# Autumn leaves in Tokyo 2026

Tokyo's autumn colours arrive late and last a few weeks: ginkgo trees turn bright yellow first, then the maples in the gardens go red, and in the city centre the best time is usually late November into early December. You don't need to leave town, since parks, Edo-period gardens and even university campuses put on a proper show, and several gardens open in the evening with lights. The list below is updated daily with foliage festivals and light-ups.

## When the leaves turn

Central Tokyo peaks late, often a little after Kyoto. Ginkgo (icho) usually turns first, from mid to late November, and the maples (momiji) follow, at their best from late November into early December. Out west on Mount Takao the colours tend to come about a week earlier. The exact timing shifts every year depending on how quickly the nights get cold.

A few Japanese words make foliage reports easy to read: 紅葉 (koyo) means autumn colours, 色づき始め means starting to turn, 見頃 (migoro) means at peak, and 落葉 means the leaves are falling. Weathernews, tenki.jp and Walkerplus's autumn leaves pages track hundreds of spots and update their status through the season, and most gardens post current photos on their own sites.

## Where to go

The [ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%A4%96%E8%8B%91%E3%81%84%E3%81%A1%E3%82%87%E3%81%86%E4%B8%A6%E6%9C%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E9%9D%92%E5%B1%B11%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) is the classic: about 300 metres of tall, neatly shaped ginkgo trees on both sides of the road leading to the [Memorial Picture Gallery](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%81%96%E5%BE%B3%E8%A8%98%E5%BF%B5%E7%B5%B5%E7%94%BB%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E9%9C%9E%E3%83%B6%E4%B8%98%E7%94%BA1-1). A Ginkgo Festival with food stalls usually runs alongside it in the peak weeks, and part of the road becomes pedestrian-only on Sundays and holidays. The nearest stations are [Aoyama-itchome](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E9%9D%92%E5%B1%B1%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%97%E9%9D%92%E5%B1%B11-1-19) and [Gaienmae](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A7%E7%B7%9A%20%E5%A4%96%E8%8B%91%E5%89%8D%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E9%9D%92%E5%B1%B12-7-16).

For maples, go to the old gardens. [Rikugien](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%85%AD%E7%BE%A9%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%AC%E9%A7%92%E8%BE%BC6-16-3), near Komagome Station, is an Edo-period strolling garden around a pond, and it holds an evening light-up during the peak most years. [Koishikawa Korakuen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E5%BE%8C%E6%A5%BD%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E5%BE%8C%E6%A5%BD1-6-6), near Iidabashi and Korakuen stations, is one of Tokyo's oldest gardens, known for red maples along its stream and the round Engetsukyo stone bridge, and it has held autumn night openings in recent years. [Shinjuku Gyoen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E5%86%85%E8%97%A4%E7%94%BA11) mixes a Japanese garden, ginkgo and an avenue of plane trees, and its maples often hold on into December.

A bit further out, [Showa Kinen Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E5%96%B6%E6%98%AD%E5%92%8C%E8%A8%98%E5%BF%B5%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E7%AB%8B%E5%B7%9D%E5%B8%82%E7%B7%91%E7%94%BA3173) in Tachikawa has two long ginkgo avenues and a Japanese garden full of maples, with an autumn festival and evening illuminations in recent years. [Todoroki Valley](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AD%89%E3%80%85%E5%8A%9B%E6%B8%93%E8%B0%B7%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%AD%89%E3%80%85%E5%8A%9B1-22-26) in Setagaya is a short wooded ravine with a stream, free and a few minutes from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. The [University of Tokyo's Hongo campus](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%20%E6%9C%AC%E9%83%B7%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%91%E3%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%AC%E9%83%B77-3-1) has a well-known ginkgo avenue you can walk through. [Mount Takao](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E5%B1%B1%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%85%AB%E7%8E%8B%E5%AD%90%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E7%94%BA), under an hour from Shinjuku on the Keio Line, is the easy mountain trip, with maples along the trails and around [Yakuoin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E5%B1%B1%E8%96%AC%E7%8E%8B%E9%99%A2%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%85%AB%E7%8E%8B%E5%AD%90%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E7%94%BA2177) temple and a Momiji Festival through the season.

## Timing your visit and beating the crowds

Weekday mornings are calm almost everywhere. Jingu Gaien gets packed on sunny weekend afternoons at peak, so go early in the morning if you want photos without a wall of people. Gardens get busier toward midday and on weekends.

Light-ups work differently: the garden usually closes in the late afternoon and reopens for evening viewing, often with its own ticket, and the first hour after dark draws the longest lines. Arriving later in the evening is usually calmer.

Autumn weekends are among Mount Takao's busiest days of the year. The cable car and chairlift at the bottom can have long waits, so take an early train or walk up: Trail 1 is paved and takes roughly an hour and a half to the summit.

- Peak at the ginkgo avenue lasts about one to two weeks. Check a foliage report the day before.
- Wind and rain can strip the ginkgo fast, but the yellow carpet afterwards is worth seeing too.
- On Takao, the afternoon queue to ride the cable car down is often longer than the morning one up.
- Todoroki Valley reopened in March 2026 after about three years closed for tree work, so older posts saying it is shut are out of date.

## Tickets, rules and manners

Traditional gardens charge a small entry fee, usually a few hundred yen, and Shinjuku Gyoen and Showa Kinen Park charge too. The Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue, Todoroki Valley and most ordinary parks are free. Evening light-ups usually need a separate ticket, sometimes sold in advance online. [Shinjuku Gyoen](https://policies.env.go.jp/national-garden/shinjukugyoen/english/) is usually closed on Mondays, so check before you go.

Stay on the paths, don't step onto moss or pull branches down for photos, and expect tripods to be restricted at busy times and at night. Shinjuku Gyoen doesn't allow alcohol. At festivals, food stalls often take cash only and bins can be scarce, so bring some coins and a small bag for your trash.

## What to bring and the weather

Late November in Tokyo is usually crisp and dry, around 10 to 15°C in the day and colder after dark, and colder again on Mount Takao. Dress in layers: you'll warm up walking and cool down quickly standing in a light-up queue. For Takao and Todoroki Valley wear shoes with grip, since paths can be narrow and muddy.

Bring an IC card for trains, a charged phone or power bank for photos, and cash for stalls. Vending machines with hot drinks are everywhere, which helps on cold evenings.

## All events, soonest first

- **[Autumn Leaves at Sarue Imperial Gift Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-sarue-imperial-gift-park)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · Sarue Onshi Park (Koto) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage in Akikawa Valley](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-in-akikawa-valley)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Akigawa Valley · Free entry
- **[[Autumn Foliage Peak] Mizumoto Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/cny-4)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Mizumoto Park (Katsushika) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-hikarigaoka-park)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Hikarigaoka Park (Nerima) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Rinshi-no-Mori Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-rinshi-no-mori-park)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Rinshi-no-Mori Park (Shinagawa) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Fuchu Forest Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-fuchu-forest-park)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 (JST) · Fuchu no Mori Park · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage Viewing at Daigaku Avenue](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-viewing-at-daigaku-avenue)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Kunitachi Station Front University Avenue (Kunitachi) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Komazawa Olympic Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-komazawa-olympic-park)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 (JST) · Komazawa Olympic Park (Setagaya) · ¥500
- **[Autumn Foliage at Happo-en](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-happo-en)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Happo-en (Minato) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Leaves at Yakushiike Pond, Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai-no-Mori](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-yakushiike-pond-machida-yakushiike-park)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai no Mori Yakushiike · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-the-east-gardens-of-the)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 (JST) · Imperial Palace East Garden (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Yoyogi Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-yoyogi-park)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi Park (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Kiyosumi Garden](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-kiyosumi-garden)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Kiyosumi Garden (Koto) · ¥150
- **[Autumn Leaves at Shakujii Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-shakujii-park)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Shakujii Park (Nerima) · Free entry
- **[Special Evening Opening: Illuminated Autumn Leaves at Koishikawa Korakuen](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/special-evening-opening-illuminated-autumn-leaves-at-koishikawa-korakuen)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 18:00 – Tue, Nov 24, 2026 (JST) · Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Bunkyo) · ¥1,000〜¥1,200
- **[Autumn Foliage at Mount Mitake](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-mount-mitake)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Mount Mitake (Ome) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Gotenyama Garden](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-gotenyama-garden)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Gotenyama Garden (Shinagawa) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Ikedayama Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-ikedayama-park)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Ikedayama Park (Shinagawa) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Togoshi Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-togoshi-park)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Togoshi Park (Shinagawa) · Free entry
- **[Best Time to View Autumn Leaves at Oi Central Seaside Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/best-time-to-view-autumn-leaves-at-oi-central-seaside)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Oi Wharf Central Seaside Park (Shinagawa) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Leaves at Kitanomaru Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-kitanomaru-park)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Kitanomaru Park (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at the Former Iwasaki Family Garden](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-the-former-iwasaki-family-garden)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Former Iwasaki Residence Gardens (Taito) · ¥400
- **[Autumn Foliage Viewing at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-viewing-at-the-east-gardens-of)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Imperial Palace East Garden (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Hibiya Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-hibiya-park)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Hibiya Park (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[[Best Time for Autumn Leaves] Institute for Forestry Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/best-time-for-autumn-leaves-institute-for-forestry)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Rinshi-no-Mori Park (Shinagawa) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Todoroki Fudoson Temple](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-todoroki-fudoson-temple)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Todoroki Fudoson (Setagaya) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Toyama Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-toyama-park)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Toyama Park (Shinjuku) · Free entry
- **[Rikugien Garden Autumn Illuminations – Special Evening Viewing](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rikugien-garden-autumn-illuminations-special-evening-viewing)** — Wed, Nov 25, 2026 18:00 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026 (JST) · Rikugien Garden (Bunkyo) · ¥1,000〜¥1,200
- **[Autumn Leaves at the Tokyo National Museum](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-the-tokyo-national-museum)** — Tue, Oct 20, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo National Museum (Taito) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Showa Memorial Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-showa-memorial-park)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · Showa Memorial Park (Tachikawa) · ¥450

Showing 30 of 32.

## Questions people ask

**When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo?**
Usually from late November to early December in the city centre, with ginkgo turning first. Mount Takao tends to peak a little earlier.

**Are autumn foliage spots in Tokyo free?**
Many are: the Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue, Todoroki Valley and most parks cost nothing. Traditional gardens and some large parks charge a small fee, and night light-ups usually need a separate ticket.

**How do I check if the leaves are at peak?**
Search the spot name with 紅葉 or 紅葉 見頃 on sites like Weathernews, tenki.jp or Walkerplus, which update the status through the season. Garden websites often post current photos too.

**Is Mount Takao crowded in autumn?**
Very, on weekends at peak. Go on a weekday or take an early train, and expect a wait for the cable car.

**Can I see autumn leaves at night?**
Yes. Gardens such as Rikugien and parks like Showa Kinen Park hold evening light-ups in most years, usually with a separate ticket.

**What if it rains?**
Gardens normally stay open in light rain, and wet leaves look even deeper in colour. Strong wind and rain can bring the ginkgo down early, and festival stalls may close in bad weather.

---
Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-leaves