In Japanese, “autumn leaves” is written as 紅葉 – which literally means crimson leaves. 紅葉 is read as kouyou or momiji. Autumn is in full swing in Japan and the best time to view the vibrant momiji is coming soon: the middle of November to the beginning of December. Many may assume that you would have to travel far out of Tokyo in order to enjoy Japan’s fall scenery, but there are several places within the Tokyo area where you can witness the full glory of Autumn. This article introduces three such places that are easily accessible from within the city.
Akigawa Keikoku (Valley) – 秋川渓谷
Akigawa means Autumn River in Japanese. The name is very fitting as this valley area has beautiful greenery and a refreshing river that energizes all those who visit. Though autumn may be the most popular time to visit Akigawa Keikoku, it is a place where one can enjoy all four seasons. Around an hour west of central Tokyo, it is a good place to consider going for a short day trip to escape the stifling metropolis.
The valley boasts various tourist attractions such as the Ishibunebashi (石舟橋), the symbol of Akigawa Keikoku. All tourists who visit the area should cross this bridge! The bridge is surrounded by trees and the autumn foliage can be enjoyed as you cross over the clear river. There is a hot spring near the Ishibunebashi as well! It is called Seoto no Yu (瀬音の湯) where you can enjoy the momiji while relaxing in the hot spring. Additionally, there are camping grounds and barbecue spots to pass the time. Then, there is Akiruno City nearby, which has its own history and various attractions.
The mountain resides in Hachioji City which is roughly an hour from Shinjuku. Mt. Takao is a sacred mountain that is famous across Japan for its hiking trails. There are ten trails that show off the mountain’s different charms. For those interested, here is a site that gives all the course trails in more detail. Hikers of all levels can enjoy hiking up Mt. Takao! Just look into the trails before going up and choose the difficulty which suits you the best. For those who aren’t too into hiking or want to cut down on the hiking time, there is a chair lift that will take you halfway up the mountain. It cuts the hiking time down by half! After getting off the cable car, there is a viewing platform with stunning scenery. It’s a great place to take pictures. You will get a breathtaking view no matter what trail you take, and there are food stalls and gift shops on the way to the peak. There is also the Yakuoin temple where you can pray to the tengu mountain gods which is another beautiful stop up the mountain.
Not everyone enjoys hiking up mountains or going on an hour-long train ride into the midst of nature. Sometimes, people just want an easy access spot where they can be soothed by nature without really leaving the heart of the city. If you’re one of those people, Shinjuku Gyoen is just the place for you. Originally a private Imperial garden, Shinjuku Gyoen is located in, well, Shinjuku and can be enjoyed during any season. It is especially well-known as a place to view the sakura and the momiji. Shinjuku Gyoen has Western and Japanese style gardens so depending on the ‘section’ that you are in, the autumn leaves will seem different. There are also a wide variety of flowers and trees that can be enjoyed. It’s also a wonderful place for a picnic! However, there are restrictions due to the pandemic so please look into it properly (here) before going. Besides sightseeing, there are tea houses and places to eat nearby or within Shinjuku Gyoen. The imperial garden is like a small portal into a different world and it is a great place to take a breather from the city or take your mind off of any worries.