Inui Path public opening for autumn leaves began Dec 3. Crowds were solid—gates opened 30 minutes early. By noon many flowed toward Palaceside; TV crews appeared—lively scene.
Second opening after spring cherries, commemorating the Emperor's 80th birthday. Today's cold snap (3°C in Tokyo) may explain smaller crowds than spring.
Route: Sakashita-mon in, west of Hasuike moat, out Inui-mon. Agency says 45 Japanese maples and 14 trident maples are at peak =two top photos.
Sakashita-mon had a queue =photo right—~20 minutes entry. Hand luggage triggers inspection—travel light.
Before noon, streams from Inui-mon or via East Gardens to Kii-no-kuni-zaka toward Takebashi continued =photo left top;
some visited Palaceside. TBS "Asa Chan!" filmed the bustle =photo left bottom—aired next morning.
Open through 7th (Sun), 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Palaceside opens specially on the 7th; most eateries open.