Autumn in Tokyo

9:01 PM

Autumn is my favorite time to visit Japan. It’s the 2^nd most popular for tourists but doesn't feel as crowded as Spring. Living in a country with just two seasons, I love watching the seasons change when traveling to other countries.

Unlike the Cherry Blossom which only lasts a couple of weeks, Fall foliage can be enjoyed for several months. The Japanese enjoy watching the changing of the leaves. As early as October you can watch as the leaves start turning. If you’re in Tokyo, take a day trip to Ibaraki to see a blazing red hillside of Red Kochia bushes at the Hitachi Seaside Park. It’s best to visit at the middle to the end of October.

The best time to visit is in mid to late November when the landscapes have transformed to its pretty fall foliage. The weather is still bearable with a good jacket. Also by this time the winter illumination in Tokyo would have started so you can also enjoy that.

Koyo or Autumn Leaves are also forecasted like the cherry blossoms. You can check forecasts to see which areas are best to visit and if leaves are at their peak.

Websites you can visit with updated information on autumn foliage:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/seasonal/seasons_2004autumn-winter/http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo16/

http://www.kyuhoshi.com/japan-autumn-foliage-forecast/

Here are some suggestions on places to enjoy the koyo or autumn leaves:

FALL FOLIAGE IN TOKYO

1. RIKUGIEN GARDEN

They say this is one of the best places to visit to see autumn foliage in Tokyo. It is considered as one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Tokyo. This Edo Period strolling garden has manmade hills and forested areas and a central pond. The garden reproduces in 88 scenes from famous poems in miniature. A must stop is the Togetsukyo Bridge.

This is also a good place to visit for cherry blossom viewing in Spring.

Nearest Train Station: Komagome Station (N14 of Namboku Line / JR LINE)

How to get here: the nearest gate from the Komagome Station is the Someimon Gate (Exit 2) but is usually just open on Saturday, Sundays and holidays in November to the first week of December. The main gate is only 5-10 minutes from the station.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 to 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Y300

Website: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/outline.html

2. ICHO NAMIKI (Gingko Avenue)

Icho Namiki or Gingko Avenue on Ichiko Namiki Avenue is a long block of lined with Gingko Trees on both sides. I accidentally came across this street while searching for a restaurant last year. The yellow leaves of the Gingko trees dominate the view as you walk along the side walk. There are many cars parked on both sides of the street. On this block is also where you can find Shake Shack in Tokyo. It’s on the left side of the street when you’re coming from the train station.

Nearest Train Station: Aoyama Itchome Station E24 of Oedo Line

How to get here: A short walk from the station head to Ichiko Namiki Avenue.

3. SHINJUKU GYOEN

Silver Grass in the Japanese Garden

Fall Foliage in the Shinjuku Gyoen

This National Garden is great to visit to admire cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Many bring their picnic mats and food to watch the flowers in bloom. In Autumn, from mid-November to early December you can observe the changing color of the leaves of Gingko Trees, Maple and other fall trees. Autumn Foliage is especially pretty in the Momiyama and Japanese Garden. There is even an autumn cherry blossom tree you can see near the English Garden.

This large garden boasts a Japanese, English, and French Garden. It’s spacious lawns are great for picnics and to escape the bustle of the city.

You can visit the information center near the Shinjuku Gate to see what flowers are in bloom that season.

Hours of Operation: 9AM-4PM, Closed on Mondays (except on Holidays)

Website: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html

Entrance fee: Y200

Closest Train Station: JR Shinjuku Station (South Exit). About 5-10 minute walk to Shinjuku Gate of the Shinjuku Gyoen.