In addition to the well known big parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Hibiya Koen, and Yoyogi Koen, (all excellent places to catch the fall colors) be sure to check out some of these places as well.
Peak viewing season: Mid-November – Early December
Part of the Tokyo University Graduate School of Science, the Koishikawa Botanical Gardens contain, in addition to a range of deciduous trees, a wide variety of other rare plants and flowers.
Access: 10 min. from Toei Subway Hakusan Sta. or 15 min. from Tokyo Metro Myogadani Sta. [Map]
Website: Koishikawa Botanical Gardens (English)
Peak viewing season: Late November – Early December
Located just behind the Budokan in Chiyoda-ku, Kita no Maru Koen is a popular spot for hanami, as well as for its autumn foliage. The surrounding grounds stretching around the Imperial Palace are sure to offer an enjoyable afternoon stroll.
Access: Short walk from Tokyo Metro Takebashi or Kudanshita Sta. [Map]
Website: Kokyo Gaien National Garden (English)
Peak viewing season: Throughout November
A comfortable distance from the urban jungle of the Marunouchi, the vast grounds of the Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa bring a refreshing taste of nature to the city dweller. The park is a great place to see long rows of golden ginko (Icho) trees.
Access: 10-15 min from Tachikawa Sta. [Map]
Website: Showa Memorial Park (English)
Peak viewing season: Mid-Late November
Located in Ome City and some of the beautiful areas of western Tokyo along the Okutama River, Mitake Keikoku is just one of the stops along the Ome Line that is sure to delight visitors. At various points along the river people can be seen barbequing, fly-fishing, and engaging in all sorts of other outdoor activities. The further into the mountains the train line brings you, the more remote things get. First time visitors will hardly be able to believe they are still in Tokyo.
Access: From Shinjuku Sta. take the JR Chuo Line (directly connecting to Ome Line, or change at Tachikawa Sta.) and get off at Mitake Sta.
Access by car: Take the Ken-o-do and get off at Ome I.C. or Hinode I.C. Ome Keikoku is about 30 min. away from either I.C. [Map]
Website: Ome City Tourist Information (Japanese)
Peak viewing season: Early December
A smaller shrine not far to the west of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. The peaceful atmosphere and beauty of the camphor and Japanese maple trees are sure to put any visitor at ease.
Access: From Kamakura Sta take the bus bound for Otonomiya and get off at the last stop.
Access by car: A 4km ride on Kendo (Prefectural Route) 204 from the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road, Asahina I.C. [Map]
Website: Kamakuragu (Japanese)
Peak viewing season: Late November – Early December
Located in the hills of Kamakura, Zuisenji is a great spot during any season, especially fall. Winding stone paths climb the hillside amidst towering pines and vegetation.
Access: From Kamakura Sta. take the bus bound for Otonomiya and get off at the last stop. From there it’s a 12 min. walk. [Map]
Peak viewing season: Mid-November – Mid-December
Just south of Yokohama on the Negishi Line, this large garden and temple grounds is a fantastic place to make a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Beautiful views of the ponds and temple tower compliment the fall colors.
Access: 10 min. bus-ride from Negishi Sta. [Map]
Website: Sankeien Garden (Japanese)
Peak viewing season: Mid-Late November
Perhaps the best part about Mt. Oyama is that it doesn’t see the heavy tourist traffic that places like Mt. Takao or Hakone see. Although it’s a bit of a bus ride from the nearest station (not a problem if you come by car) Mt. Oyama has something for everyone. Standing detached from surrounding mountain ranges amidst flatlands and fields, Mt. Oyama resembles its northern neighbor Mt. Tsukuba in both appearance and atmosphere. At the base of the mountain are old residential areas through which winding roads climb gradually steeper. From a parking area, a shopping avenue lined with traditional craft stores, food vendors, and Japanese inns, leads up to the cable car. While climbing the mountain offers some of the best, up close views, the cable car also stops at temples mid-way and at the top of the mountain. The very peak can only be reached by climbing, however, if one is up for the hike, the views of Mt. Fuji and other peaks in the distance is definitely worth it.
Access: From Isehara Sta. take the bus bound for Oyama Cable Sta. and get off at the last stop
Access by car: From the Tomei Highway Atsugi I.C., a 40 min. drive on Kokudo (National Route) 246 [Map]
Website: Oyama Kanko Dentetsu (Japanese)
Peak viewing season: Early-Mid November
The view from the surrounding mountains of Lake Ashino with Mt. Fuji in the background is a symbol of Hakone. With boat trips on the lake and a ropeway in the surrounding hills, Lake Ashino is sure to please.
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Tetsudo and get off at Hakone Yumoto Sta. From the station, take the local bus for Hanonemachi.
Access by car: Take Kendo (Prefectural Route) 75 from the Hakone Shindo Ashinoko Daikan I.C. [Map]
Website: Hakone Zenzan (English)
Peak viewing season: Early-Mid November
Hikers will enjoy the variety of courses and splendid views of Lake Ashino and Mt. Fuji from Gairinzan, which reaches 1,100 meters.
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Tetsudo and get off at Hakone Yumoto Sta. From the station, take the local bus for Hanonemachi
Access by car: Take Kendo (Prefectural Route) 75 from the Hakone Shindo Ashinoko Daikan I.C. [Map]
Website: Hakone Zenzan (English)
Peak viewing season: Mid-Late November
Spanning the wide valley below, Yachiyobashi offers grand views and is easily accessible by car. If you’re going to be in the area, make sure your route includes this spot – it could easily be the highlight of the trip.
Access: 15 min. from Miyanoshita Sta.
Access by car: Exit the Hakone Shindo at Yamazaki I.C. onto Kokudo (National Route) 1 (Tokaido) [Map]
Website: Hakone Zenzan (English)
