Written by Aarohi
Researched by Patrick Balfe
Summer felt like it would never end — and yet, it has. Autumn has come to Tokyo, announcing itself with a notable nip in the air, boulevards gilded with gingko, and blazing maple trees. And, of course, fabulous fall festivals.
From shrine festivals and historic processions to good ol’ leaf-peeping, it’s easy to keep busy this autumn. Timing is everything, though, so make sure to check out our fall foliage forecast (updated regularly).
Here are our top picks for the best fall festivals in Tokyo and its outer fringes.
1. Meiji Shrine Autumn Grand Festival
November 1–3Free
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku
If you’ve ever wondered what a festival inside Tokyo’s most famous shrine feels like, this is the one to attend. The Meiji Shrine Autumn Grand Festival combines Shinto rituals with traditional arts — court music, Noh plays, and martial arts demonstrations — all surrounded by a forest of fiery maples.
2. Kagurazaka Machi Tobi
October 11–November 3Free (some workshops may charge)
Kagurazaka, Shinjuku
Kagurazaka’s annual autumn festival is a two-week celebration packed with free cultural events, art, and dance. Highlights include Awa Odori performances along Kagurazaka Street, an outdoor art contest, a hands-on tea ceremony at Bishamonten Temple, and a massive community drawing session that literally covers the streets in paper. There’s even a weekend book-recycling market and, yes, alpacas!
3. Hamarikyū Gardens Moon-Viewing
October 31–November 5¥300
Hamarikyū Gardens, Shiodome
For one week only, Hamarikyū Gardens extends its hours for a rare moonlit opening. Follow softly illuminated paths around the ponds and take part in the opening moon-viewing ceremony on October 31.
There will be traditional performances including Noh, kagura, shamisen, and koto throughout the week. Guided tours in English and Japanese will be held on select evenings, and the Nakajima teahouse will serve special matcha, sake, and sweets alongside limited-edition lanterns and light meals.
2. Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival
October 25–December 14Free
Mount Takao, Hachiōji
You don’t need another reason to visit Tokyo’s favorite mountain — but we’ll give you one. The trails on Mt. Takao, which vary in difficulty, light up with red and yellow leaves through November, drawing crowds who come for hiking, snacks like walnut miso dango and the area’s famous buckwheat noodles, and fresh air.
If you don’t want to hike, don’t worry, because the cable car and chairlift make it easy to reach the best views. End your day with a therapeutic soak at Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a hot spring at the base of the mountain, right next to Keio Takaosanguchi Station.
5. Hachiōji Ginkgo Festival
November 16–17Free
Kōshū Kaidō Avenue, Hachiōji
Planted back in the Shōwa era, Hachiōji’s ginkgo (ichō) trees now blaze gold each autumn, and, let’s be honest, add their own distinctive aroma to the mix. The city leans into it with a full-on street festival: parades, food stalls, and a 5.5-kilometre walk and stamp rally linking the old Oiwake and Kobotoke sekisho (checkpoints). For a few hundred yen, pick up a vintage-styled travel permit of your own.
6. Hakone Daimyō Procession
November 3Free
Hakone Yumoto, Kanagawa
Part history lesson, part costume parade, this long-running festival recreates the feudal daimyō processions that once travelled to Edo. Around 170 people dress in Edo-period outfits and march through Hakone Yumoto carrying banners and spears. The timing couldn’t be better: the mountainsides are usually glowing with autumn color.
7. Nagatoro Autumn Leaves Festival
November 1–30Free
Nagatoro, Saitama
Nagatoro is an easy day trip that feels worlds away from Tokyo. Around 90 minutes from central Tokyo, the Nagatoro Valley is all river cliffs, maple trees, and quiet trails. In November, the leaves turn deep red and the riverbanks glow under soft night illuminations. Take the riverboat cruise for the best views, or grab some snacks and watch from the bridge.
8. Fuji-Kawaguchiko Fall Leaves Festival
November 1–30Free
Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi
Maple leaves, lanterns, food stalls, and Mt. Fuji in the background — it doesn’t get much more “Japan in autumn” than this. The Maple Corridor along the north shore is the main attraction, especially at sunset when everything glows gold and crimson. This is a classic weekend getaway from Tokyo for a reason.
Honorable mention: Tori no Ichi Fairs
November 12 and 24 in 2025 (varies each year)Free
Multiple shrines, including in Asakusa and Shinjuku
Held on “rooster days” in November, Tori no Ichi fairs are lively good-luck markets packed with lanterns, lucky bamboo rakes, and vendors calling out blessings. The idea: you buy a small kumade one year, display it facing your front entrance, then return and upgrade to a larger one next year to grow your fortunes. Here’s hoping.
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