Text by Alex
Japan has entered its autumn foliage season. From what we’ve seen online, popular spots such as Kyoto and Tokyo are ablaze with vibrant red maple leaves. However, in the somewhat remote town of Nichinan in Tottori Prefecture, there is a century-old giant ginkgo tree that has recently become a star. Standing alone beside the playground of an abandoned rural elementary school, and with its massive size, the tree could easily come across as imposing—but through the lens of Japanese photographers, this grand ginkgo transforms into a gentle and kind-hearted giant, watching over everyone beneath its shade.
▲ The giant ginkgo tree at Hinoue Elementary School is estimated to be over 100 years old. (Photo by ryostory1124 @IG)
▲ (Photo by ryostory1124 @IG)
Ginkgo seeds are what we commonly know as ginkgo nuts. With their fan-shaped leaves, the tree is also referred to by an old Japanese name—“duck-foot tree.” As a deciduous tree, ginkgo foliage turns from green to yellow in autumn. Under the sun, the leaves shine with a golden glow. Even when the leaves wither and fall to the ground, they pile up like a soft carpet. Many people even lie on the fallen leaves to take selfies, enjoying the moment.
▲ Through the photographer’s lens, the giant ginkgo tree appears as a gentle and kind-hearted giant, watching over everyone beneath its shade. (Photo by kaji_nori06 @IG)
▲ (Photo by maka_camera11 @IG)
Traveling from Tottori City to Hinoue Elementary School, where the ginkgo tree is located, takes about three hours by car one way—not very convenient—and the best viewing period has already passed. If you’re recently in Tokyo and still want to see some golden ginkgo trees, consider heading to the National Showa Memorial Park in western Tokyo. This park, formerly an air force base, features two ginkgo-lined avenues with 96 and 106 ginkgo trees respectively. It takes about an hour by train from Tokyo to reach the park.
▲ In autumn, the ginkgo leaves turn from green to yellow and shine with a golden glow under the sun. (Photo by ototon96 @IG)
Additionally, within Tokyo, there is another traditional ginkgo-viewing hotspot: the Outer Garden of Meiji Shrine Ginkgo Avenue. This ginkgo-lined path is about 300 meters long and is lined with 146 ginkgo trees, all pruned into a teardrop shape. However, according to photos posted online, this year’s display hasn’t been ideal—some leaves haven’t yet turned yellow, and the trees appear sparser than in previous years. Fortunately, there is still a Ginkgo Festival happening nearby, with food stalls and performances, running until December 1st.
▲ (Photo by yasuto.photography @IG)
▲ (Photo by yasuto.photography @IG)
▲ In the autumn evenings, the area around the giant ginkgo tree is lit up, revealing a different side of its beauty. (Photo by nmk5_pentax @IG)
▲ The National Showa Memorial Park has two ginkgo-lined avenues. (Photo by tetsu_photo2 @Twitter)
▲ National Showa Memorial Park (Photo by onotch_x @Twitter)
▲ This year, the Outer Garden of Meiji Shrine Ginkgo Avenue hasn’t been ideal—the leaves haven’t fully turned yellow and the trees seem sparser than usual. (Photo by hides.travelphoto @IG)
▲ Ginkgo trees can be easily spotted all over Japan. This photo shows Tokatsu Park in Utsunomiya. (Photo by hiro_ig410 @Twitter)
▲ Tokatsu Park in Utsunomiya (Photo by hiro_ig410 @Twitter)
▲ Fukushima General Sports Park (Photo by catseyes_tomo @Twitter)
Sources: Ryostory1124, National Showa Memorial Park, Tabirai Japan