The long, record setting heat of summer has passed and finally, cool winds have begun to blow as we sense Autumn nearing by.

In Japan, Autumn is said to be a season for many things…

Reading, Sports, Culture, Appetite. 

But what also comes to mind, of course, are those beautiful autumn leaves.

The Japanese character for autumn leaves is a combination of “rouge” and “leaf” and is pronounced, “KO-YO”.

Many Japanese would associate KO-YO, to ICHO ( Gingko ) and/or KAEDE ( maple ) leaves. By the way, did you know that ICHO, or the Gingko, is the official tree for the city of Tokyo? 

From late November to early December, these leaves transform into beautiful colors, bringing us warmth and a sense of calmness, just before their final falling moment.

Here are some spots in Tokyo that you can visit to enjoy the KO-YO sights.

 

8 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Iidabashi station

Admission: 300 yen

Hours: 9:00-17:00

A Japanese garden designated by the government as a Special historic site, as well as a Special place of scenic beauty.

 

7 minute walk from JR Yamanote line Komagome station

Admission: 300 yen

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)

*Light up event (cancelled on rainy weather):

From late November to early December, the leaves are lit up at this Tokyo Metropolitan Park, designated as a place of special scenic beauty by the government.

Hours: Sunset – 21:00 (last entry at 20:30)

 

5 minutes from Tokyo Metro Jingu Gaien station

146 Gingko trees are planted along the 300 meter long ICHO NAMIKI, or Gingko avenue, that starts from the Aoyama 2-chome crossing on Route 246 leading to the Seitoku Kinen Kaigakan within Meiji Jingu Gaien. Icho Festival is held during the autumn season and you can experience walking on the beautiful “golden carpet” filled with fallen yellow gingko leaves.

 

20 minute walk from Tokyu Denentoshi Line Yoga station

This park totals to 391,262 m² in size or approximately 39ha, 24ha of which are grassy areas. Although famous for cherry blossom viewing in Spring, with 3 types of cherry trees combining to 930 trees, this park also provides an open relaxing atmosphere with almost 1,000 zelkova, gingko and maple trees changing color in Fall.

 

Only 1 hour from Shinjuku station on the Keio line, you will reach Takaosanguchi station. A 5 minute walk will take you to Kiyotaki station, where a 15 minute cable car ride will take you up the mountain. 

Here you will find a natural KO-YO viewing spot.

During this season, “Momiji Festival” also takes place and events will be held on Sundays and national holidays.

Cable car:  8:00-17:45

2 person lifts 9:00-16:30

900 yen each for round trip tickets

 

10 minute walk from JR Chuo line Tachikawa station.

Admission: 400 yen

Hours: 9:30-17:00 (October), 9:30-16:30 (November)

Cosmos Festival takes place until November 3, 2010.

There will be over 5 million various types of cosmos flowers that will fill the fields, creating a carpet of pink, yellow and white.

From late November, the gingko, maple and many other trees turn red, yellow and orange filling the park colorfully.