Instagram-Worthy Autumn Spots in Tokyo 🍁 – Complete Travel Guide
Autumn in Tokyo is a truly magical season. From mid-November to early December, ginkgo trees turn brilliant gold, maple leaves blaze red, and the city’s gardens transform into living paintings. This guide provides everything you need to enjoy Tokyo in autumn efficiently, including access, entrance fees, opening hours, café recommendations, and local tips for capturing perfect photos.
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🔖 Bookmark NowMust-Visit Autumn Spots in Tokyo
At Meiji Jingu Gaien in Shinjuku, a golden avenue of ginkgo trees welcomes visitors. Visiting early in the morning between 6:00 and 7:00 allows you to capture the soft morning light filtering through the trees, creating a serene, tunnel-like scene perfect for photos. Shooting from a low angle adds depth, and even smartphone cameras can capture cinematic shots. A local photography enthusiast shared, “The morning sunlight on the ginkgo is truly magical.”
📍 Access:A 5-minute walk from Iidabashi Station (JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku lines) or Korakuen Station (Marunouchi, Namboku lines).
⏱ Average Visit Time:1–1.5 hours, especially if you walk the circular route and stop to take photos.
🍁 Best Season:Late November to early December, when the maple leaves are at their peak color.
📸 Instagram Tip:Head to the stone bridge crossing the pond. From here, you can capture both the fiery maple leaves and their reflections in the water, framed by traditional lanterns.
In Koishikawa Korakuen (Bunkyo), the autumn colors reflected in the pond, combined with bridges and lanterns, create a photo full of depth and atmosphere. Weekdays are generally quiet, making it easy to take your time photographing. A nearby office worker mentioned, “Even stopping by during lunch lets you forget the city’s hustle for a while.”
📍 Access:A 5-minute walk from Iidabashi Station (JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku lines) or Korakuen Station (Marunouchi, Namboku lines).
⏱ Average Visit Time:1–1.5 hours, especially if you walk the circular route and stop to take photos.
🍁 Best Season:Late November to early December, when the maple leaves are at their peak color.
📸 Instagram Tip:Head to the stone bridge crossing the pond. From here, you can capture both the fiery maple leaves and their reflections in the water, framed by traditional lanterns.
Rikugien Garden lights up in the evening, reflecting the autumn leaves on the pond for a truly enchanting view. Using a tripod can enhance the reflections, and walking along the garden paths from different angles allows for creative compositions. A local photographer notes, “The illuminated garden at night offers a completely different, magical view compared to daytime.”
📍 Access:A 7-minute walk from Komagome Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line).
⏱ Average Visit Time:1–2 hours, especially if you stay for the evening light-up event.
🍁 Best Season:Mid to late November for daytime viewing, with illuminations typically held until early December.
📸 Instagram Tip:Shoot across the pond at night—the reflection of illuminated maples on the still water creates a dreamlike effect. Arriving just before dusk lets you capture both the golden-hour light and the evening glow.
For a more tranquil spot, Kiyosumi Garden in Koto features moss-covered bridges and colorful koi swimming among autumn foliage. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for close-up photography. A local café owner says, “It’s quiet here, and you can really feel old Tokyo.” Shooting from bridges over the water adds a charming touch to photos.
📍 Access:A 3-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Oedo Line).
⏱ Average Visit Time:45 minutes–1.5 hours, depending on how leisurely you explore.
🍁 Best Season:Late November to early December, with maple trees turning vibrant shades of red.
📸 Instagram Tip:Stand on one of the stepping-stone paths across the pond. The composition of water, koi, and fiery leaves makes for a unique perspective shot.
Autumn Foliage: Best Viewing Periods, Access & Entrance Fees
| Spot | Best Viewing | Access | Entrance Fee / Hours | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meiji Jingu Gaien | Mid–late November | JR “Shinanomachi” 5-min walk, Subway “Gaienmae” 3-min walk | Free | Golden ginkgo avenue |
| Koishikawa Korakuen | Mid-November | Toei Mita Line “Kasuga” 5-min walk, Metro Marunouchi Line “Korakuen” 5-min walk | Adults ¥300 / 9:00–17:00 | Pond reflections, bridges, lanterns |
| Rikugien | Mid-Nov–Early Dec | JR “Komagome” 7-min walk | Adults ¥300 / 9:00–17:00 (Illuminations until 21:00) | Night illumination, pond reflections |
| Kiyosumi Garden | Late November | Toei Oedo Line / Hanzomon Line “Kiyosumi-Shirakawa” 3-min walk | Adults ¥150 / 9:00–17:00 | Moss-covered bridges, koi & autumn leaves |
Suggested Autumn Itineraries (Practical Time Schedule)
Itinerary 1: Shinjuku & Bunkyo Route
- 6:00–7:30 | Meiji Jingu Gaien
Start your day early to beat the crowds and capture the golden ginkgo avenue in soft morning light. Bring a small tripod if you have one for sharper photos. The main avenue can get busy later in the day, so early morning is ideal.
- 7:30–9:00 | Breakfast / Travel to Omotesando
Grab a quick breakfast at a nearby café or convenience store. Take the subway from Gaienmae to Omotesando (about 15 minutes). - 9:30–11:00 | Omotesando Café
Enjoy seasonal autumn sweets and drinks by the window with natural light. Weekdays are quieter; weekends can be busy, so try to arrive early. Perfect for a relaxing coffee break and some Instagram-worthy shots.
- 11:30–14:00 | Koishikawa Korakuen
Explore the garden at a leisurely pace. Photograph pond reflections, bridges, and lanterns. A light tripod or stabilizer helps for low-light shots if cloudy. Consider bringing a bento or small snack to enjoy on the benches while soaking in the scenery.
- 14:00–16:00 | Lunch & Transit to Rikugien
Take a short subway ride from Korakuen to Komagome (about 15 minutes). Lunch options nearby include casual Japanese restaurants or cafés. - 16:00–21:00 | Rikugien
Arrive before sunset to capture the evening illumination of autumn leaves. The garden paths provide different perspectives—experiment with reflections on the pond. Evening crowds are moderate; plan enough time to enjoy the lights and take photos before the garden closes at 21:00.
Itinerary 2: Koto & Roppongi Route
- 9:00–11:00 | Kiyosumi Garden
Start your day in this peaceful garden. Photograph moss-covered bridges, koi swimming in the pond, and autumn leaves. Early morning provides soft light and fewer visitors. - 11:00–11:30 | Walk to Local Café
Take a short 5-minute walk to a nearby café in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa for a seasonal treat.
- 11:30–13:00 | Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Café
Enjoy autumn sweets and drinks at a quiet local spot. A great time to recharge before heading to Roppongi. - 13:00–14:00 | Travel & Lunch
Subway ride to Roppongi Hills (about 30 minutes from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa). Consider grabbing a light lunch or snack near the station.
- 14:00–17:00 | Roppongi Hills Streets & Photowalk
Photograph city streets with autumn foliage. Experiment with angles and perspectives. Weekdays are less crowded, making it easier to capture clean shots. - 17:30–22:00 | Tokyo Tower / Roppongi Hills Observation Deck
Arrive before sunset to catch both daylight and night cityscape shots. Capture the city lights alongside autumn leaves. Observation deck is open until 23:00; plan a slow descent to enjoy both views and evening city vibes.
Autumn in Tokyo offers a perfect harmony of golden avenues, serene gardens, cozy cafés, and stunning nightscapes. With this guide, you can navigate the city efficiently, enjoy the most photogenic spots, and capture unforgettable memories. Paying attention to light and reflections will make your photos even more vibrant and memorable.
