By / MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
In late autumn Japan, not only are the beautiful maple leaves painted red, but the ginkgo trees turning from green to golden are equally dazzling. If you’re in bustling Tokyo and want to admire ginkgo trees, consider taking a train from Shinjuku to visit Hachioji City, where a stunning four-kilometer ginkgo avenue shines brightly. Starting November 21 for two consecutive days, the area will also host the Ginkgo Festival to celebrate the arrival of this fairytale-like golden ginkgo scenery.
Hachioji City’s ginkgo avenue stretches 4 kilometers, a breathtaking golden spectacle. (Image source / ichou-festa)
Traveling from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station by train takes just 45 minutes to reach Hachioji City. From mid-November each year, the streets here are dyed a brilliant golden yellow by the changing ginkgo leaves. Along the stretch from Takao Station to Oiwakecho in Hachioji, around 770 ginkgo trees have lined both sides of the road since the early Showa period, extending for 4 kilometers. The dazzling golden tunnel feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Hachioji City’s ginkgo avenue. (Image source / sikisai)
Additionally, the annual Hachioji Ginkgo Festival is set to take place on November 21 and 22. In addition to a rural market, food stalls, street performers, and other activities, there will also be a classic car parade featuring vintage vehicles preserved since the Showa era, allowing visitors to enjoy a nostalgic, retro urban vibe against the golden autumn backdrop.
【Info】
Hachioji Ginkgo Festival (Hachioji Icho Matsuri)
Date: 2015/11/21, 22
Access: JR Keio Line Takao Station North Exit / JR Nishi-Hachioji Station North Exit, 1-minute walk
