ForeCastle

The beautiful paint palette of Tokyo in Autumn

From seasonal sights and arts events to traditional festivals and tech expos, there is a lot happening in Tokyo from late September through to December – making the autumn months a great time to visit.

Tokyo’s parks and gardens are a treat any time of year but especially when the maple trees turn from green to torii (a traditional Japanese gate) red in late November. Rikugi-en, Koshikawa Kōrakuen and Hama-rikyū Onshi-teien are some prime spots to lose yourself in a kaleidoscope of colours; Rikugi-en stays open a few hours past dark, turning on flood lights for the occasion. You can also head to the hills to immerse yourself in the autumn phenomenon: Takao-san and Oku-Tama are two popular getaways, an hour and two hours respectively, by train from Tokyo (though fair warning, they can get very crowded). While the maples are definitely showstoppers, don’t miss Tokyo’s signature tree – the gingko – whose leaves go gold in early December. Admire them from the terrace at Royal Garden Café on the appropriately-named Ichō Namiki-dōri (meaning, Gingko Street).