An avenue on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo has been opened to the public, so that visitors can enjoy the autumn foliage.

Inui Street, a 600-meter-long avenue that runs through the palace grounds, is lined with about 70 maple trees. Eight different varieties of maple trees can be seen.

As soon as the gates opened at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, crowds of people who had been waiting began to file in. The Imperial Household Agency says 17,440 people visited on the first day.

The agency says the leaves are just beginning to change colors, as the weather has remained warm.

Visitors, including families and foreign tourists, slowly walked along the avenue and took pictures.

A 27-year-old woman who studied in Britain until last year said she thinks the moat and autumn leaves show the beauty of Japan.

Inui Street will be open to the public between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. until December 8. Reservations are not required.