Autumn is my favorite time to visit
Japan. It’s the 2nd 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.
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
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 |
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| Fall Foliage in the Shinjuku Gyoen |
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)
Entrance
fee: Y200
Closest
Train Station: JR Shinjuku Station (South Exit). About 5-10 minute walk to
Shinjuku Gate of the Shinjuku Gyoen.
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| Bring some snacks and have a picnic. |
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| Cerasus on the path near the Old Imperial Rest House |
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| Gingko Trees near the Greenhouse |
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| Trees at the French Garden |
The tallest observation deck in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Skytree is perfect to get a panoramic view of the city. On clear days
you can even see a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. It’s easily accessible by train and you
can do some shopping while here. There is also a planetarium and aquarium
there.
Visit my entry on The Tokyo Skytree
for more details: http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2016/07/tokyo-skytree.html
2. DISNEY SEA
A must for any Disney kid at heart.
It’s great for kids and adults alike. This is the only Disney Sea in the World.
So if you’re just spending one day at a Disney Park, I’d suggest this instead
of Disneyland Tokyo.
Visit my entry on Disney Sea for more
details: http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2016/07/disney-sea.html
Tokyo’s answer to the Eiffel Tower.
This iconic tower is a good observation deck to see a different side of Tokyo.
It’s just short walk from the train station.
4. SHINJUKU GYOEN
This National Garden is a good place
to take a picnic or view the amazing foliage of Tokyo like cherry blossoms in
spring or the autumn leaves in fall.