Tokyo may not leap out as the best place in Japan to view the autumn leaves. However, there are a few really extraordinary places right in the heart of the city where you can see the famous red, yellow and orange autumn foliage. Here are three of my favorite places right in the center of Tokyo to do just this.
#1 Gaienmae Ginkgo Icho Namiki Avenue
Icho Namiki Avenue isn’t just a ordinary avenue in Tokyo although it may seem that way for most of the year. During late November and early December the 146 ginkgo trees that line the 300 meter long avenue turn a brilliant golden yellow.
This somewhat typical avenue becomes a magical and romantic place right out of scene from a Japanese drama. The avenue is named for its trees and Icho Namiki can be literally translated as “row of ginkgo trees”.
The leaves literally paint the ground and surrounding areas. People of all ages can be seen playing with the leaves and throwing them in the air. Not only do people come out to view the leaves but so do the animals.
There are a few cafes and benches where you can relax and view the trees as well. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Japan at this time of year.
Icho Namiki Avenue is a 5 minutes walk from both Tokyo Metro’s Gaienmae Station and Aoyama-itchome Station. It is also a 5 minute walk from JR’s Shinanomachi station. The avenue is located near the fountain pond in Jingu Gaien.
#2 Koishikawa Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo‘s oldest and finest Japanese gardens. It was built in the early Edo Period at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch under the ruling Tokugawa family.
The garden at Koishikawa Korakuen recreates famous landscapes in miniature with ponds, stones, a range of different trees, man made hills and a network of walking trails. In fall dozens of maple trees located around the garden’s three ponds turn vibrant shades of orange and red.
There are so many different places to sit and view all of these trees. You can also see the wildlife enjoying the garden as well. If your looking to escape the cityscape for a quiet, relaxing time it’s definitely worth checking out this garden.
Koishikawa Korakuen is a 5-10 minute walk from both JR and Tokyo Metro Iidabashi Station, a 5-10 minute walk from JR Suidobashi Station, or a 10 minute walk from Korakuen Station. Koishikawa Korakuen is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) all year round except between December 29 to January 3. It costs 300 yen to enter.
#3 Rikugien Garden
Rikugien is often considered Tokyo‘s most beautiful Japanese landscape garden. It was built in the Edo period around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun and represent scenes from ancient Japanese poetry.
The best time to visit Rikugien is during fall where numerous maples trees turn the garden into a vibrant sea of yellow, orange and red. During autumn the garden is open at night time and is the best location in Tokyo to see the trees lit up.
The lake area has a beautiful bridge surrounded by many maple trees. There are also a number of teahouses where you can relax and drink tea under the lit up trees. There are also a number of stalls selling various traditional Japanese sweets which you can buy and eat as you walk around the gardens network of walking paths.
Rikugien is a 7 minute walk from Komagome Station on the JR yamanote line or Tokyo Metro’s namboku line. Rikugien is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) most of the year. It is open until 21:00 during the autumn color and cherry blossom season. It’s open all year round except between December 29 to January 3. It costs 300 yen to enter.
The leaves are beautiful here in Tokyo just like many other places in Japan and all over the world. Thanks for reading this post and if you’d like to see a video of my experience, check it out below. Let me know in the comments below your favorite place to view the autumn leaves where you live.
emilylouisemaitland 