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Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn

Krista Rogers Sep 9, 2026
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Stroll among the illuminated autumn leaves after-hours in one of Tokyo’s most popular Japanese landscape gardens for only one and a half weeks.

From November 25 through December 6, one of Tokyo’s nine Metropolitan Gardens will be open for a special autumn foliage illumination event. Doors will close at the typical time of 5 p.m. but will reopen between 6 and 8:30 p.m. for visitors to soak in the magical nighttime atmosphere.

Rikugien is an Edo-period (1603-1868) Japanese landscape garden located in northern Tokyo with easy access from the JR Yamanote Line. It’s particularly famous during the spring and fall months for its cherry blossoms and foliage respectively, but it’s truly a gem year-round.

▼ Rikugien in its summer glory

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Several small teahouses dot the grounds, where you can enjoy matcha and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) while taking in the views.

▼ The scenery from Fukiage Chaya

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▼ Matcha and wagashi

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If you’re lucky, you may even have the privilege of encountering a local who’s also taking a stroll around the well-manicured paths.

©SoraNews24

To celebrate the garden’s seasonal transformation in late November, illuminations and other decorations will be added throughout the grounds, especially centered on the autumn leaves and small islands dotting the pond.

Of particular note will be a handful of special photo spots that are perfect for commemorating your visit.

New to this year will be a projection mapping attraction in the bamboo grove near the former storehouse.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the walking around, you can even take a moment to relax at the Fukiage Chaya and Shinsentei teahouses, or indulge in some light food and drinks at one of the stalls and food trucks that will be available near the site of Ginkatei for the duration of the event.

Entry for the special nighttime illumination event is 1,000 yen (US$6.39) for advance tickets (online only) or 1,200 yen for day-of tickets (online or in-person; cash only). Admission for children in elementary school and younger is free. You may want to also track Japan’s recently released “fall color forecast” to maximize your leaf-peeping opportunities in the coming months.

Event information
Rikugien Fall Foliage Nighttime Special Appreciation / 庭紅葉の六義園夜間特別観賞
Address: Tokyo-to, Bunkyo-ku, Honkomagome 6-16-3
東京都文京区本駒込 6-16-3
Duration: November 25-December 6, 2026
Open: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
Website

Source: @Press
Top image: Rikugien Garden
Insert images: SoraNews24, Rikugien Garden
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