Autumn Ginkgo Viewing: 6 Must-Visit Spots in Japan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
As autumn arrives, besides enjoying the vibrant red leaves, visiting Japan this season also means you can't miss the dreamy ginkgo scenery. The golden ginkgo trees transform the blue sky and green lawns into a yellow hue, creating an exceptionally romantic view. Take good notes and check out these must-visit ginkgo viewing spots in Japan.
 
● Aomori Prefecture | Kitakanezawa

Located in Aomori Prefecture, Kitakanezawa is home to Japan’s largest ginkgo tree, which is over 1,000 years old, standing 31 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 22 meters. It is designated as a national natural monument.

● Kyoto | Nishi Honganji Temple

Located in Kyoto, Nishi Honganji Temple features a ginkgo tree in front of the temple that is over 400 years old. Every autumn, the massive ginkgo turns into a burst of radiant gold, seemingly greeting visitors with vitality. In addition, Kyoto also has many streets lined with ginkgo trees as roadside trees—especially near intersections such as Horikawa-dori, Higashi-oji-dori, and Kodachi-gawa-dori close to Kyoto University—where rows of golden ginkgos create breathtaking views.

● Tokyo | Meiji Jingu Gaien

During autumn, the ginkgo-lined avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of Tokyo’s most famous fall sightseeing spots. With over a hundred towering ginkgo trees lining both sides, it's a popular choice for locals during the fall season. The area often gets crowded on weekends, making it the most iconic ginkgo viewing spot in central Tokyo. The neatly aligned golden ginkgos along the avenue stretch about 300 meters, offering a stunningly layered beauty that is unforgettable.

● Tokyo | Showa Memorial Park

Reachable in just over 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station via a rapid train, the national Showa Memorial Park is a great alternative to escape the crowds at popular urban fall foliage spots. Dominated by ginkgo trees, the park’s 180 hectares are covered with a golden carpet of fallen ginkgo leaves, creating a picturesque, poetic scene where you can enjoy the rare sense of openness and greenery in central Tokyo.

● Chiba Prefecture | Naritasan Park

Located within the expansive grounds of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, the park spans 165,000 square meters. Every autumn, over 250 plants including maple and ginkgo trees display a riot of colors—green, red, and gold—filling the landscape and complementing the ancient temple buildings, creating a beautiful scene. In addition to ginkgo trees, those wishing to enjoy autumn leaves should head to areas around the “Naritasan Shodo Art Museum” and “Ryuchi Pond,” which are particularly famous for their foliage.