Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed
徳川園の紅葉 — Nagoya, Aichi (Tokai)
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- Typical peak
- Nov 20 – Sat, December 5, 2026
- Venue
- Tokugawaen Garden, Higashi-ku, Nagoya (徳川園)
- Illumination
- Yes — nighttime illumination during peak season
- Official site
- www.tokugawaen.aichi.jp
Tokugawaen is a compact strolling garden on the site of a Tokugawa retirement residence in central Nagoya, laid out around a pond fed by an artificial gorge and a three-tiered waterfall. The maples turn in the last third of November and the garden lights them from 16:00 through the foliage season, with late openings to 20:00 on the busiest weekends. Admission is 300 yen, free for junior-high age and under; the garden opens 9:30 to 17:30 and closes on Mondays.
Background
The grounds were laid out in 1695 for Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari domain, on his retirement. Most of the garden was destroyed in the wartime bombing of Nagoya, and the present version was rebuilt and reopened in 2004. The adjoining Tokugawa Art Museum holds the Owari Tokugawa family collection, including the 12th-century Tale of Genji handscrolls, a National Treasure shown only briefly each year.
Getting there
Ten minutes on foot from JR Ozone Station, or fifteen from Ozone Station on the Meijo subway line. The Meguru sightseeing loop bus from Nagoya Station stops outside. There is paid parking on site.
Tips
- Closed Mondays, or the following weekday when Monday is a public holiday.
- The Ryusen-ko waterfall and the slope above it hold the densest maples; the pond edge is the illumination view.
- Lighting begins at 16:00 even on days without a late opening, so a mid-afternoon arrival gets you both daylight and lit colour on one ticket.
- The Tokugawa Art Museum next door is a separate ticket and easily worth an hour on a cold afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to see Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves?
- Autumn color at Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves typically peaks from Nov 20 – Dec 5. Exact timing shifts year to year with the weather, so check a real-time foliage forecast close to your trip.
- Where is Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves, and how do you get there?
- Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves is located at Tokugawaen Garden, Higashi-ku, Nagoya in Nagoya, Aichi. Ten minutes on foot from JR Ozone Station, or fifteen from Ozone Station on the Meijo subway line. The Meguru sightseeing loop bus from Nagoya Station stops outside. There is paid parking on site.
- Is there a nighttime illumination at Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves?
- Yes — Tokugawaen Garden 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.
- Is Tokugawaen Garden Autumn Leaves free to enter, or do I need tickets?
- Most autumn leaves spots in Japan are free to enter, though some temples and gardens charge a small admission fee — especially during peak-season night illuminations. Check the official site for this location's exact pricing.
Last verified against the official source: Sat, August 22, 2026
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