Momijidani Shima (Maple Valley)
A tranquil, Meiji-era landscaped ravine near Tokyo Tower, famous for its vibrant autumn maple foliage and unique framed city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Momijidani Shima (Maple Valley)
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, Meiji-era landscaped ravine near Tokyo Tower, famous for its vibrant autumn maple foliage and unique framed city views.
"A hidden gem offering a peaceful escape with stunning autumn colors and iconic Tokyo Tower views."
🎯 Best for Autumn Colors
Visit late Nov-early Dec for the most vibrant maple leaves. Colors can vary year to year.
🤫 Seek Tranquility
Escape the Tokyo Tower crowds by enjoying this quiet park. Weekday mornings are ideal.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 257 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vivid Maple Canopies
The ravine itself
Experience a miniature mountain gorge with a stunning display of red, yellow, and crimson maple leaves.
Framed Tokyo Tower Views
From the lower parts of the valley
See the iconic Tokyo Tower softened and framed by the natural beauty of the maple branches.
Meiji-era Landscape Design
Throughout the park
Appreciate the intentional design by Yasubei Nagaoka, creating a deep mountain gorge impression.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Foliage
Escape the Crowds for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best for Autumn Colors
Visit late Nov-early Dec for the most vibrant maple leaves. Colors can vary year to year.
🤫 Seek Tranquility
Escape the Tokyo Tower crowds by enjoying this quiet park. Weekday mornings are ideal.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture unique shots of Tokyo Tower framed by autumn foliage.
🚶♀️ Relaxing Stroll
Enjoy a peaceful walk or sit on a bench to soak in the atmosphere before or after visiting Tokyo Tower.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best for Autumn Colors
Visit late Nov-early Dec for the most vibrant maple leaves. Colors can vary year to year.
🤫 Seek Tranquility
Escape the Tokyo Tower crowds by enjoying this quiet park. Weekday mornings are ideal.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture unique shots of Tokyo Tower framed by autumn foliage.
🚶♀️ Relaxing Stroll
Enjoy a peaceful walk or sit on a bench to soak in the atmosphere before or after visiting Tokyo Tower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Momijidani Shima for its serene beauty, especially during autumn when the maple leaves create a stunning spectacle. Many appreciate it as a peaceful escape from the crowds at nearby Tokyo Tower, offering unique photo opportunities. Some note that the colors may not be at their peak outside of the prime season.
"Momiji-dani is a landscaped ravine on the northern edge of Shiba Park, designed during the Meiji period as a deliberate homage to mountain valleys famous for autumn foliage. Completed in 1905 by Yasubei Nagaoka, Japan’s first formally recognised landscape architect, the valley uses natural undulations and a steep, shaded slope to create the impression of a deep mountain gorge in miniature. Even after several renovations, its structure still follows Nagaoka’s original intention: to gather seasonal light and colour in one narrow, sheltered fold of land.
Today the valley contains a varied collection of maples—smooth Japanese maple, nomura maple, painted maple, horned maple, Nikko maple and several others—planted so that their tones overlap and shift from bright yellow to deep crimson through late November and December. When viewed from below, the canopy forms a layered screen through which Tokyo Tower appears unexpectedly, framed by branches that soften its geometry.
When we visited this place in the middle of November 2025, the colors were not there yet."
Anna Krzak
"Such a beautiful park that very few people were taking advantage of on a very warm Saturday afternoon. I sat on a park bench in the shade enjoying a cool breeze while watching busloads of people disembarked at the Tokyo Tower just across the street. I'm glad the crowd was at the tower and not in the park because it made this hidden gem much more enjoyable."
Craig Bellavance
"Simply beautiful. The road heading towards this place has quite some mesmerising views too. There were benches in the park too. Hub and I spent one of our morning reading with the view of Tokyo tower during our trip to Japan recently. It was a weekend and there were some families with children. Hub and I like the lively vibe there. Highly recommend you to check this place out if you’re not into busy tourist site. :)"
Tiffany Hun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Momijidani Shima is located in Shiba Park, near Tokyo Tower. You can take the JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station or the Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station. From either station, it's a short walk to the park and Tokyo Tower area. +1
Yes, it's very accessible. Several subway lines and JR lines serve the area around Tokyo Tower, making it convenient to reach via public transport.
Momijidani Shima is situated at the base of Tokyo Tower. Simply walk towards the park area below the tower, and you'll find the entrance to the ravine.
While there are parking lots near Tokyo Tower, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transportation is generally recommended for easier access.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a considerable walk. However, it's well-connected by public transport to many major Tokyo areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Momijidani Shima is a public park and is free to enter. You can enjoy its natural beauty without any admission fee.
As a public park, Momijidani Shima is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific closing times may vary, but it's typically open from morning until early evening.
Momijidani Shima is open year-round. However, its main attraction, the autumn foliage, is best experienced in late November and early December.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Yes, you can bring food and drinks. It's a great spot to enjoy a picnic, especially on a pleasant day. Remember to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. The soft light enhances the colors of the maple leaves and creates a magical atmosphere.
The areas where the maple canopy frames views of Tokyo Tower are particularly photogenic. Look for vantage points from the lower parts of the ravine.
To capture the vibrant colors, try adjusting your white balance to 'cloudy' or 'shade' to bring out warmer tones. Using a polarizing filter can also help reduce glare and enhance saturation.
You can capture unique perspectives of Tokyo Tower peeking through the branches of maple trees, creating a beautiful contrast between the urban icon and nature.
Yes, peak autumn season offers the most dramatic colors. However, be prepared for more visitors, which might require patience to get unobstructed shots.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the beautifully landscaped ravine designed to resemble a mountain valley, especially stunning during autumn when the maple leaves turn vibrant colors.
A leisurely stroll through Momijidani Shima can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend admiring the scenery and taking photos.
Yes, there are benches scattered throughout the park, providing comfortable spots to rest, enjoy the view, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, it's a pleasant place for families. Children can enjoy the natural surroundings, and the proximity to Tokyo Tower offers additional entertainment.
Walk from the lower parts of the ravine upwards to fully appreciate the design that mimics a deep mountain gorge, gathering seasonal light and color.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit