[Updated 14 Nov 2019]
Every autumn, Tokyo comes alive with a stunning blaze of rich red, yellow, and orange hues all over the city. At the peak of fall, the trees, leaves and parks present you with beautiful scenery at every turn, so you can experience the capital’s brilliant autumn foliage (koyo).
Credit: Giphy
November is known to be the perfect time to enjoy the autumn season--enjoy the urban sensibilities of the metropolitan city of Tokyo alongside the natural outdoor beauty of landscaped gardens in fall. But if you're feeling more than a little lost about where the best fall viewing spots in town are, we've got you covered! Experience the full splendour of autumn with our ultimate guide to the best tourist spots, parks, gardens, and day trips in Tokyo! ?
1. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
Credit: Hakan Nural on Unsplash
Situated snugly between two luxurious fashion and business districts, Icho Namiki boasts a stretch of impressive gingko trees which turn golden in autumn. This popular avenue draws crowds of tourists and locals alike who stroll under the leaves or relax at one of the charming cafes.
Don't miss the annual festival held here: you can find wide varieties of merchandise, browse Japanese handicrafts, sample the local cuisine and enjoy street performances!
How to get here: 5 minutes’ walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station, or 6 minutes’ walk from Gaienmae Station.
Nearby halal food
Menya Kaijin
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Seafood options available, broth is purely fish-based. Do note that the chicken is not halal but pork or alcohol is not used in the preparation of food. Do let the staff know that you don't want the chicken to be added, they can replace it with shrimp. Utensils are also not separated. Alcohol is served in establishment. Since this is not a halal-certified restaurant, we advise you to dine at your own discretion.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 11AM-3.30PM, 4.30PM-11.30PM, Sat-Sun, 11AM-11PM
Average price of main dishes: JPY830-1030
Address: 3-35-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Contact: +81 03-3356-5658
2. Asakusa Sensoji Temple
With a rich history dating back all the way to the 7th century, the Sensoji Temple is a hugely popular tourist attraction. Be transported back to olden day Japan while you experience the gorgeous autumn foliage! During the change of seasons to autumn, the trees blush in vibrant shades of red and orange. You can even rent a kimono to get the most authentic Tokyo autumn experience--just imagine how picturesque that koyo experience would be, set in such a historic spot!
Credit: big-ashb on Flickr
While you're here, check out their old-fashioned Japanese shops, where you can get interesting souvenirs, traditional items and snacks! Nevertheless, being a prime tourist destination, the prices here are slightly higher.
How to get here: Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Kanda Station. Then transfer to the Ginza Subway Line and alight at Asakusa Station.
Nearby halal food
Sekai Cafe
Cuisine: Western
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Vegetarian menu is also available
Opening hours: Sun-Thu; 10.30AM-10.30PM, Fri-Sat; 10.30AM-10PM
Address: 1 Chome-18-8 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Sushiken Asakusa
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 11.30AM-4PM, 4PM-11.30PM, Sun; 11.30AM-3PM, 3PM-10PM
Address: 2 Chome-11-4, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
P.S. Confused about Japan's transport system? Check out our ultimate guide to navigating Tokyo's public transport!
3. Meiji Shrine at Yoyogi Park
Credit: IQRemix on Flickr
Just a few steps away from the trendy Harajuku, Yoyogi Park is another garden that you definitely shouldn't miss. Bordering Harajuku and Shibuya, this park has a large collection of maple trees that turns to a more traditional red.
Take a leisurely stroll in the park or chill by the benches as you admire the scenery, and then pay a visit to the famous Meiji Shrine.
#HHWT Tip: It's best to visit on Sundays, when the park is filled with lively dancers, cosplayers and other fun entertainers!
How to get here: Harajuku Station, use the Omotesando exit
Nearby halal food
Gyumon
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: All meats are sourced from halal-certified suppliers but do note that alcohol is served on the premise. We recommend that you dine at your discretion.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 5PM-4AM, Sun; 5PM-12AM
Address: 3-14-5 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Contact: +81-(0)3-5469-2911
Honolu Ebisu
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: JPY780-1,130
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5PM-10PM
Address: 1 Chome-23-1 Shibuya, Ebisuminami, Tokyo 150-0022, Japan
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4. Tokyo Disneysea
Tokyo Disneysea is known to be one of the best Disney parks anywhere! And what better time to visit than in autumn? Enjoy the cool fall temperatures as you walk around the park, and avoid the hot summer weather while waiting in line for your amusement rides! You can thank us later ?
With world-class entertainment and rides, you'll surely end up spending a whole day here for that ultimate Disney fall experience! Fill your tummies with Disney-themed snacks, snap photos with cartoon characters and watch as the day turns into night.
#HHWT Tip: No need to do more research on how to maximize your time at Tokyo Disneysea - just read our guide on 11 tips for the perfect Tokyo Disneysea experience!
How to get here: Take the JR Keiyo Line/JR Musashino Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama
Nearby halal food
Red Lobster Tokyo Disney Resort
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Muslim-friendly menu available. All ingredients in Muslim-friendly menu are from halal-certified suppliers and although it’s prepared in the same kitchen as non-halal meals, separate kitchenware is used to prepare the meals. Do note that dining utensils are the same as non-halal meals but you can request for disposable utensils.
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-11PM
Address: 1-4 Ikspiari 3F, Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Pref, 279-0031 (inside Grace Square)
Contact: +81-47-712-7650
P.S. Can't decide between visiting Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea? We help you decide which theme park you should visit!
5. Koishikawa Botanical Garden
Credit: Marufish on Flickr
Koishikawa Botanical Garden, also known as Koishikawa Korakuen, is actually the oldest garden in Japan and also the best preserved gardens! Built during the early Edo period, it's hard to believe that this centuries-old park stands right next to the ultra-modern Tokyo Dome City complex.
The design of this landscape garden displays influences of classical Chinese aesthetics, and the arrangement of the twinkling pool and maple trees are just breath-taking.
How to get here: Take the train to Lidashi Station along the JR Chuo Line and enjoy a 5-10 minute walk to the Koishikawa
Nearby halal food
Mazilu Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Jimbocho)
Cuisine: Chinese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-3PM, 5PM-8.30PM
Address: 1-3-18, Kandajimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0051, Japan
Contact: +81 3-6811-7992
6. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo's biggest forested public park, you can expect to find a myriad of features at Shinjuku Gyoen: it comprises a traditional Japanese garden, a formal French garden and a stunning English landscape garden! With over 20,000 trees here, you can imagine the amount of accumulated foliage at the park – it's the perfect opportunity for that golden Instagram shot!
Dating back all the way to the Edo period, when it was home to a feudal king’s residence, Shinjuku Gyoen retains a sense of timeless tranquility to it.
How to get here: (Main entrance) From JR Shinjuku Station, take the south exit and walk straight down the main street (Koshu Kaido) for about 10 minutes until you reach Shinjuku Gate.
Nearby halal food
Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 12.30PM-10PM
Address: 1-11-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Contact: +81-(0)3-5925-8426
P.S. Should you buy a JR Pass if you're travelling to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto? We're here to help you break it down!
7. Hibiya Park
Conveniently located in the front of the Imperial Palace and within walking distance from the popular shopping district of Ginza, Hibiya Park boasts an impressive 3,100 trees with over 51 species. The ideal spot for observing the autumn leaves here is at Shinji Pond: this oasis is actually Japan’s first Western-style park!
How to get here: Hibiya Station (Hibiya Line or Chiyoda Line)
Nearby halal food
T's Tantan
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Fully vegan menu, Alcohol served in the establishment so do dine at your own discretion.
Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM-10.30PM
Average price of main dishes: JPY650-900
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Inside JR Tokyo station, Yaesu South exit, 1F, Keiyo Street)
Contact: +81 3-3218-8040
8. Rikugien Garden
Credit: ginomempin on Flickr
An Edo-style garden built almost 4 centuries ago in 1695, this 21-acre Japanese garden is another amazing autumn viewing spot to visit in Tokyo. #HHWT Tip: Rikugien gardens literally means ‘six poems garden’, and judging by the poetic beauty of the garden itself, it definitely lives up to its name ?
Take an hour to walk leisurely around the garden, admiring some of its most picturesque spots around Togetsukyo Bridge. After exploring, don’t forget to visit their quaint teahouse and do what the Japanese do best – enjoy some green tea!
How to get here: Komagome Station, the garden entrance is 5 minutes away.
Nearby halal food
Halal Wagyu Dining Panga 585
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-11PM
Address: Halal Wagyu Dining Panga 585, Marugoto Nippon, 4th Floor, Asakusa 2-chōme-6-7, Asakusa, Taito Ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Note: Since the restaurant will only be open for 585 days, it's estimated to close on 2 December 2020
P.S. Travelling to Japan with your family? Visit these exciting kid-friendly places in Tokyo!
9. Ueno Park
Credit: Aomi Geerajit on Facebook
Just one minute walk from the train station, this exquisite park is a well-known attraction, that is also home to some must-visit tourist spots. But it's during the autumn season that Ueno Park really comes into its own ? Each area has a path which will bring you to an area ablaze with stunning autumn foliage. The magnificent colour combination of red, green and yellow leaves is sure to leave you breathless.
Credit: Guilhem Vellut on Flickr
Afterwards, visit a couple of shrines and temples as you explore the park. You can even drop by the National Science Museum, which is also within the area!
Credit: Guilhem Vellut on Flickr
How to get there: JR Ueno Station, take the Ueno Park Exit.
Nearby halal food
Ayam-YA Okachimachi
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: JPY850-1,020
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM
Address: 4 Chome-10-1 Taito, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Contact No: +81-3-3834-6656
10. Mount Takao (Takaosan)
Credit: jpellgen on Flickr
This is said to be the best place for hiking at the outskirts of Tokyo. It's a 90-minute climb to the summit, but it's definitely worth it. If you're lucky, you'll even get gorgeous panoramic views of Tokyo! Spot the brilliant yellow gingko avenue in the heart of Tokyo from Mount Takao's summit--you can even see it in the picture above ?
It is also an amazing experience to hike here in autumn. Offering a totally different sort of atmosphere, you will be treated to unspoiled nature and get to visit onsens and forested valleys while revelling in the autumn colours. Sometimes, venturing a little further away from the city is really one of the best ways to fully appreciate the different seasons ?
How to get here: Mount Takao is accessible on the JR East Chuo Line to Takao Station. Alternatively, you can take the Keio Takao Line to Takaosan-guchi Station.
#HHWT Tip: Unfortunately, we've yet to find a halal restaurant near Mount Takao. However, you can check out these halal bento deliveries in Japan that are perfect for your next trip.
Tokyo is an amazing destination to visit during autumn. Observing the fall foliage is just one of the great reasons to visit the capital of Japan. If you have plenty of time you will be able to fully enjoy the surrounding beauty of the city and the gorgeous deciduous trees autumn colours!