Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Garden · Sendagaya

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Garden · Sendagaya

4

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan

4 Postcards

Photos

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Photo by age fotostock
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Photo by age fotostock
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Getty
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Google
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by Yelp

Highlights

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a lush, 144-acre urban oasis with stunning gardens and tranquil spots, perfect for a peaceful escape in Tokyo.  

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11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan Get directions

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11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan Get directions

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Oct 31, 2024

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@travelleisure

"Visitors love to share snapshots of the beautiful scenes, with 713,595 posts on Instagram and 4,550 TikTok tags — showing off the cherry blossoms in spring and the fields that turn into sprawling sheets of silk in the winter." - Travel + Leisure Editors

This U.S. Garden Was Just Named the Most Beautiful in the World
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@cntraveler

"Fancy a stroll in a Japanese garden? Get that and more at Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to native, traditional gardens, the 144-acre park pockets French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the modest entrance fee. Landmarks are stunning and impossible to forget, like a Taiwan Pavilion perched along a serene pond. Formerly an imperial garden, it became a national garden after World War II—so you can trust that this precious plot is always beautifully maintained. Don’t miss cherry blossom season." - Anna Chittenden, Melinda Joe

27 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
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@afar

"The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a gorgeous park that's just a short walk from Shinjuku Station. There are several gardens within the space, including a formal French one, an English landscape garden, and a traditional Japanese design. While the admission fee is nominal (about $2), it helps assure that it is surprisingly quiet, with fewer visitors than parks open to the public for free. If the weather is good, consider picking up a bento from nearby Takashimaya's depachika . Convenience stores sell plastic "blue sheets" for impromptu picnics. The only downside to this park is that it is alcohol-free; if you want to drink sake at your picnic, head down the road to Yoyogi Park."

The Best Things to Do in Tokyo
test
@afar

"The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a gorgeous park that's just a short walk from Shinjuku Station. There are several gardens within the space, including a formal French one, an English landscape garden, and a traditional Japanese design. While the admission fee is nominal (about $2), it helps assure that it is surprisingly quiet, with fewer visitors than parks open to the public for free. If the weather is good, consider picking up a bento from nearby Takashimaya's depachika . Convenience stores sell plastic "blue sheets" for impromptu picnics. The only downside to this park is that it is alcohol-free; if you want to drink sake at your picnic, head down the road to Yoyogi Park."

The Perfect Weekend in Tokyo
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Clemens Wan

Google
This is a must-go for runners and families. It's a hidden gem and well worth the 500 yen entrance fee. Be aware of the entrance locations as I had trouble circling around the huge park. Never have I had so much fun just looking up at the trees and bathing in the first of nature. I can't wait to come back during cherry blossom season.

Avi Kessler

Google
Fabulous park. Probably the best one on the west side of Tokyo. Manicured lawns. Tea house is a bit of a rip off. Entry to the park respects senior citizens. Japanese gardens and landscape are wonderfully cared for. You can walk around and take in the scenery and just forget about the whole world outside. We spent the whole day there.

Ulysses Parker

Google
the park has an entrance fee of 500 yen. the bathrooms do not have hand dryers, bring some sort of towel. there are some quiet corners of the park, if a part is too crowded keep moving you will find a nice spot eventually. while you are here you must visit the greenhouse, it alone is worth the price of admission.

Wes Perry

Google
A beautiful garden in the heart of Tokyo. It is characterized by a traditional Japanese garden, a formal garden and a green house. On its own, it's beauty was evident and it was a wonderful place to picnic and eat lunch or escape from the city without traveling too far. There were many locals doing just that. My only problem was that I had just come from Kyoto and saw the most beautiful temples and gardens in the world that this one fell short to those but on its own was a beautiful place to spend time. Well worth the 500 yen entry fee.

Sara B.R.

Google
Great garden for a walk while visiting Tokyo! There's an entry fee (500yen) which you can pay using the IC card (loved the convenience!). The park is gorgeous, great Japan gardens and walk around the paths.

Claudio Lener

Google
What a lovely park! There are so many different areas to see, including small museums, a big greenhouse, and various gardens with ponds. It was filled with people and yet still felt spacious for everyone, with quiet spots available to relax in peace.

Harry Hao

Google
A very beautiful and serene garden in the middle of busy Shinjuku. There is much to see in this garden, including a tropical greenhouse, rose gardens, ponds, cherry trees, and more. Takes a couple of hours to explore fully, but well worth it. This garden was probably my favourite garden that I visited during my Japan trip.

Angela Smith

Google
This was probably one of my favorite gardens to visit. There is so much to see and many picturesque spots to capture. The variety of species are amazing! The pavilion is Taiwanese style, marking some history in the heart of Tokyo. And a food truck. I laughed. The contrast was humorous and put a smile on my face.

Clemens Wan

Google
This is a must-go for runners and families. It's a hidden gem and well worth the 500 yen entrance fee. Be aware of the entrance locations as I had trouble circling around the huge park. Never have I had so much fun just looking up at the trees and bathing in the first of nature. I can't wait to come back during cherry blossom season.

Avi Kessler

Google
Fabulous park. Probably the best one on the west side of Tokyo. Manicured lawns. Tea house is a bit of a rip off. Entry to the park respects senior citizens. Japanese gardens and landscape are wonderfully cared for. You can walk around and take in the scenery and just forget about the whole world outside. We spent the whole day there.

Ulysses Parker

Google
the park has an entrance fee of 500 yen. the bathrooms do not have hand dryers, bring some sort of towel. there are some quiet corners of the park, if a part is too crowded keep moving you will find a nice spot eventually. while you are here you must visit the greenhouse, it alone is worth the price of admission.

Wes Perry

Google
A beautiful garden in the heart of Tokyo. It is characterized by a traditional Japanese garden, a formal garden and a green house. On its own, it's beauty was evident and it was a wonderful place to picnic and eat lunch or escape from the city without traveling too far. There were many locals doing just that. My only problem was that I had just come from Kyoto and saw the most beautiful temples and gardens in the world that this one fell short to those but on its own was a beautiful place to spend time. Well worth the 500 yen entry fee.

Sara B.R.

Google
Great garden for a walk while visiting Tokyo! There's an entry fee (500yen) which you can pay using the IC card (loved the convenience!). The park is gorgeous, great Japan gardens and walk around the paths.

Claudio Lener

Google
What a lovely park! There are so many different areas to see, including small museums, a big greenhouse, and various gardens with ponds. It was filled with people and yet still felt spacious for everyone, with quiet spots available to relax in peace.

Harry Hao

Google
A very beautiful and serene garden in the middle of busy Shinjuku. There is much to see in this garden, including a tropical greenhouse, rose gardens, ponds, cherry trees, and more. Takes a couple of hours to explore fully, but well worth it. This garden was probably my favourite garden that I visited during my Japan trip.

Angela Smith

Google
This was probably one of my favorite gardens to visit. There is so much to see and many picturesque spots to capture. The variety of species are amazing! The pavilion is Taiwanese style, marking some history in the heart of Tokyo. And a food truck. I laughed. The contrast was humorous and put a smile on my face.

Carmen G.

Yelp
A beautiful national park in Shinjuku! The park is so well kept with their grass, trimmings, trees and more. The park is super large so it takes a while to walk around, in fact it was so big that we didn't even finish walking the entire thing. They have different areas to show different plants/ trees. There's also a starbucks inside the park with a beautiful glass window overlooking the water and scenery. Definitely try to snag a spot there if you're lucky. The park is very zen and quiet. Walk around and take some beautiful pics here, will be well worth the memories.

John W.

Yelp
Came here during the last hour of my Trip to Japan with my Wife finding yourself in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and need a serene escape, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an absolute gem that shouldn't be missed. I visited this beautiful oasis on a sunny afternoon, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. Scenic Beauty, The garden is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French styles. Each area is meticulously maintained and offers a unique charm. The Japanese landscape garden, with its tranquil ponds and meticulously pruned trees, is particularly enchanting. Seasonal Wonders, Whether you visit during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage, or even winter, Shinjuku Gyoen has something breathtaking to offer. I was fortunate to visit during the spring, and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, creating a pink canopy that felt almost magical. Peace and Quiet Despite being in the heart of Shinjuku, the garden is surprisingly peaceful. It's a great place to relax, take a leisurely stroll, or have a quiet picnic. The wide open spaces ensure that it never feels too crowded, even on weekends. Accessibility, The garden is easily accessible from Shinjuku Station, making it a convenient stop for tourists. There are clear signs in both Japanese and English, and the pathways are well-maintained and easy to navigate. Amenities, There are several tea houses within the garden where you can enjoy a cup of traditional matcha tea while soaking in the views. Additionally, there are clean restrooms and plenty of benches scattered throughout the park.

Sandee L.

Yelp
Our last morning in Tokyo and we scored! I was hoping for the best when I booked our trip to Japan six plus months ago. Then the forecast came out and I thought we were going to miss it entirely! Luck was on our side though. The cherry blossoms took their time and bloomed very late this year. What we saw was not even "full bloom" at Gyoen National Garden and it was spectacular. During this time of year, you need to have reservations on weekends. Weekdays (when we went) were easy to get into and you could use your Passmo to pay the ¥500 entrance fee. We barely touched the surface of what the gardens had to offer and were floored. Wish the weather was more cooperative and we had more time to enjoy, but I'll take what I can get. A definite must to hanami!

Serena M.

Yelp
We went here on our last days in Japan and we went to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to check out the cherry blossoms. It was kind of sad because we all hoped to see the cherry blossoms on this trip but it was just too cold and it didn't start blooming until two days before we were about to fly back. To get into this park, you have to make reservations. However, if you have a kid, you don't have to make reservations. You can go straight up in line and buy your tickets. It was great. We just passed everyone in that long line and went to the front, just because we had a kid. The park was pretty amazing. It was so vast and beautiful. It was a nice place to just walk around and check out all the scenery. They had different gardens that you could visit. It was so nice to see some of the Sakura coming out. It must be so nice to see all of the Sakura coming out. I'd like to come and visit this park again. It was so relaxing and great exercise for all of us too.

Ves S.

Yelp
500yen entrance. Reservations required on weekends 10-4 but if you go before 10 or after 4 it's not required. You can just reserve and pay online and you might get lucky. When we went on 3/24 the Sakura was not ready yet so not too difficult to snags a reservation online and pay with a US credit card. QR codes everywhere.

Quentin P.

Yelp
Really nice park in Shinjuku. Has a decent amount of cherry trees. Very clean and neat and pleasant. Have to pay ¥500 to get in. Also we went to the Shouten-in tea house and was really nice food and tea, stop by to sit and enjoy the scenery. Pictures of tea house and menu.

David D.

Yelp
It's just a beautiful clean park in the middle of Toyko with lakes and tea gardens and lawns and walking paths. Very close to the Olympic National Stadium. Can't think of a nicer more serene park. They do charge $$ to get in: About $3.50 US Per Person. We went to the tea garden here. No ceremony just tea with no shoes on. Bathroom was highly impressive--cleaner, larger, and better stocked than most peeps at home. I would definitely return here on my next trip to Tokyo.

Mark N. T.

Yelp
The park is located a bit far from Shinjuku station. You can use subway lines. You need to pay 500 yen to enter the park. You can use a Suica card. The Japanese gardens are the best spots to relax. Flowers are blooming all the seasons. You won't feel a shortage of soda machines, restrooms, and benches. Please enjoy!

Sherri Z.

Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen is a gorgeous park surrounded by blossoming sakura, a lake, a greenhouse, a museum and a nice Starbucks with a view. This is a must-see if you are in Japan during cherry blossom season, and even if you're not, this park is beautiful and peaceful any time of year. Please note during cherry blossom season tickets and reservations are needed on the weekends 10-4. Its easy to buy tickets online and you can skip the massive line with your QR code. Go to any kombini, buy a picnic blanket and some snacks and practice the Japanese tradition of hanami, enjoying friends and family and food under the beautiful blossoms!

Kim R.

Yelp
Gorgeous and expansive park! Easy access from the train and great signage throughout. Beautiful, clean grounds with fabulous trees. Big enough that even when it got busier we never felt crowded (with the exception of the greenhouse where you'll find single file paths). Just a lovely park in which to take a stroll...but watch out for those big spiders and their stunning webs, they were everywhere!

Nate A.

Yelp
03.31.2023「NAKED 桜の新宿御苑」 Naked Sakura Night Garden at Shinjuku Gyoen This review will be based on the event listed above. As Shinjuku Gyoen is usually closed for the evening, this is a rare opportunity to see it after dark. Since the number of attendees each night was limited, I made an online reservation for this event before booking my trip. This was the first Hanami since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Many people were waiting for the park to close for the illuminations. It was a smooth waiting experience while I was with my mom in the line. As soon as one enters the atmosphere, there is a variety of hues of pink. The park had different kinds of lanterns in different colors. A sakura-inspired light design was on the lanterns as you shine them on the ground. Those who pre-ordered could get sakura-themed merchandise, including a sakura mat for viewing the sakura in the park. With all the illuminations in the park, strolling with Mom at night was much more enjoyable than walking it during the day. Being with my mom made it a memorable experience. Since this trip was to see the cherry blossoms, I wanted her first experience in Japan to be worthwhile.

Raya M.

Yelp
The most beautiful garden/park I've ever been to. We came during Sakura/cherry blossom season and it was exceptionally beautiful. This place is perfect for a walk, stroll, to sit down and relax, bring some lunch. They have multiple cafes inside (including Starbucks). There is a greenhouse but the greenhouse closes 30 minutes earlier @5:30pm. We came here twice and our friend proposed here the second time we came, it's a magical spot during cherry blossom season. Admission is ¥500 ($3), and an annual pass is ¥2000 ($13).

Zacharias P.

Yelp
This is a beautiful park in the heart of the Shinjuku area. I was able to walk there in about 15 minutes from my hotel in Chome 1. It's 500 yen to get in and well worth it. The park expands over a large area and has different forms of landscaping including tradition Japanese gardens. I was there in mid March and many of the cherry blossoms had not woken up yet, but could see them starting to bud. Lots of people picnicking under the trees. Family friendly. Very clean.

Eunice T.

Yelp
Note: time-entry reservation is required for certain days during cherry blossom season. It's definitely worth a visit though. It's so beautiful in there! The crowd was crazy the first time I tried to come here, so I decided to make a reservation for one of their "reservation only" days and chose the earliest timeslot (enter before 9am). It was peaceful wandering around the park/garden with barely anyone around. It'd be even more perfect if it weren't raining on the day I was there. The best view, imo, is from the Starbucks near the center of the garden. People are crazy there with saving the observatory seats near the windows. We were one of the first ones in line and to place orders, but we didn't realize that people would literally save their spots first via putting their belonging on the chairs and then going back to line up.

Nancy P.

Yelp
Beautiful gardens in the middle of Tokyo. While the park closes at 6pm, they stop allowing visitors in at 4:30pm. We got in just before the deadline and enjoyed our leisurely stroll around the entire park. The traditional Japanese garden was gorgeous and we got to sit at the coveted window side seats. Great to see individuals reading, friends playing frisbees, and families with children just enjoying the grounds.

Kevin K.

Yelp
This is a definite must see if/when visiting Tokyo. The gardens are beautiful, and the space is a joy to walk in; however, what we enjoyed even above and beyond that, was the amount of history noted in the spaces. We thoroughly enjoyed walking the entire area and learning about Tokyo as it was then and is now. There really isn't too much else to say besides. It's worth the few dollars to enter, and you could spend a whole afternoon in it. Be sure to check out the greenhouse when you do; it was one of our favorite parts!

Mary T.

Yelp
I wish we had more clean parks here in CA. This place was beautiful and clean. We saw a lot of people hanging out with their friends, their significant others, their families and of course there were tourists like ourselves. I wish we had thought about bringing food and drinks and enjoyed a little romantic picnic - but we weren't sure if we were allowed to eat on the premise. But yes, you can have a picnic at the park! Bring a mat/picnic blanket to sit on! The park was HUGE, there was plenty of places to sit. We visited Japan near the end of October/early November and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. We experienced clear skies and a brisk 70 degree weather everyday. Husband and I sat and just enjoyed each others company and soaked in all that Japan had to offer. We marveled at the architecture, envied the peace and quiet, overcame by it's cleanliness despite the amount of people that moved through the park that day alone. We stopped a few times because I had sprained my ankle the 2nd day we arrived in Japan, it was so peaceful that I fell asleep within minutes while my husband was searching for our next adventure! 10/10 would go back again on our next trip to Japan!

Christina C.

Yelp
Beautiful garden with a lot of open space. I've been here several times during all different months of the year and it has always been a relaxing oasis from the hustle & bustle of Tokyo. The latest time I was here was in early/mid April and there were plenty of cherry blossoms of all different colors.

Lisa K.

Yelp
Gorgeous respite from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku City. You can wander around various gardens, tea houses, and open green spaces. The entry fee is nominal and very worth it.

Jennifer E.

Yelp
A wonderful refuge in the middle of bustling Shinjuku. We spent most of a day strolling the varied gardens, touring the Greenhouse and the Imperial Rest House. Each area is different, from the traditional Japanese garden to the Formal Garden and Rose Beds, and we were particularly impressed with the Maple and Cherry Tree areas. There are plenty of bathrooms, and while we chose not to partake, there is a Starbucks, a Tea House, and a couple of other places to buy drinks and snacks. It was a very peaceful and tranquil place to spend the day.

Pooja S.

Yelp
Costing 500 yen to get in, these national gardens are gorgeous and pretty big! We explored all afternoon, learning a bit about the history of Japan and looking at the various areas and the greenhouse. There are also several vending machines and snack vendors if you get hungry. People come here to explore and just relax in the park and it's a good and relaxing time!

Tiff H.

Yelp
Definitely a must stop locale when in Tokyo! We took a nice long brisk walk to the gardens from our Airbnb and regretted since it was further than we thought. However, the view was worth it. Small admission fee of 500 yen gets you in for the beautiful garden views. Our feet were tired but the gorgeous views had us walking on. The garden is huge - pretty sure we only saw a fraction of it. But the heat from the sun We didn't walk through all the flower exhibits due to the fall season in October but we had a good walk in the blazing Tokyo sun.

Ed U.

Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: if you scoff at the idea of paying 500 JPY to enter what is essentially a park, you clearly take such greenery for granted back where you're from. For shame. In Tokyo, this expansive patch of nature is meticulously maintained that we appreciated how we were helping to fund its upkeep. Spring brings a symphony of cherry blossoms, but even in October after a typhoon swept through, the English, French, and especially the Japanese gardens are worthwhile to saunter. Don't miss the gorgeous greenhouse with a dazzling variety of tropical and subtropical plants and flowers. There are three entrance gates, and it's closed on Mondays except during cherry blossom season. RELATED - Traveling in Japan? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2qrUBZo

Frank F.

Yelp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a nice tranquil getaway from the crowds and noise of the city. The are nice walking paths with beautiful flowers and nicely landscaped trees. The flower gardens displayed row after row of perfect chrysanthemums. A picturesque pond with bridges passing over the water and bonsai trees, offer many photo opportunities. The garden is a wonderful place to walk and relax.

Amy Y.

Yelp
If you enjoy nature, you'll love the view here! Entrance fee a little less than $5. Buy the ticket in the machine and go in. We came right when it opened so not too many people. The garden is huge! It was Autumn season when we came so there were some leaves/trees changing color. The sky view was beautiful! Check out my photos. It's a nice place to do a photo shoot of course. Well worth it!

Aron N.

Yelp
This is probably the most beautiful park I have been to. Sprawling, well maintained, a massive greenhouse that has a variety of Hawaii plants and more. Incredible golf fairway looking grass in spots, lakes, crows, nice paved paths, rose gardens, flower gardens, ancient buildings, wonderful paths to walk, and finally - bathrooms everywhere. I mean everywhere! This park is simply amazing and for $5/person (500 yen) is just a place you need to see. Wonderful, beautiful, fantastic.

Bridget W.

Yelp
I've got to hand it to Tokyo. Among all the chaos and crowds, they maintain beautiful gardens like this one right in the middle of all of the action. It's a small walk from Shinjuku station, a cheap entrance fee, and acres and acres of peaceful tranquility. Grab a free map at the front (near the restrooms) so you can navigate all the paths and ponds and find the teahouse. You could easily spend all day here. For me it was the perfect spot to get my fill of fresh air and traditional Japanese gardens on my last day in Tokyo.

Allison B.

Yelp
Such a fun stop! A 500¥ fee per person but worth it I think! Even in January the park was gorgeous, construction background noise disrupted the peace a bit but still such a great park. Such great wildlife and birds out and about and the occasional old person painting. Loved it!

Ying L.

Yelp
Beautiful garden. It was about 20 mins walk from the Shinjuku Station. 500 Yen for adult for entrance fee. It will take a lot 2-3 hours to fully walk the park and enjoy it. Definitely recommend to check this park out if you are visiting. Many bathrooms located inside the park.

Sharon H.

Yelp
Beautiful flowers and plants galore. On our last day in Japan, my mom and I went out to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to visit the Chrysanthemum Exhibit. The exhibit lasted roughly a week while we were there as they change each season. The admission fee was ¥200. The garden covers a lot of territory and if you enjoy plants and flowers, you could spend a few hours here. My mom and I were planning to do some last minute shopping, so we didn't stay for too long. A few of the places that were on our must see list were the Greenhouse and the Chrysanthemum Exhibit. Both are free with admission. The Greenhouse was a nice walkthrough ranging from different types of trees to cactus and flowers. We enjoyed our time looking at the different Chrysanthemum arrangements and learned how different techniques were used to make them. If I had more time, I'd could definitely stay here for a few hours.

Nathan S.

Yelp
Garden of Words. Honestly, I was not aware how popular this park was with tourists. I got the idea to visit here from one of my favourite anime and came last week. There's an admission charge which I guess is ok to upkeep the park. Students do get discounts as well as the elderly, make sure you have your student ID. Other than that it's an amazing way to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and to get some much needed relaxation after a long day. I prefer to chill in one of the rest areas with a book or manga and meditate. I've not seen it during Sakura blooming, but I would imagine it's beautiful. Go and take your time and explore, there's a lot of interesting things here.

Daniel C.

Yelp
April is Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season in Japan, and one of the best places to take a break from the concrete jungle is Shinjuku Gyoen, a gorgeous park that you can access easily from the subway. For an entrance free of about $2 US per person, its definitely worth your time visiting. You'll find tour groups, locals enjoying picnics, tourists, and even a few folks coming for wedding pictures. Then park is mostly flat but has many cherry blossom trees of all shapes, sizes, and colors (from white, to pink, to close to red). The park has sections for Japanese Gardens, French Garden, a separate forest, and a nice relaxing pond/lake area while real large fish (looks like Black Koi) swimming. The park is huge but don't worry about getting lost. You can enter and leave from different "gates" and still fond easy access back to a subway station. Bathrooms are also clean and well-maintained. 5 stars - a must-visit place while in Tokyo during Cherry Blossom Season. When its in the fall or winter, there will be other interesting plants and trees blooming too!

Jessica S.

Yelp
Before you start likening this gigantic park to Central Park in NYC or the Boston Commons, just know that Japan has several large parks of paradise scattered throughout the city. This one isn't nearly as big as the neighboring Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine grounds, but there's just so much to see and do that it may just seem as vast. It was here where we were able to catch the last bits of the cherry blossom season. They seemed to continue to blossom here quite late into the season. Entry fee was 200 yen, but it supports the upkeep of the garden and all of its exhibits. Stroll through wooded areas, botanical gardens, picturesque Japanese gardens and ponds, and tea houses. Plenty of hanami parties were in full effect where people would stake out and picnic under the beautiful sakura trees. Benches are scattered throughout, but there's still plenty of open grass areas to sit down, relax, and just take it all in. If you didn't bring anything to snack on and picnic with, there are plenty of vendors around selling everything from mochi, dango, and hot meals. If you're looking to escape the bustling city just for a moment, this is the perfect place to visit.

Andy N.

Yelp
Famed for being one of the top spots for sakura in Tokyo, the Gyoen National Garden is Shinjuku's call to Central Park in New York City. A small admission fee of ¥500 gets you access into one of the most pristine walking parks in the world's largest and densely packed metropolis. We came in December when most parts of the park have died off for the season. However, it's so enormous that there were still patches of beauty when visiting under clear, blue skies. It really felt like an escape from the hustle and bustle. Multiple entrances in the park will lead you to different gems including small ponds, gardens, and rows of imported flowers from around the world. There are large open spaces where locals hang out and we even saw a few young kids producing a video of sorts with their friends. If you enter early on in the day, the crowd is noticeably smaller so it never feels too crowded. The entrance fee is very reasonable compared to what I've paid for back home for access to parks, including the Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park in SF ($10, really?). It's worth the price and I highly recommend anyone to come and explore this park.

Cassandra Y.

Yelp
It was completed as a garden for the Imperial in 1906. It is famous garden where French Formal Garden, English Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden coexist in harmony. I visited this garden during the cherry blossom season...... OMG!!! The whole garden was just gorgeous!!! This garden is huge... acres & acres. Seeing so many cherry blossom trees blooming with different kind of cherry blossom, how beautiful! Excellent place for a picnic~ Sitting under the cherry blossom tree and enjoy the food & the view. Priceless!!! There is an admission fee for the garden.. just two dollar!! Not only it is a famous tourist attraction spot but local people love to hang out at this garden as well. Subway: Shinjuku-gyoenmae Subway Station

Juan F.

Yelp
Huge park in Tokyo. You won't even think that you are in Tokyo because this garden is peaceful and tranquil. The entrance fee is cheap and you get to wander calmly. Perfect spot if you want to get away from the crowds and noises for a bit.

Candace L.

Yelp
A very beautiful garden for cherry blossom viewing. I was on the fence about paying admission and visiting since cherry blossoms were in bloom everywhere! But there was something special about strolling through the garden and viewing all of the different types here. Beautiful experience that I'd bet you can only experience for about a week or so out of the entire year. I've viewed the cherry blossoms in Washington DC in the states over spring break and while very beautiful there's something much more special about seeing them in full bloom in Japan.

Tiffany N.

Yelp
If there's any question of whether to stop here or not while in Shinjuku, do it, do it, do it! First off, it's ridiculously cheap, it was only 200 yen which comes out to less than $2 USD. Second, the park is absolutely stunning, perfectly laid out and peaceful and has signs for the various flowers and trees. We came here in the morning and brought a light bite to eat with us and sat and enjoyed the sights. Luckily the cherry blossoms were blooming so we got to witness that and it was everything I could have asked for and more. Families, couples, runners, whatever or whoever you are, this park is perfect for you! I'm still in awe that this beautiful serene garden was smack dab in the middle of Shijuku, well done! Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and walk around the garden for a bit, you won't regret it!

Phil C.

Yelp
An oasis in the city? Sounds so cliche but Shinjuku Gyeon is the case here. Shinjuku Garden has similarities to other wonderful parks in large cities but less busy, or at least I caught it being less busy. The most active crowd was a bunch of schoolchildren in the middle but the park was tranquil throughout. There is a small fee to get in (200 yen, which is like $2), but it's so worth it. The Japanese tea garden is lovely, though I didn't participate in any tea ceremonies. I just walked around the grounds and enjoyed the trees and the ponds. The variety of fish and turtles make the brackish water the only reason to look down. The English garden has almost perfect grass. It's perfectly green and there are no dirt patches as far as I could see. Great spot for a picnic. The greenhouse has a wildly diverse assortment of flora and is totally neat to see. Definitely interesting and you'll see some unusual plants that you won't see State-side. The French rose garden looked a little disappointing as I'm sure the flowers were on their last legs before the fall. However, the trees on the outer part of the garden, make up a neat path that's quite nice to walk through. Like lots of museums and tourist attractions in Japan, this spot is closed on Mondays.

Scott L.

Yelp
Hanami time.... nope missed it by a few weeks. Viewing of the Cherry Blossoms is a big event in Japan. People bring canopies, picnic mats, lounge chairs, etc... to sit under, near, or in sight of blooming Cherry Blossoms. Well, we gave it a try and went to the Shinjuku Gyoen, 200¥ to get in, and strolled through the picturesque park. Walked thru numerous sections in the park and located one lone late bloomer. Hundreds congregated around the one tree like it was a rock star. Wonder if the one tree felt all the love. Blossoms on the tree and on the ground. Great park with a traditional Japanese section complete with pond, carp, zig zag bridge, etc. Park is within walking distance from Shinjuku Station. A great respite from the hustle, bustle of Shinjuku.

Jaclyn C.

Yelp
I was really happy that we decided to do the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden the very first full day we were in Tokyo. The sun was shining by the mid-morning, and we were one of the first few people to enter the park as soon as it opening at 9:30AM on a Tuesday. The ¥500/adult is more than worth it; I wish we brought food with us for a picnic! You can easily spend several hours here just roaming around and getting lost in nature. It was funny that the first cherry blossom tree that we saw in full bloom was completely mobbed by people taking pictures with it. The tree didn't know it was a celebrity! If you have the patience, you literally wait in line to get the shots you want. If only people in NY had this kind of patience! Granted, there are plenty of cherry blossom trees to go around, so don't waste all of your pictures on the first tree you see. There are so many varieties of cherry blossoms, that I had no idea even existed! Don't pick them! They are there for other people to enjoy too. This place is really beautiful and romantic - so much so, we witnessed someone proposing! Was really sweet with a hidden photographer and all! There are plenty of people taking pictures in yukata and kids running around playing; there's plenty of space for it. You can actually use a selfie stick, like I did, and take some really awesome shots in the cherry blossoms - really fantastic! This should be on your top 10 things to do list in Tokyo!

Win C.

Yelp
Beautiful park for just 200yen per person. My absolute favorite part of the park is their greenhouse. They showcase a large variety of different plants and trees. The Lily pads in the ponds were gorgeous to look at. Get comfy shoes and just walk around the area!

Diana P.

Yelp
This park is gigantic!! You can definitely spend a couple of hours here, but since I was on a tight schedule, I limited myself to about 2 hours. There's a 500 yen fee for adults and 250 for seniors. I came around 1pm and it was surprisingly not too crowded, but when I left at around 3 or 4 at a different entrance, I saw SO many people lining up to get in. It was crazy - so I definitely suggest coming earlier. Lots of locals come here to just sit, chill. and have a small picnic at the park. I have to be honest though, I was pretty at the cherry blossoms at this park mainly because they were all basically white. There were no pink or vibrant cherry blossoms except for the rare few. I went to several places in Tokyo and Kyoto to seek out cherry blossoms and I've got to say there are definitely some better places to seek cherry blossoms. Asakusa and Sensoji temple area had way prettier cherry blossoms there and I only went there a day apart from Shinjuku garden, so I don't think the blooming phase had anything to do with it. Nevertheless, this is still a beautiful park. I really liked the small Taiwanese and Japanese section of it. I thought the outlook at the lake with the cherry blossom petals on the lake were gorgeous. Still worth a visit!

Mr D.

Yelp
Another amazing park that you absolutely cannot miss when you come to Japan is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park. This park is so beautiful and is so easy to get to it's not even funny. We actually discovered it by accident. We were walking from Shinjuku to Shibuya and found that it really borders both so we walked through here to get to Shibuya. The park itself is filled with trees that shoot into the sky, shrines that are from ancient times, and the peaceful sounds of animals. It can be quite a long walk through this park, so I highly recommend stopping at some of the shrines on your way through and either offer your respects or respectfully enjoy the beauty of what is around you. I absolutely love the lamps that light the pathway as well. For any of you who love video games and anime, these lamps will get you super excited. There isn't really any food or anything inside, so make sure you hit a vending machine before you get here if your thirsty.

Lindsay E.

Yelp
My husband and I absolutely loved our time at the Shinjuku Gardens! We enjoyed it so much, we made our way back for a second visit during our brief stay in Tokyo. It's incredibly peaceful. I wish we'd been able to go into the greenhouse (I love greenhouses), but even without that part of the garden, I was enamored by the place. We went just after the rain, and everything was glistening in the sun of the late afternoon. I had a blast taking pictures, and it was very calming to rest here and take in the beauty. As is the norm in Japan, the trees in the Japanese garden were cultivated in such a beautiful style that takes real craftsmanship. The English landscape garden reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. The French rose garden had SO many varieties! I can't stress enough how lovely this place was. In all honesty, I actually didn't make it back to the gardens a second time. I got turned around trying to find Bue Bottle Coffee on my way, and weeks later, I'm still disappointed I wasn't able to join my husband for his second trip to this place. I'd so love to visit again!

Kristina M.

Yelp
Easily walkable from the Shinjuku Gyoenmae station! To make things easier, grab a map at the park entrance where you buy your tickets. There is an English version of the map as well. There are two entrances to this park/garden. Admission is $2 and it is way under-priced for what this place has to offer. While I did not make it in time for the cherry blossoms, there were still some left and everything else that the park had to offer made up for it. The park was serene and tranquil with all of the greenery, flora, and large ponds. There were places for tea ceremonies, a traditional Japanese garden, a rose garden, various trees, wooden bridges, and just everything wonderful. A massive peaceful piece of nature was not what I expected so close to the city. There are rest areas and places to buy snacks and ice cream. Definitely one of my favorite places. A great place for frolicking, picnicking, strolling, and photo taking!

melanie l.

Yelp
04/05/2017 My bf and I had the best time of our lives visiting Japan during the hanami season. We visited a few cherry blossom places but this has got to be our favorite spot. It was our last day in Tokyo and we decided to spend it here. We got here an hour before it opened (they open at 9) and there was a line already forming right in front of the gate so my bf and I decided to get in line. We paid an entrance fee (can't remember how much exactly but it was inexpensive). As we started walking around the park I can totally see why this was called the Central Park of Tokyo because well it's located in shinjuku and there are some big buildings that surrounds the park and they peak through from the distance. They also have different spots that are worth finding and taking pictures of just like Central Park NYC. The cherry blossoms were gorgeous! They had all kinds of other trees in this park but the cherry blossoms came in various sizes and shapes. Our favorite ones were the one that touches the ground, which is called the weeping cherry blossoms. If you are ever thinking of visiting Japan, go during spring time! Hanami season is something everyone should experience in their lifetime. I left my heart in Japan that's for sure.

Steven C.

Yelp
One of the best gardens in Tokyo and one with cinematic history. Famous for being one of the top locations during the spring Sakura season, the Shinjuku Gyoen also is a delight year round for getting away from the busy city center. Like all Japanese gardens, it is very seasonal and will be mostly green all year round except for spring when all the flowers bloom. So, just keep that in mind if you are expecting a botanical garden experience. This is not what is here, but instead a huge garden full of little rolling hills, ponds and nice spots to chill out on a blanket. Top Tip: Before your next visit, watch the animation film The Garden of Words.

Edna G.

Yelp
If you love parks, trees, gardens and flowers like I do, this is a very nice national park in Shinjuku district of Japan where many tourist seem to go to. We just happened to stay close to this beautiful park. Entrance is really cheap at 200yen which comes to less than $2 USD. A must visit if you come to Japan where you can see large cherry blossom trees of different colors. Beautiful green trees everywhere from carnations to maple trees. I even saw persimmon trees growing here. Some look like large bonsai trees! Loveee it! There is a small bridge pass over a pond. There is a few statues. What is weird is there is no garbages around the park anywhere?! Usually in the states, close to bench seats for visitors to overlook the park, there are garbages. So a warning to others, bring a plastic bag to put in your backpack for trash when you are in Japan. These people are just too clean here they don't want garbages displayed in the area! Haha There are so many open areas and small ponds. It's like a small Central Park. Well worth the visit!