Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Tokyo Autumn

Introduction

Tokyo Autumn is a special season when crisp air, vibrant autumn leaves, and a variety of cultural events fill the city with color. From iconic sightseeing spots and traditional festivals to seasonal food experiences, Tokyo Autumn offers unforgettable moments for visitors. In this guide, we’ve carefully selected 10 must-visit attractions and events in Tokyo during October and November. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning, this guide will help you make the most of Tokyo Autumn.

No1. Stroll along Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Overview
One of the most iconic spots for Tokyo Autumn, this avenue stretches about 300 meters with 146 ginkgo trees lining the street. People from all over the Kanto region, not just locals, flock here to admire the golden leaves. The avenue transforms into a breathtaking canvas of autumn colors during Tokyo Autumn.

What to Do
Walk along the avenue while taking photos, enjoy a coffee or lunch at nearby cafes and restaurants, and experience the magical atmosphere of Tokyo Autumn. During sunset, the illuminated ginkgo trees create a completely different and stunning scene.

Information

Access: Tokyo Metro “Gaienmae Station” 5 min walk / JR “Shinanomachi Station” 10 min walk
Official Website: Meiji Jingu Gaien
Best Time: Mid to late November

No2. Rikugien Garden Autumn Illumination

Overview
Rikugien Garden, a traditional Edo-period garden, becomes a canvas of vivid autumn colors during Tokyo Autumn. Maple and other trees reflect beautifully in the garden pond, and the evening illumination creates a magical experience.

What to Do
Enjoy a peaceful stroll during the day, then visit at night to see the illuminated foliage. Relax in the garden’s tea house with matcha and Japanese sweets while enjoying the serene autumn atmosphere unique to Tokyo Autumn.

Information

Access: JR “Komagome Station” 7 min walk / Tokyo Metro Namboku Line “Komagome Station” 7 min walk
Official Website: Rikugien Garden
Best Time: Late November

No3. Join the Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi Festival

Information

Access: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Iriya Station” 10 min walk / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Asakusa Station” 10 min walk
Official Website: Ootori Shrine
Best Time: Tori Day in November

No4. Explore the Kanda Used Book Festival

Overview
Held in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s largest used book district, the Kanda Used Book Festival is a cultural highlight during Tokyo Autumn. Visitors can find a variety of books, from literature and maps to ukiyo-e prints.

What to Do
Search for unique books and enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Tokyo Autumn. Special talks and exhibitions are held during the festival, offering insight into the history and culture of Jimbocho.

Information

Access: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Toei Shinjuku Line “Jimbocho Station”
Official Website: Kanda Used Book Festival
Best Time: Late October to early November

No5. Experience the Tokyo Oktoberfest

Overview
Tokyo Oktoberfest brings Germany’s famous beer festival to Tokyo Autumn. Held at various locations such as Hibiya Park, Odaiba, and Nakano in October, it features draft beer, German food, and traditional music.

What to Do
Raise a large beer mug, enjoy German cuisine, and dance along to live music. Limited edition mugs and beers make great souvenirs. Share the experience with friends and fellow visitors to create lasting memories of Tokyo Autumn.

Information

Access: Varies by venue (Example: Hibiya Park = Tokyo Metro “Hibiya Station” 2 min walk)
Official Website: Tokyo Oktoberfest
Best Time: Early to late October

No6. Tsukiji Outer Market Food Walk

Overview
Tsukiji Outer Market is a must-visit for Tokyo Autumn food lovers. Seasonal ingredients such as sanma (Pacific saury), matsutake mushrooms, and chestnuts are abundant, offering a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.

What to Do
Sample sushi, grilled seafood, scallops, and tamagoyaki while enjoying the bustling market atmosphere. Arrive early for fresh seafood bowls and fully immerse yourself in Tokyo Autumn culinary culture.

Information

Access: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Tsukiji Station” 5 min walk
Official Website: Tsukiji Outer Market
Best Time: October to November

No7. Autumn Foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen

Overview
Shinjuku Gyoen is a large urban park where Tokyo Autumn is beautifully displayed. The combination of Japanese and Western-style gardens creates a unique autumn landscape, with vivid red and yellow leaves contrasting against Tokyo’s skyscrapers.

What to Do
Stroll through the gardens or enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Visiting the tea house to savor matcha while viewing the autumn foliage is a must-do Tokyo Autumn experience.

Information

Access: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station” 5 min walk
Official Website: Shinjuku Gyoen
Best Time: Mid-November to early December

No8. Tokyo Ramen Festival (Komazawa Park)

Overview
The Tokyo Ramen Festival at Komazawa Olympic Park gathers famous ramen shops from all over Japan, offering a unique Tokyo Autumn culinary experience.

What to Do
Buy a ticket and try multiple ramen varieties, including special limited editions and collaboration dishes. Arrive early to avoid queues and enjoy a full Tokyo Autumn food adventure.

Information

Access: Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line “Komazawa-Daigaku Station” 15 min walk
Official Website: Tokyo Ramen Festival
Best Time: Late October to early November

No9. Tokyo Night Views (Roppongi Hills & Shibuya Sky)

Overview
Tokyo Autumn offers crystal-clear skies, making it the perfect season to enjoy city nightscapes. From Roppongi Hills or Shibuya Sky, you can see Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and even Mount Fuji on clear days.

What to Do
Take photos from the observation decks, or relax at nearby cafes and bars. The open-air deck at Shibuya Sky offers a 360-degree panorama of Tokyo autumn cityscape.

Information

Access: Roppongi Hills = Tokyo Metro “Roppongi Station” / Shibuya Sky = JR & Tokyo Metro “Shibuya Station”
Official Websites: Roppongi Hills Observatory / Shibuya Sky
Best Time: October to November

No10. Enjoy Seasonal Japanese Sweets  

Overview
Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy Tokyo Autumn-themed Japanese sweets. Chestnut, persimmon, and sweet potato treats are widely available in Ginza and Ueno’s traditional confectionery shops.

What to Do
Taste seasonal sweets with matcha, buy them as souvenirs, or even join a workshop to learn how to make them. Limited-time treats like chestnut kinton and persimmon yokan capture the essence of Tokyo Autumn.

Information

Access: Ginza (Mitsukoshi, Kimuraya), Ueno (Usagiya, etc.)
Official Website: Toraya
Best Time: October to November

Conclusion

Tokyo Autumn is a season filled with colorful leaves, cultural experiences, delicious food, and exciting events. Visiting these 10 attractions and events will allow you to experience the full charm of Tokyo Autumn. Enjoy the seasonal beauty and create unforgettable memories during your autumn trip to Tokyo.

Thank you for reading to the end, and we hope your trip will be excellent, and this page is useful.

About Our Site & Hotel Recommendations

Our site provides detailed area-based sightseeing guides for Tokyo Autumn. We offer insights on culture, food, and events in neighborhoods such as Roppongi and Asakusa, helping visitors make the most of Tokyo Autumn.

If you are looking for hotels near these events and attractions, check out the following:

• Boutique hotels in Roppongi: here
• Luxury hotels in Asakusa: here

The Wonderful Travel Tips 
Yuichi Yokoyama