Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue

Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue is a spectacular tree-lined pathway located within the grounds of Hokkaido University in central Sapporo. The avenue stretches approximately 380 meters from east to west along Kita-Jusanjo Street and features 70 ginkgo trees planted on each side of the road, creating a golden tunnel during autumn. The university itself traces its origins to Sapporo Agricultural College, founded in 1876 as one of Japan's earliest modern educational institutions under the direction of American educator William S. Clark, whose famous parting words "Boys, be ambitious" became the university's enduring motto. The college evolved into Hokkaido Imperial University in 1918 and was renamed Hokkaido University in 1947.

The ginkgo trees reach their peak autumn splendor from late October to early November, when their leaves transform into brilliant shades of yellow and gold. During this period, the avenue becomes one of Sapporo's most photographed natural attractions, drawing both domestic and international visitors. Due to the large crowds during peak season, the street is often closed to vehicular traffic to ensure visitor safety.

Visitors can explore the avenue as part of a broader walking tour of the Hokkaido University campus, which covers approximately 6 kilometers and includes other notable sites such as Ono Pond, Poplar Avenue, and various historic buildings from the Meiji era. The campus functions as a public park, with its 180 hectares of green space freely accessible to tourists and locals alike. Besides the autumn spectacle, the avenue offers pleasant scenery throughout the year, from fresh green foliage in spring and summer to snow-covered branches in winter.

The avenue is located approximately 50 meters north of Ono Pond and leads toward the Kita-jusanjo Gate on the eastern edge of campus. The nearest subway station is Kita-Juni-Jo Station on the Namboku Line, positioned roughly 5 minutes' walk from the site. Upon exiting the station, visitors should turn right and continue to the end of the road, turn right again, and walk straight to find the avenue on the left. The university's main gate is also accessible via a 7-minute walk from Sapporo Station.