Gold & Yellow Destinations in Japan

The colors yellow and gold in Japan are often said to symbolize the power and mercy of gods. On a simpler level, these colors often appeal to people because of their cheerful, sunny feel. If you enjoy those qualities of yellow and gold, this guide covers some vibrant destinations you can find across the country.

Meiji Jingu Gingko Avenue, Tokyo

One of the most popular autumn destinations in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Gingko Avenue is lined with ginkgo trees that fill the area with a bright yellow glow. An annual festival is held when the trees are at their best, which typically includes a range of food vendors and street performances.

2-chome, Kitaaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061

Face House, Kyoto

If you enjoy spotting some fun, quirky architecture when you travel, look no further than Kyoto's Face House. This yellowish-hued standout was built back in the 1970s and now serves as a studio space. It's a stark difference to many of the more traditional destinations in this part of the country.

Koromonodara-dori, Tatedaionjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0012

Amenoshirahano Shrine, Ibaraki

Not all torii arches in Japan are the typical reddish color – there are numerous unique ones you can find across the country. For gold fans, Ibaraki's Amenoshirahano Shrine is home to a gold torii arch. Elsewhere in the prefecture, Hoshiimo Shrine also has a row of bright yellow torii arches – they're actually inspired by sweet potatoes, one of the region's specialties!

Hitachiota, Ibaraki 313-0043

Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

It wouldn't be a list of gold/yellow destinations in Japan without mentioning Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion. A highlight on just about every Kyoto traveler's itinerary, the temple is just one of 17 destinations that comprise the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361

Tsunan Sunflower Fields, Niigata

The Tsunan Sunflower Fields showcase approximately 500,000 sunflowers across a four-hectare space. In typical years, a festival is held to celebrate the blooms – it includes a sunflower maze and plenty of food and drink stalls to grab a bite at.

Ashigasaki, Tsunan, Niigata 949-8202

Asahi Flame, Tokyo

Also affectionately known as the golden turd (kin no unko, or 金のうんこ), the Asahi Flame was meant to symbolize the burning heart of Asahi Beer. Sadly that's not quite what most people visualized it as – hence the nickname – but it is sparkly and shiny nonetheless!

1 Chome-23-1 Azumabashi, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0001

Any of Japan's nanohana fields

Vibrant yellow nanohana fields grow in abundance in many places across Japan. This guide covers just a few of them, but there are many more.