The general public can now enjoy autumn foliage inside the grounds of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.
The 600-meter-long Inui-dori, a street that runs through the palace grounds, is open to the public for nine days from Saturday. The avenue is lined with about 70 maple trees of eight different varieties.
Since Sakashita-mon gate opened at 9 a.m. on Saturday, many leaf-peepers have entered the palace grounds under clear autumn skies.
Families and foreign tourists were seen strolling along the road while taking photos.
The Imperial Household Agency says after a long spell of unseasonably warm weather, maple leaves started to change color around mid-November.
A woman in her 60s, who was visiting with her daughter, said the contrast between the red maple leaves and the blue sky is amazing. She said she appreciates being able to feel the changing seasons in a place people don’t usually get to go.
A couple in their 70s said the visit is particularly memorable as they rarely go out together these days.
Inui-dori will be open to the public between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day through December 7. No reservation is required.
AloJapan.com