Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A 58-hectare oasis in the heart of Tokyo — Japanese, French, and English gardens, 1,000+ cherry trees, and year-round seasonal beauty.
Why Visit Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is one of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful national gardens. Located in the middle of Shinjuku's skyscraper forest, this 58-hectare oasis features three distinct garden styles — a formal French garden, an English landscape garden, and a traditional Japanese garden. It's spectacular in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, blazing foliage in autumn, and serene snow scenes in winter. The garden is also famous as the real-life setting for the anime The Garden of Words.
Shinjuku Gyoen Hours & Admission
Opening Hours (by Season)
| Spring (Mar 15 – Jun 30) | 9:00 – 17:30 |
| Summer (Jul 1 – Aug 20) | 9:00 – 18:30 |
| Autumn (Aug 21 – Sep 30) | 9:00 – 17:30 |
| Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 14) | 9:00 – 16:00 |
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) and Dec 29 – Jan 3.
Admission Fees
| Adults | ¥500 |
| Seniors (65+) | ¥250 |
| Students (high school) | ¥250 |
| Children (junior high & under) | Free |
Pay at the automatic ticket machine (card accepted) or tap your IC card (Suica/Pasmo) at the gate.
Gates & Access
Shinjuku Gate
Nearest to JR Shinjuku Station (10-minute walk). Most popular entrance.
Best for: First-time visitors, East Exit area
Okido Gate
Nearest to Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Marunouchi Line, 5-minute walk).
Best for: Direct metro access, Japanese Garden
Sendagaya Gate
Nearest to Sendagaya Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line, 5-minute walk).
Best for: English Landscape Garden, quieter entry
The Three Gardens
French Formal Garden
Symmetrical rose beds, geometric patterns, and manicured lawns. Spectacular in spring and autumn when the roses and sycamore trees are in full color.
English Landscape Garden
Sweeping lawns, scattered trees, and naturalistic plantings. The wide open space is perfect for picnics and relaxing. The greenhouse (大温室) is located here.
Japanese Traditional Garden
Ponds, bridges, teahouses, and meticulously pruned trees. The most photogenic area, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's best cherry blossom spots. With over 1,000 trees of 65 varieties, the blooming season extends from early March to late April — much longer than most spots. Early-blooming kanzakura varieties start in March, followed by the famous Somei Yoshino in late March/early April, and late-blooming yaezakura (double-petaled) varieties in mid-to-late April.
Important: Alcohol is prohibited in the park. During peak cherry blossom season, the park may implement entry restrictions or early closure. The park closes for Golden Week peak days — check the official website before visiting.
Autumn Leaves
From mid-November to early December, Shinjuku Gyoen transforms into a sea of reds, oranges, and golds. The maple trees in the Japanese Garden and the ginkgo avenue near the Shinjuku Gate are the highlights. The contrast between the autumn foliage and the surrounding skyscrapers makes for iconic photos.
Special Events
Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition
Held annually from November 1 – 15, this exhibition inherits the tradition of the Imperial Family. Seven Uwaya flower beds and two alley flower beds are set up in the Japanese Garden to harmonize with the landscape.
Admission: Included in regular park entry. Open every day during the exhibition period.
Inside the Park: Starbucks & Running
There is a Starbucks inside Shinjuku Gyoen, located near the Japanese Garden. It offers one of the most unique café experiences in Tokyo — enjoy your coffee with a view of a traditional Japanese garden. The park is also popular for morning runs and walking. The 3.5km loop course is a favorite among local runners.
Greenhouse (大温室): A large tropical greenhouse with over 2,700 plants from around the world. Free entry, open during the same hours as the park.
Shinjuku Gyoen Tips
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April (Somei Yoshino).
- Best time for autumn leaves: Mid-November to early December.
- Best time to avoid crowds: Weekday mornings, right at 9:00 AM opening.
- Picnic rules: Picnics are allowed, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. Bring a groundsheet.
- Weather tip: The park is beautiful in the rain — misty gardens and fewer crowds.
- Photography: Tripods are generally allowed, but professional/commercial shoots require permission.