Every autumn, the town of Sobue in Aichi Prefecture transforms into a sea of gold for the annual Sobue Ginkgo Festival. Celebrating the area's long history as one of Japan’s leading ginkgo-producing regions, the festival highlights the beauty and cultural significance of these distinctive trees.
Sobue's connection to ginkgo stretches back to the Edo period, when the fertile soil carried by the Kiso River made it ideal for cultivation. Today, around 11,000 ginkgo trees blanket the town in brilliant yellow, creating a stunning natural landscape that draws visitors from across the country. During the festival, paths lined with golden leaves lead to event venues where locals and travelers alike enjoy poetry and photo contests, food stalls, and exhibitions of regional products.
The festival isn't just about daytime beauty, either. As the sun sets, Sobue Ginnan Park is illuminated, and the glowing trees create a magical scene that feels almost otherworldly. Families and photographers gather to experience this nighttime spectacle, often described as walking through a "golden dream."
Sobue's golden foliage offers a uniquely warm and peaceful alternative to Japan’s more commonly celebrated scarlet scenery. If you are planning on attending, please note the hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The illuminations will run from 5pm to 8pm from the 22nd (Sat) to the 29th (Sat), and only at Sobue Ginnan Park.
