Region
Kanto
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Tokyo
Population
12,059,237

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku's not-so secret garden is still a stunner.

One of the city’s most popular (but somehow least crowded) parks, Tokyoites regularly make their escape into the 58.3 hectares of gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen, designed in three separate styles: English landscape, formal French and traditional Japanese.

Shinjuku Gyoen has a long history, dating back to the Edo period as the garden of a feudal lord to later become an imperial garden for entertaining guests during the early 20th century. Now, it’s a national garden open to the public, with wide, open lawns and peaceful stretches of water running through the three main sections.

Tokyo, Japan - May 28, 2016: Old woman paints at Shinjuku garden

Shinjuku Gyoen is full of tranquil spots perfect for sketching, reading or picnicking with friends and family.

In the Japanese garden, the oldest of the three, there are tea houses where you can experience drinking Japanese kocha in an oh-so traditional context. Come here for pavilions, manicured shrubbery and artfully composed scenery too. In the first couple of weeks in November the Japanese garden hosts an annual exhibition of chrysanthemum, the symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family.

The French formal garden replicates the famous structural designs seen back in Europe, while the English landscape garden’s spacious green lawns are encircled by dozens of cherry blossom trees making it a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot in spring. Come fall, the park, particularly the Japanese garden, transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, golds and browns.

Autumn leaves at Shinjuku Gyoen

The park is beautiful through all the seasons.

The greenhouse displays tropical flowers that you can enjoy throughout the year. There’s also a restaurant, information center, art gallery and lots of rest areas to enjoy the scenery.

There are three entrance gates to the park: Shinjuku and Okido (North), and Sendagaya (South). You do have to pay a small fee to enter the park, which closes at 4 p.m, and there are no pets, ball games or alcohol allowed. The rules might seem stern but it’s this way that the park remains so serene and soothing.

Things To Know

Opening Hours

9:00 – 16:00, gate shuts 16:30. Closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fee

¥200.

How To Get There

Address

Japan, 〒160-0014 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Naitōmachi, 国道20号線

By train

For the Shinjuku gate, take the train to Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station or Shinjuku-sanchome Station and the park is just a five-minute walk from there. Alternatively, if you’re coming from JR Shinjuku Station, walk east for ten minutes from the New South Exit and you won’t miss the expanse of green awaiting you.

For the Okido gate, take the train to Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station – it’s also a five-minute walk.

For the Sendagaya gate, take the train to Sendagaya Station or Kokuritsu-Kyogijyo Station, and it’s a five-minute walk.

Where To Stay

APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
  • 2-2-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan
  • ¥17,900 - ¥69,100
  • 4.19/5 (1,985 reviews)
  • 0.2 km
Hotel Rocks Shinjuku
  • 2-10-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan
  • ¥17,800 - ¥24,800
  • 0.3 km
Hotel Queen Annex
  • 2-10-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan
  • ¥21,600 - ¥34,000
  • 0.3 km
9h nine hours woman Shinjuku
  • 2-13-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan
  • ¥7,290 - ¥8,100
  • 3.46/5 (53 reviews)
  • 0.3 km
Pod Select Hotel Shinjuku
  • 2-12-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan
  • ¥13,750 - ¥41,800
  • 4.25/5 (34 reviews)
  • 0.4 km

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