Hachioji Ginkgo Festival: A Golden Autumn Celebration in Western Tokyo
While central Tokyo’s gardens glow with red maple leaves, the western edge of the capital celebrates autumn with a dazzling show of gold. The Hachioji Ginkgo Festival is a unique, community-rooted event that transforms a four-kilometer stretch of road into a “beautiful golden, fantastical world,” offering visitors a blend of stunning natural beauty and interactive, game-like exploration.
If you’re seeking a different kind of Tokyo autumn experience, this festival is a must-see.
The Central Golden Spectacle
The festival takes place in the city of Hachioji, located in western Tokyo, close to the popular fall foliage destination of Mount Takao.
- Timing: The event is typically held annually in November. The specified dates for 2025 are November 15–16.
- Central Feature: The main attraction is the 770 ginkgo trees that line a four-kilometer street leading from the city center toward Mount Takao. As the ginkgo leaves turn a vivid yellow, they create a grand, golden canopy that is the centerpiece of the celebration.
- Nature Focus: Like the Rikugien Garden Illumination and the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival, this event focuses on enjoying Tokyo’s seasonal nature, but on a vast, public street scale rather than a structured garden or mountain trail.
Unique Community Spirit and Interactive Fun
What truly sets the Hachioji Ginkgo Festival apart from Tokyo’s other November highlights is its deep community involvement and unique, participatory elements.
- Community Roots: The festival has been a continuous tradition since 1979 and features parades and stage performances conducted by local citizens, fostering a lively street-fair atmosphere.
- The Walking Rally: A particular highlight is the interactive walking rally. Attendees collect 12 stamps on a traditional wooden pass certificate called “Tsuko-tegata.” This turns sightseeing into a game, allowing visitors to explore the city while immersed in the beautiful golden scenery.
- Perfect Souvenir: The completed Tsuko-tegata serves as an excellent Japanese souvenir, documenting your journey through the golden streets.
- Amenities: Food stalls line the route, offering seasonal snacks and local treats that enhance the festive and welcoming atmosphere.
A Western Tokyo Highlight
The Hachioji Ginkgo Festival is a fantastic addition to the West Tokyo autumn itinerary, geographically close to the renowned fall foliage on Mount Takao. For overseas tourists, it’s a recommended activity that blends beautiful natural scenery with highly accessible and interactive elements, contrasting with the dense, traditional markets of the Tori-no-Ichi Festival held in urban areas like Shinjuku and Asakusa.
It provides a golden alternative to the delicate red maples often seen in more formal garden settings.
