Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks. Located a short walk from Shinjuku Station, the park’s spacious lawns, meandering walking paths and tranquil scenery provide a relaxing escape from the busy urban center around it.

History

Shinjuku Gyoen originated during the Edo Period (1603-1868) as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence. Later it was converted into a botanical garden before being transferred to the Imperial Family in 1903, who used it for recreation and the entertainment of guests. The park was almost completely destroyed during World War II but was eventually rebuilt and reopened in 1949 as a public park.

Three Gardens

Shinjuku Gyoen is comprised of three different types of gardens:

Japanese Landscape Garden — Features large ponds dotted with islands and bridges. Well-manicured shrubs and trees surround the water together with several pavilions and the Kyu Goryotei (Taiwan Pavilion), built on the occasion of the wedding of the Showa Emperor. A chrysanthemum exhibit is held during the first two weeks of November.

French Garden — A symmetrically arranged formal garden with plane trees and rose beds arranged in geometric patterns.

English-Style Landscape Garden — Wide, open lawns surrounded by flowering cherry trees. This is the primary hanami (cherry blossom viewing) area in spring.

The rest of the park consists of forested areas, lawns, a restaurant, an information center, an art gallery, and a beautiful greenhouse with many tropical and subtropical flowers.

Cherry Blossom Season

Shinjuku Gyoen is home to more than a dozen different varieties of cherry trees. From late March to early April, more than 400 Somei Yoshino trees blossom around the English garden, turning the lawns into one of Tokyo’s most popular and pleasant hanami spots. The park also has numerous early and late-blooming cherry trees which provide an extended viewing season.

Autumn Colors

The park is also beautiful in autumn when leaves change. Maple trees are particularly stunning around the Japanese garden and Momijiyama (“Maple Mountain”) on the park’s eastern side. Colors typically appear from mid-November to mid-December.

Getting There

Shinjuku Gyoen has three gates:

• Shinjuku Gate — 10-minute walk east from the “New South Exit” of JR Shinjuku Station, or 5 minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station (Marunouchi Line).
• Okido Gate — 5-minute walk from Shinjukugyoenmae Station.
• Sendagaya Gate — 5-minute walk from JR Sendagaya Station (local Chuo/Sobu Line).

Hours: 9:00–18:00 (Mar 15–Jun 30 and Aug 21–Sep 30); 9:00–19:00 (Jul 1–Aug 20); 9:00–16:30 (Oct 1–Mar 14). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing. Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday), December 29–January 3. No closures during cherry blossom season (Mar 25–Apr 24) and Chrysanthemum Exhibition (Nov 1-15). Admission: 500 yen.