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
7:00 - 16:00 Open NowOpening Hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
7:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
7:00 - 16:00
Thursday
7:00 - 16:00
Friday
7:00 - 16:00
Saturday
7:00 - 16:00
Sunday
7:00 - 16:00
Holidays
7:00 - 16:00
Price
¥500Website
Access
A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoen Mae Station on the Marunouchi Line or Sendagaya Station on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line.
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.
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