Discover Ginza's Top Autumn Attractions: Foliage and Cultural Experiences
Ginza, located in the heart of Tokyo, is known as an area where people seeking the highest quality gather, lined with brand shops and luxury restaurants.
The streetscape of Ginza, where many old architectural structures remain, is also popular among tourists who love Japanese culture.
Although Ginza has this urban image, there are surprisingly many places where you can appreciate nature, such as parks and gardens.
In this article, we'll introduce spots in the Ginza area where you can enjoy "autumn leaves," a traditional Japanese fall spectacle. Pay attention to the distinctly Japanese scenery adorned in red and yellow.
Particularly in this article, we'll explain in detail everything from the characteristics of each autumn leaves spot to their attractive points, making this a must-read for those visiting Japan in fall.
There Are Many Spots to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Ginza
Around Ginza, there are numerous spots where you can enjoy autumn leaves while still in the city.
In parks with vast grounds, maple and ginkgo trees create beautiful scenery that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city as they turn vibrant colors during fall.
Ginza also has gardens where Japanese history remains strongly present. By focusing on the autumn leaves scenery that has remained unchanged for centuries, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese preferences.
The autumn landscape changes depending on the time of day and viewing angle, even in the same location. Please be sure to capture various autumn leaves scenes in photos.
What Are "Autumn Leaves," a Japanese Fall Tradition?
Autumn leaves refer to the phenomenon where tree leaves change to red and yellow in fall. The scenery of vivid colored leaves decorating Japanese streets is like a painting and captivates many people.
Japan experiences significant climate changes with each season, allowing you to enjoy various landscapes throughout the year. From October to November, you can see autumn leaves scenery throughout the country.
Plants that change colors in Japan during autumn are mainly maple and ginkgo trees.
There are also spots where you can see cherry trees in their fall colors, and discovering the differences in coloration among plants is one of the pleasures of viewing autumn leaves.
Experience "Momiji gari" (visiting beautiful autumn leaves spots to appreciate the scenery), which Japanese people have enjoyed unchanged for about 1,200 years, firsthand.
3 Recommended Spots Around Ginza to Enjoy Some of Tokyo's Finest Autumn Leaves
Hibiya Park
When visiting Ginza from late November to early December, head out to see the autumn leaves at Hibiya Park. Opened more than 120 years ago, Hibiya Park retains autumn leaves scenery that remains unchanged from the past, allowing you to experience Japanese history up close.
The highlight of Hibiya Park's autumn leaves scenery is the red foliage that decorates the area around Kumokata Pond with its cormorant fountain. The pond's scenery with its Japanese aesthetic will feel somehow nostalgic even to foreign tourists.
Additionally, there is a large Ginkgo tree in the park with a trunk circumference of 7 meters and an age of 400-500 years.
This Ginkgo tree was originally standing on a road outside the park, but there's a famous story about how the doctor who founded the park risked his own life to protect it from being cut down.
If you're interested in Japanese culture, please stroll through Hibiya Park where you can glimpse aspects of Japanese history along with the autumn leaves.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 8:30-17:30
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-3501-6428
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hibiya/index.html
Hama-rikyu Gardens
If you want to enjoy autumn leaves in Ginza during November to December, Hama-rikyu Gardens is highly recommended. Hama-rikyu Gardens is a vast Japanese garden that you wouldn't believe exists in the heart of Tokyo.
In fall, you can fully experience a more authentic Japanese landscape thanks to the beautiful autumn foliage of the trees.
Within Hama-rikyu Gardens, not only Japanese maples but also ginkgo trees and cherry trees display their autumn colors. Since different plant species change colors at different times and in different ways, you can enjoy a beautiful gradient of fall colors at these spectacular spots.
Additionally, birds also visit Hama-rikyu Gardens, making it an attractive spot where you can heal your travel fatigue while listening to their chirping under the autumn leaves.
After enjoying shopping in the bustling streets of Ginza, take some time to escape the crowds and experience the leisurely flowing time in this tranquil garden during the autumn season.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-3541-0200
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/index.html
Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
Near Ginza, there is Kokyo Gaien (Imperial Palace Outer Gardens), famous as a Japanese autumn leaves viewing spot. Kokyo Gaien contains many historical Japanese ruins, allowing you to experience Japanese culture alongside the beautiful fall scenery.
Within Kokyo Gaien, I especially recommend the area around the "Kusunoki Masashige Statue" as a prime autumn foliage spot. Kusunoki Masashige was a samurai who was active in Japan about 700 years ago, and the statue was created about 130 years ago in his image.
The approximately 8m tall "Kusunoki Masashige Statue" transforms into an even more impressive figure when the red autumn leaves appear in the background. Be sure to visit during the fall season when these spots are at their most beautiful.
You can check the status of autumn leaves at Kokyo Gaien on the Ministry of Environment's website before heading out.
https://www.env.go.jp/garden/kokyogaien/english/index.html
<Facility Information>
Address: 1-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
Free rest area: 9:00-17:00
Fountain: 10:00-21:00
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3213-0095
Official Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/405
When visiting the Imperial Palace, also enjoy Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way!
Source:VISIT Chiyoda
When visiting Ginza from late November to late December, pay attention to the rare autumn leaves you don't often see. Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way, known as a famous cherry blossom spot, is actually a hidden gem for viewing autumn foliage.
The autumn leaves of cherry trees at Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way wither soon after reaching their peak, so you can only enjoy them for a few weeks each year. If you're lucky enough to see the beautiful fall colors of cherry trees during your visit to Japan, consider yourself fortunate.
Another reason I recommend Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way is that you can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves from close to the water surface while riding a boat.
The view of autumn leaves looking up from a boat is a rare experience even in Japan, so take the opportunity to visit Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way when you're in the Ginza area during fall.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 2 Bancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-5211-4243
- Official Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/446
Gyoko Street
Source:VISIT Chiyoda
When it comes to autumn scenery in Ginza, the ginkgo tree-lined Gyoko Street is a must-visit spot. Under the crisp, clear blue Tokyo sky, the vibrant yellow ginkgo leaves create a breathtaking view that perfectly captures the fall atmosphere.
Gyoko Street connects Marunouchi to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Depending on the season, it hosts imperial ceremonies or beautiful illuminations, making it a classic tourist destination for visitors to Tokyo.
While Gyoko Street becomes a popular autumn leaves viewing spot in fall, I especially recommend visiting during twilight hours.
The ginkgo trees softly illuminated by street lamps have a different charm than their bright daytime appearance, creating a more atmospheric experience.
Don't forget to take Instagram-worthy photos featuring the brick-built Tokyo Station visible at the end of the street, especially as the leaves fall gracefully around this historic landmark.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 2-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: -
- Official Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/304
Ginza Also Has Indoor Spots to Enjoy Autumn Leaves
Don't worry about rainy or cold days - Ginza offers indoor spots where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves while staying comfortable during your fall visit.
The decorations in restaurants and art museums have the quality of real autumn foliage. You can experience the autumn scenery while relaxing indoors, making these spots perfect places to rest when you're tired from sightseeing around Ginza's famous shopping districts.
These indoor autumn leaf viewing spots are highly recommended as rest areas when you're fatigued from walking around the tourist spots in Ginza.
Beer Hall Lion
Source:PR TIMES
If you have limited time for sightseeing in Ginza, visit Beer Hall Lion Ginza Nanachome Ten where you can enjoy autumn leaves while dining.
Beer Hall Lion has a 125-year history and is known for its wide selection of Japanese beers, making it a perfect Ginza spot to experience both local cuisine and fall atmosphere.
In particular, Beer Hall Lion Ginza Nanachome Ten attracts attention from October to November when the interior is decorated with autumn leaves, creating a cozy fall ambiance.
This spot is popular among all generations because you can enjoy Japanese-style autumn leaf scenery without walking through outdoor parks or gardens during your Ginza visit.
In addition to their delicious signature beers, they offer seasonal limited menus featuring fall flavors such as ginkgo and mushroom dishes. Be sure to include this in your dining plans when visiting Ginza during autumn.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1F Ginza Lion Building, 7-9-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:30-22:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3571-2590
- Official Website: https://www.ginzalion.jp/shop/brand/lion/shop1.html
Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
Source:Official website
When visiting Ginza in autumn, pay attention to beautiful art inspired by fall foliage. Art Aquarium Museum GINZA holds special exhibitions featuring autumn leaves from September to November.
Art Aquarium Museum is an art exhibition using goldfish that takes place in various areas of Japan throughout the year.
Among these, the fall event at Art Aquarium Museum GINZA creates distinctively Japanese art by matching goldfish with decorations symbolizing Japan such as autumn leaves, red spider lilies, and lanterns—all popular spots for tourists exploring Ginza during the fall season.
Please note that the schedule for 2025 is undetermined, so check the official website for information before your visit to this unique Ginza attraction.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 9F New Building, Ginza Mitsukoshi, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-19:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3528-6721
- Official Website: https://artaquarium.jp/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_original_brand&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0muZ9cnudzUIbUfVZyDcGj5OHvy7ksLG1M2V0oiv5ptyJiMwX-W1_RoCVzgQAvD_BwE
When in Ginza, Enjoy Japan's Top-Class Restaurants with a Local Guide!
If you're visiting Ginza to see the autumn leaves and want to fully enjoy everything the area has to offer, consider exploring Japan's top-class restaurants with a local guide.
Ginza is an area lined with upscale restaurants, and if you're taking the time to visit as a tourist, you should definitely experience authentic Japanese cuisine.
However, many foreign tourists may worry about not knowing how to order or proper dining etiquette.
By using a tour with a local guide, you can not only avoid mistakes in choosing restaurants and menus, but also relax in the establishment with careful escort service.
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
For those who want to enjoy authentic sushi and tempura at Ginza's hidden spots, the Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza is recommended.
The Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza takes you to authentic restaurants that cannot be visited on large tourist tours, making it an unforgettable part of your Japan trip.
High-class Japanese restaurants can have an atmosphere that makes them difficult to enter for foreign tourists who don't understand Japanese language or manners.
Visit with a guide who is familiar with Japanese etiquette and enjoy exquisite cuisine without worry.
Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza
To fully enjoy Ginza's nightlife, we recommend the Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza.
On the Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza, you'll enjoy all-you-can-drink Japanese sake, sample wagyu at a teppanyaki restaurant, and taste popular desserts at cafes while strolling through the fall streets of Ginza at night.
The charm of this tour is that you can experience Ginza nights as locals typically enjoy them.
If you want to experience Japan beyond what's featured in tourist books and websites, feel the deep essence of Ginza under the guidance of a local guide during the beautiful autumn season.
