Every autumn, a multitude of travelers flock to Tokyo from all corners of the world. They stroll along the golden ginkgo tree-lined avenues, their leaves ablaze with hues of yellow. As they breathe in the crisp autumn air, a sense of pure happiness envelops them. Having already booked my flight and hotel well in advance, I’ve set my sights on exploring the maple and ginkgo wonders of West Tokyo this fall. Time is always limited when touring Tokyo, and there are countless places to visit, each vying for attention. So, where do people love to admire the ginkgo trees? In my opinion, these four Tokyo ginkgo spots are truly worth a visit:
The University of Tokyo
Founded in 1877, emerged from the merger of the Tokyo Kaisei School and the Tokyo Medical School. These institutions laid the groundwork for faculties in law, science, letters, and medicine, alongside a university preparatory school. Over time, the university expanded through mergers, becoming a leading research institution.
Comprising 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, 11 affiliated research institutes, and more, it boasts 450+ international exchange agreements. Noteworthy alumni include eight Nobel Prize winners, 15 Japanese prime ministers, and five astronauts. Despite the 1923 earthquake, the University of Tokyo thrived, thanks to support from the Rockefeller Foundation. Today, it stands as Japan’s premier educational beacon!
Prominent landmarks such as the Akamon Gate, Yasuda Auditorium, and the Sanshiro Pond are all nestled within the Hongo campus. This picturesque beauty, often seen only on postcards, quietly unfolds before your eyes!
The University of Tokyo boasts several campuses, but the most renowned is the Hongo campus, steeped in the university’s longest history. Here, the ginkgo trees take center stage, especially during autumn. I recommend a leisurely stroll through this unique campus, where the golden hues of the ginkgoes create an unparalleled seasonal ambiance.
For those heading to the University of Tokyo, here’s a travel tip: alight at “Hongo-sanchome” station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or the Toei Oedo Line. From there, open Google Maps and search for “Akamon”—a mere 10-minute walk will lead you to the iconic red gate of Todai. From here, immerse yourself in the campus, savoring the enchanting ginkgo-lined path along the way!
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Jingu Gaien: Tokyo’s Romantic Ginkgo Avenue
Tokyo’s ginkgo trees hold an air of romance, and nowhere is this more evident than in Jingu Gaien. Here, the Ginkgo Avenue boasts its own unique character—a modern-day poem etched in ginkgo leaves. As you wander, you’ll find yourself weaving between the ancient and the contemporary.
Jingu Gaien, also known as the “Outer Gardens of Meiji Shrine”, sprawls across a vast expanse. Amidst the greenery, beyond the renowned Ginkgo Avenue, you’ll discover architectural gems like the National Stadium and the Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. It’s a harmonious blend of nature and history, where ginkgoes compose their golden verses.
Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike flock to this spot during late November and early December. The ginkgo leaves, at the peak of their golden transformation, turn the tunnel into a paradise for visual storytellers.
As you wander through this arboreal corridor, imagine walking beneath a canopy of shimmering gold. The ginkgo leaves, like delicate coins, flutter in the breeze, creating a magical ambiance.
Transportation Options for Outer Garden (Gaien) Area:
- From JR “Shinanocho” Station: A leisurely 10-minute walk will take you to the Outer Garden.
- From Toei Oedo Line “Kokuritsu Kyogijo” Station: Another convenient 10-minute walk will lead you to the same destination.
- Alternatively, if you’re using the Tokyo Metro, a brisk 5-minute walk from either the “Gaienmae” or “Aoyama-itchome” stations will get you there.
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Shinjuku Gyoen:
Throughout the seasons, Shinjuku Gyoen radiates diverse and captivating beauty. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, while autumn brings fiery maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees, all of which are considered world-class scenic wonders.
During my Tokyo ginkgo tour, the memory card space that stands out the most is dedicated to the ginkgo forest within Shinjuku Gyoen! In my heart, this park is Tokyo’s most enchanting and worthwhile destination, even though it requires a 200 Japanese yen ticket (and yet, during peak blossom season, the lines remain impressively long).
In the heart of Tokyo, within the enchanting expanse of Shinjuku Gyoen, lies a remarkable sight. Although only two majestic ginkgo trees grace this space, they dwarf their counterparts elsewhere.
Beneath their canopy, a special grassy clearing unfolded—a scene captured through the lens of an iPhone 6 Plus, its colors saturated and vivid.
And on this fortuitous day, an extraordinary convergence occurred: the vibrant hues of maple leaves danced alongside the golden ginkgo foliage.
This slice of nature, with its grand ginkgo forest, remains etched in my memory as Tokyo’s most captivating and deserving park. Despite the modest 200 Japanese yen admission fee (and the perpetual queues during peak blossom season), Shinjuku Gyoen stands as an oasis of wonder and tranquility.
Transportation Recommendations for Shinjuku Gyoen:
- Operating Hours: The park welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (with closing at 4:30 PM).
- Access Routes:
- From the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, alight at Shinjuku Gyoen Station (Exit 1) and enjoy a leisurely 5-minute walk to the park.
- Alternatively, if you’re arriving via the JR Chuo Line, disembark at Sendagaya Station and take a pleasant 6-minute stroll to reach this urban oasis.
Yoyogi Park: Where Nature and Urban Chic Coexist
If Harajuku is already on your itinerary, why not take a leisurely detour to Yoyogi Park? Nestled between Harajuku Station and the iconic Meiji Shrine, this sprawling urban oasis is Tokyo’s very own forest retreat.
在代代木公園你可以充分感受到城市旅人奔波後，置身在一片茂密森林中的歇個腳的滿足安靜的森林外還有隨時舉行的各種活動與表演。
這趟造訪代代木公園時，
銀杏的葉子有很多已經掉落在地面上，
形成了幾乎看不見泥巴地、厚厚的、淺淺金黃色的森林地毯
怪不得此時吸引各式各樣的遊客、
有成群的青春少年在練街、扛著專業器材的攝影同好
還有一對新人在此拍攝婚紗照呢!
因為照片落葉林太美麗趁著那金黃枝葉低垂著的模樣，
浪漫感十足！
既然景那麼美~那我也來拍個兩張吧!
去到原宿已是傍晚，華燈初上的秋天帶有幾分低調的華麗~若下次有機會來到原宿附近，逛街之餘，別忘了把代代木公園放進你的口袋名單，來體驗這裡獨有的美好氛圍吧!
代代木公園交通方式~
搭乘電車前往:
・於JR山手線「原宿」站、東京Metro地鐵千代田線「代代木公園」站下車後步行3分鐘
・於小田急線「代代木八幡」站下車後步行6分鐘
其實這裡離外苑前很近。想運動一下的話，不妨跟我來得時候一樣，一路從新宿三丁目走到代代木吃佐世保的手工漢堡(文章)，再一路呼吸新鮮的空氣逛到代代木公園吧!
