Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is a tree-lined street in Tokyo’s Kita-Aoyama area, known for its golden autumn foliage. The straight avenue runs toward the Seitoku Memorial Picture Gallery, with rows of ginkgo trees framing the view. Come for a slow walk and photos, especially from mid-November to early December, when the leaves turn yellow and the Icho Festival brings food stalls and evening illuminations. It gets busy during the foliage season, so an early visit gives you more room to stroll.

A straight avenue of ginkgo trees

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is in the outer garden area of Meiji Jingu, in Kita-Aoyama. Its rows of ginkgo trees line a straight street that runs from Aoyama-dori toward the Seitoku Memorial Picture Gallery. In late autumn, the leaves turn yellow and form a bright canopy above the road.

The avenue is about 300 metres long, making it a short walk rather than a lengthy park visit. Benches along the route give you a place to sit and take in the trees. Nearby cafes and eateries are convenient for a break before or after your stroll.

When the leaves turn gold

The main foliage season runs from mid-November to early December, though the exact appearance can differ from one visit to the next. In mid-November, some rows may look yellower than others; by late November and early December, leaves can begin to fall. The changing colors are part of the autumn scenery, so the avenue may look different even over a short stretch of the season.

The Icho Festival takes place during this period, with food stalls and evening illuminations. The avenue is a popular photography spot, and crowds can gather around the pedestrian crossing. Arriving early can give you a calmer walk and more space to frame a picture. Ginkgo fruit has a strong smell, so take care where you step.