In early October, autumn in greater Tokyo is just beginning to unfold. The trees haven’t yet donned their full autumn hues, but the season’s beauty is already showing in other ways.

In parks across Tokyo, such as Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, delicate cosmos flowers are swaying in soft pinks, whites, and purples, filling the gardens with their gentle charm. Meanwhile, vivid red spider lilies, or higanbana, make a bold statement along pathways and temple grounds, their striking red blossoms catching the eye amidst the lingering greenery.

This compact, Japanese-style garden is a hidden gem between the Japanese Sword Museum and the National Sumo Arena in Ryogoku, eastern Tokyo. A variety of lush trees encircle the koi pond, including Japanese maple and gingko. While most of the gingko trees in the area have fruited, their leaves have yet to change into their famous brilliant golden colors. While the Japanese maples also remain in lovely greens, many autumn flowers are in bloom. Crape myrtles are now bursting in vibrant pink clusters, while the honeysuckle-like Abelia are in bloom with their light pink and white flowers.

Comment from editor Timothy: "Ryogoku is a lovely place to stroll around in early autumn. It's also a great side trip from Akihabara, since it's just two stations away on the JR Chuo-Sobu line, and acessible from the Ueno area via the Oedo Line too. Besides the sumo arena, this area is also home to the Sumida Hokusai Museum, the Great Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum, and the Japanese Sword Museum, and many great restaurants."

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