Meiji Jingu Gaien: The Famous Ginkgo Avenue

Every autumn, a straight, golden tunnel of ginkgo trees leads toward a domed gallery in central Tokyo, and this guide explains when and how to enjoy it.

Published October 22, 2026 at 2:01 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien is a roughly 300-meter road lined with four rows of ginkgo trees, running from Aoyama-dori to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. The leaves usually start turning yellow in mid-November and are fully golden from late November into early December. The nearest station is Gaiemmae on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

Tokyo has many places to see autumn color, but few are as photographed as the ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien. The scene is simple and striking: a straight road, a canopy of yellow leaves and a stately building waiting at the far end. Visitors often ask when the trees change color, how to get there and what else is nearby. This guide covers the avenue, the park around it, the history behind both and practical tips for a comfortable autumn visit.

What the Ginkgo Avenue Is

The avenue is a straight road of about 300 meters that connects Aoyama-dori with the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. Four rows of ginkgo trees line the road, which creates a dense, even canopy overhead. The effect is of a golden tunnel, especially when the afternoon sun comes through the leaves.

Ginkgo is a distinctive tree with fan-shaped leaves that turn a clear, bright yellow in autumn. Unlike red maples, which give a patchwork of color, ginkgo trees tend to turn together, so the avenue changes from green to gold in a short window. That makes the timing exciting for photographers and casual walkers alike.

According to Japanese reference sources, the outer two rows are cared for by the Meiji Jingu organization and the inner two by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, with pruning coordinated between them. The cooperation helps keep the shape of the avenue neat, which is part of why the view looks so orderly.

The Story of Meiji Jingu Gaien

Meiji Jingu Gaien is the outer garden of Meiji Jingu, the shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine itself sits in a forested inner precinct near Harajuku, while the outer garden lies a short distance away in a more open, park-like setting. Together, the two areas were planned as a memorial to the Meiji era, which is when Japan opened to the world and modernized.

The outer garden was built on the site of the former Aoyama Parade Ground, where funeral rites for Emperor Meiji were held. Construction began in 1918, and the project was supported by public donations, with youth groups contributing volunteer labor from 1919. After a pause caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the garden was completed and dedicated to the shrine in 1926.

The ginkgo trees were planted as part of this work, and the avenue has been a Tokyo landmark ever since. The inner garden of the shrine is Japanese in style, while the outer garden has a Western flavor, with broad avenues and open lawns. That contrast reflects the way Meiji-era Japan blended its own traditions with ideas from abroad.

When the Leaves Change

Ginkgo leaves on the avenue usually begin to change in mid-November, and they tend to be fully golden from late November to early December. Weather affects the schedule each year, so a warm autumn can delay the color, while a cold snap can speed it up. Check recent news or the official Meiji Jingu Gaien site for the latest status before you go.

The best viewing time is often described as the days when the canopy is full yellow and the ground has just begun to be covered with fallen leaves. A carpet of golden leaves adds to the beauty, but it can also mean the branches are thinning. If you hope for both a yellow ceiling and a yellow floor, aim for the middle of the peak period.

Time of day matters too. Morning light is soft and the avenue is quieter, while late afternoon light gives warm, glowing color. Weekends and holidays in late November are crowded, so a weekday morning is a good choice if you want clear views.

Getting There

The easiest access is Gaiemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, which is about a five-minute walk from the avenue. Other nearby stations include Aoyama-itchome and Shinanomachi, and walking times vary by exit. Exact routes vary, so check a map app for the walking directions from your station.

Because the gallery sits at the end of the road, visitors typically begin at the Aoyama-dori entrance and walk toward it, then turn around for the reverse view. The classic photograph looks along the length of the avenue toward the gallery building. Walking back gives a different perspective, with the road lined with trees all the way to the main street.

The area is large, so wear comfortable shoes. If you want to combine the avenue with other sights, the surrounding streets lead to cafes, galleries and the shrine's forest, all within a few stops by train or a longer walk.

What Else Is in the Outer Garden

The outer garden is much more than a pretty road. At the end of the avenue stands the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, which displays paintings illustrating the life of Emperor Meiji and the events of his reign. Check the official site for exhibition hours, ticket details and days when the gallery is closed.

Nearby sports facilities add to the lively character of the area. Meiji Jingu Stadium is the baseball ground where the Yakult Swallows play, and the garden also has a rugby ground, an indoor ice skating rink, tennis courts, a golf practice range, a batting center and futsal courts. There is a children's play area too, which makes the garden a popular place for families.

These facilities show that the outer garden was meant for public enjoyment, not just for quiet contemplation. Depending on the day, you may see people jogging, playing sports or simply enjoying the open air. The mix of athletic energy and golden trees gives the area a cheerful feel.

Photography and Walking Tips

A few simple habits make a visit more pleasant. Walk along the edge of the road rather than stopping in the middle, and take your photos from the side so that others can pass. In busy periods, patience helps. Crowds move in waves, and a short wait often gives a clearer view.

For photographs, a standard or short telephoto lens compresses the perspective and makes the trees appear closer together. Include a person walking in the frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting slightly upward can capture the full canopy, and a lower sun angle gives glowing leaves.

Remember that fallen ginkgo fruits can have a strong smell when crushed, so watch your step and keep shoes clean. Food stalls and seasonal events sometimes appear nearby in autumn, but arrangements change each year. Always follow posted rules and signs, and carry your trash with you.

Planning Around Ongoing Changes

The wider Gaien area is part of a long-term redevelopment plan, with work scheduled in phases over many years. According to project information, the plan includes preserving the ginkgo avenue. Because construction can change fencing, paths and access, it is wise to check current notices before you travel.

Check also for any temporary changes to viewing areas, particularly during the busiest weeks. The official website is the best source for up-to-date information. A little preparation ensures that your visit is smooth, regardless of how the surroundings evolve.

The avenue has been a favorite autumn destination for generations of Tokyo residents, and visitors who plan ahead can enjoy it just as comfortably. Pair it with a visit to the shrine forest, a stroll through nearby neighborhoods or a cup of coffee in Aoyama, and you have a full and memorable autumn day.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japan Photo Book: Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shibuya is available on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue?

The leaves usually begin turning in mid-November and are fully golden from late November into early December. The exact timing shifts with the weather each year, so check current reports before you go. A weekday morning is a good choice if you want fewer crowds.

How can visitors get to the ginkgo avenue?

The closest station is Gaiemmae on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, about a five-minute walk away. From there, follow signs toward Aoyama-dori and the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. Other stations in the Aoyama and Shinanomachi areas are also within walking distance.

How long is the ginkgo avenue?

It runs for roughly 300 meters from Aoyama-dori to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, with four rows of ginkgo trees along the road. The walk takes only a few minutes, but many visitors spend an hour or more taking photos and exploring the surrounding outer garden.

Further Reading

To explore further, see Meiji Jingu Gaien on English Wikipedia and Meiji Jingu Gaien official site.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Ginkgo Avenues: Japan's Golden Autumn Streets, Meiji Jingu: A Forest Shrine in the Heart of Tokyo and From Shibuya to Yoyogi Park: An Easy Walk.