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Tokyo is full of famous autumn spots like Rikugien Garden or Meiji Jingu Gaien, but if you’re looking for something quieter and more off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of lesser-known walks where you can enjoy the season with less crowds. In this article, I’ll introduce three little-known autumn walking itineraries in Tokyo that are perfect for a day out.

Autumn in Tokyo is a magical time, and I’m very excited to share this fall foliage guide with you. During this season, the city’s parks and gardens burst into vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange. After living in Tokyo for over four years, I’ve explored not only the famous spots but also some hidden gems that offer equally stunning autumn foliage views without the crowds. In this guide, I’ll introduce both popular and lesser-known places to enjoy fall foliage in Tokyo, not just in the heart of the city but also through day trips to scenic spots nearby.

One of my favorite things to do during the four years I lived in Tokyo was to take day trips to discover lesser-known areas beyond the city’s bustle. Just an hour by train from Tokyo, the Sayama Hills offer an easy escape into a peaceful landscape of lush forests, expansive lakes, farmland, and quiet towns. Located on the western edge of the Tokyo metropolitan area, the area is also said to have inspired the natural setting of My Neighbor Totoro, making it a fun day trip for both nature lovers and Ghibli fans.

Located in the quiet suburb of Chofu, the area around Jindai-ji is one of my favorite places to visit in autumn in Tokyo. With its ancient temple, small-town charm and beautiful nature, this underrated but wonderful district in western Tokyo is a must-see destination for nature and temple lovers looking for a quiet stroll, especially in autumn. I spent half a day exploring this area and am happy to share with you this guide to Jindai-ji, as well as the route I took to do some momijigari (or leaf hunting).

One of my favorite parts of traveling around Japan is discovering memorable places to stay. After more than four years living in Japan and many trips across the country, I wanted to share this collection of hotels and ryokans across Japan that I've personally stayed at and enjoyed so much that I would happily book them again.

Looking for travel recommendations around Okayama? This city is often overlooked by visitors traveling between the Kansai region and Hiroshima, but its convenient location makes it an excellent base for several memorable day trips. Here are five of my favorite day trips from Okayama, each offering something completely different and all accessible by public transportation.