Rikugien Garden Night Autumn Viewing

Rikugien Garden, one of Tokyo’s most celebrated spots for autumn foliage, will open its gates for a special nighttime viewing from Friday, November 28 to Tuesday, December 9, 2025. During this limited period, visitors can enjoy the garden’s illuminated fall colours, projection mapping on historic storehouse walls, and several photogenic spots scattered throughout the grounds. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience Rikugien in a completely different light, revealing the garden’s beauty after dark.

Event Highlights

Garden Illumination

• Dates: Every day during the event period

• Location: Throughout the garden (some areas closed)

• Details: Takimi-chaya Plaza: Ginkgo and maple leaves illuminated, showing the beauty of fallen foliage; Tsutsuji-chaya & Yamakage; Bridge: A mountain-inspired lighting setup highlights the vibrant maples around the teahouse and bridge; Fukiage Pine: Branches stretching over the pond are lit, creating stunning reflections; Nakano Island: Stones, pines, and the surrounding scenery are linked with light to enhance the garden’s depth (the island is not accessible); Bamboo Groves: Green bamboo contrasts beautifully with red maples.

Storehouse Projection Mapping

• Dates: Every day (canceled in severe weather)

• Location: Historic storehouse

• Details: Projection mapping brings the wall of this Edo-period structure to life, creating a dazzling visual experience that blends history and art.

Photogenic Spots

• Dates: Every day (canceled in rain or strong wind)

• Location: Various spots within the garden, depending on foliage conditions

• Details: Multiple photo spots are set up for visitors, including a special area for guests ordering a matcha and Japanese sweets set at Shinsentei.

Suiko-no-e Projection 

• Dates: Every day

• Location: Suiko-no-e

• Details: Using light to recreate the garden’s former water flow, illuminated lotus flowers appear on the pond’s surface, evoking the feel of flowing water.

Matcha Tea Houses

• Dates: Every day (last orders at 20:00)

• Location: Fukiage-chaya & Shinsentei

• Details: Enjoy matcha with traditional sweets or purchase Rikugien souvenirs. A special photo spot is available at Shinsentei for tea guests.

Rikugien Food Stalls

• Dates: Every day (last orders at 20:00; canceled in severe weather)

• Location: Plaza by the storehouse and near the former Ginka-tei

• Details: Light snacks including dango, as well as food trucks operated by local Bunkyo district shops.

Rikugien Souvenirs

• Dates: Every day

• Location: Storehouse plaza

• Details: Original Rikugien souvenirs and plant-dyed goods.

Wakayama Prefecture Specialties

• Dates: December 5–6 (canceled in severe weather)

• Location: Near the weeping cherry

• Details: Special products from Wakayama, historically connected to Rikugien, will be available.

Display of Cascade Chrysanthemums

• Dates: Every day

• Location: Near the weeping cherry

• Details: Students from the Tokyo Metropolitan Horticultural High School exhibit their impressive cascade chrysanthemums.

Admission is available only with a Night Special Viewing Ticket, which must be purchased in advance. Tickets — both advance and same-day — can be bought online through the official event website. Advance sales begin on Saturday, November 1, at 9:00 a.m.