Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Hours, Address, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Reviews: 4.5/5
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a "daimyo" (feudal lord) of the Edo era. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, it blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the commuting capital of Tokyo, and contains the busiest train station in the world. To the west, there's an office district with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office at its center. To the east, there’s a district with long-established department stores, cinemas and theaters. Shinjuku Gyoen is a park originally built as the garden for the Imperial Household. It is quite famous as a venue for cherry-blossom viewing in March and April. In Shinjuku, many restaurants operate all night, and districts such as Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) or Shinjuku Golden Machi have back streets filled with tiny restaurants and bars that reflect each owner’s unique taste and style.
Best nearby
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10,000 within 3 miles
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,155 reviews
Excellent
3,836
Very good
1,955
Average
333
Poor
21
Terrible
10
Davesamtt
Trinidad and Tobago41 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
These gardens were beautiful and well worth the visit. It makes for a nice leisurely walk though landscaped areas, lakes, avenues lined with trees, a rose garden and huge green spaces, even a tea house though was closed when I was there so be certain of the opening times. There are also food areas with delicious Japanese foods. The fun is to...Get lost...as you wander through the gardens and find your way again as you’re never really lost with all the clear signage.
If you are in the Shinjuku area and have an extra few hours, will recommend you stop by as a short walk from the Shinjuku train station. Small fee to enter - about US$2.
If you are in the Shinjuku area and have an extra few hours, will recommend you stop by as a short walk from the Shinjuku train station. Small fee to enter - about US$2.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bex
Manila, Philippines228 contributions
Mar 2020
Nature trip in the middle of a city? If you're looking for a place to eat and do sightseeing, you've come to the right place. Family-friendly, the cherryblossoms are so surreal. They have tons of different trees and flowers inside (educational for the kids, too!) I went here with my husband and daughters - adults must pay an entrance fee of 500 yen (worth it!) and my daughters got in for free (they were 7 and 3 year old). If you don't have food with you, they have vending machines, restaurants and stores inside. For people who want to take a break from the busy hustle of the city, this is the place to be.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,527 contributions
Apr 2019
My wife and I lived in Tokyo on several occasions. This garden is particularly popular during cherry blossom time. There is a small admission fee to enter the park and it's quite large.
They have trees and flowers planted so that there is something blooming just about all year.
The park is large at 140 acres but pales by comparison to Central Park which is 840 acres. However, that's comparing apples and oranges. Shinjuku Gyoen is really known for its garden and during sakura time - it's a magical fairyland.
They have trees and flowers planted so that there is something blooming just about all year.
The park is large at 140 acres but pales by comparison to Central Park which is 840 acres. However, that's comparing apples and oranges. Shinjuku Gyoen is really known for its garden and during sakura time - it's a magical fairyland.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nararat B
Bangkok, Thailand570 contributions
Dec 2019
Visit in winter time with a very nice weather. Park has very big space to walk along, experience the beautiful garden, big tree and lake scenery. The traditional japanese garden and Green house are beautiful and attractive. There are some tea cafe to take some rest, drink hot tea with relax view. Toilets are all clean and easy to find in the park. The fee is Yen500 per person and it is worth and value.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jojo C
Makati, Philippines47 contributions
Apr 2019
Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens is a welcome respite from the business in Tokyo. The entrance is Y500 which gets you into a huge park filled with trees and flowers. We spent a couple of hours just strolling around the park and resting on the benches to admire the sakura flowers. There are different sections with lakes and bridges which gives a very different vibe from being in the city, even if you are in the city.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ARice
Cocoa Beach, FL16 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful!! I felt like it was Japan’s version of Central Park- the city skyscrapers were all around but this little piece of heaven. We walked all over this park- it was so peaceful when the city outside is a hustle and bustle. There was so much beauty in the history of the gardens. And how meticulous the caretakers are of the property. I would recommend this as a wind down walk through the city of Shinjuku.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stephen6945
Perth, Australia37 contributions
Feb 2020
Have been here before after snow had fallen and it was a delight. It is closed on Mondays and I cannot figure out why. We watched about 20 people from overseas come up to the gates and be disappointed. Unfortunately I also booked a nearby Hotel so that we could spend time in the park and found out that it was closed on the one day we were there.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PaulSiow
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
Mar 2019
We came here to view cherry blossoms and were not disappointed. I think we paid 500 yen per person to enter the garden. Quite a big garden. Be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours to walk around.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Trip25687
London, UK22 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Gorgeous gardens divided into different sections - woods, western, Japanese etc. I was a bit disappointed that the greenhouse had a closed sign 30 mins before closing meaning I missed this part of the gardens. 500 yen entrance fee.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Genevieve
Gold Coast, Australia65 contributions
Jan 2020
I have been to Shinjuku Gyoen Park in Spring, Summer and Winter and never been disappointed. The differences in the foliage through the different seasons is quite beautiful. And if you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo during the Cherry Blossom season, this is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful colours!
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
You did probably not visit the greenhouse. Also the garden is full of history and knowledge of all the species you see. The entrance fee is necessary for funding the garden.
I can assure you that the garden is worth visiting in all seasons due to the changes trough the year.
Richard D
Hereford, UK99 contributions
Indeed! I will be going back to Tokyo during the Cherry Blossom season and will look forward to seeing the various gardens at a different time of year.
AtlantaMimi21
Atlanta, GA210 contributions
Was the Tea House in the Garden one that has a Tea Ceremony or just a tea service>
joonee
Asia199 contributions
Tea service
Rose Anne M
8 contributions
How easy is it to get to from Hotel Gracery in Shinjyuku? I can see it on the map but can’t really gauge if it’s an easy walk?
Morten L
Horten Municipality, Norway103 contributions
It should take you about 10-15 minutes to walk, depending on your speed and the traffic.
clarinetjeanette
clarinetjeanette8 contributions
At Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, can i book tea ceremony in advance
Morten L
Horten Municipality, Norway103 contributions
I didn't see any information about it, but when we arrived the tea house we had no problem getting seated and served.
HajarAlQamar
Sapporo, Japan226 contributions
When I visited this place 10 years ago I luckily came across a wild Indian rose-necked Parakeet in the poplar trees area, but couldn't find them on a recent visit(Feb 2019).
Are they still there? If so, which season is best to find these lovely green birds??
Ian V
77 contributions
We've been told the the park is open late with the cherry blossoms illuminated. Is that correct?
Rachael
Melbourne, Australia102 contributions
Hi Ian,
The website reads as below, hope that helps! :
Opening hours are extended during the following periods (From March19, 2019):
March 15 - September 30 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (Gates close at 6:00 pm)
July 1 - August 20 9:00 am - 6:30 pm (Gates close at 7:00
Sabrina C
Montreal, Canada11 contributions
About how long does it take to explore the park? Would 2hours be too short to see all 3 gardens? What else is there to see in the park? This would be my first time to tokyo so im trying to plan ahead as much as i can and this park is on my top list of things to see. I was planning on going in april and to arrive at opening time at 9am on a weekday then at 11am go for a lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading to shibuya.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 32 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- Tokyo Walking Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Tailored to You ★★★★★ (From $149.05)
- Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with local friendly guide (From $157.00)
- Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover's Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From $104.34)
- Freely set up plans Guided Private Tours in Tokyo (From $84.10)
- Tokyo Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From $99.25)
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.20 mi) APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
- (0.39 mi) Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
- (0.41 mi) Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
- (0.53 mi) Hotel Century Southern Tower
- (0.25 mi) Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station Exit 3
- Restaurants near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.06 mi) Yurinoki
- (0.11 mi) Shoutentei
- (0.11 mi) Rakuutei
- (0.11 mi) Cafe Hananoki
- (0.14 mi) Pizzeria Bar Romana
- Attractions near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.11 mi) Old Goryo Tei
- (0.33 mi) Mayuko's Little Kitchen Japanese Cooking Class
- (0.39 mi) Kurand Sake Market (Shinjuku izakaya)
- (0.17 mi) Sokyusha
- (0.19 mi) Akiba Shrine