The air is crisp, skies are clear blue, and you're in the mood to be out in nature soaking up the sunlight and the sight of yellow, orange, and red, so here are our suggestions!
Yoyogi Park
You should come here if…
– You want to have an autumn picnic under a big blue sky, unobstructed by buildings and trees. Right in the center of Yoyogi Park is a huge field where you can do just that. You won’t be missing on an autumnal view either as trees with orange and red leaves run along the field’s circumference.
– You love dogs. It may very well be the most popular park in Tokyo for people to walk their dogs. There are even two dog play areas where you can watch dogs run loose and make friends with each other. Available for your viewing pleasure all year round.
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Chizanso Garden
You should come here if…
– You want more than an ordinary view of autumn colors. This garden shrouds its trees in a mist to produce a display of ever-changing red and orange hues, making you feel like you’re above the clouds.
– You love maple trees. There are more than 200 kinds in the garden!
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Rikugien Gardens
You should come here if…
– You want to enjoy one of the best autumn illumination views within Tokyo. It’s easily accessible from Komagome Station on the Yamanote Line.
– You want a tranquil body of water at the forefront of your photos. This garden boasts an impressive lake with still waters in the center.
– You have a free weekday evening, which is when you should go because you may be able to avoid crowds then.
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Koshikawa Korakuen
You should come here if…
– You want to visit a special historical heritage site and the oldest Japanese garden in Tokyo.
– You want to capture the “moon” with the autumn leaves. We’re talking about a different kind of a moon here, one that’s only possible to see with a certain bridge structure that seen together with its reflection, produces an illusion of a full moon.
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Jingu Gaien Gingko Avenue
You should come here if…
– You like yellow leaves more than red or orange leaves.
– You want to appreciate the work of a master landscape architect who planned the planting of gingko trees with great care so they frame the sky in a visually pleasing way.
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Mount Takao
You should come here if…
– You prefer to be away from the city center.
– You want to enjoy a moving view of autumn foliage. Here is where you can be a bit of a daredevil and try the 12 min-long chairlift up that doesn’t have a safety bar. Great views guaranteed.
– You like octopuses. There’s a cute octopus monument on the hiking trail considered to be a power spot. Rub its head for good luck.
– You want to see Mount Fuji at the top on a clear day, while also taking in a serene view of layered mountain silhouettes.
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Cover Image Credit: Charles Postiaux