The ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien (the outer gardens of Meiji Shrine, in the Aoyama area) is one of Tokyo’s most famous and beautiful autumn spectacles. Some 140-plus ginkgo trees line both sides of the wide, straight boulevard leading toward the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, their branches carefully shaped over the years into elegant conical forms. In late autumn — typically from mid-November to early December — the trees turn a brilliant, uniform gold, and the avenue becomes a breathtaking tunnel of yellow, with fallen leaves carpeting the ground in gold. It’s a hugely popular seasonal sight, drawing crowds of visitors and photographers, and during peak season a food-stall festival often adds to the atmosphere. The golden tunnel is stunning both by day and when softly lit, and the tree-lined avenue is a pleasant, elegant stroll at any time of year. For autumn colour in the heart of the city, it’s hard to beat.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo |
| Hours | Always open (avenue) |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-Nov to early Dec (gold) |
What to See
- 140-plus ginkgo trees lining a straight boulevard.
- A breathtaking golden tunnel in late autumn.
- Fallen leaves carpeting the ground in gold.
- A food-stall festival during peak season.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Meiji Shrine nearby.
- Pair with Shibuya Crossing a short ride away.
- Read our Tokyo overview .
Getting There
- By subway: a short walk from Gaienmae Station.
- On foot: in the Aoyama/Jingu Gaien area.
Tips
Time your visit for the peak golden period (usually mid-November to early December) as it’s short and weather-dependent — check foliage reports before going. Come early in the day to beat the biggest crowds, enjoy the food stalls if the seasonal festival is on, and combine it with nearby Meiji Shrine and Aoyama.
