5 Tokyo Autumn Hikes That You Can Do In One Day + Bonus

Cool mornings, golden sun, and crisp leaves are true meanings of autumn. For those who don’t know, the Tokyo autumn season is getting started. And what better way to celebrate than with an autumn stroll?

To see autumn leaves in Tokyo, here is our list of 5 autumn hikes that you can knock out in one day and a bonus location for a longer trip.

When is peak autumn in Tokyo?

Due to Tokyo’s location and climate, peak autumn can be late November to early December. Leaves start to change in early October. Autumn leaves range from red and orange maple leaves to yellow ginkgo trees.

Live Japan fall’s forecast

One useful tip is to look at Google map's Recent Photo Section to get a close accurate look at what the fall foliage is like in these places. While city trees might still look green, trees at higher elevations might already be turning red, orange, and yellow.

Autumn hikes in Tokyo you can do in one day

1. Mount Takao 高尾山

When I started my Tokyo autumn hikes, the number one recommended place was Mount Takao or Takaosan. And it’s really easy to see why.

It is one of Tokyo's most accessible mountains as it takes about an hour to get here from the city by train. For the simplest route, make a transfer to get on the Keiō Line and the last stop is Takaosanguchi station.

Halfway up Takaosan summit | @TammyDang

There are many hiking trails for all ages and at any level, including beginners like myself. When I was climbing this mountain, I saw so many families with young kids climbing up as well as the elderly climbing up with no problem. 

It can take about 3 to 4 hours to climb to the top, but there is a cable car and chair lift option that will take you halfway up for a reasonable price. Just be careful of congestion and crowds during their peak operating hours.

Take the chairlift or cable cart for a nice autumn view

Additionally, there are many attractions on this mountain such as temples to visit, food stalls to eat at, Biwa Waterfall to see the monks meditating, and so much more.

Location: Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844

Website: https://en.mttakaomagazine.com/ 

2. Mount Mitake 御岳山

Mt Mitake, or Mitake-san, is another well-known easy Tokyo autumn hike.

The village near Mt. Miktake | @beccapoprok

It can take about 1-2 hours to get to the base and another hour to get to the top, but it is definitely worth it.

For this autumn hike in Tokyo, make your way to Mitake Station on the JR Chuo line. From there, you take the bus 御10 “ケーブル下行” to get to Takimoto Station. Then you have two options:

1. Take the Mitake Tozan Railway cable cart to Mitakesan Station or

2. Climb up to get to Mitakesan Station

With either option, it will take another 20-30 minutes to get to the summit.

Once you’re there, there are many things to discover. There is a village with lots of guesthouses as well as food stalls and gift shops to look around. Past this area is the famous Musashi-Mitake Shrine where many people bring their dogs to be blessed for longevity and health. Going further into the mountain results in going to the wooded mountains to see the famous ‘Rock Garden’ and Ayahiro Waterfall.

And if you are feeling more adventurous, you can do another hike to Mt. Otake or Mt. Nokogiri which is close by.

Location: Mitakesan, Ome, Tokyo 198-0175

Website: https://www.mitaketozan.co.jp/eng2014/index.html# 

3. Akigawa mountain and valley 秋川渓谷

This is a breathtaking Tokyo autumn river gorge that I highly recommend. To get to this place, take the JR Chuo line to get to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. Then you can either

• Take the number 10, 18, or 52 bus to get to Jurigi bus stop (Look for these kanji: 十里木). 

• Walk an hour through a couple of Japanese towns to get to the autumn river gorge

Akigawa Valley 🌳 | @tokyotokyooldmeets

Instead of climbing a mountain, Akigawa Valley offers a more relaxed Tokyo autumn hike experience. It is more scenic with a serene, riverside walk under the beautiful foliage during the autumn season.

If you want something more challenging, there is Mt. Odake which is 2 hours up, and Mt Mitake which is another hour up.

Location: 1420 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173

Website: https://www.city.akiruno.tokyo.jp/0000001850.html (Japanese site)

4. Okutama Mukashi Michi Walking Trail

Another walking trail for you to try in Tokyo!

Okutama trailing hike| RidgeLineImages

Getting here is simple. You need to take the JR Chuo line to get to Oku-Tama Station. From there you can walk on the side of the road or go through a nature trail. Both offer different views of what Okutama has to offer.

Walking to Lake Okutama takes you to various bridges, beautiful Japanese maple trees, Sogaku Gorge, Ogouchi Dam, as well as shrines and temples.

Okutama offers a charming side of the Japanese countryside and rural Japan. So, you will see old villages, rice fields, and amazing landscapes that you won’t see in the city.

If you want, there are other nearby mountains for you to climb such as Mt. Gozen, Mt. Kawanori, Mt. Odake, and Mt. Mito.

Location: 〒198-0222 Tokyo, Nishitama District, Tokyo, Okutama, Sakai, 奥多摩むかし

Website: https://www.town.okutama.tokyo.jp/index.html (Japanese site)

5. Todoroki Ravine Park

This is a unique place as it is the closest location to central Tokyo, just 20 minutes away from Shibuya station!

Todoroki Ravine Park transports you away from the city and into its luscious forest and garden. It not only has nature, but also a river flowing through, bridges, a couple of small shrines and temples, a Japanese garden, and a traditional tea house.

It is serene, peaceful, and quiet, making it the perfect afternoon walk.

Location: 1 Chome-22-26 Todoroki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0082

Bonus: Take a long trip to Nikko

Nikko is located in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, and it can be quite a journey to get here. Japan offers the “Nikko Pass” which is convenient and cost-efficient for foreign visitors. But there are other transportation methods to get to Nikko.

Why Nikko? Nikko is a popular destination with stunning landscapes, and historical temples and has many cultural heritage sites. These places include Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Senjogahara Plateau with many activities to do around.

One of the many shrines in Nikko | @kat_termin

While you can do Nikko in one day, a longer trip is well worth it to get the full autumn experience if you're a nature lover, an avid hiker, or want to get away from the city.

If you’re afraid of missing an important package or mail, consider MailMate’s digital mail services. You can view your physical mail online and will keep important packages until you are ready to receive them making them accessible from anywhere without having to worry about missing documents and bills.

Location: Nikko, Tochigi

Website: https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/ 

Tokyo autumn hiking and trailing tips

1. Always check the weather before and on the day of your hike.

2. Wear good shoes or hiking boots. It can be slippery sometimes.

3. Follow the trails if you are a beginner.

4. Bring garbage bags with you to preserve nature.

5. Wear layers as the weather can be chilly at the top.

Frequently asked questions

What month is autumn in Tokyo?

Since Tokyo is in the northern hemisphere, the autumn season is in September, October, and November.

When can you see fall leaves in Tokyo?

In central Tokyo, you can see fall leaves in large green areas such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Todoroki Ravine Park, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien, Rikugien Gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue.

Places such as Mt. Takao, Mt Mitake, Akigawa Mountain and valley, and Okutama, are in the rural and mountainous range of Tokyo.

Is October autumn in Tokyo?

Yes. But Tokyo autumn leaves are at their peak in mid-November to early December.

When will autumn start in Japan in 2023?

The best time to view autumn foliage in Japan varies depending on the region. But in general, leaves in Japan can start changing color in mid-September, where peak autumn foliage will be seen around late November.

In closing 

So, put on your hiking boots, grab your camera, and explore the warm autumn colors that Tokyo's autumn has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, these trails promise an unforgettable journey through the magic of autumn in Tokyo.