5 Tips for Photographing Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

A woman in a yellow jacket walks past two people photographing ginkgo trees creating a yellow tunnel of leaves.

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is one of Tokyo’s most iconic autumn destinations, and for good reason. It is lined with 146 majestic ginkgo trees that lead to the outer gardens of Meiji Shrine. When autumn arrives, the leaves ignite into a brilliant gold, creating a stunning spectacle that draws huge crowds of Tokyoites and photographers alike.

People wait at a pedestrian crossing on a street lined with ginkgo trees in autumn.

I had this spot on my photographic bucket list for years, and in 2019, I finally made my first visit. It was everything I had hoped for and surprisingly accessible to photograph, which was a welcome bonus.

Cars park on Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue next to tall ginkgo trees with bright yellow leaves.

The experience was good. Quite a crowd was there, but it added to the atmosphere. Some trendy people even wore yellow jackets, which matched the leaves. It’s easy to understand why the avenue is popular in Tokyo during autumn.

Two girls, in warm clothes, talk on a bench under the bright yellow leaves of ginkgo trees.

Planning your Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue photo visit

Where is the avenue?

  • Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is easy to find. It is between the Ginza subway line stations, Gaienmae (exit 4a) and Aoyama-Ichome (exit 1).
  • Here it is on a Google map:

Best time for peak autumn colors

The peak season is between mid-November to December.

A couple in warm clothes, in front of a crowd of people, walk under a tunnel of bright yellow leaves.

Amenities: Food, drinks, and breaks

If you need a break, there is a Shake Shack to accommodate your needs.

Cars move along Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue lined by ginkgo trees filled with yellow leaves.

5 photography tips

  • The avenue becomes incredibly crowded during peak season, so your priority should be awareness. With so many people and cars, it’s important to be careful while setting up your shots.
  • To capture the avenue’s serene beauty without the crowds, your best bet is to arrive early in the morning. This is often the only way to get those clean, uncluttered shots.
  • Beyond timing, weather plays a crucial role. While my shots were taken on an overcast day, the golden leaves come alive against a crisp blue sky. Aim for a sunny day to make the colors pop and do the scene justice.
  • For the best photos, shoot along the street to get some sense of depth. T-junctions are at both ends, so it is easy to do this.
  • If you are into supercars and luxury vehicles, head there on weekends. Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens cruise the road.
People in warm clothes walk along a path covered by a tunnel of yellow ginkgo leaves overhead.

My photography gear for this shoot

Is Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue worth it?

Since that first trip in 2019, I’ve returned to Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue many times, and the magic of photographing that incredible expanse of yellow never fades. It’s a fleeting but unforgettable spectacle that defines autumn in Tokyo. To learn more, consult the official Go Tokyo Meiji Jingu Gaien website.

Cars park next to ginkgo trees with bright yellow leaves along Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue.

Have you visited this beautiful avenue? I’d love to hear about your experience or answer any questions in the comments below!

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