Shinjuku Gyoen

What to know

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is one of Tokyo's largest and most beloved parks. Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, it offers spacious lawns, winding paths, and peaceful scenery—a perfect escape from the bustling city. In spring, it becomes one of Tokyo's top cherry blossom viewing spots.

The park began in the Edo Period (1603–1868) as a feudal lord's residence in Tokyo. Later turned into a botanical garden, it was given to the Imperial Family in 1903 for recreation and entertaining guests. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt and reopened as a public park in 1949.

Shinjuku Gyoen features three distinct garden styles:

The traditional Japanese landscape garden has large ponds with islands and bridges, surrounded by manicured shrubs, trees, pavilions, and the Kyu Goryotei (Taiwan Pavilion), built for the Showa Emperor's wedding. A chrysanthemum exhibit takes place in the first two weeks of November.

Other main gardens include a symmetrical French formal garden and an English-style landscape garden with wide lawns bordered by flowering cherry trees. The rest of the park has forested areas, lawns, a restaurant, an information center, an art gallery, and a greenhouse with tropical and subtropical flowers.

Shinjuku Gyoen boasts over a dozen cherry tree varieties. From late March to early April, more than 400 Somei Yoshino trees bloom around the English garden, making it one of Tokyo's most popular hanami spots. Early and late blooming trees extend the cherry blossom season for those who miss the peak.