Below is a list of some of Tokyo's best autumn color (koyo) spots with the approximate timings of the best viewing in the average year. Generally speaking, the colors in Tokyo are usually best from late November to early December. See also our nationwide list of koyo spots.
Illumination 2022: 11/23 to 12/4, 18:00 to 20:30, 1000 yen (with online reservation system and daily limit of visitors)
Rikugien is a spectacular and very popular autumn color spot. Some of the best views in this traditional Japanese garden can be enjoyed from the hilltop viewpoint, around the Togetsukyo Bridge, and along the maple lined canal that runs by the Tsutsuji no Chaya teahouse.
One of the best autumn colors spots in Tokyo, Koishikawa Korakuen is another traditional Japanese landscape garden. Its main pond is surrounded by dozens of maples trees which turn brilliant shades of orange and red in late November. Several other picturesque autumn spots can be seen around the park's three main ponds.
Icho Namiki (Ginkgo Avenue)
Late November to early December
The Icho Namiki is the popular, ginkgo lined avenue in Meiji Jingu Gaien Park. The uniquely trimmed trees turn a brilliant golden color in late November, drawing crowds of people to stroll under the leaves or relax at one of the sidewalk cafes along the street. The Icho Namiki starts about one block from Aoyama-Itchome Subway Station.
A large park with a variety of trees and a fairly long season, Shinjuku Gyoen is an attractive place to escape the city and see some autumn colors. Some of the best areas in the park to see the changing leaves are the Japanese garden and the Momijiyama ("Maple Mountain").
Mount Takao in the mountains west of central Tokyo is a busy hiking destination and one of Tokyo's most popular autumn color spots. A network of well traveled trails lead up the mountain, but visitors can save some time by taking a cable car or chair lift part way up.
Illumination 2022: 11/3 to 11/27, 16:30 to 20:30 (park closes 21:00), 450 yen
Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Koen) is an extremely large park near Tachikawa Station in western Tokyo. It consists of several gardens and recreation areas connected by bicycle and walking paths. The ginkgo trees near the Tachikawa Entrance and along a road in the southwest of the park, and the maples around the Japanese garden exhibit especially beautiful autumn colors.
The best autumn colors of this large, western style park are not found around its central lawns. Instead, head to the southern side of Yoyogi Park where there are beautiful stands of red maples and brilliant yellow ginkgo trees.
The best place to see autumn colors at the Imperial East Gardens is the Japanese style Ninomaru Garden built in the second circle of defense of the former Edo Castle. In addition, several ginkgos and other trees are scattered around the castle walls and grounds of the spacious park.
Part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, the 1000 meter tall Mount Mitake is a popular hiking destination within easy reach of central Tokyo. Autumn colors here can be enjoyed a week or two earlier than down in the city center.
Although not an outstanding autumn colors spot, there are some areas in Hama Rikyu that display nice colors, particularly along the northwestern shore of the garden's large, central pond.
Located in Tokyo, near Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden, Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument and Honryuji Temple, TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa features free WiFi. Every unit features a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a TV and a fridge. Some units include a dining area and/or a balcony. Popular points of interest near the apartment include Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine, Sanyabori Park and Imado Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 28 km from TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa.
Located in Tokyo, 700 metres from Subway Museum, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe provides rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi. The property is situated 1.7 km from Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park, 2.6 km from Former House of Udagawa Family and 2.6 km from Former House of Otsuka Family. The hotel features family rooms. All units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The private bathroom is equipped with a bidet, bathrobes and slippers. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast is available daily at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Furukawa Shinsui Park, Gyosen Park and Ukita Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 27 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe.
Ideally set in the centre of Tokyo, Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is around 300 metres from Kappabashi-dori Shopping Street, 500 metres from Kinryu Park and 600 metres from Sogenji Temple. The property is close to popular attractions like Honpo-ji Temple, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Matsuba Park. At the capsule hotel the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa include Asakusa ROX Shopping Center, Drum Museum and Asakusa Public Hall. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 29 km from the accommodation.
Well situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, The Barn Tokyo is set 400 metres from Shikian, 400 metres from Calligraphy Museum and 500 metres from Nippori South Park. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is close to popular attractions like Tokugawa Ietsuna's Mausoleum Gate Plaque, Chosho-ji Temple and Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At The Barn Tokyo all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kanei-ji Temple, Kanei-ji Temple Kompon Chudo and Kemmyo-in Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 28 km from The Barn Tokyo.
Situated right in the heart of Marunouchi business district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is 5-star luxury accommodation boasting 7 restaurants, a spa and a free-access fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. It is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and an 8-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is provided in the entire area. Offering elegant and chic ambience, each spacious room comes with a large LCD TV, a blu-ray/DVD player and a safety box. A fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a small TV, a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at Tokyo Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness gym, or receive rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Evian Spa Tokyo. The concierge desk can arrange various services for guests including mobile phone rentals. Tablet rentals, copy and fax services are available for an extra charge upon request at the front desk or club lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Wadakura restaurant, Tatsumi tempura restaurant and Kanesaka sushi restaurant. Esterre offers exquisite French cuisine and the city views, while Grand Kitchen serves international dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute train ride from Akihabara electric town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market can be reached within a 10-minute taxi ride. Airport limousine buses are available to/from Narita and Haneda airports at an extra charge.
Designed by Kengo Kuma, Capitol Hotel Tokyu boasts 3 restaurants, a 14th-floor indoor pool and direct access to 4 subway lines. Rooms are spacious for Tokyo and have city views. Free WiFi is available in the entire building and paid private parking is available on site. Rooms at Tokyu Capitol Hotel offer a softly lit blend of the old and new, with paper screens and a large flat-screen TV. A minibar and a large private bathroom with a bathtub are included. Free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer are provided. Guests can look out over Tokyo as they work out at the fitness centre or relax in the hot tub. Carju Rajah TIADO Spa offers massages and the hotel includes a beauty salon, photo studio and other shops. The business centre on the 3rd floor features a computer and photocopying services for guests' convenience. Guests are also provided with a handy Smartphone. Star Hill Chinese Restaurant serve lunch and dinner in stylish modern settings. Suiren offers various Japanese dishes including teppanyaki, sushi and kaiseki multi-courses. Asian and Western cuisines are available all day at Origami. The Capitol Bar offers mood lighting, natural wood and elegantly served cocktails. The hotel has direct access to the Tameike-sanno and Kokkai-gijido-mae subway stations, which offer direct links to the Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza areas. The Imperial Palace is a 5-minute drive, while Roppongi Hills is a 10-minute drive away.
Located just a 5-minute train ride from Haneda Airport, 328 Hostel & Lounge offers cosy accommodation fitted with free WiFi and a shared kitchen. Anamori Inari Train Station is a 5-minute walk away. The hostel offers modern dormitory rooms with air conditioning. Shared bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Guests at the 328 Hostel can unwind at the common lounge, or prepare their own meals at the kitchen. The hotel is a 15-minute train ride from Shinagawa Train Station.
Conveniently situated in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, Backpacker's Mini House is located 400 metres from Kanda Children's Park, 300 metres from Bellesalle Kanda and 600 metres from Nikkei Hall. The 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is close to popular attractions like Rengo Kaikan Hall, Wake no Kiyomaro Statue and Hitotsubashi Tokugawa Homestead Ruins. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Tokiwa Park, Kotoku Inari Shrine and Taira no Masakado's Grave. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 25 km from Backpacker's Mini House.
Situated a minutesf walk away from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station of the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Marunouchi Line, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho boasts free WiFi throughout the entire property. There is a sake bar, a sushi restaurant and a teppanyaki restaurant on site, as well as a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is directly linked to Nagatacho Station of the Nanboku Line. It is a 10-minute drive from Tokyo Station, and a 30-minute drive from Haneda Airport. Narita International Airport is a 100-minute drive away. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features a spa and wellness centre and a sauna facility, and the front desk offers currency exchange. Laundry services are offered at an extra cost. All rooms are air-conditioned/heated and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms come with a desk, minibar, electric kettle, a coffee machine, personal locker and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bathtub and shower. Hairdryers, free toiletries, slippers and bathrobes provided. Guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine on site, and there are several restaurants within a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
Just a 5-minute walk from Nihombashi Station, Hotel K5 offers accommodation in a renovated historical building that is built in 1924. The hotel provides restaurants, cafes and room service. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a seating area, desk, soundproofing and private bathroom. A record player with vinyl record collection is featured in each room. For guests' comfort, Hotel K5 provides a minibar, complimentary toiletries, slippers and pajamas. Some suites include a dining area, seating area and stand-alone bathtub. The 24-hour front desk offers concierge service and free luggage storage.
