Tokyo Autumn Foliage 2026 Viewing Spots Japan

In the western part of Tokyo, you’ll find mountainous terrain like Takao-san (elevation 599 meters), while the city center boasts numerous historic gardens and large parks, offering distinctly different styles of autumn leaf viewing. There are 6 representative spots for enjoying the fall foliage, with peak viewing typically from mid to late November.

Takao-san attracts over 3 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited mountains in the world, with vibrant red leaves lining the hiking trails in autumn. Showa Kinen Park is famous for its neatly arranged golden ginkgo trees along the avenue, while the light show at Rikugien transforms the night-time maple leaves into a must-see autumn spectacle in the city.

The peak viewing period is around mid to late November. Takao-san can get very crowded on weekends, so it’s best to visit on weekdays or early in the morning. Some urban gardens (like Rikugien and Shinjuku Gyoen) offer nighttime events, so be sure to check the timings and ticket availability in advance.