Ongoing & Upcoming Events in Tokyo
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves (Fall Foliage) come from cold places.
In Mt. Fuji hillside, it starts in early October.
In Tokyo City, the peak is late November to early December.
The Best Season for Autumn Leaves in Japan
Mt. Fuji Hillside: Early October
Nikko (Lake Chuzenji): Early - Middle October
Hiraizumi (a World Heritage Site in North Japan): Late October - Early November
Lake Kawaguchi Autumn Leaves Festival (at the foot of Mt. Fuji): Middle November
Mt. Takao (hiking trails with a unique culture in Western Tokyo): Middle November
Kamakura: Late November - Early December (Same to Tokyo City)
The Best Spots for Autumn Colors in Tokyo
Rikugien Gardens
Rikugien Garden, which was built by samurais, is very famous for its huge maple tree turned red. There are many beautiful spots to see inside the garden. You can have a cup of matcha in the traditional style at the tea houses, too.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Photos & Reports of Autumn Colors of Leaves in Rikugien Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of the best autumn leaf spots in Tokyo. There are many maple trees around the pond, which has the essence of beauty of Japanese gardens.
More Photos & Practical Guides: The Japanese Garden of Koishikawa Korakuen - Autumn Colors in Tokyo City
Hamarikyu Garden
Hamarikyu Garden is a famous Japanese garden in the bay side district of Tokyo. If you are visiting Japan for autumn leaves, I advise you to visit Rikugien or Koishikawa Korakuen Garden rather than Hamarikyu. But I'm not saying Hamarikyu Garden is disappointing; it's beautiful enough, too.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Autumn Colors in Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo City
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Meiji Jingu Gaien is the most famous place for yellow ginkgo leaves in Tokyo. The triangle maidenhair trees lined straight are so beautiful.
More Photos & Practical Guides: The Easiest Guide of Meiji Jingu Gaien Autumn Leaves Festival
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is the largest park in Tokyo City, which means the number of autumn trees is the biggest. Not only for the peak season, if you are not sure where to go, Shinjuku Gyoen is the right place.
More Photos & Practical Guides: All About Autumn Leaves in Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
Hibiya Park
Although Hibiya Park is located in the middle of business district in Tokyo City, the autumn leaves around the Japanese pond are loved by many photographers.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Guide & Photos of Autumn Leaves in Hibiya Park, Tokyo, Japan
Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is a 3-Star tourist spot in Western Tokyo, which is popular among anyone from serious hikers to casual tourists. Yakuoin Temple in the hillside has a unique culture of shugen.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Mt. Takao in Japan (Part 1) - a Guide to Tokyo's 3-Star Sightseeing Spot
Kiyosumi Garden
Kiyosumi Garden is another beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo. As far as I see it, the specialty of this garden is early kinds of autumn leaves such as haze. You can see Tokyo Skytree from this garden.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Early Autumn Leaves in Kiyosumi Garden
Omotesando Ave. & Yoyogi Park in Harajuku
The most trendy district in Japan is also famous for its autumn colors.
Go to Harajuku Travel Guide
Hagoita Market
Annual Hagoita Market at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is on 17 - 19 December!
For details, go to All About Hagoita Market in Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
Christmas Lights
Christmas illuminations light up Tokyo in December!
Top Places to View Christmas Lighting in Tokyo
Odaiba
In Chrismas season, the beautiful Christmas tree becomes a great addition to the views of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.
From November (depending on the shopping center, building, hotel, etc.)
Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks : 2, 9, 16, 23 December, 19:00 - (around 5 mins)
See more: Why I Push Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks in Winter
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, the icon of Tokyo, celebrates its 65th anniversary this year!
TOKYO TOWER Winter Fantasy RETROSPECTIVE ILLUMINATION 2023: 9:00 - 23:00, 2 - 25 December
Projection Mapping at the Main Deck: 17:00 - 22:20, 2 - 25 December
Link: Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy Official Website
Ebisu
World's biggest Baccarat chandelier is displayed with lights.
Baccarat Eternal Lights: 11 November, 2023 - 8 January, 2024
Go to Report of Ebisu Winter Lights
Tokyo Station
Christmas lights at the central station of Tokyo are famous for being modern and artistic.
December, 2023 (Depending on the street, building, etc.)
Harajuku/Omotesando
The most fashionable street in Japan is lighted up in Christmas season.
Go to Harajuku Guide
Roppongi
Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Mid Town and the streets are filled with lights in the Christmas season.
Until Christmas
4 Seasons in Tokyo
Explore 1 year in Tokyo on Event Calendar!
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Colors' peak is late November to early December in Tokyo.
Links to Blog: Autumn Colors in Tokyo City - Red Maple Leaves & Genuine Matcha in Rikugien Garden and more!
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Forecast & Report 2023
The season of cherry blossoms is late March to early April in Tokyo.
Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2024 will come in late January, 2024.
Trip Planning Advice for Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival Visitors to Japan by a Local
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The Easiest Tokyo Maps by a Local Blogger
If you want a shortcut to understand Tokyo, or you are about to give up to plan a trip to Tokyo with throwing away a thick travel guidebook, or you are lost in the city at this moment (I hope not!), here are the simplest resolutions.
The Easiest JR Train Map of Tokyo - You'll understand the outline of Tokyo and airport transport with only 1 page!
The Easiest Subway Maps of Tokyo - You won't get lost anymore. Tourist attractions are all covered with these maps and instructions.
The Quickest Hotel Booking
If you don't want any explanations and just want to book a good hotel now, the following are the quickest way to reach.
A List of Worldwide Luxury Hotels: All the hotels on this list are convenient because of good airport transport.
A List of Cheap Hostels: Cheap hostels in Tokyo are listed with short comments about their locations to help some backpackers who have the image that it is hard to find accommodation in Tokyo.
A List of Hotels for Tokyo Disney Resort Visitors: If you are visiting Tokyo Disney Resort, it will make your trip much better to book a hotel with partnership with TDR.
Book a Hotel with The Easiest Map of Tokyo City