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Autumn leaves season: Best spots for fall foliage in central Tokyo

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Even in the center of Tokyo, there are many autumn leaves spots where you can experience the beauty of the Japanese fall. In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots for fall foliage and ideas for activities in the surrounding areas.

Kitanomaru Park: Art and Autumn Leaves

As autumn deepens, the autumn colors of Mt. Momiji (Momijiyama) in Kitanomaru Park are spectacular! Here, you find about 230 different kinds of maple trees, mainly Japanese maples. Various types of autumn leaves are so dense that they actually create a tunnel, which is one of Tokyo’s fall highlights. In addition, there are some wonderful museums within walking distance of Kitanomaru Park, so be sure to check them out when visiting the park!

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is Japan’s first national art museum owning a collection of modern and contemporary artworks from the Meiji period (1868-1912) to the present day.
The view from the Observatory Rest Room “Room with a View” at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is stunning. You can see the moat and the autumn leaves of the Imperial Palace East Gardens.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) and the Room with a View

Science Museum

Especially for families with children, the “Science Museum” is a facility you shouldn’t miss. Deepen (or refresh) your understanding of science, observe experiments and immerse yourself in the world of science while having a lot of fun!

Left photo: There is also a magnificent ginkgo tree in front of the Science Museum.
Left photo: Learn about science through hands-on exhibits and experiments!

Kitanomaru Park
1-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TiJaR2opzk35FqEV9
Nearest stations: Kudanshita Station, Takebashi Station

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
http://www.momat.go.jp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOMAT_museum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momat.pr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MOMAT60th
3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7jXfEzFb2SommFaf6

Science Museum
https://www.jsf.or.jp (Japanese)
https://www.jsf.or.jp (English)
2-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LmxH2ub1fpQC4kY1A

 

Hibiya Park: Enjoy a delicious meal on a terrace surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves

Completed in 1903, Hibiya Park is Japan’s first Western-style modern park. With cherry blossoms in spring, dark green trees in summer, and red leaves in autumn, there is always something to see. So it’s no wonder there are a lot of great fall foliage spots in Hibiya Park. In particular, “Kumogata-ike Pond” is a beautiful place to enjoy the autumn leaves of the trees surrounding the pond (with a super cute bridge!) and their reflections in the pond.

The elegant “Crane Fountain” in “Kumogata-ike Pond” was completed in 1905 and is the third oldest fountain in a park in Japan.
When I took this picture on November 11th, the leaves had already begun to change color.

Inside the park, you’ll find a nice Western restaurant which is famous and has a long history.

Hibiya Matsumotoro Restaurant

The magnific ginkgo tree that stands near the entrance of “Hibiya Matsumotoro Restaurant” is one of the fall highlights of Hibiya Park.

The fallen leaves of the ginkgo tree in front of Hibiya Matsumotoro Restaurant create a yellow carpet!

Hibiya Matsumotoro Restaurant opened in 1903, the same year as the park. The “Grill & Garden Terrace” on the 1st floor offers a Western-style menu that has been loved for over 100 years! We recommend the beef curry that made Hibiya Matsumotoro famous. Definitely choose a terrace seat because then you can enjoy both: a delicious meal AND the fall foliage around you.

Hibiya Park
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index037.html
1 Hibiya-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GUh2WcWcRCFbPBqH6
Nearest stations: Kasumigaseki Station, Hibiya Station, Yurakucho Station, Uchisaiwaicho Station

Hibiya Matsumotoro Restaurant
http://www.matsumotoro.co.jp
1-2 Hibiya-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Q6nZzBfehGXgfPjL8

 

Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Road: View autumn leaves while rowing a boat

The Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Road is a 700m promenade along the Chidori-ga-fuchi moat with about 260 cherry trees planted on both sides of the footpath. This area is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, but you can also enjoy beautiful autumn leaves for a few days every year!

Maple leaves are bright red and ginkgo leaves are bright yellow. Cherry blossoms on the other hand are characterized by a beautiful color gradation from reddish-orange to yellow.
Chidori-ga-fuchi is not only great for going on a walk but also for rowing a boat! The best way to enjoy the surrounding fall scenery is by rowing a boat on the moat.
This type of “autumn leaves viewing” is something you can only do here!

Chidori-ga-fuchi Boat Rental

Anyone can rent a boat by purchasing a ticket at the boat dock. Looking at the surrounding autumn leaves from the boat, breathing in the clear air, bathing in the gentle autumn sun, and listening to the sound of the water is the perfect way to spend a sunny day in autumnal Tokyo!

Municipal Chidori-ga-fuchi Boat Pier
https://www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp/shisetsu/koen/chidorigafuchi-boat.html
Business hours: March 1 to November 30, 11:00 to 17:30
(*Business hours vary depending on the season.)
2-saki, Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/9tCTcAyhZ6j41SWo6
Nearest stations: Kudanshita Station, Hanzomon Station

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