Row Of Plane Trees at Harajuku, Tokyo

A serene avenue of London plane trees near Shinjuku Gyoen, offering one of Tokyo's most picturesque strolling spots.

The Row of Plane Trees refers to the graceful London plane avenue that lines part of the Formal Garden within Shinjuku Gyoen, close to the Sendagaya Gate. These towering trees, among the first of their species planted in Japan during the late 1800s, form a verdant canopy that transforms dramatically with the seasons, from fresh spring green to rich autumn gold. Benches placed at regular intervals along the path invite visitors to sit and soak in the atmosphere.

The avenue sits within the French-style garden section of Shinjuku Gyoen, lending it a distinctly European character that contrasts beautifully with the Japanese and English garden areas nearby. In autumn the plane trees put on a particularly fine display, their mottled bark and turning leaves creating one of the most photographed scenes in the entire park. The Sendagaya Gate entrance, just a five-minute walk from Sendagaya Station, provides the most direct access.

Shinjuku Gyoen requires an admission fee and is closed on Mondays, though the park makes exceptions during peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The Row of Plane Trees is a quiet reminder that even in the heart of Tokyo, pockets of timeless beauty endure, and it rewards those who make the detour from busier Shibuya attractions.