Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful park in the middle of Tokyo. It’s gardens, woods, ponds and cherry blossoms make this one of the most popular parks in Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen was originally the location of the mansion of the feudal, Lord Naito who was granted this land in 1590. Three hundred years later it was converted into botanical gardens and was used by the Imperial family to entertain guests. In 1949 after World War II it was changed from imperial land to national land and opened to the public.
Shinjuku Gyoen has Japanese, English and French gardens. However, throughout all the gardens are cherry blossoms, which date back to 1917, making this an extremely popular place to view cherry blossoms. In fact, so popular that one year we could not even find the end of the line to enter the park, so with young kids in tow, we decided on a different park!
We came back to Shinjuku Gyoen on another trip, this time in winter and loved exploring this park, it was a glorious winter’s day, beautiful in the sunshine while the ponds in the shade were still frozen.
Shinjuku Gyoen is also a popular park to visit for the autumn leaves and the Chrysanthemum display, held every November, and dating back to 1929.
In Shinjuku Gyoen, there are a couple of little tea houses; Rakuutei (which is more formal) and Shoutentei (take away available). For more info check out this site.
Restaurant Yurinoki and Cafe Hananoki offer drinks and meals, there is also a kiosk and a couple of rest houses throughout the park that would not be complete without a vending machine! 2020 saw the opening of a Starbucks within Shinjuku Gyoen.
Near the Shinjuku gate you will find the information centre and art gallery (this is located outside the park and needs to be viewed before entering the park). While in the park, check out the greenhouse and the Western style Imperial rest house.
English map from the official website
Who would enjoy this…
If you are looking for green spaces in the middle of Tokyo, enjoy exploring gardens or fancy having tea in a Japanese tea house surrounded by garden, then Shinjuku Gyoen is worth a visit.
Tickets
Adults: ¥500
6-14yo: ¥250
5 and under are free.
Hours 9am opening. Closing hours depend on the season, in winter closed from 4:30, in spring and autumn open longer
Closed Mondays (unless Monday is a national holiday, then closed next non holiday day. No closing days during cherry blossom March 25-April 24 and chrysanthemum viewing November 1-15.
Closed December 29 to Jan 3rd
How to get here
There are three entrance gates to Shinjuku Gyoen; the Shinjuku Gate, Okido Gate and Sendagaya Gate.
From JR Shinjuku Station, use the South exit, it’s a 10 minute walk East to Shinjuku Gate.
From Shinjuku Gyoen Mae Station on the Marunouchi Subway Line both Okido and Shinjuku gates are a five minute walk.
From JR Sendagaya Station on the local Chuo/Sobu line it’s a five minute walk to Sendagaya Gate.
While you are here…
Skinjuku is close to lots of other great sites to visit – see if you can find Godzilla in Shinjuku! Or travel a few stations South and check out Shibuya and Harajuku.
Need more information?
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Official Page
English park map from the official website
Japan Guide
Japan Visitor