As the temperatures cool in Tokyo, the autumn leaves in Tokyo are starting to turn vivid shades of yellow and red. While you’re in Japan, why not take a short getaway and enjoy the beauty of nature? Here are 5 spots you might be interested in for viewing autumn leaves in Tokyo. Please explore and discover the stunning seasonal landscapes around the city.
If you’re interested in exploring more about Japanese culture and traditions, please take a look at below.
Table of Contents
1. What is Momiji-gari?
In autumn, you may hear the term 紅葉狩り (Momiji-gari). The word 狩り (gari) means “hunting” in Japanese, which might make you wonder why it’s used. But Momiji-gari isn’t about hunting—it simply means going to see the autumn leaves. This tradition became popular among nobles between the Nara and Muromachi periods. Since walking wasn’t considered elegant for nobles back then, they described their outings to admire the autumn colors as “hunting” for leaves, which is where the term “Momiji-gari” comes from.
Source: Shogakukan Inc. 2024
2: Hama-rikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Teien is a classic example of a daimyo (feudal lord) garden from the Edo period, located near Shiodome Station. It offers a unique chance to enjoy autumn leaves right in the heart of the city. This garden is connected to the Tokugawa Shogunate and was originally used as a hunting ground for falconry. To provide a place for the shogun to relax and enjoy tea while hunting, a teahouse was built. Though the original was lost to fire, it was rebuilt during the Heisei era, and visitors can still enjoy matcha while viewing the autumn colors today.
Further Details: View Website
Address: 1-1 Hamarikyu-teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
3: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
The main building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum was built in 1933 as the residence of Prince Asaka. It opened as a museum in 1983, hosting a variety of exhibitions each month. The building is designed in the French Art Deco style, while the Japanese garden includes a traditional teahouse. The contrast between the different styles, along with the autumn leaves and seasonal flowers, creates a stunningly beautiful scene.
Further Details: View Website
Address: 5-21-9 Shirokane-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
4. Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens
Along with Koishikawa Korakuen, this is one of the few remaining daimyo gardens from the early Edo period in Tokyo. It’s a traditional Japanese strolling garden with a central pond. In the past, seawater was brought into the pond, and during low tide, visitors could walk to the floating islands. Although seawater is no longer used, the garden still offers beautiful views of the pond and autumn leaves.
Further Details: View Website
Address: 1-4-1 Minato-ku-Kaigan, Tokyo
5. Koishikawa Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen is the oldest surviving daimyo garden in Tokyo. It was originally built in 1629 during the early Edo period by Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito-Tokugawa family, at their Edo residence. The garden was completed under the second lord, Mitsukuni. The central pond is said to have been designed by Tokugawa Iemitsu himself, and it is believed to represent Lake Biwa.
Further Details: View Website
Address: Bunkyo-ku1-6-6 Koraku, Tokyo
6. Rikugien
Rikugien is a representative daimyo garden from the Edo period. In 1695, the land in Komagome was given to Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, the lord of the Kawagoe domain, by the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, for his secondary residence. Yoshiyasu designed the garden himself, creating a pond and a hill on the flat land, taking seven years to complete it. The garden is famous for its impressive weeping cherry trees, which draw long lines of visitors. During the autumn season, the garden is beautifully illuminated at night, allowing guests to experience its magical beauty.
Further Details: View Website
Address: Bunkyo-ku6-16-3 Honkomagome
