Tokyo in November 2026 (Nov 13–29): 2-Day Ginkgo and Light-Up Plan

You land in Tokyo in mid-November, the ginkgo trees are finally turning gold, and every garden seems to have a different night ticket with a different date. Here is a two-day route that fits the best of Tokyo in November 2026 into one weekend, with the evening gardens picked by date so you never show up on the wrong night.

At a glance

• Tokyo's autumn leaves usually peak from mid-November to early December. This plan works best between Nov 13 and Nov 29, 2026.
• Day 1: Meiji Jingu in the morning, the Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue at midday, then a lit-up garden after dark (Koishikawa Korakuen Nov 13–24, Rikugien Nov 25–Dec 6).
• Day 2: Kanda Myojin and the University of Tokyo ginkgo avenue in the morning, then Showa Kinen Park for golden ginkgo in daylight and its light-up until Nov 29.

Tokyo in November 2026: which evening fits your dates

Pick your evening garden by date first, then build the rest of the day around it.

Ticket pages: Koishikawa Korakuen night opening · Rikugien night viewing · Showa Kinen Park Autumn Night Walk

Both city gardens close once at 17:00 and reopen at 18:00 for night ticket holders. At Rikugien, show the online ticket on your phone screen; printouts and screenshots are not accepted.

Day 1 morning: Meiji Jingu during Shichi-Go-San season

Start early. In November, Meiji Jingu opens at 6:10 am and closes at 4:10 pm, and entry is free. Allow about 10 minutes on foot from any entrance to the shrine buildings.

November is Shichi-Go-San season, when families bring children aged three, five and seven to give thanks for their growth. Prayers for it are held at the Kaguraden every day, and families often pick convenient days such as holidays around November 15. On Nov 14–15 you may see kids in tiny kimono on the approach. Enjoy the moment from the side of the path, and ask the parents before photographing any child.

Read the story behind itShichi-Go-San Meaning: Why Kids Visit Shrines

Day 1 midday: Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue

The Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue runs 300 m from the Aoyama entrance, with 146 trees planted 9 m apart. Walk the full length, then climb the front steps of the Picture Gallery: that is where the depth of the avenue looks best. The best season here is mid-November to early December. Check the Jingu Gaien crowd forecast before you go and aim for a weekday if you can.

We have not seen an official 2026 evening light-up announcement for the avenue yet, so do not plan your night around it.

Full ginkgo guideTokyo Ginkgo Avenue Guide: Jingu Gaien, UTokyo, Showa Kinen

Day 1 evening: a garden lit up after dark

From Nov 13 to 24, go to Koishikawa Korakuen. You enter through the West Gate and leave through the East Gate. Same-day tickets are also sold at the West Gate window from 18:00 to 20:00, cash only and in limited numbers.

From Nov 25 to Dec 6, switch to Rikugien. Entry is through the main gate only. Same-day tickets are sold online from 9:00 to 19:30 or at the main gate from 18:00 to 19:30, cash only.

Night ticket detailsAutumn Leaves Light Up Tokyo: Garden Night Tickets

Day 2: Kanda Myojin, UTokyo ginkgo, then Showa Kinen Park

Begin at Kanda Myojin, a 5-minute walk from JR Ochanomizu Station (Hijiribashi exit). In November it welcomes Shichi-Go-San visits without reservations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and children receive chitose ame, the long candy the shrine describes as originating there.

Next, the University of Tokyo Hongo campus, right by Todaimae Station on the Namboku Line. From the main gate, walk the ginkgo avenue toward Yasuda Auditorium. It is a working campus, so keep voices low and stay on the paths.

After lunch, ride west. Showa Kinen Park is about thirty minutes from central Tokyo. Use the Nishi-Tachikawa Gate, about 2 minutes from Nishi-Tachikawa Station on the JR Ome Line. Inside, head for the Katarai Ginkgo Avenue: 98 ginkgo trees along 300 m that turn gold from mid to late November. Stay until 16:30 when the lights come on. The ginkgo light-ups need only park admission, but the Japanese Garden after 16:30 needs an extra ticket. At night you can only come and go through the Nishi-Tachikawa and Tachikawa gates.

Two-day route and access table

Times in the "Time" and "Time there" columns are our suggested pacing, not official hours. Want to see what the entry fees come to in your currency? The IKOKA yen converter does it in seconds.

Checklist before you go

• Book the garden night ticket online the day before to save 200 yen.
• Keep the ticket on your phone, not as a screenshot.
• Carry some cash for same-day windows.
• Bring a light jacket for the evening gardens.
• Check the crowd LEVEL for Jingu Gaien before leaving your hotel.

Which would you pick for your one night: the gardens in the city, or the golden tunnel in Tachikawa?