Autumn in Tokyo
Most people go to Kyoto or head to the Japanese countryside for the best autumn-leaf hunting experiences, but if your priority is urban pleasures, and you wouldn’t mind catching some fall foliage on the side, then Tokyo is a good choice.
As you check out the stylish malls and high-end boutiques of Omotesando, make sure to drop by the ginkgo-lined avenue in Meiji Jingu Gaen. The mass of golden ginkgos is stunning and there is usually an accompanying festival, where you can buy souvenirs (including some excellent pottery) and get a few snacks in case admiring the brilliant hues of the ginkgos leave you hungry.
If you are interested in Japanese tea, then while still in Omotesando, make sure to drop by Omotesando Chachanoma. They serve tea-flavoured desserts here, but I would skip them (unless you are hankering for sweets) and stick to the tea. There is an overwhelming number of teas to choose from, but if you have some idea of what your flavour preferences are (floral, umami, full-bodied, light-bodied), then the staff can help you whittle down the options. Make sure to do the tea flight so that you can taste your chosen tea leaf in a variety of styles, from a low-temperature warm brew to a cold brew. You’ll gain an appreciation for how the leaves can taste differently according to how they are prepared. On weekends, this place is popular, so you might have to put your name down on the list, wander around for a little, and then come back at your appointed time.
If you wouldn’t mind dedicating a morning or an afternoon to autumn-leaf hunting, then make your way to Rikugien Gardens. It can get crowded during the weekends, but this is a gorgeous garden to go to in Tokyo to admire the fall foliage.
©F.L. Blumberg 2024
If you are following our Yanaka suggestions, then make sure to include Yanaka cemetery in your plans. There are some glorious ginkgo trees there and after a day of exploring, seeing a flaming ginkgo in full glory really does lift your spirits and calm your soul.
