In late November, under a sky laced with thin clouds, I captured the stunning Ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. The trees, almost entirely turned yellow, lined the street stretching straight towards the Seikoku Memorial Picture Gallery. Despite the early hour on a holiday morning, the avenue was bustling with inbound tourists, drawn to the autumnal spectacle.
Photo Description – A Symphony in Yellow
The photograph presents a vivid portrait of autumn in Tokyo. The Ginkgo trees, having transformed to a rich yellow, create a striking contrast against the blue sky. The composition centers on the straight path leading to the Seikoku Memorial Picture Gallery, with the Ginkgo trees reaching skyward on either side. This classic view, no doubt captured by many, resonated with me deeply. The cold snap over the previous week had accelerated the leaves’ color change, leaving only a few trees in the foreground still green.
Story Behind the Photo – Surprised by the Popularity of Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Ginkgo Avenue
Normally bustling with businessmen on weekday mornings, this location near the business district is a stark contrast on early holiday mornings. I visited expecting a moment of tranquility. However, I was taken aback by the overwhelming popularity of Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Ginkgo avenue, far exceeding my expectations. Early in the morning, the area was already filled with tourists eager to witness the beautiful autumn scenery of the Ginkgo trees at Gaienmae. This scene highlighted the passion of people seeking natural beauty and the extraordinary allure of this place, especially in the autumn season.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Capturing the Quintessential View
My goal was to capture the quintessential view of this location: the blue sky as a backdrop, the straight path leading to the Seikoku Memorial Picture Gallery, flanked by towering Ginkgo trees. The challenge was to encapsulate this iconic setting in a single frame, capturing both its grandeur and the intimate details. The result was a clean, well-composed photograph that reflects the scene many photographers seek to capture. Understanding the allure of this composition, I felt a deep connection to the beauty and history of this spot, a sentiment shared by countless others who have photographed this same view.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: FUJIFILM X-T4
- Lens: XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
- Shutter Speed: 1/420s
- Aperture: ƒ16
- ISO: ISO 800
- Exposure Value: 0 EV
Location