Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen is a former imperial garden that now offers one of the largest areas of green space in central Tokyo, just a few minutes from the department stores and crowds of Shinjuku. The land was once the estate of a feudal lord, became an imperial garden in the early twentieth century and opened to the public as a national garden after the Second World War. It covers around 58 hectares and is managed by the Ministry of the Environment.

What makes it unusual is the mix of styles. A traditional Japanese landscape garden with ponds, bridges, stone lanterns and teahouses sits beside an English landscape garden of broad lawns and big trees, and a formal French garden with rose beds and avenues of plane trees. A large modern greenhouse holds tropical and subtropical plants, including rare species. With roughly 1,500 cherry trees of many different varieties, the garden is one of the best-known places in Tokyo for spring blossom, and because the varieties flower at different times the season here lasts longer than in many parks. Autumn colour and the chrysanthemum exhibition in early November are further highlights.

Opening hours are 9:00 to 16:30 from October to mid-March, 9:00 to 18:00 from mid-March to September, and 9:00 to 19:00 from 11 June to 31 July, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The garden closes on Mondays (or the next weekday when Monday is a holiday) and from 29 December to 3 January, but it opens daily during the cherry blossom period in late March and April and in the first half of November. Admission is 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for seniors and high school students; junior high pupils and younger enter free. Tickets can be bought at the gate, with a transport IC card, or online in advance. Weekend and holiday visits in blossom season may need a reservation.

It suits families, couples and anyone wanting a long walk or a picnic on the lawns. Allow two hours to see all three garden styles and the greenhouse. The garden has its own rules on what may be brought in, so check the official rules page before arriving with picnic supplies.

There are three main gates. Shinjuku Gate is close to Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station on the Marunouchi Line and about ten minutes from the south side of Shinjuku Station, Okido Gate is near Yotsuya, and Sendagaya Gate is a short walk from JR Sendagaya Station.