Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed
六義園の紅葉 — Tokyo (Kanto)
- Typical peak
- Nov 20 – Thu, December 10, 2026
- Venue
- Rikugien Gardens, Bunkyo
- Illumination
- Yes — nighttime illumination during peak season
- Scale
- ~560 maple trees
- Official site
- www.tokyo-park.or.jp
Rikugien is Tokyo's finest classical strolling garden, and in late autumn its roughly 560 maples turn the pond-centered landscape into a layered composition of red and gold. Peak color runs late November to early December — among the latest in the region. The garden's famous night event, the 'Autumn Night Special Viewing,' illuminates the foliage from around 6:00pm to 8:30pm in that window, reflecting lit maples in the dark pond. Daytime admission is ¥300; the night viewing is ticketed separately and has required advance reservation in some years.
Background
Rikugien was completed in 1702 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a favored counselor of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, who designed it around scenes from classical Japanese poetry. Later owned by the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi, it was donated to the city of Tokyo and is designated a special place of scenic beauty.
Getting there
The garden is a seven-minute walk from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line — one of the easiest major foliage spots in Japan to reach. During the night illumination a side gate nearer the station typically opens; expect entry lines on peak evenings.
Tips
- Daytime admission is ¥300; the night viewing is a separate ticket and has been reservation-only in some years — check the Tokyo parks website before you go.
- The Togetsukyo stone bridge and the central pond panorama from Fukiage-chaya teahouse are the two essential compositions.
- For the illumination, line up before the evening session opens — the reflection shots by the pond draw tripod-free queues (tripods are banned).
- Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, a rose-and-maple garden with a Western mansion, is a 15-minute walk away and pairs naturally for a same-day double.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to see Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves?
- Autumn color at Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves typically peaks from Nov 20 – Dec 10. Exact timing shifts year to year with the weather, so check a real-time foliage forecast close to your trip.
- Where is Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves, and how do you get there?
- Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves is located at Rikugien Gardens, Bunkyo in Tokyo. The garden is a seven-minute walk from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line — one of the easiest major foliage spots in Japan to reach. During the night illumination a side gate nearer the station typically opens; expect entry lines on peak evenings.
- Is there a nighttime illumination at Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves?
- Yes — Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves holds special evening illumination during peak leaf season. Hours and exact dates change every year, so confirm with the official site before you go.
- How many maple trees are at Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves?
- Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves has roughly 560 maple trees.
Last verified against the official source: Mon, July 6, 2026
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