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.

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 backdrop to the vivid colors of fall. It is estimated that this structure dates back to the late Muromachi period and is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan.

Chinzanso Garden is already stunning during the day, but after sunset, the pagoda and trees are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. This spectacle lasts until a while after 10:40 PM, making it a perfect spot for post-dinner sightseeing. In addition, you can experience the "Fragrant Tokyo Sea of Clouds," a breathtaking scene where clouds carrying the scent of osmanthus appear. From 6 PM until the final viewing at 10:40 PM, the clouds take on a warm, osmanthus hue. You can also enjoy the "TOKYO MOON," offering a close-up view of the full moon floating above Yusui Pond.

Even in quiet residential areas, you'll find hidden gems for fall foliage. One such treasure is Otaguro Park, tucked away in Tokyo’s Ogikubo. This lush Japanese garden feels almost untamed, and from late November to early December, the vibrant fall leaves are illuminated for just a few special days. Once a well-kept local secret, Otaguro Park has recently gained attention after being featured in the media.

While it may not be as famous as Rikugien, Otaguro Park has seen a steady rise in enchanted visitors, all while preserving its peaceful ambiance. The park’s autumn beauty is defined by golden ginkgo trees, accented with vivid reds and oranges. A stone path winds through breathtaking seasonal views, with the highlight being the garden’s serene pond.

Here, the trees are perfectly mirrored on the still water, evoking Japan’s famous “Fuji Upside-Down” reflection of Mount Fuji in nearby lakes. For a true Japanese experience, savor the fall colors by gazing at their illuminated reflection on the water, rather than directly at the trees.

A trip from Tokyo to Kamakura takes less than an hour by train, and it's impossible not to mention one of the most famous spots for autumn leaves near Tokyo: Hase-dera Temple, home to Japan’s largest Kannon statue.

Located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture—a historic destination filled with stunning sights—Hase-dera stands out as the most impressive for fall foliage. Known for its year-round beauty, it’s affectionately called the "Flower Temple" by locals for its seasonal charm.

In autumn, Hase-dera hosts a special fall leaf light-up event, offering a magical nighttime viewing. Arrive just before sunset to witness the temple’s serene transformation from daylight to dusk, as the warm autumn hues blend with the soft illumination. The harmonious contrast between the temple’s architecture and the surrounding trees is best enjoyed from the “outer stage,” a designated national treasure.

From this vantage point, you can take in the five-storied pagoda framed by the vibrant autumn colors—a breathtaking scene in itself. Visiting Hase-dera Temple in the evening is the perfect way to conclude a day of sightseeing in Kamakura.

Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture, less than two hours from central Tokyo, is a perfect destination for a day trip. Despite its small population of under 7,000, Nagatoro is renowned as one of the Kanto region's most beautiful spots for fall foliage.

Every November, the Nagatoro Fall Leaf Festival takes place, with the main highlight being the illuminated autumn leaves in Tsukinoishi Momiji Park, the town’s pride. The park is thick with deciduous trees like Japanese maples, creating a vibrant canopy of leaves against the clear autumn sky.

For the best experience, visit Nagatoro in the morning. Beyond the park, another must-see is the sedimentary rock along the Arakawa River, which becomes blanketed in colorful leaves. This natural wonder, designated a national scenic beauty and natural treasure, stretches for 600 meters along the river and offers a breathtaking harmony of stone, water, and autumn hues that attract visitors from all over Japan.

For a unique perspective, try the “Nagatoro Line” river rafting, available from March to December, which allows you to admire the stunning scenery directly from the water. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Nagatoro's natural beauty.