Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue: Peak Timing & Light-Up
Tokyo Mate
🍂 Tokyo's #1 November autumn spot: Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue.
Complete guide to golden tunnel peak season, light-up, Christmas market, and photo zones.
Clear directions so first-timers won't get lost.
Introduction
The undisputed #1 autumn foliage spot in Tokyo during November is Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue (Meiji Jingu Gaien).
From peak golden tunnel timing to festivals, light-ups, and photo zones, we’ve compiled all the essential information travelers need to know.
Especially important: This is a completely different location from Meiji Jingu Shrine, so we’ll provide precise location details to avoid confusion.
🚨 Wait! “Meiji Jingu” and “Gaien” Are Different Places
This is the most common mistake visitors make. Meiji Jingu and Meiji Jingu Gaien have similar names but are completely different locations.
Meiji Jingu (明治神宮):
- Near Harajuku Station and Meiji-jingumae Station
- Famous for its lush forest and shrine
- 📍Google Maps↗ 📍
Meiji Jingu Gaien (明治神宮外苑):
- Near Gaienmae Station and Aoyama-itchome Station
- Where Tokyo’s famous ginkgo tree avenue is located
- 📍Google Maps↗ 📍
The two locations are over 30 minutes apart on foot. To see the ginkgo tree avenue, you must go to Meiji Jingu Gaien.
🍂 Why Meiji Jingu Gaien Is Tokyo’s #1 Ginkgo Avenue in November
The ginkgo trees here aren’t the typical round shape, but are managed in a pointed, conical form reaching toward the sky. This creates a more unique and majestic landscape.
About 146 ginkgo trees line both sides of a straight 300-meter road.
By late November, the entire street turns golden, creating the feeling of walking through a “golden tunnel.” This iconic autumn scene in Tokyo is famous as a filming location for dramas and movies.
📍 Easiest Access: Gaienmae Station vs Aoyama-itchome Station
The fastest and most convenient way is by subway.
1. Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G) ‘Gaienmae Station’
Exit 4a leads close to the ginkgo avenue entrance (about 5-minute walk). Just walk from the exit and the golden scenery unfolds before you.
2. Tokyo Metro ‘Aoyama-itchome Station’
This station is served by the Ginza Line (G), Hanzomon Line (Z), and Oedo Line (E).
Exit 1 leads close to the ginkgo avenue entrance (about 5-minute walk). Similar distance to Gaienmae Station.
💡 2025 Peak Season, Light-Up, and Key Events Complete Guide
Essential information to enjoy the ginkgo avenue 200%.
1. Tokyo Ginkgo Peak Season
- Timing: Late November ~ Early December annually
The leaves start turning mid-November and reach their peak during the last week of November. After early December, many leaves have fallen.
2. Night Light-Up
- Dates: November 22 (Sat) ~ November 30 (Sun), 2025
- Hours: 16:30 ~ 19:30
During the festival period, the ginkgo avenue is illuminated after sunset.
This creates a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere completely different from the golden daytime scenery.
If you’re planning an evening visit, don’t miss the 2025 light-up schedule.
Meiji Jingu Gaien ‘Tokyo Christmas Market’
“Into the Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales! Gorgeous Fantasy Christmas”
The ‘Tokyo Christmas Market,’ continuing the legacy of Hibiya Park’s famous event, is held at Meiji Jingu Gaien this year. It perfectly coincides with the ginkgo peak season.
Themed around Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales and European stories, it creates a gorgeous and fantastical festival atmosphere with colorful lights and music.
🗓️ Period: November 21 (Fri) ~ December 25 (Thu), 2025
⏰ Hours: First day 16:0021:30, Others 11:0021:30
📍 Location: In front of Meiji Jingu Gaien Seitoku Memorial Picture Gallery Google Maps↗ 📍
💰 Admission: Paid (from ¥1,000, varies by date)
📸 Best Photo Spot Locations
1️⃣ Crosswalk in the Middle of Ginkgo Avenue
The crosswalk in the middle of the ginkgo avenue. The standard shot is taken from the center island (safety zone) during a green light, with the ginkgo tree tunnel on both sides of the street as the background. Always be careful of traffic!
2️⃣ Shake Shack Flagship Store Terrace
At the entrance of the ginkgo avenue (toward Gaienmae Station), there’s the famous Shake Shack Japan flagship store.
Sitting on the outdoor terrace, you can comfortably overlook the ginkgo avenue from above and take memorable shots with your burger (highly competitive seating).
3️⃣ Sidewalks on Both Sides
Rather than the road, walking on the sidewalk and stepping on fallen ginkgo leaves creates natural and emotional photos.
Visitor Tips Q&A
Q. Isn’t it too crowded? What’s the recommended time to visit? A: Yes, weekends during the November peak season are extremely crowded. The best time is weekday mornings before 10 AM. You can enjoy a relatively quiet golden walk. Avoid weekend afternoons when the festival starts.
Q. Are there nearby places worth visiting together? A: The ginkgo avenue is in the ‘Aoyama’ area, very close to ‘Omotesando,’ making them perfect to combine.
- Omotesando → Cafes, shopping, architecture exploration
➡️ Omotesando Complete Guide: Coffee, Shopping, Restaurants, Architecture (Recommended Course)
- Shibuya → Sky Observatory, shopping route
- Roppongi → Illumination / Night views / Mori Art Museum
➡️ Roppongi Attractions Complete Guide (Observatory, Art Museum, Shopping, Restaurants A to Z)
✨ Experience Golden Tokyo
The most spectacular and impressive moment of a November Tokyo trip is undoubtedly the Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue.
Don’t confuse it with ‘Meiji Jingu,’ and visit during the most beautiful peak season to experience an unforgettable Tokyo autumn in the golden tunnel.
🍁 More 2025 Tokyo Autumn Foliage Travel Information
🍂 Enjoy Shinjuku Gyoen Autumn Foliage
➡️ Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen Complete Guide | Admission Fee, Hours, Starbucks, Picnics, Running (2025)
🍂 Tokyo’s Best 5 Beautiful Autumn Foliage Spots