Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.5
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.
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.
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See what travelers are saying
- Anne BSydney, Australia230 contributionsStunning Gardens,I visited for 2.5 hours and this was not enough time to relax and take everything in. The Japanese gardens were just beautiful. Plenty of teahouses and cafes if you would like something. Or take a picnic like the Japanese do and rest on the lawns eat and watch. Very peaceful. My favourite Garden innTokyo.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 23, 2023
- Trey CCalgary, Canada375 contributionsBeautiful ParkAfter wandering around Shinjuku shopping district, this park is right next door to relax and get away from the crowds. Beautiful walking paths and lots of trees, spaces, and water to de-stress and unwind. One of my favourite places to visit in Tokyo. Was able to walk around the park and then crash in the grass to read my book. Beautiful place.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten November 2, 2023
- iexpect128 contributionsPleasing garden in TokyoIt was a really good find in Tokyo. It gives a traditional Japanese garden,even with a Taiwan pavilion in one section. That said there are areas of roses and lawns that locals were relaxing on. There's also a variety of cafe / tea house within the groundsVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 5, 2023
- Jerry MatternHarrisburg, Pennsylvania479 contributionsGorgeous park, especially around sunset.Got here about 330 and had an hour before the park closed. So glad I got here around sunset, the views were even better. Just a really chill place to hang out and enjoy the scenery. It’s too bad. The fall foliage hasn’t taken place here yet but still a beautiful place to visitVisited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 19, 2023
- David M94 contributionsJapanese Garden are a Highlight :)Very nice park, easy to get to on train. Well kept, the Japanese Garden was a highlight, plus there was a stunning chrysanthemum display on during my visit. Green house area was a bit disappointing - after Singapore's Gardens. Trees in general area very stunning. Worth a visit & happy to pay ¥500 to keep garden looking so good.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 19, 2023
- Glenn KBrisbane, Australia71 contributionsPeaceful Walk Through GardensTo get out of the hustle & bustle that is Tokyo, my son and one of my daughters and I spent approx 1hr walking around while my wife and other daughter went shopping. As it was winter it had very few of the vibrant colours that we had hoped for. In fact it seemed rather asleep. Still beautiful in it's own way and quite relaxingVisited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 3, 2024
- Charles Zwennes221 contributionsPeaceful Green in the middle of the CityOne is immediately called the moment you walk through the gates of this garden. The ambience is unmistakably one of peace and harmony with nature, which the Japanese historically seem to strike a balance with so well. One also senses the preservation and restoration of the place which gives it a sanctity that is humbling. A tree planted in the 1700’s by one of the last Samurai Lords who owned the property can be seen on the grounds putting exactly what I am talking about into stark perspective with the contemporary surroundings of modern city life. Soak it in! 👍👌🏾Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 16, 2024
- HandsomeXOHong Kong, China13,073 contributionsSakura IlluminationTokyo Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, residence of the Naito family during the Edo period, is a public botanical garden featuring a wide range of plants, including quite a number of endangered species. It is famous for being one of the best Hanami (flower viewing) spots in Tokyo during the cherry blossom season. NAKED Sakura Night Garden 2023 is Gyoen’s first collaboration with NAKED Inc., a creative company. The light show simply turns the garden into a magically illuminated realm with cherry blossom being the main theme. Admission tickets (Klook Special Promotion: JPY 1,600/adult; JPY 1,400/senior) can easily be purchased online in advance. Paperless transactions are simple and environmentally friendly; all you need is the QR code. Expect to walk on grass, so wear comfortable shoes. Although wheelchairs are available for free rental, the walk from the entrance to the rental booth is approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy the view and take lots of photos and videos!Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 22, 2024
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributionsThe Finest Japanese Nature Poetry (But Remember to Book Your Ticket)During cherry blossom season, this park is so incredibly beautiful that it gives you goosebumps. White trees reflect in shiny lakes, joyfully happy guests take a stream of selfies against the beautiful flowers, and in the distance, Tokyo's skyline appears as cubist blue mountains. If you've read a few literary Japanese novels, you'll recognize the poetic undertone from the authors' descriptions of nature. Although the surrounding Japan is a hypermodern society, this park represents traditions in both aesthetics and care for preserving the existing unchanged. We tried to enter the park on a Sunday in April around noon - and were rejected. We should have booked a ticket online in advance. The kind guard informed us that we could return at 4 p.m., when everyone would be let in. At this point, the queue was still very long, and the entrance ticket cost 500 yen - but when we finally entered the park, all troubles were forgotten. The garden of paradise can't possibly be more beautiful.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 7, 2024
- Soudamini MBengaluru, India1,577 contributionsBest garden to view cherry blossomIt's the best place in Tokyo to view Cherry blossom. We visited the garden on 7th April, and very lucky to view garden with fully bloomed trees. Spent the entire day in this garden and it will be in my memory for ever. There are supposed to be 1000 varieties of flowers in this garden. It's a favorite place for the tourists as well as the locals. Many elderly people come for picnics too. There are a lot of toilets in the park. But only one outlet, Starbuck for food and drinks. It takes minimum one hour in the queue to get something. If you are lucky you can get to sit on the sofa with free Wifi inside Starbuck, which is very relaxing. There are flowering trees all over the garden, a paradise for nature lovers. Highly recommend this place.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,463 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jojo C
Makati, Philippines45 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARice
Cocoa Beach, FL22 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen6945
Perth, Australia42 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
During cherry blossom season, this park is so incredibly beautiful that it gives you goosebumps. White trees reflect in shiny lakes, joyfully happy guests take a stream of selfies against the beautiful flowers, and in the distance, Tokyo's skyline appears as cubist blue mountains.
If you've read a few literary Japanese novels, you'll recognize the poetic undertone from the authors' descriptions of nature. Although the surrounding Japan is a hypermodern society, this park represents traditions in both aesthetics and care for preserving the existing unchanged.
We tried to enter the park on a Sunday in April around noon - and were rejected. We should have booked a ticket online in advance. The kind guard informed us that we could return at 4 p.m., when everyone would be let in.
At this point, the queue was still very long, and the entrance ticket cost 500 yen - but when we finally entered the park, all troubles were forgotten. The garden of paradise can't possibly be more beautiful.
If you've read a few literary Japanese novels, you'll recognize the poetic undertone from the authors' descriptions of nature. Although the surrounding Japan is a hypermodern society, this park represents traditions in both aesthetics and care for preserving the existing unchanged.
We tried to enter the park on a Sunday in April around noon - and were rejected. We should have booked a ticket online in advance. The kind guard informed us that we could return at 4 p.m., when everyone would be let in.
At this point, the queue was still very long, and the entrance ticket cost 500 yen - but when we finally entered the park, all troubles were forgotten. The garden of paradise can't possibly be more beautiful.
Written April 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulSiow
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,696 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yoshikazu Y
66 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
It's a very spacious park in the middle of the city, so it's relaxing. If you have a PASMO or Suica card, you can enter without lining up. The annual passport is cheap, so if you're coming several times, I recommend getting one. It's April, so there are a lot of inbound tourists, so it's crowded, but you can walk around at your leisure.
Written April 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ハイク
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan2,994 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The colors of the cherry blossoms in full bloom, buds, weeping branches, cherry leaves, and petals are very beautiful. Large red camellias, white camellias, pink Hanakaido and Yamabuki flowers are in full bloom, and spring is in full bloom! There were people strolling around, people spreading out sheets and eating... I think most of the people were foreign tourists. We ate our lunch on the lawn and walked towards the Japanese-style garden. It is a really beautifully maintained garden. You can eat and drink, so if it is crowded, we recommend getting takeout nearby before entering the garden. Bringing alcohol is prohibited. The source of the Shibuya River is within the Imperial Palace.
Written April 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HandsomeXO
Hong Kong, China13,073 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, residence of the Naito family during the Edo period, is a public botanical garden featuring a wide range of plants, including quite a number of endangered species. It is famous for being one of the best Hanami (flower viewing) spots in Tokyo during the cherry blossom season.
NAKED Sakura Night Garden 2023 is Gyoen’s first collaboration with NAKED Inc., a creative company. The light show simply turns the garden into a magically illuminated realm with cherry blossom being the main theme. Admission tickets (Klook Special Promotion: JPY 1,600/adult; JPY 1,400/senior) can easily be purchased online in advance. Paperless transactions are simple and environmentally friendly; all you need is the QR code. Expect to walk on grass, so wear comfortable shoes. Although wheelchairs are available for free rental, the walk from the entrance to the rental booth is approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy the view and take lots of photos and videos!
NAKED Sakura Night Garden 2023 is Gyoen’s first collaboration with NAKED Inc., a creative company. The light show simply turns the garden into a magically illuminated realm with cherry blossom being the main theme. Admission tickets (Klook Special Promotion: JPY 1,600/adult; JPY 1,400/senior) can easily be purchased online in advance. Paperless transactions are simple and environmentally friendly; all you need is the QR code. Expect to walk on grass, so wear comfortable shoes. Although wheelchairs are available for free rental, the walk from the entrance to the rental booth is approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy the view and take lots of photos and videos!
Written February 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princes of travel
Paris, France6,975 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Shinjuku Gyoen is a national park so admission costs ¥500 per person. Possibility to pay by cash or credit card via ATMs in particular. Accessible via public transport, Shinjuku Gyoemmae stop or Sendagaya, it is easy to get there. Three main entrances allow you to discover the imperial garden.
With an area of nearly 60 hectares, the park is very large and is divided into three main areas: English, French and Japanese garden. There is also a greenhouse where different tropical or desert plants grow.
During our visit in November, the event "kiku o miru kai" or chrysanthemum festival allowed us to admire chrysanthemums presented in the form of "ozukuri", huge plants up to 4 m wide and 2.5 m high with more than 400 flowers on the same foot. A real horticultural jewel presented in different places of the park.
Several watering holes, some spanned by pretty wooden bridges, the Taiwan Pavilion, by the lake give a serene and light atmosphere even if the greenery is in the heart of two very lively areas of the city.
Allow about 2 hours visit if you want to take the time to stroll.
With an area of nearly 60 hectares, the park is very large and is divided into three main areas: English, French and Japanese garden. There is also a greenhouse where different tropical or desert plants grow.
During our visit in November, the event "kiku o miru kai" or chrysanthemum festival allowed us to admire chrysanthemums presented in the form of "ozukuri", huge plants up to 4 m wide and 2.5 m high with more than 400 flowers on the same foot. A real horticultural jewel presented in different places of the park.
Several watering holes, some spanned by pretty wooden bridges, the Taiwan Pavilion, by the lake give a serene and light atmosphere even if the greenery is in the heart of two very lively areas of the city.
Allow about 2 hours visit if you want to take the time to stroll.
Automatically translated
Written December 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long should we plan to be in the garden?
Written March 28, 2024
Hi , tami , you need less hour or two to enjoy it , very open spacious and peaceful garden plus there is lovely coffee shop and noodle house inside the garden , plus clean washroom after the visit , you should walk toward the Shinjuku Station , lot of shopping mall and unique restaurants in the area , and lot of restaurants is inside the building not on the ground floors , please read my update Jan 2024 reviews on Shinjuku , lot a information for sure that will help you have a great time in Shinjuku have fun
Written March 28, 2024
Was the Tea House in the Garden one that has a Tea Ceremony or just a tea service>
Written September 25, 2019
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?
Written September 5, 2019
It should take you about 10-15 minutes to walk, depending on your speed and the traffic.
Written September 19, 2019
At Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, can i book tea ceremony in advance
Written August 18, 2019
I didn't see any information about it, but when we arrived the tea house we had no problem getting seated and served.
Written September 19, 2019
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??
Written August 16, 2019
We've been told the the park is open late with the cherry blossoms illuminated. Is that correct?
Written April 15, 2019
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
Written April 15, 2019
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.
Written April 11, 2019
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