Japan’s autumn is famous for its stunning seasonal scenery, including vibrant maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees.
The best time to enjoy ginkgo leaves is usually from late October to early December, depending on the location.
Here are some of the best ginkgo spots to visit during autumn in Japan.
Showa Kinen Park, Tokyo
Showa Kinen Park is one of Tokyo’s favorite autumn destinations, especially for its rows of golden ginkgo trees.
The two most iconic spots in the park are Ginkgo Tree Avenue, located near the sports area, and Ginkgo Promenade, which runs along the canal. Both areas create a beautiful golden tunnel surrounded by autumn colors.
The ginkgo leaves usually reach their peak in mid-November. During autumn, the park also hosts the Autumn Night Stroll, featuring evening illuminations around Ginkgo Tree Avenue, Ginkgo Promenade, and the Japanese Garden.
Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of Tokyo’s most famous spots for viewing ginkgo leaves during autumn.
The 300-meter avenue lined with ginkgo trees creates a beautiful golden tunnel that attracts many visitors every year. During peak season, the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is held with family activities, food stalls, and various shops.
Visitors can enjoy the scenery of 146 ginkgo trees with the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery as a backdrop, while walking through a path covered with fallen yellow leaves.
Hikarigaoka Park, Tokyo
During autumn, around 40 large ginkgo trees over 100 years old at Hikarigaoka Park transform into a beautiful golden landscape.
The row of trees, known as Ginkgo Boulevard, creates a stunning yellow tunnel that is popular among photographers and visitors.
The best time to visit is usually mid-November, while the fallen leaves create a beautiful “yellow carpet” from late November to early December.
Midosuji Street, Osaka
Midosuji Street is a major road stretching from north to south in central Osaka.
Along this 4-kilometer street, nearly 1,000 ginkgo trees line the road from Umeda Station to Namba Station, creating a stunning golden pathway every autumn.
Around late November, the leaves change from green to bright yellow, creating one of Osaka’s most beautiful autumn city views.
Hokkaido University, Hokkaido Prefecture
The golden ginkgo tunnel at Hokkaido University in Sapporo is one of the most popular autumn spots in northern Japan.
Located near Sapporo Station, the campus features around 70 ginkgo trees lined along Kita-13-jo Street.
The best time to visit is from late October to early November. Besides the golden trees, visitors can also enjoy a beautiful “yellow carpet” created by fallen ginkgo leaves.
Every weekend in October, the university also hosts the Golden-Leaf Festival (Kon’yousai), where the ginkgo trees are illuminated at night.
Azuma Sports Park, Fukushima Prefecture
Azuma Sports Park becomes a popular autumn attraction thanks to its 116 ginkgo trees lining a 520-meter pathway in the center of the park.
The leaves gradually change from green to yellow-green and finally golden yellow, creating a beautiful golden tunnel.
The best time to visit is usually from late October to early November. Even afterward, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful yellow carpet formed by fallen leaves.
Visitors are also allowed to collect fallen ginkgo nuts for personal use, so bringing a plastic bag and gloves is recommended.
Tarumizu Senbon Ginkgo Garden, Kagoshima Prefecture
Tarumizu Senbon Ginkgo Garden has become a popular destination for travelers looking to enjoy a unique autumn atmosphere.
Known as Senbon Iichou (Thousand Ginkgo Trees), the area features more than 1,000 ginkgo trees spread across 4.5 hectares of land.
The garden is privately owned by Yoshiaki Nakama, who planted the trees with his wife over more than 40 years, creating the stunning golden scenery seen today.
Sobue Ginnan Park, Aichi Prefecture
Inazawa City in Aichi Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s largest ginkgo-producing areas.
The Sobue area has more than 10,000 ginkgo trees, turning the entire region into a golden landscape during autumn.
From mid to late November, the Sobue Ginkgo Yellow Leaves Festival is held, with Sobue Ginnan Park as one of the main locations.
Visitors can also see four types of cultivated ginkgo trees in Sobue: Kyuju, Tokuro, Eishin, and Kinbei.
From the park’s 7.5-meter observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the ginkgo trees and the yellow carpet of fallen leaves below.
Best Time to See Ginkgo Leaves in Japan
The peak ginkgo season varies depending on the region:
| Location | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | Mid-November |
| Osaka | Late November |
| Hokkaido | Late October to early November |
| Fukushima | Late October to early November |
| Kagoshima | Depends on yearly conditions |
| Aichi | Mid to late November |
Tips for Enjoying Ginkgo Season in Japan
Ginkgo season is one of Japan’s most beautiful autumn experiences. With the right timing and preparation, you can enjoy the golden scenery more comfortably.
Visit During Peak Season
Ginkgo leaves are most beautiful when they turn bright yellow. Check the latest autumn foliage forecast before visiting, as timing can vary depending on weather conditions.
Visit Early to Avoid Crowds
Popular locations such as Meiji Jingu Gaien and Midosuji Street can become crowded during peak season. Visiting early in the day allows you to enjoy the scenery more peacefully.
Prepare Comfortable Shoes
Many ginkgo viewing spots require walking through parks and long streets. Comfortable shoes will make your autumn exploration more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Ginkgo trees offer a different kind of autumn beauty in Japan with their bright golden leaves and peaceful atmosphere.
From Tokyo’s famous ginkgo avenues to scenic parks in Hokkaido, Fukushima, and Kagoshima, these destinations provide unforgettable autumn experiences for travelers visiting Japan.
