When do Japan’s ginkgo trees turn gold? Peak timing runs roughly late October to early December—higher latitudes first. Use this region list to plan Tokyo University’s famous avenue and other classic spots.

Timing rule of thumb

Higher latitude = earlier yellow. Typical city windows (indicative; year-to-year shifts): Sapporo / Aomori early–mid November; Tokyo late November; Kyoto / Osaka late November–early December; Fukuoka / Kagoshima early December.

Where to go by region

  • Hokkaido — Hokkaido University ginkgo avenue; Former Hokkaido Government Office; Nakajima Park.
  • Tohoku — Kitakata Shingu Kumano Shrine; northern Kanazawa views.
  • Chubu — Sobue (Aichi); Shirakawa-go (Gifu).
  • Kanto — University of Tokyo (Hongo); Meiji Jingu Gaien; Hikarigaoka Park.
  • Kansai — Nishi Hongan-ji (Kyoto); Midosuji (Osaka); Nara Park.
  • Kyushu — ginkgo forests around Fukuoka.

Tokyo University’s Hongo campus is the crowd magnet—go early, dress for cool autumn evenings, and keep mobile data ready for transit and maps.