Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Tokyo
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Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Tokyo

4.4
·8k reviews·Minato City, Japan

A stunning promenade famous for its vibrant golden ginkgo trees in autumn and popular Sunday car meets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late November

Peak ginkgo leaf season

CrowdHigh
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Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Tokyo

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Tokyo

Best Time

Late November

Peak ginkgo leaf season

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning promenade famous for its vibrant golden ginkgo trees in autumn and popular Sunday car meets.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"The last 2 weeks of November should be the best time to see the yellow leaves. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Aim for Late November

The ginkgo trees are stunningly yellow in late November. Arrive early for the best experience!

🚗 Sunday Car Spotting

Catch cool vintage cars on Sunday mornings, but be there by 8:30 AM as they leave by 9:30 AM.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Golden Ginkgo Avenue

Golden Ginkgo Avenue

Central promenade

Thousands of ginkgo trees create a breathtaking tunnel of vibrant yellow. A must-see in late November.

Sunday Morning Car Meets

Sunday Morning Car Meets

Near the sports facilities

A popular spot for vintage car enthusiasts, showcasing Italian and British classics. Best seen before 9:30 AM.

Christmas Market

Christmas Market

Gaien Plaza

A festive December event with a unique tourist experience, though it requires an admission fee.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Peak Foliage

Visit in late November for the iconic golden ginkgo leaves. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the biggest crowds and catch the best light for photos. The Christmas market in December is also a popular draw, though it has an entry fee.

Weekend Car Meets & Markets

Sundays often feature car meets, especially in the morning. If you're interested in vintage vehicles, aim for an early start. December brings a Christmas market, offering a festive atmosphere with an admission fee.

Best Times

When
Late November
Why
Peak ginkgo leaf season
Crowd
High
When
Sunday mornings
Why
Vintage car gatherings
Crowd
Medium
When
December evenings
Why
Festive Christmas market
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Beautiful Autumn foliage 01/12/24 @ Meiji Jingu Ginko street

🎯 Aim for Late November

The ginkgo trees are stunningly yellow in late November. Arrive early for the best experience! Reddit

🚗 Sunday Car Spotting

Catch cool vintage cars on Sunday mornings, but be there by 8:30 AM as they leave by 9:30 AM. Reddit

reddit.com

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reddit.com

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💰 Christmas Market Entry

The Christmas market in December has a ¥1000 entry fee, but many find the experience worthwhile. Reddit

📸 Photo Spots Galore

Even with crowds, you can find great photo spots. Be patient and explore! Reddit

reddit.com

Any special events I shouldn’t miss around Tokyo or Kyoto in November?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Aim for Late November

The ginkgo trees are stunningly yellow in late November. Arrive early for the best experience! Reddit

🚗 Sunday Car Spotting

Catch cool vintage cars on Sunday mornings, but be there by 8:30 AM as they leave by 9:30 AM. Reddit

💰 Christmas Market Entry

The Christmas market in December has a ¥1000 entry fee, but many find the experience worthwhile. Reddit

📸 Photo Spots Galore

Even with crowds, you can find great photo spots. Be patient and explore! Reddit

🚇 Easy Subway Access

The avenue is just a 4-minute walk from Gaiemmae Station (G03). Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking golden ginkgo trees in late November, calling it a must-see autumn spectacle. The Sunday morning car meets are a popular draw for enthusiasts. While the avenue is free, the Christmas market has an entry fee and can be crowded, but many find it a worthwhile festive experience.

"Went there on the weekend at 2pm was expecting to see cool cars. Seen several and had snack at the cafe. Stay for the view of the Gingko trees and hope to see when it turn yellow in autumn"

Winter Night

"Lots of great cars on Sunday morning. I arrived around 8:30am and cars were gone by 9:30. I saw mainly vintage Italian and British cars, but there was definitely something for everyone!"

s1lvie _

"The leaves are dried in December, but the Christmas market is really the next best event here. You have to pay ¥1000 to enter the Christmas market. But it's worth it if you are a tourist... the experience is priceless."

Fadhly Maskor

What People Like

Stunning golden ginkgo trees
Sunday car meets
Festive Christmas market

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded
Christmas market entry fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is by subway. Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Gaiemmae Station (G03), and the avenue is just a short 4-minute walk away. Reddit

Yes, it's very accessible by subway. Gaiemmae Station is the closest, offering direct access to the area. Other nearby stations include Aoyama-itchome and Kokuritsu-kyogijo.

While driving is possible, parking can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access. There are often car meets on Sundays, so be aware of that if driving.

The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Gaiemmae Station (G03) is the most direct and convenient option for reaching the Ginkgo Avenue.

Yes, it's very straightforward. Upon exiting Gaiemmae Station, you'll see the wide, tree-lined avenue immediately. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The avenue itself is a public space and free to enter. However, the Christmas market held in December has an admission fee of ¥1000. Reddit

As a public avenue, it's generally accessible at all times. However, specific events like car meets or markets will have their own operating hours.

Yes, the Christmas market in December requires an entrance fee of ¥1000 per person. Reddit

Sundays often feature car meets, particularly in the morning. In December, a Christmas market is held. Reddit

Absolutely! Late November is the prime time to visit for the spectacular golden ginkgo leaves. It's a very popular time, so expect crowds. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, especially during autumn. Weekends can be very crowded, so weekdays might be better for unobstructed shots.

The entire length of the avenue is picturesque, but the central promenade with the dense ginkgo trees is iconic. Look for angles that capture the tunnel effect of the leaves.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the avenue. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing people enjoying the scenery. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant colors.

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the Christmas market, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific event rules.

Try #MeijiJinguGaien, #GinkgoAvenue, #TokyoAutumn, #TokyoFallColors, #GoldenGinkgo, and #TokyoTravel.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes and restaurants within the Gaien complex itself, offering convenient options. You can also find numerous dining choices in the surrounding Aoyama and Shinjuku areas.

Within the Gaien area, you'll find casual cafes and eateries. The surrounding neighborhoods offer a vast array of Japanese cuisine, from ramen and sushi to international options.

Some cafes within the Gaien complex may offer views, especially during the autumn season. It's worth exploring the options available on-site. One reviewer mentioned having a snack at a cafe. Reddit

While there are no strict rules against picnicking, it's generally best to consume food in designated areas or at cafes to maintain the cleanliness and ambiance of the avenue.

Tokyo has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, especially in areas like Aoyama. It's advisable to check restaurant menus online or use dedicated apps for specific dietary needs.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Ginkgo Avenue is beautiful, it can get very crowded, especially during peak autumn season, which might be challenging with very young children. However, the wide promenade offers space to walk, and the visual spectacle of the golden trees can be captivating for older kids. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to minimize crowds. The nearby sports facilities also offer open spaces for children to move around. If visiting in December, the Christmas market might offer some festive activities, but be mindful of the entry fee and potential crowds. Reddit

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

For those passionate about automobiles, Sunday mornings are a must-visit. The avenue frequently hosts impressive car meets, showcasing a variety of vintage Italian and British cars, among others. Reddit Arrive early, ideally by 8:30 AM, as the cars typically start departing by 9:30 AM. This is a fantastic opportunity to see unique vehicles up close and capture some great photos. Even if you miss the car meet, the avenue itself is a pleasant place to stroll.

📸 Photography Buffs

The golden ginkgo trees in late November are a photographer's dream. Reddit Aim for the 'golden hour' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the full sweep of the avenue, while a telephoto lens can isolate details or create compressed perspectives. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends; consider visiting on a weekday or very early on a Sunday for more unobstructed shots. The Christmas market in December also offers unique photographic opportunities with its festive decorations and atmosphere. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Ginkgo Avenue Experience

The Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is most famous for its stunning display of golden ginkgo trees, particularly in late November. This picturesque promenade, lined with thousands of ginkgo trees, transforms into a breathtaking tunnel of vibrant yellow, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike. The sheer scale of the golden canopy creates an unforgettable visual spectacle, making it one of Tokyo's premier autumn destinations. Visitors often describe the experience as walking through a golden wonderland, with the fallen leaves creating a soft, yellow carpet underfoot. Reddit

Beyond the visual splendor, the avenue is a hub of activity. On Sundays, it often hosts vintage car meets, attracting enthusiasts with a display of classic Italian and British automobiles, especially in the morning. Reddit As the year winds down, the area transforms for the Christmas market in December, offering a festive atmosphere with stalls and seasonal treats, though it does come with an admission fee. Reddit This blend of natural beauty and organized events makes the avenue a dynamic and engaging place to visit throughout the year, though autumn is undeniably its most celebrated season.

Navigating Crowds and Timing Your Visit

Visiting Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue during peak season, especially in late November for the autumn foliage, means preparing for significant crowds. Reddit Reviewers consistently mention the high volume of people, describing it as a place where 'thousands of people came to see the yellow leaves.' Reddit To make the most of your visit and capture the best photos, arriving early on weekends is highly recommended. Many visitors suggest aiming for before 9:30 AM for car meets, and this early timing can also help you experience the avenue with fewer people. Reddit

If you're looking to avoid the peak autumn rush but still enjoy the area, consider visiting on a weekday or during the Christmas market period in December, which offers a different but equally engaging experience. Reddit While the leaves might be dried by December, the festive market provides a unique atmosphere. Understanding these timing nuances can significantly enhance your overall experience and help you navigate the popular attraction more comfortably.

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