Photo Spot · Aoyama / Jingu Gaien
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue 明治神宮外苑 いちょう並木
Four rows of towering ginkgo trees that turn brilliant gold in late November, planted in tapering heights so they draw the eye toward the domed Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery: Tokyo's most famous autumn shot.
About
The ginkgo avenue of Jingu Gaien runs about 300 m from Aoyama-dori to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and is lined with 146 ginkgo trees planted in the 1920s. They were planted in order of height, tallest at the Aoyama end and gradually shorter toward the gallery, which exaggerates the perspective and makes the domed building look distant and grand. From late November to early December the canopy turns gold, leaves carpet the pavement and the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival brings food stalls. The redevelopment of the Jingu Gaien district has made the trees a subject of public debate and has caused some route changes and construction around the area, but the avenue itself remains open to visitors.
Highlights
- Four rows of 146 ginkgo trees turning gold in late November
- Forced perspective toward the domed Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery
- A golden carpet of fallen leaves on the pavement
- Ginkgo festival stalls in season
- Classic Tokyo autumn image, close to Aoyama and Omotesando
Tips
- Peak colour is usually the last week of November into early December; check autumn colour reports.
- Go at sunrise on a weekday: by 10:00 on weekends the pavements are packed.
- Shoot from the Aoyama-dori end with a 70-200 mm to compress the trees toward the gallery.
- Construction in the area may close or divert parts of the pavement; follow the signs and staff.
- Tripods are impractical during the festival crowds.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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