Hokkaido University's Ginkgo and Poplar Avenues｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Hokkaido University's Ginkgo and Poplar Avenues

Iconic Tree-lined Avenues: A Century of Natural Splendor

Walking the Historic Poplar and Golden Ginkgo Paths of Hokkaido University

Experience the 100-year history of Poplar Avenue and the brilliant golden arch of Ginkgo Avenue. These two iconic avenues stand as proud symbols of Hokkaido University, offering a peaceful escape in every season.

Poplar Avenue, cherished as one of the university’s most recognizable landscapes, traces its origins back to 1903. Although nearly half of the trees were lost in a powerful typhoon in 2004, the avenue was carefully restored with support from across Japan. Today, visitors can stroll along an 80-meter woodchip path, feeling the soft natural texture beneath their feet. In summer, lush green leaves rustle gently in the breeze, while in winter the snow-covered branches create a quiet, dreamlike scene.

As autumn arrives, attention shifts to Ginkgo Avenue along Kita 13-jo Street. About 70 ginkgo trees lining both sides of the road turn a brilliant gold, usually from late October. Walking through this 380-meter golden tunnel, visitors are greeted by the crisp autumn air and a soft carpet of fallen leaves. During the Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival (Kon’yosai), the trees are illuminated at night, revealing a magical scene unlike the daytime view.