Overview of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The history of Shinjuku Gyoen dates back to the Edo period. Its origins date back to a daimyo daimyo mansion granted to Kiyonari Naito, a vassal of Ieyasu Tokugawa. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), the Naito family's land was nationalized, and in 1906 (Meiji 39), it was newly reborn as an imperial garden. This historical background enhances the cultural value of Shinjuku Gyoen and gives visitors deep emotion. In particular, its role as an imperial garden became a symbol of the Japanese garden culture of the time.
Shinjuku Gyoen boasts a vast area of approximately 58.3 hectares, equivalent to about 12 Tokyo Domes. This expanse provides visitors with various walking trails, enabling them to take a refreshing natural stroll. A walk around the park is approximately 3.5 kilometers, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. The expansive grounds are like an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of Shinjuku Gyoen's charms lies in its variety of garden styles. The three styles—Japanese garden, formal garden, and landscape garden—are skillfully combined, each offering a different kind of beauty. In the Japanese garden, serene ponds and stone gardens provide a tranquil setting, while in the landscaped garden, neat flowerbeds welcome visitors. On the other hand, the landscape garden offers spacious lawns and natural plantings, ideal for picnics and strolls.
Many people have loved Shinjuku Gyoen since it was publicly opened as a national park in 1949. This opening to the public has allowed the public to visit freely and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. In particular, the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall attract many tourists and impress visitors. Shinjuku Gyoen will continue to be enjoyed by many people as the city's treasure house of nature.
About the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
The Japanese garden at Shinjuku Gyoen is designed in the pond-enkaiyu style, offering visitors a beautiful view of the four seasons. The garden, which follows the gentle flow of the pond, is a soothing space that evokes a sense of tranquility and natural harmony. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion; lush greenery grows in summer; autumn leaves add beautiful colors. In winter, the snowy landscape creates a magical atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy different attractions every season.
The formal garden features a symmetrical design, with a flower bed of approximately 500 roses in the center. This garden is designed in a French-style shaped garden and is arranged to highlight the beauty of the roses. From spring to early summer, the colorful roses attract visitors, especially when they are at their best. The landscaped garden is not only visually stunning but also an ideal place to enjoy a quiet stroll.
The landscape-style garden is an oasis in Shinjuku Gyoen, with its spacious lawns and giant trees, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is dotted with trees grown in their natural habitat, offering visitors a relaxing experience. The symbolic lily tree, in particular, is over 30 meters tall, and its presence is breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and strolling, making it a popular spot for families and couples.
Tamamo Pond is a garden located on the site of the former residence of the Naito family during the Edo period. This garden is known for its scenic beauty, with a clever arrangement of ponds, valleys, and artificial mountains that offer tranquility and beauty to visitors. In particular, the pond is surrounded by seasonal flowers, which appear differently each time visitors visit. Tamamo Pond is a place where history and nature merge, and visitors can experience the traditional beauty of Japan through a walk.
Seasonal Attractions of Shinjuku Gyoen
Spring in Shinjuku Gyoen
In spring, Shinjuku Gyoen is known for the beautiful sight of some 900 cherry trees in bloom. In particular, various cherry tree varieties, such as weeping cherry and yew cherry, add color and splendor to the park. The best time to visit is from mid-February to mid-April, and visitors will surely be captivated by its beauty. Shinjuku Gyoen has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots," making it the perfect place to experience the arrival of spring.
Summer in Shinjuku Gyoen
In summer, Shinjuku Gyoen offers lush greenery and fabulous scenery to visitors. In particular, the expansive lawns of the landscape garden are ideal for picnics with family and friends. With the trees' leaves growing thickly, visitors can enjoy pleasant breezes while feeling the breath of nature. In summer, Shinjuku Gyoen is a soothing place to forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Autumn in Shinjuku Gyoen
In autumn, Shinjuku Gyoen attracts visitors with its beautiful autumn foliage. The park is lined with colorful trees, and their fiery red and orange leaves contrast the greenery. Especially during this season, when the Chrysanthemum Garden Exhibition is also held, it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the autumnal atmosphere. Autumn in Shinjuku Gyoen offers a particular time to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Winter in Shinjuku Gyoen
In winter, the greenhouses at Shinjuku Gyoen are particularly interesting. Here, a variety of orchids are at their best, providing visitors with a spectacular display of color. Even in the cold season, the greenhouse is warm, and the colorful flowers in full bloom are like a world of their own. In winter, Shinjuku Gyoen is a special place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of flowers in a serene setting.
About Shinjuku Gyoen Events
Shinjuku Gyoen's special spring opening occurs every year from March 25 to April 24, when approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom. Of particular interest during this period are the rare varieties and double-flowered cherry trees planted in 1906. The cherry blossom season begins with the cold cherry blossoms in mid-January, followed by the Someiyoshino in late March and the double-flowered Ichiyo in April. This allows visitors to enjoy the diversity of cherry blossoms for over a month, making it a unique experience.
The Chrysanthemum Garden Exhibition, held from November 1 to 15, is a well-known autumn tradition in Shinjuku Gyoen. The event is held in the imperial tradition 1904, especially in the Kaiyushiki Japanese Garden. The chrysanthemums on display are decorated uniquely, providing a beautiful sight for visitors. As a part of the imperial event "Kangiku-kai," the Chrysanthemum Garden Exhibition is a valuable event with a historical background that attracts many visitors annually.
The Western Orchid Show is a special event in late November featuring entries from enthusiasts. This exhibition showcases the beauty of orchids grown in the greenhouses that Shinjuku Gyoen has to offer and continues a tradition that dates back to the days of the Imperial Gardens. Seeing a wide variety of species in one place makes this an unmissable event for orchid lovers and a discovery for visitors.
The annual Mori no Takigi Noh (Firelit et al.), held every September, is one of Shinjuku Gyoen's special cultural events. At this event, Noh plays are performed amidst a bonfire, allowing the audience to enjoy this traditional Japanese performing art up close and personal. The natural setting of this Noh performance provides a soothing moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Combined with the beautiful surroundings of Shinjuku Gyoen, it will surely leave a deep impression on visitors.
Notes on visiting Shinjuku Gyoen
Admission to Shinjuku Gyoen is very reasonable: ¥500 for the general public, ¥250 for visitors 65 years and older and students, and free for junior high school students and younger. This pricing encourages visitors of all ages to enjoy nature casually. For students in particular, this is a valuable opportunity to use the park as a learning experience. Admission tickets are purchased in cash only, so it is recommended that visitors have cash on hand when they visit. This will ensure a smooth admission process.
Shinjuku Gyoen's opening hours vary depending on the season. However, especially during the summer, the park is open from 9:00 to 18:30. During these hours, the days are long and precious for visitors to stroll around the park leisurely. During special opening periods in spring and fall, the park can be enjoyed for even longer hours, so visitors may want to target those times. Visitors should check the park's opening hours and plan accordingly to ensure a fulfilling experience.
Alcohol is not allowed in Shinjuku Gyoen for the comfort of visitors. This rule is especially important for families and the elderly and to maintain a quiet and serene environment. Visitors are also expected to abide by the rules regarding eating and drinking in the park, so it is important to check them in advance. This will ensure a pleasant experience with other visitors.
The best times to visit Shinjuku Gyoen are spring and fall. Some 900 cherry trees are in full bloom in spring, attracting visitors. Especially when the cherry blossoms are complete, the area is crowded with many tourists, creating a spectacular atmosphere. On the other hand, visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, with colorful leaves adorning the park in autumn. These seasons are ideal for those seeking a unique experience, allowing visitors to appreciate nature's beauty fully. Consider these seasons when planning your visit.
How to get to Shinjuku Gyoen
Access to Shinjuku Gyoen is very convenient, mainly by train. From Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, exit 1, you will reach Shinjuku Gyoen in only 5 minutes on foot. It is also only a 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, leading to a lush green space that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. This allows visitors to enjoy nature easily.
The Shin-97 Toei Bus Line is convenient for bus use. This bus runs from the Shinagawa garage via the west exit of Shinjuku Station and gets off at the Shinjuku 3-chome stop, from which the Shinjuku Gyoen can be reached on foot in five minutes. The buses run frequently and are relatively smooth, even during particularly busy times of the day, making them a very accessible mode of transportation for tourists.
A parking lot is available next to the Okido Gate for those wishing to access the park by car. However, this lot is only available on days the park is open, so it is essential to check availability in advance. Due to the vast size of Shinjuku Gyoen, visiting by car is incredibly convenient. However, visitors are advised to leave well before their departure time, considering traffic congestion in central Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen is accessible from several nearby stations: JR Shinjuku Station is about a 10-minute walk away, and Sendagaya Station on the JR Sobu Line is only a 5-minute away. Access from these stations is excellent, especially from Sendagaya Station, where you can enjoy a stroll while heading to Shinjuku Gyoen. The variety of transportation options allows visitors to adapt their style of travel.
