Tokyo’s Autumn Colors Begin: Lake Okutama Reaches Peak as City Prepares for Full Foliage in Late November
According to Weather News, autumn colors have finally begun in Tokyo, with the foliage at Lake Okutama reaching its peak (70-80% coloration). In most parts of Tokyo, the peak for autumn foliage is expected from late November to early December.
Experience the Beauty of Koishikawa Korakuen: Tokyo’s Historic Garden Celebrates Autumn with Special Foliage Event near Kagurazaka
Near Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward, where our company offers various traditional cultural experience tours, lies Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a famous autumn colors spot. Koishikawa Korakuen is designated both as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a "Special Historic Site." Only five gardens in Japan hold this dual designation, and only two are located in Tokyo, making Koishikawa Korakuen one of the top five Japanese gardens recognized by the nation.
In alignment with the peak viewing period for the Japanese maple trees, Koishikawa Korakuen will host the “Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors)” event from November 16 to December 8.
Highlights of the “Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors)” Event
[1] Hosho School Noh Performance
[2] Edo String Puppet Performance
[3] Edo Koma (Spinning Top) Performance
[4] Autumn at Koishikawa Korakuen with Koume-chan
[5] Garden Guide Tours
[6] Temporary Stalls (selling light refreshments)
Watching a Hosho School Noh performance in a Japanese garden, free of charge, is a rare opportunity. The Hosho Noh Theater is conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from Koishikawa Korakuen. Additionally, the event features a must-see Edo string puppet performance by Mitsuru Kamijo and an Edo Koma (spinning top) performance by Lemon Mimasu. Both performers were also active at the Kagurazaka Street Stage O-Edo Tour 2024, held in May. Detailed dates for each event are provided at the end of this blog.
Hosho School Noh
Edo string puppet
Edo Koma (spinning top)
Witness the Art of Yukitsuri: Traditional Pine Snow Hanging Demonstration at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden on November 16
Additionally, on November 16 (Sat) at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., there will be a traditional skill observation of "Pine Snow Hanging" (Yukitsuri). Yukitsuri involves tying branches with rope to protect them from breaking under the weight of snow during winter.
This is a rare practice in the Kanto area, where snowfall is limited. In Koishikawa Korakuen, three sets of yukitsuri are installed on a single pine tree, creating an intricate scene. Come and observe the skillful work of attaching bamboo and rope to the intricately intertwined branches of the pine tree. Admission is free (entrance fee to the garden is required).
Explore Tokyo’s Hidden Autumn Gem: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and Kagurazaka with an English-Speaking Guide
On November 14, just before the "Miyama Koyo o Tanoshimu ((Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors))" and "Pine Snow Hanging" events, I visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden to check the foliage. The leaves were just starting to turn. While I enjoy seeing autumn foliage at its peak, I also appreciate the beauty of leaves as they begin to change. All photos featured in this blog were taken on November 14.
The preparations for the pine snow hanging had also started. The autumn colors in Koishikawa Korakuen typically reach their peak from late November to early December.
Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo, like Kagurazaka, Koishikawa Korakuen remains a hidden gem with fewer crowds. Why not visit this renowned garden during the autumn season? If you book our Kagurazaka Walking Tour, our English-speaking guide will take you through both Koishikawa Korakuen and Kagurazaka. Enjoy Japan's autumn colors in the heart of Tokyo. With easy access from hotels in Tokyo, you can make efficient use of your travel time.
Details and Schedule of the “Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors)” Event
[1] Hosho School Noh Performance
Content: Noh performance by the Hosho School
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024 (canceled in case of rain)
① 11:30 a.m. ② 1:30 p.m. (about 30 minutes per performance)
Cost: Free (entrance fee to the garden required)
Viewing: Open viewing on the day
[2] Edo String Puppet Performance
Content: Traditional Edo string puppet performance using numerous strings connected to a control panel called "Teita," to manipulate the puppet
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024 (canceled in case of rain or strong winds)
① 11:30 a.m. ② 1:30 p.m. (about 30 minutes per performance)
Cost: Free (entrance fee to the garden required)
Viewing: Open viewing on the day
[3] Edo Koma (Spinning Top) Performance
Content: Various acrobatic performances with spinning tops of different sizes
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024 (canceled in case of rain or strong winds)
① 11:30 a.m. ② 1:30 p.m. (about 30 minutes per performance)
Cost: Free (entrance fee to the garden required)
Viewing: Open viewing on the day
[4] Autumn at Koishikawa Korakuen with Koume-chan
Content: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Koume candy, known for its plum flavor and rooted in Tokyo's Koishikawa, enjoy a special experience with Koume-chan. The event includes a layered stamp rally featuring Koume-chan against the backdrop of Koishikawa Korakuen’s autumn scenery, as well as Koume-themed postcards, stickers, and merchandise. The restaurant will also offer a special seasonal meal, and the first 2,000 customers ordering the meal will receive a letter set and Edo-style chopsticks.
Date: Every day during the event period, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
[5] Garden Guide Tours
Content: Guided walking tours by garden volunteers
Date: Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays during the event period (canceled in case of rain)
① 11:00 a.m. ② 2:00 p.m. (about 60 minutes per tour)
Cost: Free (entrance fee to the garden required)
[6] Temporary Stalls (Selling Light Refreshments)
Content: Enjoy Sanpuku Dango, skewered dumplings grilled over charcoal and served with original walnut miso sauce or special soy sauce.
Date: November 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun), and from November 22 (Fri) to December 8 (Sun), 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn and Japan’s unique cultural experiences at Koishikawa Korakuen this season.
Koishikawa Korakuen Graden
Location:
1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), Closed: December 29 - January 1
Admission:
General ¥300, Seniors (65 and older) ¥150 (Free for children in elementary school and younger, and for Tokyo residents or students in junior high school)
Access:
West Gate:
3-minute walk from Exit C3 of Iidabashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line (E06)
8-minute walk from the East Exit of Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line (JB16)
8-minute walk from Exits A1 and A3 of Iidabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai, Yurakucho, and Namboku Lines (T06 / Y13 / N10)
8-minute walk from Exits 1 and 2 of Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines (M22 / N11)
East Gate:
5-minute walk from the West Exit of Suidobashi Station on the JR Sobu Line (JB17)
6-minute walk from Exit 2 of Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines (M22 / N11)
8-minute walk from Exit A2 of Suidobashi Station on the Toei Mita Line (I11)
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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