Autumn in Tokyo is a sacred time of year when Mother Nature bursts to life in flying colors. Here are 5 hot spots for viewing autumn leaves.
1. Toyama Park
Toyama Park is located in the vibrant town of Shin-Okubo just a stop away from Shinjuku. What I would call a hidden gem, this park absolutely glows up in the autumn season, particularly around late October to early November.
The park is abundant in abnormally tall trees, many of which glow bright gold at this time of year. The grounds are also packed with golden autumn leaves for that classic seasonal crunch sound as you walk through this snippet of paradise.
2. Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine is a big tourist destination and is by no means a “hidden gem” because, well, the whole world has heard about it. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and has become a symbol of Japan’s new era.
From an aesthetic standpoint, Meiji Shrine is absolutely stunning as it is nestled between natural forests that are typically rich green but turn bright yellow in the days of autumn. Peak bloom differs from year to year, and sadly the timing was a little off when I visited, but even I was able to enjoy the beautiful green and yellow combinations of color as I walked through Japan’s most important shrine!
3. Kamakura
I have talked about the stunning autumn leaves of Kamakura before, so naturally I added it to this list. Just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is a beautiful seaside city and home to the famous Daibutsu (Big Buddha).
Other than this iconic landmark, great ocean views, and fantastic beaches, Kamakura has some of the best autumn leaves you’ll find around Tokyo. They especially look great at the Big Buddha site, offering amazing photo opportunities.
4. Harajuku
A rather surprising place that blooms with bright golden leaves during the autumn season is Harajuku. Known primarily for the famous Takeshita Street, the area is something of a fashion hub for young people, but it is generally a place where families gather for a good time.
Keep in mind, that you’ll have to wander outside of Takeshita Street to see Harajuku’s amazing autumn leaves, as they are typically found around the surrounding ordinary streets and in front of business buildings. Just one stop from Shibuya, Harajuku is easy to access via the Yamanote Line and is a tourist hot spot all year round!
5. Odaiba
Known for its Statue of Liberty, giant Gundam robot, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba is an entertainment district and artificial island located in Tokyo Bay. During autumn, you’ll find the surrounding trees of Odaiba take on various colors from deep reds to golden browns, offering spectacular photo opportunities with the island’s many attractions.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
