New Romantic Choice for Autumn and Winter: Top 5 Ginkgo Avenues in Tokyo

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

As autumn and winter arrive, visitors to Tokyo can experience not only the city’s urban culture but also enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. In fact, beyond maple leaves, Tokyo offers another scenic delight: the golden ginkgo-lined avenues. Late autumn to early winter is the best time to admire the ginkgo trees in Tokyo, and it’s a breathtaking sight that locals highly recommend.

1. Meiji Jingu Gaien
Among Tokyo’s ginkgo avenues, Meiji Jingu Gaien is definitely a top choice for travelers. The tall, neatly lined ginkgo trees and the “Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery” at the end create a magnificent and majestic atmosphere. This ginkgo-lined avenue stretches 300 meters and is even specially trimmed into the shape of a Christmas tree to welcome the holiday season.

2. University of Tokyo Hongo Campus
Japan’s top university, the University of Tokyo, is not only a prestigious institution that many aspire to enter but also boasts a beautiful campus and historic buildings that add to its charm. The ginkgo trees on campus, paired with modern Japanese architectural styles, feel like stepping into a Japanese drama, evoking nostalgic memories of youth and school days.

3. Keio University Hiyoshi Campus
Besides the University of Tokyo, many universities also have ginkgo trees. One of the private elite schools, “Keio University,” greets students and visitors with two neat rows of ginkgo trees right at the entrance of its Hiyoshi Campus.

4. Komazawa Olympic Park
Though not as famous as Meiji Jingu Gaien, Komazawa Olympic Park also boasts a spectacular ginkgo-lined avenue. The ginkgo avenue on Komazawa-dori is referred to as the “Ginkgo Tunnel.” The park also features a sports complex and numerous athletic facilities, making it a great spot for family outings and nature walks.