Tokyo Night Photography at Rikugien Gardens

Illuminated autumn foliage and dark shadows at the Rikugien Gardens autumn illumination event.

As one of my favorite Tokyo seasonal events, I was thrilled to see the Rikugien Gardens autumn illumination return in 2022 after a multi-year pandemic enforced hiatus. I chose to go on a weekday and was pleasantly surprised by the experience.

People admiring illuminated trees and rock formations reflected in a dark pond at night in a Japanese garden.
Illuminated red and green maple leaves glowing against a dark night sky.

A different kind of autumn beauty

First, don’t go to Rikugien Gardens expecting the photos you see online. It’s not like being in the mountains around Kyoto. No sea of brilliant red leaves greet you. Instead, the park features pockets of trees, skilfully lit to bring out their best.

The result is surreal and, in some areas, feels like something out of a fairy tale.

While the lighting is magical, be aware that the paths around the central pond can be less than desired. Look out for the occasional dips and steps.

Illuminated Japanese thatched pavilion framed by glowing maple leaves at night.
Takimi-no-chaya teahouse
Spotlit stone bridge and autumn trees reflected in a dark pond at night in a Japanese garden.

Autumn illumination event tips

Here are two essential tips to make your visit go smoothly:

First, I’ve been on weekends, and the experience has never been good. People flood the paths and sometimes even block them by refusing to move until they get the perfect photo.

People gathered at an illuminated food stall with red banners in a dark park at night.
Stores are on the ground for those needing refreshments.

To avoid this, go on a weekday. I went on a Thursday night in 2022 and the difference was night and day. A couple of hundred people were spread out over the park, making it feel wonderfully empty.

Illuminated trees and rocks reflected in a dark pond during the Rikugien Gardens autumn illumination event.

I could take my time and compose photos without pressure. In contrast, weekends can be so crowded that you constantly bump into people.

Second, book your tickets online in advance. Tickets are required for entry and are available on the official Rikugien Gardens website. It’ll save you time and the hassle of trying to do it on your phone in the dark at the entrance.

Notes for photographers

For my fellow photographers, I used my Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2.0 lens, which performed well. Its wide aperture produced photos with lower noise, though I did occasionally wish for the flexibility of a zoom.

Spotlit wooden steps lead through shadows to autumn leaves at the Rikugien Gardens autumn illumination event.

One crucial rule to know for the autumn illumination event is that camera tripods are not allowed. I discovered this in previous years, and staff will ask you to put one away if they see it.

Illuminated red maple branches and a stone lantern in a dark Japanese garden at night.

Instead of taking a tripod, take your fastest lens, shoot wide open, and boost that ISO.

Close-up of a carved stone lantern glowing at night for the Rikugien Gardens autumn illumination.

I hope you enjoy the pictures! If you’re planning your own autumn visit after dark, our guide, [Rikugien Gardens Light-Up], has more detail to help your visit go smoothly.

Illuminated foliage and blue lights frame a red umbrella at the Rikugien Gardens autumn illumination event.

My photography gear for this shoot

  • Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
  • Lens: Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2.0

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