The Stunning Night Illumination of Autumn Maples at Tokyo's Rikugien Garden

Located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo's Rikugien Garden is one of the city's nine major gardens. It was built by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a trusted retainer, under the patronage of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi, during the Edo period. It is conveniently accessible with about a 7-minute walk from the south exit of JR Komagome Station. Rikugien is famous for its natural scenery that changes with the seasons, especially attracting many visitors during the maple leaf season from mid to late November through early December.

The garden is home to approximately 560 maple trees, complemented by traditional features such as ponds, artificial hills, small bridges, and tea houses, creating picturesque landscapes. The autumn foliage perfectly blends with the tranquil atmosphere of the Japanese garden, making it a rare peaceful spot for maple viewing in Tokyo.

Every autumn, Rikugien hosts a nighttime maple illumination event, where the garden paths, maple trees, and lakeside are lit up to create a dreamy night scene. The reflection of the illuminated maple leaves on the water adds a mysterious charm. It is recommended to visit around dusk to enjoy the changing light before and after sunset, and then experience the romantic ambiance of the night maples.

The entrance fee is only 300 yen, offering excellent value. There is a tea house inside the garden where visitors can rest and enjoy matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, making it an ideal place to slow down and fully appreciate the autumn colors. Rikugien Garden is not only a natural treasure in central Tokyo but also an unmissable spot for autumn maple viewing.

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Post by Smokeyjoe | Jul 17, 2025