Tokyo Travel Guide 2025 Best Time to Visit Japan for Fall Foliage and Ginkgo Spots

 Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

So, it’s my second day in Tokyo, and by evening I’ll be heading back to Nagano on the usual Azusa train. Tokyo is such a unique city where the hustle and bustle of urban life coexist with seasonal natural beauty, and every time I visit, I discover something new. Today, I want to share some of Tokyo’s charms.

First, here’s a fun fact: some local governments across Japan actually designate an official “flower” for their cities or towns. These flowers usually reflect the local environment, culture, or history, and are often used for tourism promotion or as a symbol of the area. For example, Tokyo’s city flower is the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom. Kyoto also chose cherry blossoms, while Sapporo’s is the lilac. Cherry blossoms and lilacs are deeply tied to the seasons in Japan and are integral to the local scenery.

Golden Ginkgo from Below

One of my favorite things about Tokyo is spotting seasonal flowers and trees tucked between the buildings. During my early morning walk today, I noticed that the ginkgo leaves were turning a beautiful golden color. Ginkgo, by the way, is Tokyo’s official tree. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government even adopted the shape of a ginkgo leaf as its official symbol in 1989. It’s simple, memorable, and somehow feels very fitting for Tokyo.

Ginkgo trees have a long history in Japan. They’ve been planted along streets, in schools, and in parks for centuries, adding beauty throughout the seasons. In spring, their fresh green leaves emerge; in summer, they provide lush shade; in autumn, the leaves turn golden; and in winter, they fall to create a soft yellow carpet on the ground. One of the most famous spots to enjoy this autumn scenery is the ginkgo tree avenue in Jingu Gaien, where 146 trees are planted roughly 9 meters apart. The peak viewing season is usually mid to late November, when walking along the golden pathway feels almost magical.

Ginkgo trees aren’t just visually striking—they’re incredibly resilient too. Some live for hundreds of years, and they thrive even in urban environments. This makes them ideal as street trees in Tokyo. Additionally, ginkgo nuts, called ginnan, are harvested in the fall and are a popular seasonal snack. They have a strong aroma when roasted, but the taste is warm, nutty, and uniquely autumnal.

During my walk this morning, I took some photos of the ginkgo trees. Although it was a bit chilly and windy, the sight of yellow leaves dancing in the breeze was breathtaking. In the background, Tokyo Tower stood tall, though its lights were still off. The combination of the golden ginkgo leaves and the tower bathed in morning light truly felt like autumn in the city. This spot is along Mita Street, a great place for photos with Tokyo Tower in the background. Nearby, you’ll also find delicious restaurants and the university I used to attend. During the day, this street is bustling with cars, businesspeople, and students, but in the early morning, it’s peaceful and perfect for a stroll.

Looking Down Mita Street with Tokyo Tower in the Distance

Ginkgo trees also carry cultural significance in Tokyo. Many are planted around government buildings and public spaces, contributing to urban planning and landscape design. Historically, ginkgo trees were planted around temples and shrines and even served as firebreaks in case of disasters. Knowing this, you realize that ginkgo trees are more than just beautiful—they’re deeply connected to the city’s history and people.

One of the things I love about Tokyo is this balance between urban life and nature. Even in a city filled with buildings and roads, the changing seasons are always visible. Whether it’s Jingu Gaien, Meiji Shrine Forest, or the Imperial Palace grounds, there are plenty of places to enjoy greenery while walking or jogging. During the ginkgo viewing season, crowds can get heavy, so I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.

Spending time in Tokyo reminds me that the city’s charm lies in this balance between nature and the urban environment. Living in Nagano, I’m surrounded by quiet natural landscapes every day, but Tokyo shows that you can experience seasonal beauty even amid the hustle of a big city. Ginkgo trees in particular serve as a symbol of the city, connecting people to its history while allowing them to enjoy the changing seasons.

Of course, Nagano’s natural beauty is irreplaceable, but walking under Tokyo’s ginkgo trees offers a completely different kind of experience. The city’s vibrant energy, combined with seasonal beauty, is something you can’t find in the countryside. Personally, I enjoy the best of both worlds: the calm of Nagano and the liveliness of Tokyo. Both have their advantages, and appreciating each for what it offers makes life more enjoyable.

Even though my Tokyo stay is short this time, I’ve loved seeing the autumn ginkgo leaves and the view of Tokyo Tower. Next time, I hope to stay longer and explore more seasonal highlights around the city. I hope this glimpse into Tokyo’s ginkgo trees gives you a sense of the city’s nature, history, and culture. 

See you then! Have a great weekend. Bye!