Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.5
Monday
Closed
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
Neighbourhood: 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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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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,304 reviews
Excellent
3,953
Very good
1,978
Average
339
Poor
23
Terrible
11
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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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.
Princes of travel
Paris, France7,726 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.
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.
MichaelLindaG
Highbridge, UK452 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This is a must when visiting Shinjuku, a chance to get away from the hustle of city life and absorb some tranquility. For a small fee to enter this lovely gardens, it is a chance to forget that you are in the most populated city in the world. Highly recommend.
Written May 29, 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.
SPAZIO_INFINITO
Turin, Italy2,976 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
On our trip to Tokyo we decided to stop at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Located in Tokyo, southeast of Shinjuku district, easily accessible on foot and by public transport (Shinjuku Gyoemmae is the nearest metro station).
It is a huge public park of almost 60 hectares, with three entrances placed at the ends (Okido, Shinjuku and Sendagaya).
To access it you have to pay a ticket of 500 yen (each) that you can buy directly at the automatic machines located at the entrance gates (a very minimum price that is used for the maintenance of the park).
Gyoen Park is open every day from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
It takes a couple of hours to fully visit it (many Japanese go there for a picnic - jogging or just being in contact with mother nature).
Gyoen Park is one of the most beautiful in Tokyo, there are many cherry trees (some centuries old), azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, conifers and many other species of plants and shrubs.
There are countless driveways leading to discover the vast garden, lakes with colorful carp, wooden bridges, large open spaces, gazebos and dining/toilet facilities.
There is much silence, you breathe an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Gyoen Park is very well maintained, there are cleaners / green arrangement everywhere, everything is clean and extremely tidy.
Suitable for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and want to find peace and silence in the vast green of the park.
I would definitely recommend it.
Located in Tokyo, southeast of Shinjuku district, easily accessible on foot and by public transport (Shinjuku Gyoemmae is the nearest metro station).
It is a huge public park of almost 60 hectares, with three entrances placed at the ends (Okido, Shinjuku and Sendagaya).
To access it you have to pay a ticket of 500 yen (each) that you can buy directly at the automatic machines located at the entrance gates (a very minimum price that is used for the maintenance of the park).
Gyoen Park is open every day from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
It takes a couple of hours to fully visit it (many Japanese go there for a picnic - jogging or just being in contact with mother nature).
Gyoen Park is one of the most beautiful in Tokyo, there are many cherry trees (some centuries old), azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, conifers and many other species of plants and shrubs.
There are countless driveways leading to discover the vast garden, lakes with colorful carp, wooden bridges, large open spaces, gazebos and dining/toilet facilities.
There is much silence, you breathe an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Gyoen Park is very well maintained, there are cleaners / green arrangement everywhere, everything is clean and extremely tidy.
Suitable for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and want to find peace and silence in the vast green of the park.
I would definitely recommend it.
Automatically translated
Written January 6, 2025
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.
Soudamini M
Bengaluru, India1,589 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
It'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.
Written April 8, 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.
Urban Traveler
Buenos Aires, Argentina10,262 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
I must admit that I am not used to paying to enter a park, so paying ¥500 (about $3.50) surprised me. However, it must be recognized that it is worth it because it is a beautiful place, an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city.
Here in spring people pile up to see the cherry blossoms and there is a special section of the park for it.
Picnicking is not allowed except in a specific area although buying food and drink right there
Here in spring people pile up to see the cherry blossoms and there is a special section of the park for it.
Picnicking is not allowed except in a specific area although buying food and drink right there
Automatically translated
Written September 11, 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.
Ben Pramudya
Semarang, Indonesia34 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
The best time to visit this park is during the fall/autumn season. Late November is the best, you can enjoy the red maple tree and fabulous yellow ginko tree. The weather in November is also great, about 10-15 degrees Celsius. The location is near Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku San-chome, and Kabukicho.
Written January 16, 2025
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.
Melissa B
Saint Louis, MO1,269 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful area to walk around on an afternoon in Tokyo, and a nice break from the more lively parts of the city. You have to pay to enter but it is very inexpensive (and you can use a Suica card). They sell food inside the garden.
Written June 11, 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.
Ben F
Bloomington, IN2,059 contributions
Mar 2025 • Solo
First-time Tokyo visitors should not miss Shinjuku Gyoen, and neither should anyone. The park is massive, featuring multiple gardens, ponds, temple structures, a Starbucks, a greenhouse, and even more amenities I didn’t see. There are audio guides available for those who desire them.
Carve out at LEAST half a day here. The park opens and closes at set times, and there’s an admission fee, but the price is reasonable and, to my relief, credit cards are accepted.
Carve out at LEAST half a day here. The park opens and closes at set times, and there’s an admission fee, but the price is reasonable and, to my relief, credit cards are accepted.
Written March 10, 2025
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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