Text by Alex
Japan has entered its autumn foliage season. From what we’ve seen online, popular spots like Kyoto and Tokyo are ablaze with vibrant maple colors. However, in the somewhat remote town of Nichinan in Tottori Prefecture, a century-old giant ginkgo tree has recently become a star. Standing alone beside the playground of an abandoned rural elementary school, its enormous size 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 under its shade.
▲ The giant ginkgo tree at Hino Upper 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 white nuts. With fan-shaped leaves, the tree is also referred to by its ancient nickname, “duck-foot tree,” in Japan. As a deciduous tree, its leaves turn from green to yellow in autumn, shimmering golden under the sunlight. Even when the leaves wither and fall to the ground, they pile up like a soft carpet—so much so that many people lie on them to take playful selfies.
▲ Through the photographer’s lens, the giant ginkgo tree appears as a gentle and kind-hearted giant, watching over everyone under its shade. (Photo by kaji_nori06 @IG)
▲ (Photo by maka_camera11 @IG)
Traveling by car from Tottori City to the location of the ginkgo tree at Hino Upper Elementary School takes about three hours one way—not very convenient—and the optimal viewing period has already passed. But if you’re recently in Tokyo and still want to see those golden-yellow ginkgo trees, consider heading to Kōenji Park (Showa Memorial Park) in western Tokyo. This former airfield-turned-garden 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, shining golden under the sun. (Photo by ototon96 @IG)
Additionally, within Tokyo, there’s another traditional hotspot for ginkgo viewing: the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue. This ginkgo-lined path stretches about 300 meters and is lined with 146 ginkgo trees, all pruned into a distinctive teardrop shape. However, according to photos posted by netizens, 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’s 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 completely different charm. (Photo by nmk5_pentax @IG)
▲ Kōenji Park has two ginkgo-lined avenues. (Photo by tetsu_photo2 @Twitter)
▲ Kōenji Park (Photo by onotch_x @Twitter)
▲ This year, the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue hasn’t been at its best—the leaves haven’t fully turned yellow and the trees seem sparser than usual. (Photo by hides.travelphoto @IG)
▲ Ginkgo trees can be found throughout Japan. This photo shows Tokatsu Park in Utsunomiya. (Photo by hiro_ig410 @Twitter)
▲ Tokatsu Park in Utsunomiya (Photo by hiro_ig410 @Twitter)
▲ Fukushima Prefectural Sports Park (Photo by catseyes_tomo @Twitter)
Sources: Ryostory1124, Kōenji Park (Showa Memorial Park), Tabirai Japan