Tokyo: Approaching Peak

In a second report from Tokyo, I visited two popular autumn color spots, Rikugien Garden and Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue.

Since our last visit to Tokyo, progress has been somewhat slow, with many of the maple trees still in the early stages of changing color. However, the ginkgo leaves are coming along nicely, and some of the trees that see the most sun are already a nice golden yellow.

Temperatures have also started to dip in the city, with nights frequently entering single digits, which is likely to accelerate the season's progression. I expect the autumn colors will last into the first weeks of December.

Rikugien Garden is known for its maple trees, but at this point, many of them were still green, with only a few starting to show any color. But there were a few pops of color here and there, mainly from the red Japanese rowans. I expect the maples to come into color in the first weeks of December, and continue further into the month. Daily illuminations will be held at Rikugien through December 4 from 18:00 to 20:30 (entry until 19:30; advance online purchase recommended).

The official symbol of the Tokyo Metropolis and the leaf responsible for the season's vibrant yellows is the mighty ginkgo. Perhaps the most well-known area to see them in Tokyo is Ginkgo Avenue in Meiji Jingu Gaien Park, a few steps from Aoyama-Icchome Station. Today, while many of the trees on the avenue were already in peak yellow form, many, particularly by the main road, were still quite green. I expect them to be at their peak next week. Nightly illuminations are scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 1 between 16:30 and 19:30.