Maple Waterfall
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Akabanebashi Station · 4 min walk (Toei Oedo Line)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Admission
- Free
- Time needed
- 10–20 min
- Best time to go
- Mid-to-late December; because the valley is shaded and sits below surrounding terrain, its nine maple varieties turn color weeks later than surrounding parks, reaching peak color around mid-December.
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Tucked away at the base of Tokyo Tower within Shiba Park, this hidden-gem waterfall offers a serene, shaded escape from the surrounding metropolis. It is particularly breathtaking in late autumn when the surrounding Japanese maples turn brilliant shades of crimson and gold, framing the red steel of the tower above. Expect a short, peaceful stroll along a forested stone path with the soothing sound of cascading water.
What Japanese guides note
Momijidani occupies Section 19 of Shiba Park on the sloped terrain between Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple. Because it sits in a recessed gully, the foliage turns significantly later than surrounding open green spaces, with peak viewing centered in mid-December. Visitors typically treat the valley path as a connecting route between Zojoji Temple grounds and the road ascending to the base of Tokyo Tower.
Details from local sources
- Landscape architect Nagaoka Yasuhei designed the artificial waterfall in 1906, and it is the only remaining landscape work of his in Tokyo that retains its Meiji-era structure. [source]
- The two-tiered artificial cascade drops 10 meters into a stream bed, utilizing a natural 15-meter cliff along the eastern rim of the Musashino Plateau. [source]
- The valley contains approximately 200 maple trees across nine varieties, planted strategically to turn color from north to south. [source]
- A comprehensive restoration project ran from December 2017 to February 2020 under Japanese Garden Society supervision to reconstruct stone masonry collapsed by tree roots and war damage. [source]
- The surrounding topography received the historical name Momijiyama after second Tokugawa shogun Hidetada transplanted maple trees here from Edo Castle along with Konchi-in temple. [source]
- Four decorative paving tiles patterned with maple leaves were embedded into the walking path during the 2020 park restoration. [source]
- A stone memorial marking Chohakuen, the private estate where designer Nagaoka Yasuhei resided, stands just south of the Momijidani entrance. [source]
Insider Tip
Visit in late November or early December to capture the stunning contrast of fiery red autumn leaves against the blue sky and Tokyo Tower.
Frequently asked
When was the waterfall created?
Pioneering landscape architect Nagaoka Yasuhei designed the artificial waterfall in 1906. It utilizes a natural 15-meter terrace drop at the edge of the Musashino Plateau. It is the sole remaining Meiji-era landscape feature designed by Nagaoka in Tokyo that still preserves its original composition.
When is peak autumn foliage at Momijidani?
Peak maple color occurs in December, generally between December 5 and December 25. Because the valley is deeply shaded and cool, its 200 maple trees turn red noticeably later than the ginkgo trees along the main Shiba Park promenades.
Is admission charged to view the waterfall?
Admission is completely free. Momijidani is an unfenced municipal park section within Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park and remains open 24 hours a day year-round. No entry tickets or advance reservations are necessary to access the walking trail.
What is the small shrine complex above the brook?
The hillside path passes the Nyoirin Kannon-do hall and an adjacent stone Jizo statue. Positioned directly behind the Jizo statue is the Hebizuka (Snake Mound), a historic stone altar maintained by local volunteers rather than official temple clergy.
How long does it take to walk through Momijidani?
Walking the loop trail takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. The paved pedestrian path runs along the stream bed past the 10-meter two-tiered waterfall and connects directly up to the plaza at the base of Tokyo Tower.
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