No. 1: Showa Memorial Park, Tachikawa City
Just a 30-minute drive from central Tokyo, you can stroll through the dreamy ginkgo tree avenue and elegant Japanese gardens. The expansive lawns also make it a perfect spot for a picnic! The park offers many facilities for visitors to relax and enjoy, including a traditional tea room experience, a vintage park train, and boating on the “Waterfowl Pond.”
[By Train]
- A 2-minute walk from JR Nishi-Tachikawa Station.
- A 10-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station.
[By Car]
- Approximately 25 minutes from the Chuo Expressway’s Kunitachi Fuchu IC, via Route 20.
- General (15 years and older): 450 yen
- Senior (65 years and older, ID required): 210 yen
- Children (primary school age and younger): Free
Early November to late November.
No. 2: Mount Takao, Hachioji City
Located on the outskirts of Tokyo, Mount Takao has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide as a top tourist destination. The mountain offers seven different hiking trails, each with stunning scenery along the way. You’ll also encounter various shrines, and on clear days, you can enjoy a distant view of Mount Fuji. Be sure to try the local delicacies such as soba noodles and Tengu-yaki, which are must-try specialities here.
[By Train]
- A 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Takao Line.
[By Car]
- About 3 minutes from the Ken-O Expressway’s Takaosan IC.
- Alternatively, about 30 minutes from the Hachioji IC on the Chuo Expressway via Routes 16 and 20.
Mount Takao, Hachioji City, Tokyo, Japan
Free
Mid-November to late November
Related Article: Autumn Scenery in Tokyo
No. 3: Okutama Lake
It takes about 2 hours by train from central Tokyo to reach the Okutama area, which is like a hidden paradise. In addition to admiring the stunning autumn foliage and its reflection in the lake, you won’t want to miss the picturesque waterfalls, ravines, and suspension bridges that offer excellent photo opportunities.
[By Train]
- From JR Okutama Station, take a bus for approximately 20 minutes to reach the lake.
[By Car]
- About 60 minutes from the Hinoide IC on the Ken-O Expressway.
Free
Early October to mid-November
No. 4: Rikugien Garden, Tokyo
During the autumn foliage season, Rikugien Garden extends its opening hours. This allows visitors to enjoy not only the vibrant colours of the maple leaves in the traditional Japanese garden during the day but also the enchanting night-time view with illuminated foliage reflecting on the pond after sunset. The garden features several tea houses, making it an ideal spot to relax with tea and Japanese sweets while taking in the beautiful scenery.
[By Train]
- A 7-minute walk from JR and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line Komagome Station.
- A 10-minute walk from Toei Mita Line Sengoku Station.
- General: 300 yen
- Senior (65 years and older, ID required): 150 yen
- Elementary school students and junior high school students living and studying in Tokyo: Free
Mid-November to early December
No. 5: Mount Mitake, Ome City
It takes just over an hour by train from central Tokyo to reach Ome City. In addition to being a renowned spot for viewing autumn foliage, Mount Mitake offers various attractions such as hiking trails and scenic views. A unique feature is the Musashi Mitake Shrine, where visitors can hike with their pets and pray for their health, making it a popular destination for pet owners.
[By Train]
- From JR Mitake Station, transfer to a bus and get off at the final stop. Then, it’s a 5-minute walk to the cable car station.
[By Car]
- About 40 minutes from the Ome IC on the Ken-O Expressway, via Ome Street and Yoshino Street.
Free
Early November to mid-November
Further Reading
