Gardens & Parks
Shinjuku Gyoen
Gonzague Gay-BoucheryCredited as one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is definitely another place to enjoy when visiting Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the largest and most popular public gardens in Tokyo. Located a short walk from the popular Shinjuku neighborhood, the park is particularly renowned for its seasonal display of cherry blossoms.
Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the grounds of the former residence of Lord Naito, a daimyo (feudal lord) from Shinshu Province (current day Nagano Prefecture). The site was created as an Imperial garden in 1906, but was later reopened after World War II as a national garden, for the enjoyment of all the nation’s citizens.
Shinjuku Gyoen combines three very unique styles – a Japanese garden, a formal garden and a landscape garden. The Japanese garden is home to the Kyu-Goryo-tei, or Taiwan Pavilion, which was constructed for the wedding of the Emperor Showa. This section of the park also hosts a two-week chrysanthemum festival every November. The formal garden was designed in the French style and is best known for its profusion of roses in spring. The landscape garden draws inspiration from the manicured lawns of English gardens and features sweeping open spaces and glades of cherry trees.
Though Shinjuku Gyoen is lovely in any season, the garden really shines in the early spring with the blooming of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. Over 1000 trees of a dozen different varieties dot the grounds, meaning that even visitors to Tokyo outside of the main blooming period are likely to find a few trees still in flower in the park. The profusion of trees and the wide-open spaces also make this one of the city’s best-loved spots for a hanami (flower viewing) picnic in the early spring. With a ban on the public consumption of alcohol in the park, this is a particularly popular option for family hanami outings. The Prime Minister even holds his official cherry blossom picnic on the grounds of Shinjuku Gyoen.
Admission to the garden was recently raised, with adult ticket prices now at ¥500. Those who anticipate visiting the garden several times through the year can purchase an annual passport for ¥2000.
Overview
Address
11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014 (Map) (Directions)Hours
Temporary closureOpening Hours (during normal operation)
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 - 18:30
Wednesday
9:00 - 18:30
Thursday
9:00 - 18:30
Friday
9:00 - 18:30
Saturday
9:00 - 18:30
Sunday
9:00 - 18:30
Holidays
9:00 - 18:30
Price
¥500Website
Access
8-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
Related Articles
12 articles
Culture
A Day at Shinjuku Gyoen
John DoddShinjuku Gyoen is a 58 hectare-park containing three formal garden areas: English, French, & Japanese. It's a pleasure emerging..
15
Culture
Tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen
Ben BeecheyShinjuku Gyoen is a vast park in the centre of Tokyo boasting an array of trees and flowers as well as a traditional Japanese tea..
6
Spring at Shinjuku Gyoen
Sherilyn SiySpring at Shinjuku Gyoen. Tokyo's National Garden comes alive.
Culture
Cherry Trees at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Abi BarberA large and beautifully set out garden within 10 minutes' walk of the world's busiest station. Visit for a few hours of..
10
Gardens & Parks
Shinjuku Gyoen - Cherry Blossoms
Susan TumanonAnother popular cherry blossom spot is the Shinjuku Gyoen. The park grounds are spacious and Japanese garden landscapes are beautiful...
9
Gardens & Parks
Shinjuku Gyoen in Full Bloom
Nicole BauerI love Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo at any time of the year, but the cherry blossom season is certainly a highlight.
Activities
Shinjuku Gyoen in November
Christie PetrakopoulouShinjuku Gyoen in November. The beautiful autumn green, red and orange colors all over this garden will dazzle you!
19
Culture
Hanami Season at Shinjuku Gyoen
Elena LisinaSakura photos taken in Shinjuku Gyoen on a bright spring day
13
Shinjuku Gyoen in June
Daniel VeseyShinjuku Gyoen is one of the treasures of Shinjuku that should be accredited alongside Shinjuku station and the majestic shiny..
12
Gardens & Parks
The Flowers of Shinjuku Gyoen
Takane ShojiBeautiful botanic life thrives in the heart of Tokyo in Shinjuku Gyoen.
25
Gardens & Parks
Shinjuku Gyoen Tokyo on a Rainy Day
Elena LisinaShinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a spacious and beautiful garden. It can be enjoyed on any day, even if it rains.
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Questions about Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden?
Near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Accommodation
THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
Located right next to the vast Shinjuku Central Park, THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku is a modern boutique hotel with convenient access to nearby Shinjuku Station..
Accommodation
Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo Seafort
Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo Seafort is part of the Hankyu-Hanshin luxury hotels group. Since 1938, this luxury hotel has been opening its doors to guests who..
Western
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingu Gaien P...
The newest addition to the Mitsui Garden Hotel group, the Jingu Gaien Premier Hotel is the perfect base for your stay in Tokyo.
Food
Fishing Restaurant Zauo Meguro
Located right outside Meguro Station, this is a restaurant where you can eat the fish you catch yourself in one of the two tanks. Serves all kinds of..
Food
Pokemon Cafe Nihonbashi
Opened in March 2018, the Pokemon Cafe in Nihonbashi is the series' latest permanent character cafe in Tokyo. The cafe and adjacent Pokemon Center..
Food
Highball Bar Sunny-Side 1923
The highball is a popular drink for both men and women. The diverse selection of highballs at this specialized bar will make your night magical.
Activities
Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
The venue for the gymnastics and water polo competitions during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium continues to be an important..
Activities
New National Stadium
Olympic fever is building in Tokyo! Preparations for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games are well underway. One of the most important venues will be..
Activities
Meiji Jingu Gaien
This huge park in the heart of Tokyo is known for its various sports facilities. However, it also offers many other attractions for visitors of all ages...