Japan has distinct seasons, each offering breathtaking scenery. For those planning to visit Tokyo in autumn, you definitely shouldn’t miss the local maple leaves and ginkgo trees. Here we introduce the top 5 best spots in Tokyo to admire ginkgo trees—all easily accessible by subway, extremely convenient, and a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to Tokyo in November.
【1】The University of Tokyo
Located in the academically rich Bunkyo district, The University of Tokyo is one of Japan’s most prestigious universities. With its beautiful campus environment and numerous ginkgo and zelkova trees, it attracts many visitors in autumn who come to admire the golden, European-style ginkgo avenues. The university canteens are also highly praised by locals as affordable dining spots, offering a wide variety of cheap and tasty meals—definitely worth a try.
? Best viewing period: Early November to early December
? Address: 3-1 Hongo 7-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (Main Campus)
? Opening hours: 07:00–18:00
【2】Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a garden built on the former site of the residence of the feudal lord Naito during the Edo period. It was converted into an imperial garden in 1908 and opened to the public after World War II. Covering an expansive area of 58.3 hectares, it features various styles of gardens including French, English, and traditional Japanese gardens. With a diverse range of plants such as cherry blossoms, maple trees, and ginkgo trees, it’s truly a great place to enjoy ginkgo foliage.
? Best viewing period: Early November to early December
? Address: Shinjuku Gyoen, 11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
? Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Shinjuku Sanchome Station, or JR Chuo Line’s Sendagaya Station
? Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:00
? Admission: General 500 yen, students (high school and above) 250 yen, junior high school and below free, seniors 65+ 250 yen
【3】Meiji Jingu Gaien
Meiji Jingu Gaien is part of the renowned Meiji Shrine. Spanning a vast area, the Gaien is planted with various types of trees and is often referred to as a sacred place for flower viewing. In autumn, 146 ginkgo and zelkova trees form a golden tunnel. The Gaien also hosts the Meiji Jingu Ginkgo Festival, where visitors can enjoy special regional cuisines from across Japan as well as live performances by street artists—creating a lively atmosphere.
? Address: 2-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
? Transportation: About 3 minutes on foot from Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. About 5 minutes on foot from Aoyama-Itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, or Toei Oedo Line
【4】National Azabu Memorial Park
National Azabu Memorial Park is a famous spot for viewing ginkgo and maple leaves. The park features ginkgo-lined promenades around its canal and sports plaza, where visitors can admire the beautiful yellow leaves shining under the autumn sky, as well as the golden carpet formed by fallen leaves covering the pathways.
? Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo
? Operating hours: 9:30–17:00 (Weekdays from November to February close at 16:30, weekends and holidays at 18:00)
? Admission: Adults 410 yen; elementary and junior high school students 80 yen; seniors 65+ 210 yen
【5】Yasukuni Shrine
The ginkgo trees at Yasukuni Shrine stand in rows along both sides of the approach leading to the shrine's entrance. In autumn, when the leaves turn golden yellow, the scenery is incredibly beautiful, making it one of Tokyo’s most famous spots for ginkgo viewing. Moreover, the trees are illuminated at night, offering a different and enchanting view of the golden foliage after dark.
? Address: 3-1-1 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
? Opening Hours: 06:00–18:00 from March to October; 06:00–17:00 from November to February
Only going to Japan to see cherry blossoms in spring is so outdated now!! Have you taken notes on the five best spots in central Tokyo for ginkgo viewing introduced above? Hurry up and plan your trip this autumn—book your flights and accommodation, and set off for Tokyo right away to immerse yourself in the sea of golden leaves!!
This article is republished with authorization fromHong Kong 01, originally published in01 Travel / 01 Food.