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Showa Kinen Park in Tokyo: Autumn Foliage and Evening Light-ups in 2024

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November is the best time to enjoy the autumn leaves at Showa Kinen National Park in Tokyo. We've included highlights, details on the Autumn Leaves & Evening Light-up 2024, and how to access the park.

Written by

saku

Aichi, Japan

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Autumn Foliage in Showa Kinen National Park

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

The best time to see the autumn leaves in Tokyo's Showa Kinen National Park is typically from late October to late November each year.

In particular, around mid-November, the ginkgo trees in the park turn a golden color, providing a beautiful scenery that is spectacular to enjoy.

During the autumn leaf season, you can see not only ginkgo but also colorful leaves of maple and other trees, so be sure to visit!

Showa Kinen National Park: Autumn Foliage Guide

1. Top 3 Autumn Foliage Spots in Showa Kinen National Park
2. Autumn Foliage Festival and Night Stroll 2024
3. Autumn Foliage Light-up in Showa Kinen National Park
4. Access: How to Get to Showa Kinen National Park

Top 3 Recommended Spots for Autumn Leaves in Showa Kinen National Park

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

Next, we will introduce the top 3 recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves in Showa Kinen National Park (Showa Memorial Park).

1. Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

The Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue is a popular viewing spot for autumn leaves within Showa Kinen National Park.

During fall, the row of ginkgo trees, stretching approximately 300 meters, all change color at once and create a golden shining tunnel.

Since many tourists visit on weekends, it is recommended to come on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

2. Scenic Area along the Canal

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

The area along the canal in the park features beautifully harmonious tree-lined paths symmetrically planted with water views. No wonder it's a photogenic spot as the autumn leaves reflect on the water's surface.

During the evening hours, the vibrant autumn colors are illuminated by the sunset, making them stand out even more.

Additionally, benches along the canal make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the autumn foliage.

3. The Traditional Japanese Garden

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

Within the Japanese garden in Showa Kinen National Park, you can enjoy autumn leaves while sensing a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

In particular, the beautiful maples and other trees reflecting in the pond provide a stunning view, allowing you to stroll through the garden and enjoy the autumn scenery.

Since the garden is spacious and not crowded, it is a recommended spot for those who want to calmly enjoy the fall foliage.

The Autumn Leaves Festival and Night Stroll 2024

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

The event information for the Autumn Leaves Festival and Night Stroll 2024 is as follows:

    Autumn Leaves Festival and Night Stroll 2024
  • Event Period
  • October 31 - December 1, 2024
  • Event Hours
  • 9:30 - 21:00 (Light Up from 16:30 to 20:30)
  • Night Entrance and Exit for Autumn Night Stroll
  • West Tachikawa Entrance (Daily)
    Tachikawa Entrance (November 2 to November 4, November 9 to December 1)
  • Important Notes
  • - The Japanese garden at night requires a "Japanese Garden Light Up Viewing Ticket" in addition to the park entrance fee.
    - On October 31 and November 1, the Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue and Japanese garden can be viewed with only the park entrance fee.
    - Other entrances, such as the Sunagawa Entrance, are not available.
    - The cycling course is not available.
  • Entrance Fee
  • Adults: 1,100 yen and up, Seniors: 1,100 yen and up, Children: 600 yen and up
    *For detailed rates, please visit the official website (Japanese).
  • Special Website
  • https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/autumn-night-walk/ (Japanese)

During the event, you can enjoy the autumn leaves and a variety of food and exhibits. Be sure to check it out if you are interested!

Autumn Foliage Light-Up at Showa Kinen National Park

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

During the Autumn Leaves Festival, an exclusive nighttime light-up event called Autumn Night Stroll will also be held in the park, allowing you to enjoy fantastical scenery different from the daytime view.

We have compiled information about the Autumn Night Stroll in the table below, so please look for your reference!

    Autumn Night Stroll
  • Event Period
  • October 31 - December 1, 2024
  • Event Hours
  • 16:30 - 20:30 (Park closes at 21:00)
  • Location
  • Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue to the Japanese Garden
  • Admission Fee
  • - Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue
    You can enjoy it with only the park entrance fee.
    - Japanese Garden
    In addition to the park entrance fee, a Japanese Garden Light-Up Viewing Ticket is required after 16:30 (Adults: 1,500 yen Mon to Thu/1,600 yen Fri to Sun & national holidays, Seniors: 1,310 yen Mon to Thu/1,410 yen Fri to Sun and national holidays, Children: 600 yen).

Access: How to Get to Showa Kinen National Park

Image of Showa Kinen National Park

Photo by Pixta

The access methods from the nearest stations to Showa Kinen National Park are as follows:

- From Nishi-Tachikawa Station (JR Ome Line): 2-minute walk from the temporary park entrance to the Nishi-Tachikawa Entrance
- From Higashi-Nakagami Station (JR Ome Line): 10-minute walk from the north exit to the Akishima Entrance
- From Tachikawa Station (JR Chuo Line, Ome Line, and Nambu Line): 10-minute walk from the north exit to the Akebono Entrance
- From Tachikawa-Kita Station (Tama Monorail): 8-minute walk from the exit to the Akebono Entrance
- From Takamatsu Station (Tama Monorail): 8-minute walk from Exit 2 to the Takamatsu Entrance
- From Tachikawa-Minami Station (Tama Monorail): 11-minute walk from Exit 2 to the Akebono Entrance

While multiple nearest stations exist, the quickest route is from Nishi-Tachikawa Station along the JR Ome Line.

Additionally, if you prefer not to take the train, there is a direct bus from Tachikawa Station to Showa Kinen National Park. You can get off at the Sunagawa Entrance, which is a 2-minute walk away.

You can also visit Showa Kinen National Park by car since it is equipped with parking facilities. However, congestion on nearby roads and in the parking lots on weekends and during busy periods is possible. Therefore, we recommend using public transportation.

Visit the Showa Kinen Park in Autumn

This article introduced the best viewing times and highlights of Showa Kinen National Park, alongside information about the exclusive light-up event and access methods.

Showa Kinen National Park boasts many spots famous for autumn leaves, such as Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue and the Japanese Garden, where you can enjoy the stunning autumn scenery.

During the Autumn Leaves Festival and Night Stroll 2024, you can enjoy the autumn leaves, food, exhibits, and a dazzling light-up event. We hope you're able to plan a visit!

Main image by Pixta

Written by

saku

Aichi, Japan

more
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