Three Little-Known Autumn Walking Itineraries in Tokyo
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 fall 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. I’ve written a full guide for each walk, which you’ll find linked below for more details.
Enjoy the Autumn Colors From Todoroki Valley to Futako-Tamagawa in Setagaya
If you’re searching for a lesser-known area of Tokyo where to admire the autumn colors, Todoroki Valley (等々力渓谷公園) is the place to go. Tucked away in Setagaya, exploring Todoroki Valley in autumn feels like stepping into a fairy tale. You can admire the autumn colors at Todoroki Fudoson Temple (等々力不動尊 明王院), with ginkgo and maple trees all around, and relax at a nearby Japanese garden with a cup of tea, called Nihon Teien (日本庭園). If you feel like exploring further, you can take a walk through the residential area between Todoroki and Futago-Tamagawa, where I used to live and which I find very charming, stopping at small temples and strolling along the Tamagawa River. The itinerary I suggest takes around 2 hours at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to soak in the autumn beauty and explore each spot without rushing.
IMPORTANT: Todoroki Valley is currently closed and has been since September 2023 due to falling trees with heavy rains and the resulting safety measures. According to Setagaya city’s website, the ban is expected to be lifted in fiscal year 2025, once the renovation work will be complete. Although it is not possible to descend into the valley from the entrance under the Golf bridge near the station, you can still visit the Todoroki Fudoson temple, the tea house and the Japanese garden entering by the southern entrance or the temple entrance.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: End of November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: The nearest station is Todoroki Station (等々力駅) on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. From central Tokyo, you can reach the Oimachi Line via the Tokyu Toyoko Line at Jiyugaoka Station (自由が丘駅), or the Tokyu Den-enchofu Line at Futako Tamagawa Station (二子玉川駅).
➡️ Read the full itinerary with a map: “Hidden Tokyo: An Autumn Walk from Todoroki Valley to Futako-Tamagawa”.
Marvel at the Fall Foliage in Jindai-ji Area in Chofu
Jindai-ji temple (深大寺), located in Chofu, is one of my favorite autumn spots in Tokyo. The temple grounds and nearby botanical garden turn brilliant shades of red and gold in the fall, and you can explore the surrounding streets lined with soba restaurants and traditional shops. If you’re looking for a mix of autumn colors and small-town charm that retains an Edo period atmosphere, this is a great getaway idea easily accessible from central Tokyo! Doing the itinerary suggested in my article will take you about 3 hours at a leisurely pace.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku station to Chofu station (about 20 minutes), then bus #34, #56, or #66 towards Jindai-ji.
🎟️ Entrance fee: ¥500 to visit the Jindai Botanical Gardens.
➡️ Discover more about my half-day walk in this great area in my article “Autumn Walk Around Jindai-ji: Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage”.
Take a Long Autumn Stroll in Mizumoto Park in Katsushika
Located in Katsushika ward, Mizumoto Park (水元公園) is actually Tokyo’s largest park, yet it still feels surprisingly under the radar. Renowned for its birdlife, the park is particularly beautiful in autumn, when its « metasequoia forest » changes color. Autumn is the perfect time to walk its wide paths, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the colors reflected on the water. If you’re looking for a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path day trip out in nature, then Mizumoto Park is the perfect place to go.
🍂🍁 Best time to see autumn colors: Mid-November to Mid-December
🚇 Access: Stop at Kanamachi station on the JR Joban line, then take a bus or walk about 20 minutes to Mizumoto park’s entrance.
➡️ Discover more about this little-known day trip in my article: “Autumn Day Trip to Mizumoto Park: Tokyo's Hidden Nature Gem”.
Practical Tips for Autumn Walks in Tokyo
Check the Autumn Foliage Forecasts
The “best time to see autumn colors” mentioned in this article is based on general estimates from previous years. Fortunately, detailed autumn foliage forecasts are available online, allowing you to plan your trip around the most vibrant viewing periods. I recommend these two websites (Kouyou Nabi and Koyo Walkerplus) for autumn leaves forecasting by location.
Be Ready for the Crowds
Autumn is one of the most popular times to travel in Japan, especially to see the stunning fall foliage. These are lesser-known spots with fewer crowds compared to those in central Tokyo, but weekends may still be busy.
To Conclude
If you want to go beyond Tokyo’s classic autumn spots, these three walking itineraries offer the perfect mix of nature, seasonal colors, and local charm. I hope they can give you ideas to make the most of the momijigari season this year!
Looking for more autumn foliage spots in Tokyo? You can read my article “Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips” or check out all my Japan autumn articles to prepare for this incredible season. 🍁
Planning your trip to Tokyo? Don’t miss my Tokyo Hotel Guide and explore my other Tokyo articles for itineraries, local tips, and inspiration on what to do in this amazing city.
Found this article helpful? Buy me a coffee. 😊
Want to stay in touch? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter (with latest articles, updates, travel tips and more...) delivered straight to your inbox. 📩
