Thousands of people leave from Tokyo city to traditional autumn-leaf destinations such as Kamakura, Hakone, and even Kyoto from October through December.
However, you don’t necessarily need to get out of Tokyo if you want to enjoy the spectacular autumn leaves. Here are some recommendations including parks, gardens, hotels and so on:
Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Icho Namiki Avenue
Take a look at the perfect-shaped, golden ginkgo trees, which form an expansive 300m boulevard across Gaienmae and Aoyama-itchome station. This is Tokyo’s most iconic autumn scene featured on tons of Instagram photos. The ideal time to visit Tokyo is toward the close of November.
Mitake Gorge
The area around Mitake Gorge is a widespread destination for hikers from the middle of October and the end of November. It lies west of Tokyo. You can get off at Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line and follow the trails that run along the river banks. Postcards of bright red maple leaves and the yellow ginkgo trees are in store for you. For the perfect photo, ensure you include in your photograph the impressive bridge that stands over the crystal-clear Tama River. Don’t miss the Gyokudo Arts Museum before returning to the town.
Komazawa Olympic Park
The Setagaya park was an alternative location for 1964’s Tokyo Olympics. The park is home to a distinct Kenzo Tange-designed tower, more like an actual Jenga set. The park is still used for hosting sport events nowadays and less strenuous events like flea markets. The avenue of zelkova trees in the garden is as stunning as the ones in the Meiji Jingu Gaien; however, it is less crowded, leaving ample space for you to stroll around and get a good picture.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
In the early hours of Autumn and spring, The more mountainous regions of Japan are famous for their gorgeous cloud formations. With the help of the Hotel Chinzanso, the city of Tokyo won’t have to leave the city to take in those stunning clouds. It is possible to experience the “Sea of Clouds” several times throughout the day in the hotel’s vast traditional Japanese garden. The first performance beginning at 11.10 am.
The evening slot also includes the most stunning light-up show that features 1,000 LEDs lighting the gardens along with the waterfall and the ancient three-story pagoda, which dates back to the year 1400s The festival is held throughout the year; however, it is the most beautiful in Autumn.
Hachioji Ginkgo Festival
It’s among the most visited locations in all of Tokyo for the autumn leaves. The 4km stretch of road that runs from Hachioji’s Oiwakecho up to the summit of Mt Takao is lined with more than 700 Ginkgo trees which look wonderful during autumn. This year’s 42nd Hachioji Ginkgo Festival returns with the smallest number of events in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Although you won’t be in a position to take part in the annual parades or shows, you can take part in a stamp rally.
Mt Takao
It is easily accessible from Shinjuku Station, and Mt Takao is a frequent weekend escape who want to be refreshed with nature. From mid-November through early December, the 600-meter high mountain attracts crowds of hikers eager to gaze at the vibrant shades of red and yellow in the woods. The fall leaves are best enjoyed from the cable car that takes you to the top observation deck, and from there, you’ll get a spectacular view that overlooks the town. Some shops sell snacks and souvenirs.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park in Kichijoji is an all-year-round favorite for families with various playgrounds and the tiny zoo located on the premises – children are sure to enjoy the guinea pigs in the pet area. However, the most popular attraction in Autumn is the vibrant foliage that can be seen best on one of the pedal boats that resemble swans in the lake. You can enjoy the most stunning views between the end of November to the beginning of December.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku, with its bustling station and famous nightlife area, Kabukicho is also some of the city’s most gorgeous cities’ parks. It is beautiful all year long. The vast Shinjuku Gyoen features three distinct gardens that include a landscaped garden and an authentic Japanese garden. There are autumnal colors all over the park but look at The Maple Hill for the best photos. However, be informed that you cannot play instruments, drink liquor and play sports.
Hibiya Park
It was founded in 1903 as the first Western-style park in Tokyo. Hibiya Park is one of the top places in the city center to view Koyo (autumn leaves). The blazing red maple trees and Ginkgo leaves that are mustard yellow can be located around the Kumogata-like pond, which has an impressive fountain inspired by the crane, which is the Japanese symbol of luck. The reflections of the colorful leaves on the water against the backdrop of sparkling skyscrapers create postcard-perfect photographs. Near the on-site restaurant, Hibiya Matsumotoro is an imposing ginkgo tree that is 20 meters tall that’s nearly five hundred years old.
Sankeien Autumn Opening
The sprawling Yokohama Sankeien has a variety of incredible structures, including the three-story pagoda of Kyoto historic teahouses, as well as the residence of a feudal lord. Many of these treasures will open to the public in the course of a few weeks in Autumn that coincide with the golden fall foliage that is yellow and red. This should provide an excellent occasion to enjoy the season the way it was intended to be.
Source: TimeOut
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