Tokyo gingko photography spots - in search of autumn gold

When you think of autumn colours, orange and red probably come to mind. But Tokyo is home to impressive ginkgo trees and come mid November - early December, these brilliant, yellow trees turn streets into golden tunnels and carpets. For me, there is something about seeing the expanse of pure and bright yellow that is so grand and uplifting.

To add some autumn gold to your trip to Tokyo in November / early December, I am sharing my top five ginkgo spots in the city. They are each unique in terms of atmosphere, location and best viewing time - comment below to let me know which one you plan to visit or share your favourite spot!

For more autumn spots / inspiration - check out #TheWanderingCam_Autumn on my instagram! As always, my DM is open so do say hello and tag me if you visit any of these spots!

5. Hikarigaoka Park (光が丘公園)

Starting the list with this local neighbourhood gem - a large public park in Nerima Ward. There is a gingko avenue through the middle of the park and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and people / dog watching. As you exit the station, you will be welcomed by ginkgo-lined road leading you to this wonderful park!

Best viewing time: mid-late November (bit earlier than the central Tokyo spots)

Nearest stations: Hikarigaoka Station (Oedo Line, 25mins from Shinjuku Station)

4. Meiji Jingu Gaien (明治神宮外苑)

This Gingko avenue is right in central Tokyo and a hot spot to get your gingko fix when visiting nearby Omotesando / Harajuku / Shinjuku. During the peak viewing time, a festival (cancelled for 2021) is held so you can enjoy some hot food and drink after a stroll under the gingko trees. Owing to its convenient location, it is very popular and crowded (especially on weekends) so for photography, best to go early on a weekday or visit one of the other spots below.

Best viewing time: mid-late November.

Nearest stations: Gaienmae (exit 4A) or Aoyama-Itchome (exit 1) (both on Ginza metro line) / JR Shinanomachi (south exit)

Visited at end of November and some leaves have fallen but the tunnel is still impressive and the footpath is covered with a yellow carpet!

3. Imperial Palace / Marunouchi (行幸通り)

This is a very central gingko spot in the Marunouchi / Otemachi business district. As it is right outside my office, it is my go to spot for a lunch break or afternoon walk come autumn! The main gingkgo avenue 行幸通り (Gyoko-dori) connects Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace gardens with further ginkgo along the palace moat. I love how this cheerful gold canopy really pops against the concrete skyscrapers in the area.

Part of Gyoko-dori is closed to traffic so it is a popular photo spot for wedding and commercials.

For an extended walk - head to nearby Hibiya Park which has a big ginkgo and maple trees, giving us all the traffic light colours in one frame!

Best viewing time: mid-late November

Nearest stations: easy and convenient access from Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Central Exit) / Nijubashimae Station / Otemachi Station

Colourful reflections at Hibiya Park

2. Showa Kinen Memorial Park (昭和記念公園)

If you want to venture further, this is the largest park (163 ha) in the Tokyo area and consists of many gardens and two gorgeous gingko avenues. Entrance fee is JPY 450 and location is in western Tokyo. This is a well known spot amongst locals and popular for families and pet owners (don’t be surprised by the number of kawaii and well-dressed dogs doing photoshoots under the yellow canopy!).

Best viewing time: mid-late November. Due to its western location, its best viewing time is earlier than spots in central Tokyo. Park website with regular update on flowering: here.

Nearest stations: Tachikawa (20mins walk) or Nishi-Tachikawa (5mins walk). 30-40mins from Shinjuku station on the Chuo Line. More access information here.

Due to the size of the park, it is easy to spend at least half a day here. If you want to see more of west Tokyo, combine a trip to Showa Kinen Park with one or more stops on the Chuo train line (or IKEA for Tokyo residents - right next to the park ;)):

Mt Takao - a favourite day hike from Tokyo, with excellent autumn colours and views of Mt Fuji;
Kichijoji - one of the most popular neighbourhoods with cafes and bars, notable attractions include Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park + Zoo (lovely for cherry blossom and autumn foliage)
Koenji - Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhood with a laid back and retro atmosphere, particularly great for vintage clothing shops and live music bars

Visited in mid-Nov which is just past peak judging by the number of fallen leaves — Visited in mid-Nov 2017 which is just past peak judging by the number of fallen leaves

Visited again mid-Nov 2019 with two adorable friends and colours were approaching peak!

1. Tokyo University, Hongo campus

The ginkgo leaf is Tokyo University's logo as it stands for endurance and longevity. No surprise then that there are impressive gingko trees on campus! What makes this place extra special (and my favourite!) is the backdrop of beautiful Gothic architecture and laid back campus life. Here is a map of the Hongo campus. The iconic gingko avenue leads from the main gate to Yasuda Auditorium (points E and G on map) and nearby is a small open area dominated by a majestic gingko tree (area above point Q on map). For a great autumn day out, combine with a visit to nearby Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, one of my favourite gardens for autumn foliage.

Best viewing time: late Nov - early Dec (the latest of the 3 spots mentioned here).

Nearest stations: Todaimae (Namboku line) / Hongo-sanchome (Marunouchi line) / Nezu (Chiyoda line). Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a 25mins walk away or one stop from Todaimae or Hongo-sanchome station.

Will you be seeing some ginkgo trees this autumn? Comment below!