I was mid-stroll in Yoyogi Park when a flurry of leaves shot straight into the sky. Kids were shrieking and chasing them; obviously I joined in. My actual kids: “moooom, reaaalllyyy?” Me: yes, really. We gathered armfuls of fallen leaves, piled them onto a metal grate, and waited. A minute later—WHOOSH—the pile exploded into a glittering cloud. I squealed, I jumped, I lived my best life.
What’s actually happening under those grates
Beneath parts of Yoyogi Park runs the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. When a train rushes past, air pushes up through ventilation grates, and any loose leaves on top launch. It’s simple physics and pure joy, especially in late autumn when the ginkgo leaves blanket the lawns. Local parents have been doing this little hack for years; it’s one of those “if you know, you know” Tokyo moments.
Where to look
You’ll find grates in sections of the park near the ginkgo groves; listen for trains and watch where kids are playing, then join them. (Gently! Don’t block paths or push heavy stuff over the vents.) The park itself is free and basically open 24/7, so you can wander at your own pace.
Make it a mini-day: our easy loop
We started in Yoyogi Park, then drifted toward Shibuya’s Jinnan side streets, laid-back, fashiony, and full of cafés, before popping by the Disney Store (Shibuya Koen-dori) with its cute castle façade. From there you can keep walking to Shibuya Crossing, PARCO, or MIYASHITA PARK for snacks and shopping. It’s an effortless combo of greenery → street style → souvenirs.
Jinnan vibes (and why it works after the park)
Jinnan is that in-between pocket where Harajuku spills into Shibuya: indie boutiques, calm backstreets, and the sculptural Yoyogi National Gymnasium peeking over the trees. It’s youthful without the crush of Center-gai, and perfect for a late coffee or early dinner.
Disney Store (Shibuya Koen-dori)
Yes, it really looks like a tiny castle. The Shibuya Koen-dori Disney Store sits on Udagawachō (near Jinnan), with seasonal displays and tax-free shopping for visitors. Check the official page for current hours before you go.
Other easy add-ons nearby
Meiji Shrine: A short walk from the park’s north side, forest paths, giant torii, peaceful grounds. (Open daily from sunrise to sunset; allow extra time from the gate to the main hall.)
Cat Street → Omotesandō: Trendy stroll toward cafés and design boutiques.
Shibuya PARCO / MIYASHITA PARK: New-school retail + rooftop hangouts if you want dinner with views.
Practical bits (so you don’t have to look it up later)
Best season for the leaf “whoosh”: Late Nov–Dec when the ginkgo leaves drop. Even without the trick, Yoyogi is gorgeous for fall color.
Park hours & fees: Yoyogi Park is free and always open (facilities have daytime hours).
Getting there:
Yoyogi-Kōen (Chiyoda Line) or Meiji-Jingūmae (Chiyoda/Fukutoshin) for the park’s sides; Harajuku (JR Yamanote) for the shrine/park north.
For Jinnan/Disney area, aim for Shibuya Station and walk up Kōen-dōri. Disney Store address: Humax Pavilion Shibuya Kōen-dōri, 20-15 Udagawachō, Shibuya.
History nugget: This whole area used to be Washington Heights, a U.S. military housing complex after WWII, then became the 1964 Olympic Village before opening as a public park, hence the adjacent Yoyogi National Gymnasium by Kenzō Tange.
Quick etiquette & safety
Bring a tiny bag for trash (bins are scarce in Tokyo), keep piles light and leaf-only, watch little feet near the grates, and share the fun, locals will often smile and show you the timing. The city stays sparkling because everyone plays nice. (You’ll see why from the first sweep of a park worker’s broom.)
2-hour “copy my walk” plan
Yoyogi Park: Find a grate, make a leaf mountain, and wait for the WHOOSH.
Stroll to Jinnan via the gymnasium for photos; grab a coffee on a side street.
Disney Store (Shibuya Koen-dori) for a quick browse and a castle-door selfie.
If you’ve got steam, continue to Shibuya Crossing for the city-lights finale.
