Rikugien, one of Tokyo's finest surviving Edo-period stroll gardens, extends its opening hours each autumn for a celebrated nighttime illumination event. The centrepiece weeping cherry may be famous in spring, but in November the great maple near the main gate turns a spectacular scarlet that draws long evening queues. Spotlights cast warm amber light onto the pond surface, doubling the reflections of every tree. Seasonal wagashi sweets and matcha are served at the garden's tea house during the event period.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid November–Early December
- Region
- Kanto
- Prefecture
- Tokyo
- City
- Bunkyo
Highlights
- ◆Nightly illumination of centuries-old maple trees
- ◆Mirror-like pond reflections amplify the colour display
- ◆Extended evening opening hours through late November
- ◆Matcha and wagashi available at Fukiage Chaya tea house