By MOOK Scenic Spots Family (compiled and reported)
Every year from October to December is the popular season for viewing maple leaves in Japan, but the beauty of autumn in Japan includes not only the vibrant red maple leaves but also the dazzling golden ginkgo trees. Some attractions even host local ginkgo festivals, creating a lively atmosphere to enjoy the scenery. Below are five classic ginkgo avenues in Japan.
The “Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue” is a famous ginkgo viewing spot in Hokkaido. (Photo / Hokkaido University)
1. Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Located in the center of Sapporo, Hokkaido University has about 70 ginkgo trees planted along both sides of North 13th Street, with the entire ginkgo avenue stretching approximately 380 meters. The annual “Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival” is held on the last weekend of October, where you can also admire the dreamy illuminated ginkgo avenue and experience the golden beauty filled with academic and serene charm.
Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival
Date: October 27–28, 2018
Transportation: Take the Namboku Line of the subway and get off at “Kita-12 Jo” Station, a 5-minute walk
The best viewing period for the Hokkaido University ginkgo avenue is late October to early November
2. Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo
Located in Tokyo, the Meiji Jingu Gaien features 146 ginkgo trees lining the roadside, which begin to turn yellow around mid-November, forming a highly popular 300-meter-long beautiful golden tunnel that attracts numerous visitors every year. The “Ginkgo Festival” held when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow features food and craft stalls, making it one of Tokyo’s popular autumn events in recent years.
2018 Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival
Date: November 16 – December 2, 2018, 10:00–17:30 (tentative)
Transportation info: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line / Toei Subway Oedo Line and get off at “Aoyama-Itchome” Station
The best viewing period for the ginkgo trees at Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Gaien is mid-November to early December each year.
3. Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa, Tokyo
The National Showa Memorial Park’s “Canal Ginkgo Avenue,” located near the main gate, is a tree-lined boulevard consisting of 106 ginkgo trees in a row, extending approximately 200 meters. The yellowing ginkgo trees reflect beautifully on both sides of the canal. Meanwhile, the “Heart-to-Heart Ginkgo Avenue” near the sports plaza features about 98 ginkgo trees along a roughly 300-meter-long golden tunnel, also a popular photo spot.
2018 Autumn Leaves and Red Leaves Festival
Date: November 3 – November 25, 2018 (tentative)
Transportation: A 2-minute walk from “Nishi-Tachikawa” Station on the JR Ome Line
The best viewing period for the ginkgo trees at the National Showa Memorial Park is early to late November each year.
4. Sakae Town, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture
Sakae Town in Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture, is home to over 10,000 ginkgo trees, the largest number in all of Japan. The entire town is filled with the beauty of ginkgo trees, especially after they turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn. The annual “Sakae Ginkgo Yellow Leaf Festival” not only allows visitors to explore booths and exhibitions, but also enjoy the dreamy illuminated ginkgo trees in the evening.
Sakae Ginkgo Yellow Leaf Festival
Date: November 23 – December 2, 2018
Nighttime illumination: November 23 – December 1, 17:00–21:00
Transportation: Take the Nagoya Railroad Bisai Line and get off at either “Moriage” Station or “Yamazaki” Station
The best viewing period for the ginkgo trees in Sakae Town, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture, is late November to early December each year.
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