Tokyo Autumn Foliage 2026: Mt. Takao, Okutama & Meiji Jingu Gaien

About Tokyo's Fall Foliage

When it comes to Tokyo, high-rise buildings and cutting-edge culture may come to mind first. But when autumn comes, this city shows a completely different expression. The ridgelines of the mountains are dyed a flaming red, and golden light shines into the gorges—such breathtaking stunning views spread out within just a few hours of the city center.

Tokyo's fall foliage is typically at its peak from mid-October to late November. The coloring begins from the high-altitude Okutama and Mount Takao areas, and by mid-November the fall foliage front descends to Meiji Jingu Gaien in the urban area. The more a traveler was half in doubt thinking "Fall foliage in Tokyo?", the more they are surprised by its rich natural scale—that is the real pleasure of Tokyo's autumn.

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Mount Takao

Though its elevation is 599 meters, don't underestimate it. Mount Takao, known worldwide as a mountain that earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, becomes wrapped in a gradation of red, orange, and yellow over the whole mountain when autumn comes, and you fall into a sensation as if you have wandered into a giant nishiki-e woodblock print.

What especially should not be missed is the fall foliage along the approach to Yakuoin Temple. The scenery woven by the halls of this ancient temple with over 1,200 years of history and the vermilion maples is so beautiful it is picturesque no matter where you frame it. Furthermore, from the summit, you can also enjoy a luxurious view unique to a Japanese autumn—capturing the snow-capped Mount Fuji and the flaming fall foliage in the same frame on clear days.

The best season is early to mid-November. Heading for the summit by cable car in the early-morning 7 to 8 o'clock hour, you may encounter a dreamlike sight where the morning mist and fall foliage overlap. Since climbers increase as the afternoon goes on, we strongly recommend a morning visit when the light is soft.

A hidden gem spot a local told us about is the mountain stream along Trail No. 6 (Biwa Falls Course). The path of dappled sunlight continuing along the stream is a hidden famous spot where the tunnel of fall foliage and the murmur of water fill the five senses. Fewer people walk here than on the main route, so for those who want to face the fall foliage quietly, this route is by far recommended.

Access

Get off at "Takaosanguchi Station" on the Keio Line, just a short walk away. One of its charms is the convenience of being accessible in about 50 minutes by limited express from Shinjuku Station, without transfers. Using the cable car or lift, it is about 6 minutes to the mountaintop. If you are confident in your stamina, you can also choose the about-90-minute route walking the mountain trail.

Travel tip: On weekends during the fall foliage season, the area gets so crowded that lines form from around the station to the trailhead. If possible, aim for an early weekday morning. The local way to wrap up is to eat tororo soba (grated yam soba) at a soba shop around Takaosanguchi Station on the way back. Easy-to-move sneakers and warm clothing are essential; especially near the summit, there are days when it is more than 5°C lower than in the urban area.

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Okutama

About 2 hours by train from the city center—just by traveling that distance, the scenery spreading out before you is like another world. Okutama is an autumn sacred site known only to those in the know, where you can experience full-fledged mountain gorge beauty while still being within Tokyo.

The reflection of fall foliage mirrored on Lake Okutama (Ogouchi Dam) is a stunning view that makes you unintentionally stop, where the mirror-like water surface and the red of the mountains melt together. Also, along the promenade beside Hikawa Gorge, an arch of fall foliage covering overhead continues, and combined with the clear stream at your feet, you can't help exclaiming "I never knew Tokyo had such a place."

The best season is late October to mid-November. Because of the high altitude, it colors about 2 to 3 weeks earlier than the city center, making it perfect for getting a head start on the fall foliage season. In the clear light of the morning, the colors of the fall foliage stand out more vividly, and the photogenic quality is exceptional.

If you like moving your body, hiking the Okutama Mukashi-michi (Old Ome Kaido) is recommended. This route, walking about 9 km from Okutama Station to Lake Okutama, has stone walls of villages and old road signs dotted around, so you can enjoy not only the fall foliage but also the historical atmosphere of the mountain village. When you get tired, take a break at a teahouse along the way—this is the luxurious way of spending time, Okutama-style.

Access

Get off at "Okutama Station" on the JR Ome Line. About 2 hours from Shinjuku Station, transferring between the JR Chuo Line and Ome Line. To Lake Okutama it is about 20 minutes by bus. By car it is about 40 minutes from the "Ome IC" on the Ken-O Expressway, but since traffic congestion on the Okutama Kaido has become a famous feature during the season, using public transportation is wise. There are days when temporary parking lots are set up, but they can become full even in the early morning.

Travel tip: In the mountainous parts of Okutama, the sun sets early, and it gets dim by 4 p.m. Plan to descend and head home by 3 p.m. If you enjoy hiking, don't forget to carry trekking shoes, rainwear, and trail snacks. "Moegi no Yu" near Okutama Station boasts enormous popularity among local hikers as a day-trip hot spring that soothes tired feet. A bath after fall foliage hiking is truly a blissful moment.

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Meiji Jingu Gaien

A place where the hearts of Tokyoites stir just upon hearing the words "ginkgo avenue"—that is Meiji Jingu Gaien. The 146 ginkgo trees continuing for about 300 meters are dyed a vivid golden color from mid- to late November, creating a painting-like scenery with depth. Look up and a tunnel of yellow continues; at your feet spreads a yellow carpet of fallen leaves—it is one of Tokyo's foremost fall foliage spots where you can savor "autumn" with all five senses.

Unlike Mount Takao and Okutama, the charm unique to here is being able to enjoy an extraordinary scene that blends into the city. Amid business people in suits and local residents walking their dogs coming and going, tourists holding cameras photograph the golden avenue—such a Tokyo-like autumn scene can also be said to be one of the charms of the Gaien.

The best season is mid-November to early December. During the time the "Ginkgo Festival" is held each year, food stalls also line up around the tree-lined road, creating a lively atmosphere. Visiting on a weekday morning outside the festival period lets you quietly have the golden avenue to yourself in the soft morning light. During the light-up period at dusk, the avenue glowing yellow changes into a romantic atmosphere, popular with couples too.

Access

About 5 minutes on foot from "Aoyama-itchome Station" on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line. Or it is also about 5 minutes on foot from "Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station" on the Toei Oedo Line—excellent access. Because it is located right in the heart of the city center, it is also ideal for an autumn Tokyo touring route combined with strolling around Shibuya and Omotesando.

Travel tip: On weekends during the "Ginkgo Festival," the area around the tree-lined road is very crowded. If you want to thoroughly enjoy photography, first thing in the morning right after the gates open is a good target. The Aoyama area is full of cafes and stylish restaurants, so a plan of enjoying a leisurely lunch after strolling the avenue is recommended. Also, if you tour together with other spots within the Gaien—the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and the greenery-rich garden area—it becomes a fulfilling stroll where even half a day is not quite enough.

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Peak Viewing Times for Fall Foliage and How to Enjoy It

Tokyo's fall foliage shifts in peak viewing from area to area like a baton relay, from mid-October to early December.

| Spot | Peak Viewing Guideline | Features | |---|---|---| | Okutama | Late October to mid-November | Gorge beauty, hiking | | Mount Takao | Early to mid-November | Ancient temple and fall foliage, view of Mount Fuji | | Meiji Jingu Gaien | Mid-November to early December | Ginkgo avenue, urban autumn |

Because these three spots have peak viewing times that shift subtly, you can also enjoy a way of doing it called the "Autumn Tokyo Fall Foliage Relay," heading to a different place each weekend. On days you want to move your body in nature, head to Okutama or Mount Takao; on days you want to combine it with stylish town walking, head to Meiji Jingu Gaien—savor Tokyo's autumn to your heart's content according to your travel style.

The peak of fall foliage varies year to year depending on the climate. Don't forget to check the latest information for each spot before visiting and to make a plan so you can encounter the fall foliage in its best state. This autumn, why not set out on a trip to discover another beauty hidden by the city of Tokyo?