The ginkgo trees have turned Tokyo’s Showa Memorial Park golden yellow—it's absolutely stunning right now!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 

In late autumn, apart from viewing maple leaves, the most anticipated sight in Japan is the transformation of ginkgo leaves from green to golden yellow. Around mid-November is when Tokyo’s ginkgo trees are at their most beautiful. If you enjoy taking in the scenery—including ginkgo and maple foliage—at a leisurely pace, the first place we recommend is Tokyo’s National Showa Memorial Park.

Tokyo’s National Showa Memorial Park is a commemorative park built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. It can be reached in just over 30 minutes by express train from Shinjuku Station, making it a great alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds at other popular urban fall foliage spots. The park is dominated by ginkgo trees, covering an area of 180 hectares (equivalent to 39 Tokyo Domes), and is considered one of Japan’s largest national parks. In autumn, the golden ginkgo trees fill the sky and cover the ground, creating a fantastical golden fairytale-like scene. Here, you can enjoy a sense of openness and greenery rarely found in central Tokyo, making it a favorite spot for both international visitors and locals to admire both maple and ginkgo foliage. Among its highlights is a famous 200-meter-long golden tunnel formed by 106 ginkgo trees.