Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden) | Review by Queenie

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Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden)

Sporting a Variety of Athletic Facilities, its Ginkgo Avenue is Famous.

29 Sep 2026 See More

Taking advantage of the nice weather, I came to Meiji Jingu Gaien for a walk by myself. Established in 1926, Meiji Jingu Gaien centers around the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and is surrounded by various sports facilities. It is also a well-known green space in central Tokyo.

The most famous attraction is, of course, this ginkgo avenue! Unfortunately, I visited in the summer, so I didn't get to see the streets filled with golden ginkgo leaves in the fall, but the avenue has its own special charm in summer. The huge ginkgo trees neatly lining both sides form a long green tunnel. Sunlight filters through the leaves, and walking slowly beneath the shade by myself with a gentle breeze blowing felt especially comfortable.

Nearby, you can also see buildings such as the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and Japan National Stadium. The mix of old and new scenery gives this area a distinctive Tokyo landscape.

Summer brings lush greenery, while fall offers the romance of golden ginkgo leaves. Visiting in different seasons will probably bring different surprises.

Other Reviews by Queenie

Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park

This site, which was used as the lower residence of the Morioka Nanbu Clan during the Edo period, became a royal property of the Arisugawa-no-miya family in Meiji 29 (1896) and was donated to the Tokyo City in Showa 9 (1934) and opened to the public as a memorial park.
- Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
- Parks & Gardens
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I never expected to find such a quiet and comfortable park tucked away in one of Tokyo's bustling residential neighborhoods. Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park is located among the residential streets of central Tokyo, and as soon as you enter, you're surrounded by lush greenery, creating a striking contrast with the noise of the city outside.

The park is shaded by trees and has a peaceful atmosphere. Walking slowly along the paths feels very relaxing.

The biggest surprise is that even though you're in central Tokyo, it feels like you've left the city behind.

Near the entrance, you can see many bicycles parked by local residents, which makes it feel like this isn't just a tourist attraction, but also part of everyday life for the people who live nearby.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library is also located in the park. The whole setting is perfect for taking a walk, reading, or simply finding a place to sit quietly and clear your mind.
Tokyo Camii Turkish Cultural Center

Japan’s largest Islamic mosque. In Turkish, Camii means a large mosque where worship takes place five times a day including Fridays. It came from an Arabic word that means “a place where many people gather.”
- Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
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When I arrived at Tokyo Camii, I was immediately drawn to its solemn and intricate architecture. The entire mosque features an Ottoman style, with beautiful arches, domes, and ornate decorations that create a strong sense of being somewhere abroad. It is also one of Japan's most prominent Islamic places of worship.

The architecture isn't the only beautiful thing here. What I liked even more was the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Sitting quietly inside for a while and doing nothing, I slowly felt my mind settle, as if I were being gently comforted. There are also retail areas on the first and second floors of the mosque: the first floor sells specialty products such as food and tea, while the second floor has some handmade goods.

If you're traveling to Tokyo, besides visiting the bustling attractions, I also highly recommend setting aside some time to walk around here. In addition to admiring the architecture, you can give yourself a quiet moment during your trip.
San'en-zan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple

Located at the base of Tokyo Tower is Zojoji, an Omotoyama temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Enshrined in Zojoji's Ankokuden Hall is the hidden black image of Buddha worshipped by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Since he won one battle after after another, visiting this temple is said to increase the chance of victory.
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- Shrines & Temples
22 Sep 2026 See More

Zojoji Temple is located at the foot of Tokyo Tower and is the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. The temple itself has a strong historical atmosphere. My favorite thing about this place is that, standing in front of the temple, you can capture the stately temple gate and Tokyo Tower in the same view. The blend of tradition and modernity creates a classic Tokyo scene.

During the day, the sunlight falling between the temple and the tower makes the view especially beautiful. You don’t need to set aside much extra time—just stop by when visiting Tokyo Tower to experience Tokyo’s unique historical and urban charm.