[Tokyo] 6 Must-Visit Ginkgo Photo Spots at the University of Tokyo | Hongo Campus, Yayoi Campus Ginkgo Attractions

This article records the shooting time as early December 2018.

Ginkgo Tree Map of the University of Tokyo

When it comes to places to appreciate ginkgo trees in Tokyo, besides the previously written article on appreciating ginkgo trees in Tokyo city, the most unforgettable one is the ginkgo trees at the University of Tokyo. The weather turned sunny on the day of my visit, which contributed to the golden moment of the ginkgo trees. The ginkgo tree spots at the University of Tokyo are divided into the Yayoi and Hongo campuses. Below is the walking map for this visit to appreciate the ginkgo trees at the University of Tokyo. Just these two campuses are enough to spend half a day, and if you see it with your own eyes, you will be amazed by the beautiful ginkgo trees.

Ginkgo Tree Walking Map of the University of Tokyo

The above map of the ginkgo tree walking route at the University of Tokyo marks the main locations for appreciating ginkgo trees at the Yayoi and Hongo campuses, as follows:

1. In front of Building 2, Yayoi Campus (to the left after entering the main gate of the Yayoi Campus)
2. In front of Yayoi Auditorium, Yayoi Campus
3. In front of the cafeteria, Yayoi Campus, with a large ginkgo tree
4. In front of the Faculty of Engineering, Hongo Campus, with a hundred-year-old ginkgo tree
5. In front of Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus, a ginkgo tree avenue
6. Akamon Gate

The first five spots are recommended for visiting and photographing ginkgo trees, and the sixth spot, “Akamon Gate,” located in the Hongo Campus, is not only a spot for appreciating ginkgo trees but also the only remaining “Omamori Denmon” gate in Japan, with a history of a hundred years. It is a must-visit place when you come to the University of Tokyo!

Ginkgo Trees at the Yayoi Campus of the University of Tokyo

In Front of Building 2, Yayoi Campus

As soon as you enter the Yayoi Campus, you will be immediately attracted by the ginkgo tree on the left side of the campus gate. The ginkgo tree in front of Building 2 at the Yayoi Campus stands straight in front of the campus buildings. Taking photos here will make you feel like you’re in a Korean drama, very exotic.

In Front of Yayoi Auditorium, Yayoi Campus

Located on the right side of the entrance gate of the Yayoi Campus, the “Yayoi Auditorium” was designed by the famous Japanese designer “Kawakatsu Hisao” and was built in 2000. It is a modern architectural feature with a hinoki wood structure and large glass curtains, blending seamlessly with the more Japanese-style architecture of the University of Tokyo. The ginkgo tree in front of the Yayoi Auditorium can be cleverly photographed using the large glass curtains as a purposeful reflection, adding a special touch to the photos of the ginkgo tree.

In Front of the Cafeteria, Yayoi Campus

If you walk straight along the road in front of the entrance to the Yayoi Campus of the University of Tokyo, you will soon be attracted by the large ginkgo tree in front of the cafeteria. This is also the most popular spot for tourists to stop and take photos within the Yayoi Campus. It’s worth mentioning that when I first arrived at the Yayoi Campus, the weather was still cloudy, but it cleared up later, which created the perfect photo of the golden ginkgo tree against the blue sky.

Ginkgo Trees at the Hongo Campus of the University of Tokyo

After exploring the ginkgo trees at the Yayoi Campus, you can cross the pedestrian bridge that connects the two campuses according to the map above, which allows you to appreciate the beauty of the University of Tokyo’s architecture along the way. Alternatively, you can walk out of the main gate and follow the campus walls to reach the entrance of the Hongo Campus. I chose to cross the pedestrian bridge directly, which is the location marked as number 4 on the map, and it’s relatively more convenient.

In Front of the Faculty of Engineering, Hongo Campus

The ginkgo tree in front of the Faculty of Engineering at the Hongo Campus is a hundred-year-old ginkgo tree and is also a landmark ginkgo tree on the Hongo Campus. There is an article on the internet where netizens call it the “Guotai Tree” because it does resemble it to some extent. However, because this hundred-year-old ginkgo tree is very magnificent, if you want to capture its full grandeur, it is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to photograph it, which can better capture the awe-inspiring feeling of the large ginkgo tree.

After passing by the large ginkgo tree, which is the area between numbers 4 and 5 on the map, because there are ginkgo trees in full bloom or ginkgo tree avenues along the way, you won’t feel that it’s particularly far or tiring to explore the campus. There are photo spots everywhere along the way.

Ginkgo Tree Avenue in Front of Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus

The most famous and most photographed spot in the Hongo Campus of the University of Tokyo is the ginkgo tree avenue located between the main gate and Yasuda Auditorium. Not only are the ginkgo trees on both sides of the avenue very magnificent and eye-catching, but the fallen ginkgo leaves cover the avenue, creating a natural golden ginkgo tree avenue scene. No matter how you photograph it, it looks beautiful. It is also the most crowded spot among the ginkgo tree spots at the University of Tokyo.

Overall, the ginkgo trees at the University of Tokyo are recommended for a visit when appreciating ginkgo trees in Tokyo city. Besides being conveniently located, the ginkgo trees on campus are concentrated, and you can see golden ginkgo trees everywhere. However, the ginkgo tree season at the University of Tokyo usually falls around late November to early December. If you are not visiting during this period, you can plan accordingly to avoid missing the best time to see the golden ginkgo tree sea in full bloom!

Further reading: [Tokyo] Appreciating Ginkgo Trees in Tokyo City | Real Photos of 4 Ginkgo Tree Spots