Updated for 2025｜Top 10 Tokyo Maple Viewing Spots: Best Places for Momiji and Fall Foliage

Autumn in Tokyo transforms gardens, parks, and riversides into vibrant Momiji (maple) and Koyo (fall foliage) landscapes. From late November to early December, these top maple spots attract nature lovers, photographers, and travelers alike. This article features Tokyo’s best 2025 autumn foliage destinations with peak viewing periods, access, and admission details. You’ll also find insider tips to enjoy the scenery and make the most of your autumn visits.

Introduction

Autumn in Japan is a season of breathtaking colors, and Tokyo offers some of the best opportunities to enjoy the fiery hues of deciduous maples, known as Momiji or Koyo (Maple). From late November to early December, gardens, parks, and riverside areas transform into a canvas of red, orange, and golden leaves, often coinciding with festive Christmas illuminations. The popularity of these scenic spots also highlights the value of nearby real estate, making properties in these areas attractive for both short-term rentals and long-term investment opportunities.

Maple viewing in Tokyo is perfect for a day trip or a leisurely stroll through the city. Visitors can explore historic Japanese gardens, riverside parks, and urban green spaces—all easily accessible by public transportation. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful autumn walk, Tokyo’s Momiji spots offer something for everyone.

This article will guide you through Tokyo’s top 10 maple and fall foliage spots, providing detailed descriptions of each location, peak viewing times, access information, admission fees, and must-see highlights. You’ll also find insider tips for combining maple viewing with nearby sightseeing or shopping, as well as suggested itineraries for day trips or short walks to fully enjoy Tokyo’s autumn colors. By following this guide, you’ll be able to experience the city’s most stunning Momiji scenery, create unforgettable memories of Japan’s autumn beauty, and gain insight into investment-friendly neighborhoods along the way.

Top 10 Maple Spots in Tokyo

1. Rikugien Garden (Bunkyo Ward) – A classic Edo-period strolling garden with ponds and bridges, famous for its illuminated autumn nights that create a magical, serene atmosphere.
2. Hama Rikyu Garden (Chuo Ward) – A historic seaside garden featuring teahouses and scenic walking trails, offering peaceful autumn views right in the heart of central Tokyo.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Ward) – An expansive park blending Japanese and Western garden designs, home to thousands of trees that burst into vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues each autumn, creating a picturesque seasonal landscape.
4. Meiji Jingu Gaien Park (Shinjuku Ward) – Renowned for its golden ginkgo tree avenue, this iconic spot is perfect for autumn strolls and seasonal festivals surrounded by glowing foliage.
5. Yoyogi Park (Shibuya Ward) – A spacious urban oasis near Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine, ideal for relaxed walks, picnics, and capturing Tokyo’s colorful fall scenery.
6. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Bunkyo Ward) – One of Tokyo’s oldest gardens, featuring ponds, streams, and over 480 maple trees that transform the landscape into a spectacular autumn palette.
7. Inokashira Park (Musashino & Mitaka Cities) – A beloved local park centered around a tranquil pond, surrounded by wooded paths and located near the Ghibli Museum—perfect for a peaceful autumn stroll.
8. Showa Kinen Park (Tachikawa & Akishima Cities) – A vast suburban park with cycling routes, ponds, and expansive autumn foliage, making it a favorite day-trip destination from central Tokyo.
9. Mizumoto Park (Katsushika Ward) Tokyo’s largest ward park, offering riverside scenery, diverse tree species, and family-friendly walking trails amid colorful seasonal landscapes.
10. Otaguro Park (Suginami Ward) – Once the residence of music critic Moto Otaguro, this charming Japanese-style garden features century-old maples and ginkgo trees glowing in autumn colors.

(1)　Rikugien Garden (Bunkyo Ward)

Area Overview: Bunkyo Ward, located in north-central Tokyo, is a unique blend of cultural, educational, and residential spaces. It is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Tokyo (Hongo Campus), cultural landmarks, and Tokyo Dome, which hosts concerts, sports, and entertainment events. The ward offers a calm residential atmosphere while providing convenient access to central Tokyo, making it attractive for both locals and tourists interested in history, culture, and education.

Spot Highlights: Rikugien Garden is a classic Edo-period strolling garden built in 1702 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun. It features a central pond, artificial hills, streams, bridges, and traditional teahouses, creating a picturesque autumn landscape. The garden is particularly famous for its vibrant maple leaves near the Togetsukyo Bridge. Night-time illumination during the peak season enhances the beauty of the fall foliage, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

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(2)　Hama Rikyu Garden (Chuo Ward)

Area Overview: Chuo Ward is the heart of Tokyo’s commerce and finance, encompassing famous districts such as Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Tsukiji Market. It is home to the headquarters of major banks and the Japan Exchange Group, seamlessly blending modern skyscrapers with historical landmarks. The ward offers a dynamic mix of business, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal area to explore both Tokyo’s contemporary vibrancy and traditional charm.

Spot Highlights: Hama Rikyu Garden, built in 1654, spans an area five times the size of Tokyo Dome and is the only Japanese garden in Tokyo with a seawater pond. The garden features traditional teahouses on a small island, providing an ideal spot to enjoy the vivid autumn foliage. With numerous maple and ginkgo trees, the garden transforms into a vibrant autumn landscape. Visitors can combine a stroll through the garden with a visit to the nearby Tsukiji Outer Market, creating a perfect blend of nature, history, and local culture.

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(3)　Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Ward)

Area Overview: Shinjuku Ward is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and dynamic districts, known for its extensive transportation network, bustling commercial centers, luxury shopping streets, and lively entertainment hubs. The area offers a unique blend of high-rise office buildings, residential complexes, and cultural attractions, making it highly desirable for both living and working. Its central location, excellent amenities, and strong rental demand contribute to attractive property investment opportunities, as Shinjuku remains a sought-after neighborhood for residents and investors alike.

Spot Highlights: Shinjuku Gyoen spans 58 hectares and contains over 10,000 trees, including both Japanese maples and cherry trees. The park’s variety of gardens, from Japanese Traditional Gardens to Western-style landscapes, creates a picturesque environment for long walks, family outings, and photography. In autumn, the park’s colorful maples and ginkgo trees provide a serene and scenic escape in the heart of Tokyo.

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(4)　Meiji Jingu Gaien Park (Shinjuku Ward)

Area Overview: Shinjuku Ward is a thriving urban center that perfectly balances city convenience with diverse lifestyle options. Residents enjoy access to world-class shopping, entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences, all within walking distance or a short train ride. The ward features a mix of modern high-rise apartments, historic neighborhoods, and well-planned residential areas, attracting young professionals, families, and expatriates. With consistently high demand for rental properties and ongoing urban development, Shinjuku offers strong long-term investment potential for both residential and commercial real estate.

Spot Highlights: Meiji Jingu Gaien Park is famous for its 146 ginkgo trees lining a 300-meter avenue, which turn brilliant gold during the peak season in late November. Visitors can enjoy strolling under the colorful canopy and capturing iconic autumn scenes. Before the pandemic, the park hosted a ginkgo festival with food stalls and night-time illuminations, adding to the festive autumn atmosphere.

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(5)　Yoyogi Park (Shibuya Ward)

Area Overview: Shibuya Ward is one of Tokyo’s trendiest and most dynamic districts, famed for Harajuku, Omotesando, and the iconic Hachiko intersection. It seamlessly blends cutting-edge fashion, shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions with accessible parks and green spaces. Known as a hub for youth culture, street art, and entertainment, Shibuya attracts both locals and international visitors seeking a vibrant urban experience. Its popularity and central location also make the ward highly desirable for residential and commercial real estate, offering strong potential for property investment and rental income.

Spot Highlights: Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s five largest city parks, spans 540,529 m² and was originally the site of the 1964 Olympic Village. Situated next to Meiji Jingu Shrine, the park is renowned not only for cherry blossoms in spring but also for its vibrant autumn foliage, with numerous maple trees turning brilliant shades of red and orange. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along tree-lined paths, capture stunning photographs of the seasonal colors, or have a picnic amidst the fiery autumn scenery.

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(6)　Koshikawa Korakuen Garden (Bunkyo Ward)

Area Overview: Bunkyo Ward, situated in north-central Tokyo, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and abundant green spaces. The ward is home to iconic historical gardens such as Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen, offering scenic autumn foliage and tranquil retreats within the city. Educational institutions like the University of Tokyo (Hongo Campus) and a concentration of libraries, museums, and theaters contribute to its intellectual and cultural atmosphere. Residential neighborhoods in Bunkyo are peaceful yet well-connected, with easy access to central Tokyo via multiple train lines. The blend of serene living, cultural landmarks, and prestigious educational facilities makes Bunkyo Ward highly attractive for property investment and long-term residential value.

Spot Highlights: Built in 1629 as a Tokugawa family residence, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden features ponds, streams, bridges, stones, and scenic walking trails. Over 480 maple and ginkgo trees turn vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn, providing a perfect setting for photography and leisurely strolls. The garden beautifully combines historical architecture with natural beauty, making it an ideal location to experience traditional Japanese landscape design.

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(7)　Inokashira Park (Musashino & Mitaka Cities)

Area Overview: Musashino and Mitaka Cities, located just west of central Tokyo, are highly desirable residential areas known for their relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and abundant green spaces. The neighborhoods around Kichijoji, Inokashira Park, and the Ghibli Museum offer a vibrant mix of cafés, boutiques, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities, creating an ideal environment for daily life. Excellent public transportation options, including the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line, provide quick and convenient access to Shinjuku, Tokyo, and other central districts. With a perfect balance of peaceful suburban charm and urban convenience, these cities are not only attractive for living but also present promising opportunities for property investment.

Spot Highlights: Inokashira Park is divided into four sections: Inokashira Pond and its surrounding area, Gotenyama woods, Shizen Bunka-en Gardens, and recreational facilities. The park features a rich mix of maples, ginkgo trees, and other deciduous species that transform the area into a magical autumn landscape. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or quiet contemplation, while the nearby Ghibli Museum adds a cultural highlight to the visit.

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(8)　Showa Kinen Park (Tachikawa & Akishima Cities)

Area Overview: Tachikawa and Akishima cities, located about 30 minutes from central Tokyo, offer a spacious suburban lifestyle that harmonizes greenery, modern amenities, and convenient urban access. The area is well-equipped with wide streets, parks, shopping centers, schools, and dining options, making it especially appealing for families and those seeking a comfortable, balanced lifestyle. Abundant recreational spaces, including Showa Kinen Park, provide seasonal attractions and leisure opportunities, adding to the neighborhood’s charm. These factors make the area attractive not only as a place to live but also as a location with strong potential to maintain stable property value and rental demand over time.

Spot Highlights: Opened in 1983 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s 50th reign anniversary, Showa Kinen Park covers 160 hectares and features seasonal flowers, museums, water features, and sports facilities. The park is famous for its autumn scenery, including a 200-meter ginkgo-lined canal and maples displaying bright fall colors. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the park efficiently, making it perfect for photography, walking, and family outings during the peak autumn season.

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(9)　Mizumoto Park (Katsushika Ward)

Area Overview: Katsushika Ward, situated in eastern Tokyo near Chiba Prefecture, is a charming residential area known for its riverside scenery and historic streets. The ward features cultural landmarks such as Shibamata, famed for the “Tora-san” film series, offering a strong sense of local heritage. Combining urban convenience with a relaxed, suburban atmosphere, Katsushika attracts families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining well-connected to central Tokyo.

Spot Highlights: Mizumoto Park is the largest park within the 23 wards of Tokyo, covering approximately 963,000 m² and offering riverside landscapes and natural scenery. The park is home to diverse tree species, including poplars, metasequoias, and maples, which create striking crimson and golden autumn foliage. It is well-equipped for families, with a kids’ plaza, camping areas, and BBQ facilities. Autumn is a particularly magical season, as the trees display vibrant colors that attract visitors for walks, photography, and leisure.

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(10)　Otaguro Park (Suginami Ward)

Area Overview: Suginami Ward, in western Tokyo, is a serene residential area with charming streets and a rich cultural history linked to the animation industry, which once flourished here. The ward offers a balanced lifestyle with parks, local shops, and community facilities, while being well-connected to central Tokyo—Shinjuku is just around 20 minutes by train. Its combination of quiet living, cultural appeal, and convenient transport makes Suginami not only a comfortable place to reside but also a neighborhood with steady demand and resilient property value over time.

Spot Highlights: Otaguro Park was once the residence of music critic Moto Otaguro and has been open to the public since 1981. The park features over 60 maple and ginkgo trees, some more than 100 years old, creating a rich autumnal landscape. Visitors can enjoy a serene walk along the pond and trails, while the commemorative building houses Otaguro’s favorite piano, adding cultural charm. During late November, the park hosts autumn illumination events that enhance the vibrant fall colors, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers.

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■　Planning Your Maple Viewing Trip in Tokyo

Most of Tokyo’s top maple-viewing spots are conveniently located within the 23 wards or just a short train ride away, making it easy to explore multiple locations in a single day. Visiting from late November to early December allows you to experience both the peak autumn foliage and festive Christmas illuminations, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Whether you favor historical Edo-period gardens, expansive urban parks, or picturesque riverside areas, Tokyo offers a wide variety of maple spots to delight every autumn enthusiast. Many of these locations are also situated near vibrant residential and commercial neighborhoods, providing a glimpse into Tokyo’s desirable living areas and long-term real estate potential. Combining maple viewing with exploration of the surrounding districts allows visitors not only to enjoy seasonal beauty but also to gain insight into areas that typically maintain strong rental demand and stable property value.

By planning your visit around these key locations, you can fully immerse yourself in Tokyo’s stunning autumn colors while discovering neighborhoods with excellent lifestyle appeal and promising investment potential—ideal for those seeking to blend travel enjoyment with property insights.

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