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Whenever you consider autumn in Japan, you consider historic temples. You consider deep forests. You consider historic temples deep in forests!
You could consider definitely cities—particularly, Kyoto—however most likely not the largest one among all, Tokyo. I can perceive why that is, as I assumed the identical approach for a very long time, however I urge you to rethink. Japan’s capital, it seems, is an extremely place to take pleasure in fall foliage.
Over the subsequent few paragraphs, I’ll give recommendation on the place you’ll be able to see autumn leaves in Tokyo, in addition to the stunning timing of Tokyo’s fall colours.
Autumn in Tokyo Takes Place Later Than You’d Suppose
If you wish to see autumn leaves in Tokyo, you need to keep away from visiting the capital in October, and even for many of November. In most years, the truth is, it’s only after December 1 (generally, considerably after December 1) that maples and ginkgoes within the capital attain their peak purple and yellow vibrancy. I’ve seen leaves keep on timber till January on a couple of event!
Now, it’s unlikely that you may be coming solely to Tokyo when you do go to Japan in fall, so there’s a straightforward approach to verify the timing traces up: Finish your journey right here. As an example, let’s say you intend to reach in Japan in mid-November and need to go to the Kansai and Chugoku areas. In the event you begin in Hiroshima, then make your approach eastward to Osaka and Kyoto and at last to Tokyo, you’ll maximize your probabilities of seeing peak colours all alongside your route.
The Greatest Fall Shade Spots in Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Gaien
The ginkgo leaf is the image of Tokyo, which is sensible when you go to the town in autumn. Whereas the golden timber are nearly all over the place, my favourite place to see them is in Meiji Jingu Gaien, a avenue within the Aoyama neighborhood. Right here, the timber have been trimmed to sharp factors at their tops, which provides the whole row of them a whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like really feel.
Asakusa
One other superb place to see fall foliage in Tokyo is Asakusa. In the event you come earlier within the season, lots of the cherry timber within the courtyard of Senso-ji temple and alongside the Sumida River will nonetheless be displaying their crimson leaves. As soon as these fall off, you’ll be able to see each golden ginkgoes and deep, scarlet momiji (maples) all through this historic district.
Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
Whereas quite a lot of the enjoyment of autumn in Tokyo is seeing the timeless nature juxtaposed with the town’s fashionable structure, there’s one thing to be stated about taking a purer strategy—heading to a park or backyard. An important place to do that is Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard, situated about 20 minutes by foot from central Shinjuku. Properly, it’s not fully pure: The inexperienced area neatly frames iconic Docomo Constructing (and different skyscrapers).
Harajuku
Wish to see autumn leaves in Tokyo with out deviating from a typical sightseeing plan? A few of the metropolis’s most vivid colours are hiding in plain sight, not removed from typical vacationer sights. For instance, as you exit Harajuku Station and stroll towards Takeshita Avenue, you’ll stroll underneath dozens of ginkgo timber—which, when you’e fortunate, shall be blazing the proper shade of golden yellow.
Koishikawa Korakuen
A smaller and extra conventional Japanese backyard than the bigger Shinjuku Gyoen, Koishikawa Korakuen might be essentially the most…nicely, Japanese-feeling place to take pleasure in Tokyo’s seasonal foliage. One in all my favourite components about strolling via the backyard is the yukizuri helps used to carry up its pine timber. These are extra decorative than useful, given how little it snows in Tokyo, however they add a sure je ne sais quoi to the expertise.
Rikugi-en
Positioned considerably far outdoors the town heart, Rikugi-en shouldn’t be the obvious alternative for the place to see fall leaves in Tokyo. That is very true when different choices I’ve listed on this submit are far more handy, and simpler to entry. Alternatively, what units this place aside is its nighttime illuminations, made all of the extra satisfying by the new amazake and chewy mitarashi dango dumpling on supply.
Bonus: Keiyaki-zaka slope
The unhealthy information? The Zeklova timber alongside Keyaki-zaka in Roppongi are likely to go from inexperienced to brown comparatively shortly in the course of the Tokyo autumn. The excellent news? Authorities string them with lights fairly early within the season, which signifies that when you come right here at night time, you’ll see them completely framing Tokyo Tower as you look southeastern down the road.
My Favourite Fall Shade Day Journeys from Tokyo
Whereas Tokyo has surprisingly satisfying autumn colours for the largest metropolis on the earth, you’ll discover lots of the greatest ones outdoors the town heart:
- Mt. Takao: Positioned to the west of Tokyo’s western suburbs, this hilly area adjustments just a few weeks earlier than Tokyo-proper, and is nice alternative when you’re visiting in November.
- Kamakura: Whether or not you keep amid the temples and Buddha of Japan’s erstwhile capital, or take a day-trip-within-a-day-trip to Yokohama or Enoshima, the autumn foliage right here doesn’t disappoint.
- Nikko: Positioned within the mountains of Tochigi prefecture about 90 minutes from Tokyo, that is the most effective autumn day journey from Tokyo when you’re visiting in late October or early November.
- Saitama: If searching for Edo-era Kawagoe decked out in purple and yellow doesn’t transfer your soul, attending the once-annual Chichibu Yomatsuri night time pageant ought to do the trick.
Different FAQ About Visiting Tokyo in Autumn
What month is fall in Tokyo?
Nearly all of autumn leaves in Tokyo attain their peak after December 1, which surprises most individuals from the US and Europe. Based mostly on Tokyo’s latitude, you’d assume its leaves would change colours in October or November, however that is merely not the case.
When are you able to see autumn leaves in Tokyo?
The very best time for seeing autumn leaves in Tokyo’s metropolis heart is in the course of the first week or two of December. In the event you are available November, you’ll have to go far outdoors the town into the mountains to see autumn leaves. In early November, head north to historic Nikko; in late November, Mt. Takao in suburban western Tokyo is your greatest wager.
Is Tokyo higher in November or December?
I personally want Tokyo in December, as this month sees the height of the town’s autumn colours, notably its iconic golden ginkgo timber. Nevertheless, when you can look previous the dearth of colourful leaves, November is a high quality time to go to Tokyo as nicely.
The Backside Line
The place are you able to see autumn leaves in Tokyo? A few of the locations on the checklist are unsurprising, particularly inexperienced (nicely, purple and yellow) areas like Koishikawa Korakuen and Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard. Likewise, you received’t discover it surprising that historic districts akin to Asakusa are autumn foliage sizzling beds. Alternatively, a lot of Tokyo’s most interesting fall colours pop up within the coronary heart of the concrete jungle, whether or not in upmarket Aoyama or close to Harajuku’s iconic Takeshita Avenue. Wish to be sure that your autumn journey to Japan is superb, regardless of the place it finally ends up taking you? Think about hiring me to plan it!
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