residents through some of Tokyo's most spectacular spots to witness autumn's splendor.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Yoyogi Park
- 2. Otaguro Park
- 3. Showa Kinen Park
- Additional Information: Suburbs of Tokyo
- Additional Information: Kanagawa Area
1. Yoyogi Park
In Yoyogi Park, not only can you enjoy the autumn foliage, but the maple and ginkgo trees are also beautifully enveloped in fall colors. In particular, the ginkgo tree-lined avenue north of Panorama Square, near the Harajuku Gate, is a popular spot to enjoy the foliage. Additionally, the area around the park's fountain is an ideal photography spot, where the autumn leaves reflect beautifully in the pond, creating a magical scenery.
Basic Information
- Best Time to See Autumn Foliage: Mid-November to Early December
- Opening/Closing Times: Open 24 hours (*The service center and other facilities are closed during the New Year holidays, so please contact Yoyogi Park Service Center for operating hours.)
- Admission: Free
Access
(1) 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
(2) 3-minute walk from Yoyogi-koen Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
(3) 3-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line
(4) 6-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the Odakyu Line
2. Otaguro Park
Otaguro Park, a hidden gem in Tokyo, becomes a haven of beautiful autumn foliage in the fall. This tranquil area, rich in nature, features a large central pond that makes for an ideal strolling spot. During the autumn foliage season, the reflection of the leaves on the water's surface creates a magical vista. With trails and benches scattered throughout, the park offers a peaceful setting for visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the autumn scenery. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center, offering a serene moment surrounded by nature and the beauty of autumn leaves.
Basic Information
- Best Time to See Autumn Foliage: Late November to Early December
- Opening/Closing Times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
*During the evening light-up period (from late November to early December), the park is illuminated starting at 5:00 PM. During this period, the opening/closing times are [Weekdays] 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Last admission at 7:45 PM) and [Friday, Saturday, Sunday] 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Last admission at 8:30 PM).
- Closed Days: December 29th to January 1st
- Admission: Free (*Tea house is charged and requires advance reservation)
Access
A 10-minute walk from the South Exit of Ogikubo Station on the JR Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
3. Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park is renowned as one of Tokyo's premier autumn foliage destinations. Its expansive grounds are home to a diverse array of tree species, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a rich tapestry of colorful autumn leaves.
Additionally, for a limited time at night, the 300-meter-long 'Katarai no Ginkgo Namiki' is transformed with a captivating display of lights and music. This special illumination allows visitors to experience the autumn beauty of ginkgo and maple trees in a different light than during the day.
*Please refer to the Showa Kinen Park website for information on the illumination period.
Basic Information
- Best Time to See Autumn Foliage: Late October to Late November
*Opening/Closing times vary between the paid and free areas of the park, so please check the Showa Kinen Park website for details. Note that the opening times may change due to events.
*The park is closed on December 31st, January 1st, and the 4th Monday and Tuesday of January.
Access
An 18-minute walk from the North Exit of Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line.
We've highlighted Tokyo's finest autumn foliage spots, handpicked by GTN staff. However, Japan's beauty extends beyond Tokyo, with countless other breathtaking autumn destinations.
In the '★ Additional Information ★' section below, you'll find photos of autumn foliage from the Kanto, Chubu, and Kinki regions, also captured by our GTN staff..
Additional Information: Suburbs of Tokyo
Explore the autumn foliage in Okutama and Hachioji City. These locations, ideal for a short day trip from Tokyo, offer their own unique autumnal charm.
1) Okutama Citizen’s Forest
Basic Information
- Opening/Closing Times:
(1) March 16th to July 20th: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
(2) July 21st to August 31st: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
(3) September 1st to November 15th: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
(4) November 16th to March 15th: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Closed Days: Every Monday (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) / December 29th to January 3rd
- Admission: Free
Access
75 minutes by bus from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line
Express Service and Free Shuttle Bus to Citizen's Forest
From Musashi-Itsukaichi Station to the Hinohara Citizen's Forest, an express service is available. A free shuttle bus from Kazuma Bus Stop to the Citizen's Forest section is also provided.
*Operating Period: April to November (daily except on closed days), March (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only)
Bus Suspension Period
Please note that from December to February, both Nishi Tokyo Bus and the shuttle bus do not operate between Musashi-Itsukaichi and Citizen's Forest.
Also, be aware that there are no connecting services for buses departing Musashi-Itsukaichi Station before 8:00 AM, at 10:30 AM on weekdays, 10:35 AM on holidays, and after 4:00 PM.
(2) Kamiyugi Park
Basic Information
- Opening/Closing Times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: December 29th to January 1st
- Admission: Free
Access
An 18-minute walk from Minami-Osawa Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line.
(3) Yarimizu Park
Basic Information
- Opening/Closing Times: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
Access
Take a Keio Bus from Minami-Osawa Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line, heading towards Tama Art University via Minami-Osawa Gakuen-mae and Yarimizu Park, and get off at Yarimizu Park Station, which is immediately nearby.
Additional Information: Kanagawa Area
Kanagawa Prefecture
While Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is renowned for its autumn foliage, Kamakura also hosts numerous lesser-known but equally charming foliage spots. Among these, we've specially selected "Ichijo Ekan Sanso" for its unique and relatively undiscovered beauty.
Basic Information
- Opening/Closing Times: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:30 PM)
*Please note that the park's closed days vary by season. For the most current information, visit the Ichijo Ekan Sanso website .
- Admission Fee: 500 yen (including tax)
*Guided tours inside the villa are available only on specific days. For more details and to reserve a spot, refer to the 'Building Tours' section (advance reservation required, separate fee applies).
Access
Take a 10-minute bus ride from Keikyu Bus Stop No. 4 at the East Exit of Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. Alight at Jomyoji Station and the destination is a brief 2-minute walk away.
Nagano Prefecture
In Nagano Prefecture, a land dotted with many autumn foliage spots, we spotlight Norikura Kogen and Kamikochi. These destinations offer breathtaking views where nature and autumn hues harmoniously blend.
Access
There are several routes to reach Norikura Kogen and Kamikochi, departing from Shinjuku.
Here are the options using express buses and trains:
By Express Bus
▶ To Kamikochi: From Shinjuku Station West Exit, it takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. Alight at the Kamikochi Bus Stop.
By Train
▶ To Kamikochi: From Shinjuku Station, take the Super Azusa limited express for about 2 hours and 35 minutes to Matsumoto Station. Transfer to the Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line for 30 minutes, and disembark at Shinshimashima Station. Then, take a local bus for 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach Kamikochi Bus Stop.
*To reach the summit of Mt. Norikura, take a local bus from Shinshimashima Station for 47 minutes to Norikura Kogen Kanko Center Bus Stop. Transfer there to the Norikura-dake Line bus for another 50 minutes, and disembark at Tatamidaira Bus Stop at the mountain's summit.
Kyoto Prefecture
During the autumn foliage season, Kyoto becomes a magnet for tourists from both within Japan and around the world. Among the city's numerous attractions, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Tofuku-ji Temple stand out as the most popular destinations for viewing the stunning autumn foliage
(1) Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Basic Information
- Opening/Closing Times: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closes at 6:30 PM in July and August)
- Admission Fees: General 400 yen / Elementary and Middle School Students 200 yen
Access
There are various ways to access Kiyomizu-dera, so please check the Kiyomizu-dera Temple website for detailed information.
(2) Tofuku-ji Temple
Basic Information
- Opening/Closing Times:
(1) April to October: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
(2) November to the first Sunday in December: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
(3) From the first Monday in December to March: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Last entry at 3:30 PM)
*Admission fees vary by location, so please check the Tofuku-ji Temple website for details.
Access
(1) A 10-minute walk from either the Keihan Line's Tofuku-ji Station or Toba-kaido Station
(2) A 10-minute walk from Tofuku-ji Station on the JR Nara Line
And for more recommendations on spots and culinary delights, don't forget to check out the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch's Instagram page!
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