Koyo or Momiji (紅葉) means autumn foliage in Japanese. It is a Japanese tradition to enjoy autumn foliage every year. There are many Japanese traditions which involve visiting places to see nature changing over the season. It is probably the best way to immerse in Japanese culture.
Many people go to the mountains to see spectacular views of Koyo which may seem overwhelming. Japan has a lot of places to enjoy Koyo and Tokyo is not the best place to do it. However, everyone gets busy at work and doesn’t have time to travel far from the city. This became the reason for us to make a post about Tokyo’s best Koyo spots.
Rikugien (六義園)
Rikugien garden is called number one landscape garden in Tokyo. The best time to visit Rikugien would be late November. There is a teahouse called Fukiage Chaya which offers Matcha (Japanese green tea) for ￥510. The garden has evening light up for Koyo and Sakura seasons until 9 PM.
Koishikawa Korakuen
This place is highly recommended along with Rikugien. These are probably the most inspiring spots for autumn foliage around Tokyo. Numerous maple trees make this place masterpiece. The park is huge therefore there are more opportunities for nice shots.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a very popular spot for Hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) and Koyo in Tokyo. It is considerate as the largest park in Tokyo. It is also one of the oldest because the place was made during Edo Period.
Yoyogi Koen
The part around Meiji Shrine, accessible from Harajuku or Meiji Jingu Mae stations. It is very close to the station and great place for walking. Some of the parks require some admission free but Yoyogi Park doesn’t ask for any fee to enter.
Ueno Park
The part near Ueno Zoo which is also perfect for walking or having a picnic with friends. It is absolutely free to enter as well as Yoyogi Park.
Aoyama-itchome (Icho Namiki, Ginkgo Avenue)
The famous view of yellow trees alley. It is very impressive but that’s the only view of Koyo in this area.
Gotokuji temple
This is the very special place because there is a shrine with hundreds of Maneki-Neko (beckoning cat) figures near Gotokuji temple. You should visit it to get good luck and success in business from Maneki Neko.
Nezu Shrine – Nezu Station
Nezu Shrine has beautiful red tori gates in the entrance. There is also inspiring walk of a glowing red tori gates on the way to the shrine. It has both yellow ginkgo trees and red maples.
Meguro River
Nakameguro is very famous for cherry blossom but it’s also worth to go in autumn. There are many restaurants in mixed Japanese and European style around the river, where would be the best place to see Koyo. It suits to those who like enjoying autumn with a cup of coffee or Gluhwein with a stick of cinnamon.
Mount Takao
Mt. Takao is a bit far from the center of Tokyo, but it is highly recommended to visit for Koyo in late November.