[2021] Summary of Tokyo Area “Koyo” Spots

This post is also available in 日本語

The Japan Weather Association have announced their prediction that they “expect the best period to see ‘Koyo’ (the autumn leaves) at tourist spots in 2021 to be generally at the same time usual”. The best viewing times go from North to South, and even in the same region, depending on the type of tree, the coloring of the leaves and progress of “Koyo” may be slightly different.

The “Koyo” at tourist spots is the picturesque view. However, we would like to introduce you to recommended “Koyo” spots in the surrounding Tokyo area. (The best viewing season are based on a typical year.)

[Tokyo] Meiji-jingu Gaien

This is a typical spot for viewing “Koyo” in the city. Beautiful Gingko trees line the streets from Aoyamadori avenue to Meij-jingu Gaien. From middle of November to start of December, the “Gingko festival” is held, and, in recent years, more than 1.8 million visitors gather across the area. (The event for 2021 has not yet been decided.)

Closest station: Aoyama-ichome station
Best viewing time: Middle of November to start of December
http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/

[Tokyo] Mt. Takao

This is a popular spot to do some casual mountain climbing within the Tokyo area. The attraction is that you can go hiking or ride a cable car while enjoying “Koyo” in the great outdoors. The “Mt. Takao Momiji (Japanese maples ) Festival” is held from November 1^st to December 5^th.

Closest station: Use the cable car from Takaosanguchi station.
Best viewing time: Middle of November to start of December
https://www.takaotozan.co.jp/

[Tokyo] Otaguro Park

This is a spot where you can enjoy walking in a Japanese garden. In late autumn, you can enjoy “Koyo” in the gingko and Japanese maple trees. This is recommended for people who wish to enjoy “Koyo” in a relaxed environment.

Closest station: Ogikubo station
Best viewing time: Middle of November to start of December
http://www.hakone-ueki.com/sub/

[Tokyo] Yoyogi Park

This is a famous park in Tokyo. The inside of the park is extremely large, and there are approximately 1300 broad-leaved trees, such as zelkova, gingko and japanese maple etc. We recommend enjoying “Koyo” while cycling or having a picnic.

Closest station: Harajuku station
Best viewing time: Middle of November to start of December
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index039.html

[Tokyo] Koishikawa Korakuen

This is a park designated as a national special historic site/special scenic spot near Tokyo Dome. Reservations for numbered tickets are required to enter the park.

Closest station: Iidabashi station
Best viewing time: Middle of November to start of December
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index030.html

[Tokyo] Mitake Keiku Canyon

This canyon was designated as one of the 100 best water areas in Japan. The boardwalk stretches approximately 4km across both banks of the Tamagawa river, and you can enjoy the “Koyo” while walking across. From middle of November to end of November, illumination events are also held. (The event will be cancelled in 2021.)

Closest station: Mitake station
Best viewing time: Middle of November to end of November
https://www.omekanko.gr.jp/event/

[Tokyo] Ueno Onshi Park

This is a park with facilities such as Ueno zoo and the Tokyo National Museum within its grounds. At Shinobazunoike pond, you can rent boats, and enjoy “Koyo” around the pond, while rowing boats on the water.

Closest station: Ueno station
Best viewing time: Middle of November to start of December
http://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html

[Kanagawa] Oyamadera Temple/Oyama Afurijinjashimosha Shrine

During the “Koyo” season, the steps on the path of Oyamadera hondomae, and around the Oyama Afurikijinjashimosha are covered in bright red maple. During the best viewing time, the whole area is lit up.

Closest station: Take a bus from Isehara station, and get off at the Oyama cable station stop (approximately 30 minutes)
After alighting from the bus, it is approximately 15 minutes on foot tot the cable car station
You can use a cable car from there.
Best viewing time: Middle of November to end of November
http://www.afuri.or.jp/

[Kanagawa] Sankeien

This is a Japanese park in which a large number of historical buildings from Kyoto and Kamakura are constructed. Despite being in Yokohama, you can enjoy the atmosphere of old towns. From November 27^rd to December 19^th, you can see buildings and boardwalks that are not always available for viewing.

Closest station: Use a bus from Negishi station, and get off at Honmoku (approximately 10 minutes)
Best viewing time: End of November to middle of December
https://www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about/index.html