Our Top Spots for Viewing Ginkgo Trees in Tokyo
- Published on : 02/11/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Showa Kinen Park
@Kinhaku on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
In the fall, Tokyo is draped in golden leaves! The ginkgo trees transform the city’s avenues and parks into scenes straight out of a postcard. From the famous Meiji Jingu Gaien Avenue to the capital’s lesser-known gardens, discover Japan Experience’s favorite spots to enjoy this fleeting spectacle.
1. Meiji Jingu Gaien
This is a must-see in Tokyo! Stretching nearly 300 meters, a double row of ginkgo trees , perfectly aligned, stretches for nearly 300 meters, creating an intriguing vista leading all the way to the Meiji Memorial Art Gallery. In the fall, the trees turn a brilliant yellow, creating a veritable golden tunnel!
Our tip? Come early in the morning on a weekday to enjoy the area before the crowds arrive. Be sure to combine your visit with a trip to Shinjuku-Gyoen Park, just a few minutes by train from the avenue.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061
HOURS: Open 24 hours a day.
DIRECTIONS: A 5-minute walk from Gaienmae Station (Ginza Line) or Aoyama-itchome Station.
The Ginkgo Alley at Meiji Jingu Gaien
Wikimedia
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2. Shinjuku-Gyoen
This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo for enjoying fall! Although it’s best known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, Shinjuku Gyoen offers beautiful scenery in November and December, with several varieties of trees displaying vibrant colors, including ginkgo trees.
Our tip? Take a break at SASAYAIORI+, a charming spot in the heart of the park, to enjoy traditional Japanese pastries paired with a cup of matcha.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014
HOURS: October 1 through March 14, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (Marunouchi Line, Exit 1); a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (South Exit).
Shinjuku Gyoen in the Fall
@Unsplash
3. Showa Kinen Park
Located in Tachikawa, west of Tokyo, this national park is well worth a visit! It features two magnificent ginkgo-lined avenues, including the famous Katarai no Icho Namiki.
Stretching for several hundred meters, the trees form a very photogenic green tunnel. But Showa Kinen has more to offer than just its ginkgo trees! You can also enjoy picnicking on its lawns, rent a bike to explore the paths, and discover its traditional gardens.
The perfect place to fully enjoy the fall colors, far from the hustle and bustle of downtown!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0014
HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: A 2-minute walk from the Nishi-Tachikawa exit of Nishi-Tachikawa Station (JR Ome Line).
Showa Kinen Park
@Kinhaku on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
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4. Hibiya Park
Amid the skyscrapers, Hibiya Park offers a lovely respite. This historic park is home to a century-old ginkgo tree nicknamed “Kubi-kake Ichō.” According to legend, this tree was saved from being cut down thanks to the intervention of the gardener Seiroku Honda. Today, it is one of the park’s symbols.
In the fall, its golden foliage contrasts beautifully with the surrounding paths and open spaces. We also enjoy strolling around Shinji Pond, watching the herons, and taking a break near the fountains.
To extend your stroll, why not sit down on a terrace for a drink or lunch? Hibiya Park has several interesting spots, such as Hibiya Saroh, which is popular for its outdoor terrace.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1-6 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0012.
HOURS: The park is open 24 hours a day.
DIRECTIONS: A few minutes’ walk from Hibiya, Kasumigaseki, and Uchisaiwaicho stations.
Hibiya Park
@Big Ben in Japan on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
5. Otaguro Park
For a more intimate atmosphere, head to Otaguro Park, in the residential neighborhood of Ogikubo.
Right at the entrance, an avenue lined with ginkgo trees welcomes visitors and gradually reveals a landscape of ponds and walking paths. Less crowded than the capital’s major tourist attractions, it’s a great spot to discover another side of Tokyo and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
Our tip? Ogikubo has plenty of cafés! For café lovers, we recommend Woodberry, which imports beans from several countries. Prefer matcha? Just one stop away on the Chūō Line, Saten will delight your taste buds with its tea pudding.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 3-33-12 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0051.
HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: About a 10-minute walk from Ogikubo Station (JR Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line).
Otaguro
@otaguro.park on Instagram (official account)
6. University of Tokyo (Hongo Campus)
It’s no longer a truly well-kept secret. In the heart of the historic campus of the University of Tokyo, a stunning avenue of ginkgo trees leads to the famous Yasuda Auditorium. When the leaves take on their autumn colors, the contrast between the trees and the university’s architecture is magical!
Our tip? Then head back up toward Komagome Station and enjoy the illuminations at Rikugien Park !
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033.
HOURS: Campus open to the public, subject to occasional university restrictions.
DIRECTIONS: About an 8-minute walk from Todaimae Station (Namboku Line) or a 10-minute walk from Hongo-sanchome Station.
University of Tokyo (Hongo Campus)
@Froschmann on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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