Written by Greg Lane
Although you might be forgiven for thinking we’ve skipped Autumn and gone straight to Christmas, there are various events around for enjoying the season known as ‘kouyou’ in Japanese – the season of changing leaves.
Rikugien Gardens in the neighbourhood of Komagome on the northern arc of the Yamanote Line has a night time illumination event that begins on Friday the 22nd and runs until December 8th. Unlike the various Christmas themed illuminations, there will be no fairy lights – just up-lighting that highlights the varied hues of the changing leaves in the garden. The illumination runs from 4pm to 9pm each day. More details here.
One of the most famous spots in Tokyo to enjoy kouyou is Icho Namiki – a Gingko tree lined avenue in the Jingugaien area. To coincide with the changing of the leaves, stands serving lots of food to warm you will be operating along the length of the avenue each day from 10am to 4:30pm until the 9th of December. Check here for event details.
The Yoyogi Park Events Square provides a taste of Spain this weekend with the Fiesta de España. The two day event will give you a chance to sample Spanish food, wine, art and entertainment. The festival celebrates 400 years of exchange between Japan and Spain. Details here.
