Tokyo Autumn Foliage 2026: Best Parks, Ginkgo, and Day Trips

Tokyo's own trees turn last. Inside the city the ginkgo goes yellow in late November and the maples follow a few days later, while the mountains two hours away peak in October and early November. Which one you see depends on the week you land.

The rest of Japan is in the national foliage forecast; crowds at the city gardens are in Tokyo autumn crowds.

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When Tokyo peaks in 2026

The Japan Meteorological Corporation's October 1 forecast puts Tokyo's ginkgo at November 26 and its maples at November 28, both about normal. The next update is due in early November.

Best foliage spots inside Tokyo

1. Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue

The city's best-known yellow. Late November weekends are packed, so go on a weekday morning. Full walk-through: ginkgo avenue guide.

2. Shinjuku Gyoen

¥500, closed Mondays, with room to spread out and no alcohol allowed, so it stays calm. From October to mid-March it closes at 4:30pm (last entry 4pm).

3. Rikugien and traditional gardens

About 400 maples turn in late November. The evening light-up needs its own ticket, sold cheaper online in advance. Koishikawa Korakuen's night opening runs November 13–24.

4. Showa Kinen Park (Tachikawa)

A big park in Tachikawa, 40 minutes west of Shinjuku. Its ginkgo and maple festival runs October 29 to November 29, with evening walks.

5. Mt. Takao

Half-day color with cable car options. Earlier than central Tokyo parks — often good in late October to mid November. Guide: Mt. Takao day trip.

Also useful context: Tokyo gardens and parks.

Best day trips for bigger color

Nikko

The lakes peak in mid to late October, Toshogu and the town in early to mid November. DIY: Nikko day trip. Dedicated timing: Nikko autumn foliage.

Kawaguchiko / Chureito Pagoda

Early to mid November. The trip only pays if Fuji is out, and it is usually clearest in the morning. Look at the forecast and a Kawaguchiko live camera on your phone before you buy the bus ticket, which is easy with a travel eSIM installed before you fly. Times and fares are in the Mt. Fuji day trip guide.

Hakone

Onsen + ropeway + autumn trails. Weather can hide Fuji; the baths still work (Hakone guide).

How to plan a foliage-focused Tokyo stay

3 days: one city park/ginkgo day + one Nikko or Kawaguchiko day + one flexible weather day.

5 days: add Hakone overnight or a second garden evening light-up; keep a rain museum backup.

Photography tips: shoot into the light for ginkgo glow; arrive before 8am at Gaien; do not block the avenue for tripods at peak.

What to skip

Saturday noon at Gaien or Rikugien. You will mostly see the people in front of you.

Stacking Nikko + Kawaguchiko in one day — both deserve a full day in season.

Assuming Kyoto timing equals Tokyo timing — Kyoto temple maples often run later; Tokyo ginkgo is its own event.

FAQ

When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo? Late November for city ginkgo and park maples; late October–mid November for nearby mountain day trips.

Where is the most famous spot? Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue for yellow; Rikugien and Showa Kinen for maples; Nikko/Kawaguchiko for drama.

Do I need a car? No. Trains and highway buses cover the main day trips.

Is Tokyo foliage worth it vs Kyoto? Different. Tokyo wins for ginkgo + easy mountain day trips; Kyoto wins for temple maple atmosphere. Many trips do both in one November week.