Did you know that Japan has a unique way of enjoying the stunning autumn leaves at night? For decades, famous fall spots are beautifully lit up after sunset, allowing you to savor the seasonal spectacle even in the evening! This harmony of light and nature’s colors creates an almost enigmatic atmosphere.
To help you make the most out of this amazing season, we’ll share some of the most impactful lit-up fall leaf spots around Tokyo!
While many people might think of visiting Kyoto for fall colors, Tokyo does not fall behind in the least! Tour the metropolis with us and come experience Japan’s unique beauty and spectacular sceneries!
1. Rikugien (Komagome, Tokyo)
Rikugien might be the best place for autumn leaves at night in Tokyo. It’s also designated as one of the two great Edo gardens, built on the spacious grounds of a samurai lord as his private garden. From the first step inside, the atmosphere of Old Edo engulfs you.
During autumn, long queues form up at the garden’s entrance because everyone wants to savor the stunning scenery of nightly fall leaves.
There are more than 500 vivid trees that turn the garden into a kaleidoscope of colors, including Japanese maple, ginkgo, wax tree, and more.
Especially the area called Suikōnoe in the west of the park is stunning as the trees seem especially lush there. Just a 7-minute walk away from Komagome Station (JR Yamanote and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line), its excellent accessibility may be part of Rikugien’s popularity. From the stations, various signs will help you find the way to one of Tokyo’s most breathtaking fall leaf spots.
・When to visit: mid-November to early December
・Light-up: sunset to 9:00 p.m. (last admission at 8:30 p.m.)
・Access: Komagome Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line), 7 minutes on foot
・Address: 6 Chome-16-３ Honkomagome, Bunkyō, Tokyo 113-0021
Rikugien Gardens
6, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Komagome
03-3941-2222
2. Chinzanso Garden (Mejiro, Tokyo)
Next, we’re visiting Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward. There’s a stunning Japanese garden on the precincts of the hotel and its fall leaves are lit up every year. It was built more than 100 years ago and today, each passing season gives Chinzanso Garden a different look.
From the soft and dreamy cherry blossoms in spring to dancing fireflies during the summer months and even snow in winter, no matter when you visit, this garden’s tranquility will make you forget that you’re in the middle of Tokyo.
Beautiful leaves aren’t the only sight to expect. There’s also a three-storied pagoda that provides a wonderfully traditional backd…
