By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
In late autumn, besides viewing maple leaves, the most anticipated sight in Japan is ginkgo trees transforming from green to golden yellow. Around mid-November is when Tokyo’s ginkgo trees are at their most beautiful. If you enjoy taking in such scenery at a leisurely pace, the first place we recommend is Tokyo’s Showa Memorial Park.
Showa Memorial Park in Tokyo is currently at its ginkgo peak. (Photo courtesy of Sister Zhang)
The ginkgo-lined paths have been pruned into square shapes, creating adorable golden blocks. (Photo courtesy of Sister Zhang)
Tokyo’s National Showa Memorial Park, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign, can be reached in just over 30 minutes by express train from Shinjuku Station, making it a great choice for those looking to avoid the crowds at more popular city foliage spots. Dominated by ginkgo trees, the park spans 180 hectares (equivalent to about 39 Tokyo Domes), making it one of Japan’s largest national parks. In autumn, the golden ginkgo trees flood the sky and carpet the ground, creating a fairytale-like golden wonderland. Here you can enjoy the rare sense of openness and greenery found in central Tokyo, making it a favorite spot for both international visitors and locals to view both maple and ginkgo foliage. Among its highlights is the famous 200-meter-long “golden tunnel” formed by a row of 106 ginkgo trees.
Ginkgo-lined avenues are everywhere, perfect for photographers. (Photo courtesy of Sister Zhang)
Showa Memorial Park is blanketed in golden ginkgo leaves. (Image source: retrip)
Autumn in Tokyo brings a touch of tranquility and leisure. (Photo courtesy of Sister Zhang)
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