Shinjuku Gyoen Tokyo
A sprawling 144-acre oasis in Tokyo, featuring diverse Japanese, English, and French gardens, plus a tropical greenhouse.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Shinjuku Gyoen Tokyo
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 144-acre oasis in Tokyo, featuring diverse Japanese, English, and French gardens, plus a tropical greenhouse.
"An astonishing oasis of peace that will make you forget you're in Tokyo."
🎯 Annual Pass Value
Consider the annual pass for unlimited entry; it's cost-effective if you visit often!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the diverse garden styles.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Traditional Garden
Japanese Garden Area
Experience serene ponds, meticulously pruned trees, and a charming teahouse. A true oasis of calm.

English Landscape Garden
English Landscape Garden Area
Vast, open lawns perfect for picnicking and enjoying the expansive sky. Great for a relaxed stroll.

French Formal Garden
French Formal Garden Area
Symmetrical flowerbeds and manicured hedges offer a touch of European elegance.

Tropical Greenhouse
Greenhouse
A humid haven filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers, a delightful contrast to the outdoor gardens.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Tickets & Entry: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Annual Pass Value
Consider the annual pass for unlimited entry; it's cost-effective if you visit often!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the diverse garden styles.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You might find yourself staying longer than planned, soaking in the tranquility.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Reservations
Timed entry reservations may be needed during peak sakura season. Check the website!
Tips on cherry blossom viewing in Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Annual Pass Value
Consider the annual pass for unlimited entry; it's cost-effective if you visit often!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the diverse garden styles.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You might find yourself staying longer than planned, soaking in the tranquility.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Reservations
Timed entry reservations may be needed during peak sakura season. Check the website!
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture the beauty of the different garden styles and seasonal blooms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for its stunning beauty, diverse garden styles, and peaceful atmosphere, offering a welcome escape from Tokyo's urban bustle. Many highlight the seasonal beauty, especially cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, and the well-maintained grounds. Some note that it can get crowded during peak times and that the entrance fee, while reasonable, is an additional cost.
"Went on a hot, steamy Sunday morning at 10am. Very peaceful and quiet with cooling stations. A variety of garden types - from traditional to evergreen stands. Lots of room for kids and seniors. I can imagine it's a delightful place during cooler weather."
John Catapano
"Absolutely beautiful park to go to especially between March and April.
Only costs ¥500 for adult tickets and one can easily spend 2-4 hours going through all the areas.
Food options are a bit sparse and pricey, but you can bring in items and have a picnic like many others do.
Sometimes you will see cosplay events and other special occasions people bring.
Would highly recommend to come early to beat the crowd as it will get very busy."
D Y
"A very large sized garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and plants for chilling moments. There is one Starbucks in the middle of the garden with a great view, yet it is hard to find a seat there. The garden is kids friendly and wide enough for disabilities to go around. This is a good option for a walk inside the city. The tourist centre at the west gate has exhibitions and souvenirs as well, with lots of introductions on national parks in Japan."
Lornice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is easily accessible by public transport. The closest stations are Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Marunouchi Line), Sendagaya Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line), and Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station (Toei Oedo Line). From Shinjuku Station, it's about a 10-15 minute walk.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Shinjuku Station, typically taking around 10-15 minutes. You can also take a short bus ride or taxi if you prefer.
The Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station is often considered the most convenient, putting you very close to one of the garden's entrances.
While Suica cards are widely used for transport in Tokyo, for garden entry, it's best to check if they accept contactless payment for tickets or if cash/specific ticket purchases are required. It's always good to have a backup payment method.
There are parking facilities available, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Public transport is generally recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 500 JPY for adults. Prices can vary for special exhibitions or events.
During peak seasons like cherry blossom viewing, timed entry reservations might be necessary. It's crucial to check the official Shinjuku Gyoen website for the most up-to-date information on booking requirements.
Opening hours vary seasonally, but generally, the garden opens around 9:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM, with last admission usually 30 minutes before closing. Always verify current hours on their official site.
Yes, a yearly pass is available for approximately 1500 JPY, offering great value if you plan to visit multiple times. It also bypasses the need for timed entry reservations.
The garden is typically closed on Mondays, except during special spring periods when it may be open daily for cherry blossom viewing. Confirm this on their official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the diverse gardens and greenhouse, allocate at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors find themselves staying much longer, up to 5 hours, due to the garden's peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, there are a few cafes and a teahouse within the garden where you can enjoy refreshments. Picnicking is also allowed in designated areas.
Shinjuku Gyoen features three distinct styles: a traditional Japanese Garden, an English Landscape Garden, and a French Formal Garden, plus a large greenhouse.
Absolutely! The diverse landscapes, seasonal blooms, and the greenhouse offer endless picturesque opportunities for photographers.
Yes, you can bring food and drinks, but alcohol is prohibited. There are designated areas for picnicking.
📸 📸 Photography
The Japanese Garden with its ponds and bridges, the expansive lawns of the English Landscape Garden, and the vibrant blooms in the greenhouse are all fantastic for photos. Don't miss the seasonal colors in autumn and spring.
No, drone photography is strictly prohibited in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to ensure the peace and safety of all visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Some specific areas or exhibits might have temporary restrictions.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive lawns, and a macro lens for close-ups of flowers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the garden is generally stroller-friendly, some paths in the Japanese Garden might be a bit uneven. The Tropical Greenhouse offers an exciting indoor adventure, especially if the weather isn't ideal. Remember to bring water and snacks, and keep an eye on little ones near the ponds.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Consider getting the annual pass if you're staying in Tokyo for a while; it's a great way to revisit your favorite spots or discover new ones. The garden's tranquility makes it an ideal place to read, sketch, or simply unwind from the city's hustle.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visit during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The different garden styles—Japanese, English, and French—provide diverse backdrops for portraits and landscape shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Garden Styles
The English Landscape Garden provides a stark contrast with its vast, rolling lawns and naturalistic planting, perfect for leisurely strolls or a relaxing picnic under the open sky. Adjacent to this is the French Formal Garden, characterized by its symmetrical flowerbeds, manicured hedges, and elegant rose garden, offering a taste of European horticultural artistry.
Beyond these, the Tropical Greenhouse is a must-visit, housing an impressive collection of exotic plants, orchids, and tropical flowers, providing a warm and vibrant sanctuary, especially during cooler months. This diverse collection makes Shinjuku Gyoen a truly unique and captivating destination.
Seasonal Beauty: Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves
Autumn brings another wave of vibrant color as the leaves turn. The autumn foliage in Shinjuku Gyoen is equally stunning, with maples and other deciduous trees painting the garden in shades of red, orange, and yellow. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for photography and peaceful contemplation.
While these seasons are particularly popular, the garden offers beauty year-round. The lush greenery of summer and the stark, elegant beauty of winter also have their own unique charm. Always check the garden's official website for the latest information on seasonal highlights and any special events.
Navigating Shinjuku's Vibrant Surroundings
It's important to be aware of the area's reputation for touts and potential scams, particularly around Shinjuku Station. Many travelers advise ignoring unsolicited approaches from individuals on the street to avoid overcharging or misleading offers. Staying vigilant and sticking to reputable establishments will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Despite the bustling exterior, Shinjuku Gyoen remains an accessible and tranquil escape. Its proximity to major transport hubs makes it easy to combine a visit to the garden with exploring other Shinjuku attractions, offering a perfect balance of serenity and urban excitement.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit