Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2013

Sakura blossoms are inextricably linked with Japan, but equally important are koyo, or the colored leaves of autumn.

red

Momiji: The best known of the bunch, the leaves of the Japanese maple, which turn a vibrant in fall.
Kaede: Another maple tree, just not as well-known as the momiji.
Keyaki: The Japanese zelkova has leaves that range from yellow, to orange and brown—some even turn bright vermillion.
Hanamizuki: The flowering dogwood looks like it is covered with hanging red droplets in fall.
Haze: Leaves of the Japanese wax tree turn a deep, dark red.

orange

Puratanasu: The London Plane tree mellows into an orange to yellow gradation.
Konara: The Japanese oak tree turns a deep orange.

yellow

Ichou: The leaves of the gingko biloba, which often line larger shopping streets, turn a matted yellow.
Kunugi: Another form of oak, this multi-tasker does the full range from red to yellow.

Where to Go

Hibiya Park
What to see: momiji, ichou, keyaki
Other activities: tennis, jogging
1 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Hibiya. Tel: 03-3591-1461.
http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index037.html

Narita San Park
What to see: momiji, kunugi, ichou
Other activities: Shinshoji Temple
1 Narita City, Chiba. Nearest stn: Narita.
http://www.naritasan.or.jp/tour/other.html
http://www.nrtk.jp/lang/en/sightseeing/03_naritasanpark.html (English)

Kajika Bridge
What to see: momiji
Other activities: walking
Masumasawayamafudou, Minami-bousou-city, Chiba. Nearest stn: JR Tateyama. Tel: 0470-36-4116
http://koyo.walkerplus.com/detail/ky2094.html

Kitanomaru Park
What to see: ichou,keyaki,momiji, sakura
Other activities: Looking at koke which one of the nationally protected species, picnic.
Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3211-7878
http://www.rurubu.com/season/autumn/koyo/detail.aspx?SozaiNo=130102

Kiyosumi Gardens
What to see: haze
Other activities: bird watching
Admission fee: ¥150 Open 9am-5pm
Trees are illuminated at night.
Kiyosumi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Kiyosumishirakawa. Tel: 03-3641-5892
http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index033.html

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
What to see: momiji, keyaki
Other activities: walking, picnics
Admission fee: ¥300 Open 9am-5pm
Koraku, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Iidabashi. Tel: 03-3811-3015
http://ac.web-bz.com/koyo/post/03000/6060.shtml

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens
What to see: haze, kaede, momiji, ichou
Other activities: Visiting a western-style house, European and Japanese gardens, tea room and more.
Admission fee: ¥150 Opening Hour: 9am-5pm
Nishigahara, Kita-ku. Nearest stn: Nishigahara. Tel: 03-3910-0394
http://www.rurubu.com/season/autumn/koyo/detail.aspx?SozaiNo=130107

Meigetsu-in
What to see: momiji
Other activities: Visit to see hydrangea in June.
Admission fee: ¥300 Opening hour: 9am-4am
Yamanouchi, Kamakura-city, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Kitakamakura. Tel: 0467-24-3437
http://www8.plala.or.jp/daisho/kamakura/sizen/koyo-meigetuin.htm

Mitake Keikoku
What to see: ichou, momiji, kaede and more
Other activities: canoeing, fishing
1 Mitake, Ome-city. Nearest stn: JR Mitake. Tel: 0428-20-0011
http://koyo.walkerplus.com/detail/ky2057.html

Rikugi-en
What to see: momiji, haze, ichou and more
Other activities: walking
Hon-komagome, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: JR Komagome. Tel: 03-3941-2222
http://www.rurubu.com/season/autumn/koyo/detail.aspx?SozaiNo=130118

Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens
What to see: hanamizuki, kaede, ichou
Other activities: bird watching
Admission fee: ¥200, Opening Hour: 9am-4pm
Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku. Nearest stn: Shinjukugyoen. Tel: 03-3350-0151
http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/

Showa Memorial Park
What to see: ichou, momiji and more
Other activities: barbecueing, soccer, softball and more.
Tachikawa-city and Akishima-city, Tokyo. Nearest stn: Tachikawa. Tel: 042-528-1751
http://www.rurubu.com/season/autumn/koyo/detail.aspx?SozaiNo=130116