Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The area
Address
Neighborhood: 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.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
5,809 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- aruroharuseTokyo, Japan2 contributionsAn oasis in the middle of a busy city.The entrance cost 500 yen, but is absolutely worth it. The park is carefully maintained and each season brings you a different landscape. Definitely recommended during cherry blossoms in spring and during autumn leaves season!Visited April 2023Written May 31, 2023
- Josie IinoCambridge, United Kingdom132 contributions5 starsA magnificent park worth the entry fee. It is simply so beautiful and a great detour when you are in the Shinjuku area (one, if not my favourite in Tokyo). I absolutely adore this place! Tranquil, calm, and has a distinctly Japanese feel.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten June 27, 2023
- J EAustin, Texas2,814 contributionspeaceful and tranquilA wonderful refuge in the middle of bustling Shinjuku. We spent most of a day strolling the varied gardens, touring the Greenhouse and the Imperial Rest House. Each area is different, from the traditional Japanese garden to the Formal Garden and Rose Beds, and we were particularly impressed with the Maple and Cherry Tree areas. There are plenty of bathrooms, and while we chose not to partake, there is a Starbucks, a Tea House, and a couple of other places to buy drinks and snacks. It was a very peaceful and tranquil place to spend the day.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 16, 2023
- jjlukeCalgary, Canada1,420 contributionsPeaceful walk in the park, very extensive groundsBeautiful gardens. Admission on the day we went (June 4th) was free for Environment Day, so be on the lookout for possible similar days during your trip. We agreed it would be well worth the amount charged as the gardens are very extensive and you could easily spent a few hours there taking pictures and relaxing. The pictures speak for themselves. We highly recommend visiting if you are in the area. If you found this review or my pictures to be helpful, please kindly indicate with a thumbs up so I know where to focus my future review efforts!Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 21, 2023
- Anne BSydney, Australia112 contributionsStunning Gardens,I visited for 2.5 hours and this was not enough time to relax and take everything in. The Japanese gardens were just beautiful. Plenty of teahouses and cafes if you would like something. Or take a picnic like the Japanese do and rest on the lawns eat and watch. Very peaceful. My favourite Garden innTokyo.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 23, 2023
- Trey CCalgary, Canada372 contributionsBeautiful ParkAfter wandering around Shinjuku shopping district, this park is right next door to relax and get away from the crowds. Beautiful walking paths and lots of trees, spaces, and water to de-stress and unwind. One of my favourite places to visit in Tokyo. Was able to walk around the park and then crash in the grass to read my book. Beautiful place.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten November 2, 2023
- iexpect127 contributionsPleasing garden in TokyoIt was a really good find in Tokyo. It gives a traditional Japanese garden,even with a Taiwan pavilion in one section. That said there are areas of roses and lawns that locals were relaxing on. There's also a variety of cafe / tea house within the groundsVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 5, 2023
- Jerry MatternHarrisburg, Pennsylvania216 contributionsGorgeous park, especially around sunset.Got here about 330 and had an hour before the park closed. So glad I got here around sunset, the views were even better. Just a really chill place to hang out and enjoy the scenery. It’s too bad. The fall foliage hasn’t taken place here yet but still a beautiful place to visitVisited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 19, 2023
- David M37 contributionsJapanese Garden are a Highlight :)Very nice park, easy to get to on train. Well kept, the Japanese Garden was a highlight, plus there was a stunning chrysanthemum display on during my visit. Green house area was a bit disappointing - after Singapore's Gardens. Trees in general area very stunning. Worth a visit & happy to pay ¥500 to keep garden looking so good.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 19, 2023
- Glenn KBrisbane, Australia73 contributionsPeaceful Walk Through GardensTo get out of the hustle & bustle that is Tokyo, my son and one of my daughters and I spent approx 1hr walking around while my wife and other daughter went shopping. As it was winter it had very few of the vibrant colours that we had hoped for. In fact it seemed rather asleep. Still beautiful in it's own way and quite relaxingVisited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 3, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,241 reviews
Excellent
3,904
Very good
1,967
Average
337
Poor
22
Terrible
11
GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,537 contributions
Apr 2019
My wife and I lived in Tokyo on several occasions. This garden is particularly popular during cherry blossom time. There is a small admission fee to enter the park and it's quite large.
They have trees and flowers planted so that there is something blooming just about all year.
The park is large at 140 acres but pales by comparison to Central Park which is 840 acres. However, that's comparing apples and oranges. Shinjuku Gyoen is really known for its garden and during sakura time - it's a magical fairyland.
They have trees and flowers planted so that there is something blooming just about all year.
The park is large at 140 acres but pales by comparison to Central Park which is 840 acres. However, that's comparing apples and oranges. Shinjuku Gyoen is really known for its garden and during sakura time - it's a magical fairyland.
Written February 20, 2020
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.
Jojo C
Makati, Philippines47 contributions
Apr 2019
Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens is a welcome respite from the business in Tokyo. The entrance is Y500 which gets you into a huge park filled with trees and flowers. We spent a couple of hours just strolling around the park and resting on the benches to admire the sakura flowers. There are different sections with lakes and bridges which gives a very different vibe from being in the city, even if you are in the city.
Written February 26, 2020
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.
ARice
Cocoa Beach, FL17 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful!! I felt like it was Japan’s version of Central Park- the city skyscrapers were all around but this little piece of heaven. We walked all over this park- it was so peaceful when the city outside is a hustle and bustle. There was so much beauty in the history of the gardens. And how meticulous the caretakers are of the property. I would recommend this as a wind down walk through the city of Shinjuku.
Written January 5, 2020
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.
Stephen6945
Perth, Australia43 contributions
Feb 2020
Have been here before after snow had fallen and it was a delight. It is closed on Mondays and I cannot figure out why. We watched about 20 people from overseas come up to the gates and be disappointed. Unfortunately I also booked a nearby Hotel so that we could spend time in the park and found out that it was closed on the one day we were there.
Written February 22, 2020
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.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark4,170 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.
PaulSiow
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
Mar 2019
We came here to view cherry blossoms and were not disappointed. I think we paid 500 yen per person to enter the garden. Quite a big garden. Be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours to walk around.
Written February 28, 2020
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.
HandsomeXO
Hong Kong, China9,855 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, residence of the Naito family during the Edo period, is a public botanical garden featuring a wide range of plants, including quite a number of endangered species. It is famous for being one of the best Hanami (flower viewing) spots in Tokyo during the cherry blossom season.
NAKED Sakura Night Garden 2023 is Gyoen’s first collaboration with NAKED Inc., a creative company. The light show simply turns the garden into a magically illuminated realm with cherry blossom being the main theme. Admission tickets (Klook Special Promotion: JPY 1,600/adult; JPY 1,400/senior) can easily be purchased online in advance. Paperless transactions are simple and environmentally friendly; all you need is the QR code. Expect to walk on grass, so wear comfortable shoes. Although wheelchairs are available for free rental, the walk from the entrance to the rental booth is approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy the view and take lots of photos and videos!
NAKED Sakura Night Garden 2023 is Gyoen’s first collaboration with NAKED Inc., a creative company. The light show simply turns the garden into a magically illuminated realm with cherry blossom being the main theme. Admission tickets (Klook Special Promotion: JPY 1,600/adult; JPY 1,400/senior) can easily be purchased online in advance. Paperless transactions are simple and environmentally friendly; all you need is the QR code. Expect to walk on grass, so wear comfortable shoes. Although wheelchairs are available for free rental, the walk from the entrance to the rental booth is approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy the view and take lots of photos and videos!
Written February 22, 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.
Trip25687
London, UK25 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Gorgeous gardens divided into different sections - woods, western, Japanese etc. I was a bit disappointed that the greenhouse had a closed sign 30 mins before closing meaning I missed this part of the gardens. 500 yen entrance fee.
Written February 1, 2020
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.
Genevieve
Gold Coast, Australia70 contributions
Jan 2020
I have been to Shinjuku Gyoen Park in Spring, Summer and Winter and never been disappointed. The differences in the foliage through the different seasons is quite beautiful. And if you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo during the Cherry Blossom season, this is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful colours!
Written February 11, 2020
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.
Irene T
Singapore, Singapore188 contributions
Dec 2022
I’m not used to the idea of paying entrance fees for parks, but it’s a small price and the park is quite huge and it’s a really nice place. I saw many families and couples sitting or lying on the grass, enjoying a picnic and having a relaxing time. The highlight for me was to see a cherry blossom tree in full bloom in this park, in the middle of December! Overall, I enjoyed exploring the park, it’s a wonderful respite in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku.
Written December 27, 2022
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.
You did probably not visit the greenhouse. Also the garden is full of history and knowledge of all the species you see. The entrance fee is necessary for funding the garden.
I can assure you that the garden is worth visiting in all seasons due to the changes trough the year.
Richard D
Hereford, UK109 contributions
Indeed! I will be going back to Tokyo during the Cherry Blossom season and will look forward to seeing the various gardens at a different time of year.
AtlantaMimi21
Atlanta, GA210 contributions
Was the Tea House in the Garden one that has a Tea Ceremony or just a tea service>
joonee
Asia211 contributions
Tea service
Rose Anne M
Breaston, UK8 contributions
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?
Morten LD
Horten Municipality, Norway115 contributions
It should take you about 10-15 minutes to walk, depending on your speed and the traffic.
clarinetjeanette
clarinetjeanette9 contributions
At Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, can i book tea ceremony in advance
Morten LD
Horten Municipality, Norway115 contributions
I didn't see any information about it, but when we arrived the tea house we had no problem getting seated and served.
HajarAlQamar
Sapporo, Japan226 contributions
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??
Ian V
77 contributions
We've been told the the park is open late with the cherry blossoms illuminated. Is that correct?
Rachael
Melbourne, Australia102 contributions
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
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingShinjuku Gyoen National Garden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Friendly Guide (From $150.00)
- Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover's Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (From $138.04)
- Freely set up plans Guided Private Tours in Tokyo (From $131.47)
- Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (From $138.04)
- Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (From $92.03)
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.20 mi) APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
- (0.38 mi) Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
- (0.41 mi) Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
- (0.25 mi) Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station Exit 3
- (0.53 mi) Hotel Century Southern Tower
- Restaurants near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.06 mi) Yurinoki
- (0.11 mi) Cafe Hananoki
- (0.11 mi) Shoutentei
- (0.11 mi) Rakuutei
- (0.14 mi) Pizzeria Bar Romana
- Attractions near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.11 mi) Old Goryo Tei
- (0.33 mi) Mayuko's Little Kitchen Japanese Cooking Class
- (0.39 mi) Sake Market Shinjuku
- (0.17 mi) Sokyusha
- (0.19 mi) Akiba Shrine