Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival

November is the best time to see the autumn leaves on Mt. Takao. The “Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival” is held in time with this season.

On weekends and holidays throughout the month, there are various exhibitions like taiko drumming, Japanese orchestra performances, yosakoi dancing, and concerts held at the cable car Kiyotake Station plaza.

There are also stalls selling kokeshi dolls and Japanese sake served in traditional wooden box cups in front of a restaurant called Juuicchoumechaya.

Pro tip: Perhaps the easiest way to experience the Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival is by booking a spot on a bus tour from Shinjuku. It starts with a look-in at Meiji Jingu Shrine before taking you to Takao-san, and includes a BBQ lunch plus visit to a local winery.

(Emily Ting)