October in Tokyo is perfect for leisurely walks. Ginkgo trees in Ginza, maple leaves on Omotesando, fallen leaves in Aoyama. A half-day route: Ginza → Omotesando → Meiji Shrine.
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October is Tokyo's most comfortable month—around 20°C, plenty of sunny days, and leaves beginning to change color.
Below is a curated walking route from Ginza to Omotesando, the perfect afternoon itinerary for October.
Half-Day Walking Route
01｜Ginza (Departure 13:00)｜Ginkgo and Japanese Sweets
Ginza Chuo-dori begins its **ginkgo yellowing** in late October. Browse Itoya stationery, Wako watches, and Chuo Ward bookstores. Wagashi and matcha afternoon tea ¥1,500-2,500.
Take the Marunouchi Line from Shinjuku Station to Ginza in 8 minutes.
02｜Omotesando (15:00)｜Architecture & Coffee
One of Japan's most beautiful "ginkgo tree-lined streets." **1 kilometer of ginkgo trees line both sides of Omotesando**, peaking from early to mid-November, with yellowing beginning as early as late October.
Stroll through flagship stores of brands like Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake. We recommend Blue Bottle Coffee for a café stop.
03｜Meiji Shrine (4:30 PM)｜Forest Walk
At the end of Omotesando is the entrance to Meiji Shrine. **The forest within the shrine covers 700,000 square meters**, making it a rare large-scale woodland in central Tokyo.
October hasn't reached peak foliage yet, but the forest as a whole has taken on a deeper green with hints of yellow. The quietest time is 30 minutes before closing.
04｜Aoyama Reien (17:30)｜Autumn Leaves at Dusk
If you want to experience the "wabi-sabi" atmosphere of fallen leaves, **Aoyama Cemetery is one of Tokyo's top 5 autumn foliage destinations**. Leaves begin to fall from late October, and the light is most beautiful at dusk.
The cemetery offers free admission with a solemn atmosphere and stunning scenery. A favorite spot for photographers.
The October walking route from Shinjuku to Ginza to Omotesando can be **completed in one day**. Everything is within a 30-minute drive from IGO HOTEL.
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