Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, also known as Shinjuku Gyoen Park, is one of the most famous parks in Tokyo, Japan. Located near Shinjuku Station, this peaceful garden is a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take beautiful photos. It combines three styles of gardens: Japanese, English, and French.
The park has large green lawns, traditional tea houses, quiet ponds with koi fish, and beautiful walking paths. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there is always something nice to see. It is managed by Japan's Ministry of the Environment.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s most iconic parks, admired for its beautiful blend of natural beauty, historical design, and cultural value. It’s a rare green space in the middle of one of the busiest districts in Tokyo, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
One of the main reasons Shinjuku Gyoen is famous is because of its cherry blossom displays in spring. The park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, including early- and late-blooming varieties. This means visitors can enjoy sakura over a longer period than at many other spots in Tokyo. The cherry blossom season usually peaks in late March to early April, drawing thousands of people who come to take part in hanami—the tradition of flower viewing and picnicking under the blossoms.
Another highlight is the park’s traditional Japanese garden, which features carefully maintained landscaping, stone bridges, small islands, and koi-filled ponds. The garden is designed to reflect Japan’s long history of natural aesthetics and seasonal awareness. Visitors can walk along winding paths that reveal different views with each turn, creating a peaceful and immersive experience. Wooden pavilions and historic buildings add to the classic charm.
Shinjuku Gyoen also includes a large greenhouse near the Okido Gate. This greenhouse houses a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world. It’s a great place to visit during rainy days or in the colder months when the outdoor plants are not in bloom. Inside, you can see exotic orchids, ferns, and rare flowering plants up close, all labeled and displayed in well-organized sections.
Seasonal changes play a big part in the park’s appeal. In addition to cherry blossoms, Shinjuku Gyoen is also known for its chrysanthemum exhibitions in November, which are carefully cultivated and presented in traditional arrangements. During February, plum blossoms begin to bloom, offering the first signs of spring. In autumn, the maple and ginkgo trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the best places in Tokyo for viewing fall colors.
Adding to its cultural value, the park contains traditional tea houses, where visitors can enjoy a quiet cup of matcha tea paired with seasonal Japanese sweets. These tea houses give guests a taste of traditional hospitality in a setting that encourages calm and reflection.
Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Lastly, Shinjuku Gyoen has also gained attention through popular culture. It was prominently featured in the anime film"The Garden of Words” by Makoto Shinkai. Fans of the film visit the park to see the real-life locations that inspired scenes from the movie. This connection to art and storytelling has brought in visitors from around the world, especially younger generations.
● Open daily: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
● Last entry: 4:30 PM
● Closed: Mondays (unless Monday is a national holiday)
During special events like the chrysanthemum exhibition or cherry blossom season, the park might stay open longer. Check the official website for updated times.
● Adults: ¥500
● Students (High school & university): ¥250
● Children (junior high & under): Free
You can get Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tickets at the entrance or book them online. Booking tickets early is helpful during busy times like sakura season. Search for “Shinjuku Gyoen tickets online” to find official links.
There are three main gates to the park:
1. Shinjuku Gate – Closest to Shinjuku Station
2. Okido Gate – Near Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
3. Sendagaya Gate – Near Sendagaya Station
Use a Shinjuku Gyoen map to find tea houses, picnic spots, flower areas, and the greenhouse.
Getting to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is easy thanks to its central location in Tokyo and the number of nearby train stations. The most common route is from Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo's busiest and best-connected transit hubs. From the Shinjuku Gate of the garden, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the station’s South Exit.
Just follow the signs toward Shinjuku Gyoen, or use a navigation app for guidance. If you’re coming via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, get off at Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station and exit toward the Okido Gate. It’s only a 5-minute walk from there, making it a very convenient choice, especially for those staying in central Tokyo.
Another option is Sendagaya Station, located on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line. From there, it's also a 5-minute walk to the Sendagaya Gate, which is usually less crowded and good for quicker access during busy seasons. Each gate leads into a different part of the park, so choosing your entrance based on your planned route inside can help make the visit smoother. For exact directions and live updates, it’s helpful to search “Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden” on Google Maps, especially during peak tourist times or weekends.
While Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is generally open to walk-in visitors, reservations may be required during peak seasons, especially during the cherry blossom period in late March and early April, or during large-scale events like the chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn. These are the busiest times of the year, and advance booking helps manage crowd size and ensures that visitors can enjoy a safe and comfortable experience. To avoid waiting in long lines or the risk of same-day entry being full, it’s recommended to check online ticket platforms or the official park website for reservation availability.
Sites like Klook often offer easy-to-use booking systems and may include options for bundled experiences such as guided tours or cultural activities. By securing your Shinjuku Gyoen reservation in advance, you’ll have a smoother entry process and more time to enjoy the garden without stress.
The amount of time you spend at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden depends on your interests, but on average, most visitors stay between 1.5 to 3 hours. The garden is quite large, covering over 58 hectares, and there’s plenty to see, including Japanese gardens, wide open lawns, a greenhouse, tea houses, and walking paths.
If you enjoy a leisurely stroll, taking photos of nature, or simply sitting on a bench and relaxing, you might find yourself spending even more time there. Some people bring food and enjoy a quiet picnic, while others explore the garden section by section at a slow pace.
Because the park is calm and peaceful, many visitors prefer to stay for half a day to fully appreciate the changing scenery and serene atmosphere. Whether you're visiting solo, as a couple, or with family, there's enough variety and space to make it a restful break from the busy Tokyo streets nearby.
Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Spring is the most popular time to visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, thanks to the breathtaking display of sakura (cherry blossoms). The garden is home to over 1,000 cherry trees of various species, which means the blooming period is slightly staggered—some trees bloom earlier while others bloom later. This allows visitors to enjoy the blossoms over a longer stretch of time than at other locations.
The entire park transforms into a sea of soft pink and white, making it one of Tokyo’s best places for hanami (flower-viewing picnics). If you plan to visit during this season, it's a good idea to book Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossom tickets online in advance to avoid lines and ensure entry, as this is the busiest time of year.
Autumn brings a completely different but equally beautiful atmosphere to Shinjuku Gyoen. During the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden autumn 2024 season, the park becomes a vibrant canvas of red, orange, and yellow foliage, especially from the Japanese maple and ginkgo trees.
The cooler temperatures make it a comfortable time to walk through the garden’s wide paths and enjoy the crisp air. Autumn is also less crowded compared to cherry blossom season, offering a more relaxed experience while still providing stunning photo opportunities. It’s an excellent season for visitors who prefer peaceful sightseeing with fewer people.
Winter is the quietest time at Shinjuku Gyoen, but it has its own charm. The garden takes on a calm and serene mood, and the lack of crowds makes it perfect for those seeking solitude. In February, you may begin to see the first plum blossoms, which are a sign that spring is approaching.
The soft sunlight and bare trees provide a peaceful background for photography, and the greenhouse remains open, offering warm and colorful views even in the cold. It’s a great time for reflective walks and uncrowded exploration.
Summer at Shinjuku Gyoen is hot and humid, like the rest of Tokyo, but the garden still provides plenty of enjoyment. The park is filled with lush greenery, and the hydrangeas bloom beautifully in early summer.
Shady walking paths and large trees offer relief from the sun, and the greenhouse becomes a popular place to explore while staying cool. While it’s not as visually dramatic as cherry blossom or autumn season, summer is a good time for those who want to enjoy a quieter visit with fewer tourists around.
There are many enjoyable and relaxing activities to do at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, making it a perfect spot for people of all ages. One of the most popular things to do is picnicking on the open lawn areas. Visitors often bring snacks or bento lunches and spread out on the grass, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. The park also offers peaceful paths for walking through the Japanese garden, where you can see stone lanterns, traditional bridges, koi ponds, and well-maintained landscaping.
A visit to the park wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the greenhouse, which is home to a wide range of tropical and subtropical plants. It’s a great indoor spot to explore, especially on rainy days or during winter. Near the Japanese garden, you’ll also find a tea house, where you can relax and enjoy matcha green tea served with seasonal Japanese sweets in a calm, traditional setting.
Throughout the park, there are opportunities to see seasonal flowers and trees, such as cherry blossoms in spring, chrysanthemums in autumn, and plum blossoms in late winter. Nature lovers and photographers will enjoy taking photos of scenic spots, including the bridges, reflective ponds, and beautifully arranged flower beds. While jogging is not allowed to maintain the garden’s peaceful atmosphere, slow walks are welcomed and encouraged, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy nature in the middle of Tokyo.
● Cherry Blossom Festival (late March–early April)
● Chrysanthemum Exhibition (November)
● Plum blossom viewing (February)
● Cultural shows like Mori no Takigi Noh (open-air performances)
|
Feature |
Shinjuku Gyoen |
Ueno Park |
Yoyogi Park |
|
Garden Style |
Formal Japanese/English/French |
Urban, open & museum-rich |
Open, casual, local vibe |
|
Entry Fee |
¥500 |
Free |
Free |
|
Best For |
Nature lovers, calm walks |
Museums, cherry blossoms |
Jogging, dog walking |
|
Location |
Shinjuku |
Ueno |
Harajuku/Shibuya |
Our creative itinerary ideas will give you some travel inspirations. We will definitely tailor make unique trip for you and there are many more options available.