Introduction: Your Own Autumn Foliage, Free from Crowds
Hello! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.
Autumn in Tokyo. The golden ginkgo tunnels of Jingu Gaien and the elegant gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen… Of course, these are breathtakingly beautiful sights. However, in reality, “beauty < crowds," and it's often difficult even to walk, let alone take photos at leisure.
“I really want to feel autumn deeply in a quieter place that only locals know.” For you, I, an insider, have carefully selected and introduced some special “hidden gem” autumn foliage spots.
When is the Best Season for Autumn Foliage in Tokyo in 2025?
First, as the most important basic information, the trees in Tokyo’s 23 wards typically turn beautiful colors from late November to early December. It’s best to plan your trip to coincide with this period when the reds of maples and yellows of ginkgo are at their most vibrant.
Ken’s Top 5 “Hidden Gem” Autumn Foliage Spots in Tokyo
I will introduce five special places, considering the balance between recognition and crowd levels.
① A Breathtaking Golden Tunnel 【Showa Kinen Park】
What kind of place?: A vast national park in Tachikawa City, approximately 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome. Just a short trip from the city center, you’ll encounter nature on an overwhelming scale.
Hidden Gem Point: The main highlight is the two magnificent ginkgo avenues that stretch for about 300 meters. The golden carpet covering the ground is truly spectacular. Since the grounds are very spacious, people are dispersed, allowing you to enjoy autumn leaf viewing at your leisure. Renting a bicycle to explore the park is also highly recommended.
Access: JR Chuo Line “Tachikawa” Station
② Oasis of Kichijoji 【Inokashira Park】
What kind of place?: A park centered around a large pond, located in the fashionable town of Kichijoji.
Hidden Gem Point: Compared to parks in the city center, there are relatively few tourists, and local families and couples relax here. Riding a swan boat and gazing at the autumn leaves reflected on the water from the pond is a superb experience. After strolling through the park, taking a break at a stylish cafe in Kichijoji is also recommended.
Access: JR Chuo Line / Keio Inokashira Line “Kichijoji” Station
③ Temple with a Golden Carpet 【Jōshin-ji Temple (Kuhonbutsu)】
What kind of place?: A quiet and expansive Jodo sect temple near Jiyugaoka.
Hidden Gem Point: The gigantic ginkgo trees lining the approach to the temple are magnificent, and at their peak, the entire ground becomes like a golden carpet. Since it’s not overly commercialized for tourism, you can calmly appreciate the autumn leaves in a solemn atmosphere.
Access: Tokyu Oimachi Line “Kuhonbutsu” Station
④ Another Ginkgo Avenue 【Hikarigaoka Park】
What kind of place?: A vast park with pleasant lawns in Nerima Ward.
Hidden Gem Point: It boasts a magnificent ginkgo avenue with over 40 trees, comparable to Jingu Gaien. Since there are fewer people, you can take photos as if you have the golden tunnel all to yourself. Spreading a picnic sheet on the vast lawn and enjoying the autumn leaves while relaxing is also a great charm.
Access: Toei Oedo Line “Hikarigaoka” Station
⑤ Reversed Autumn Foliage Reflected on Water 【Mizumoto Park】
What kind of place?: The only vast park in Tokyo with a waterside landscape.
Hidden Gem Point: The autumn leaves of the park’s iconic poplar trees and the Metasequoia forest with over 1,800 trees reflecting on the water create a breathtaking “reversed autumn foliage” effect. You can enjoy a dynamic landscape with a different sense of scale compared to other parks.
Access: From JR Joban Line “Kanamachi” Station by bus
【Reference】Of Course, Wonderful “Classic” Autumn Foliage Spots in Tokyo
Of course, classic spots are also wonderful places. If you are prepared for crowds, a fantastic experience awaits you.
- Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue: A perfectly manicured golden tunnel, like a painting. During the season, it’s extremely crowded, becoming a pedestrian paradise.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A sophisticated urban oasis where diverse trees change colors. You can stroll leisurely, but an entrance fee is required.
- Rikugi-en Garden: Famous for its night illuminations. This is the place if you want to see the fantastic autumn leaves reflected on the pond.
Ken’s Final Advice
The real hidden gem might be a small, unnamed park near your hotel. While using this guide as a reference, please also enjoy a walk to find your own “small autumn.”
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