Autumn color around the building is advancing quickly. In central Tokyo, ginkgo yellowing was observed on the 19th of this month, and street trees have taken on autumn hues. From Saturday the 26th, the public opening of Inui-dori at the Imperial Palace begins for the first time in three years.
The opening was first held in 2014 to mark the then Emperor's 80th birthday. It had been offered in spring for cherry blossoms and in autumn for foliage, but was cancelled from 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Seventy maple trees, including iroha maple and trident maple, line Inui-dori, offering beautiful autumn color. This year's opening runs nine days through December 4. The course is one-way: enter at Sakashita-mon on the south side of the palace, pass the Imperial Household Agency building and walk about 750 meters to Inui-mon on the north. The Agency is calling for thorough infection-prevention measures, including wearing masks.