The 31 best Japanese gardens in Tokyo (2024)

1Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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Nature & Parks

Playground

State park

This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.

Went here for the second time and love it more! The garden is clean and spacious. Cherry blossoms can still be seen even though it is already at the end of April. There are also few tea houses and Starbucks in this garden. Great park for doing picnics and walking.

Nur Z — Google review

After a very heavy first night in Japan, I headed here to wander through the beautiful gardens. If anything is going to clear your head and help give you clarity in life it is this place! Sitting on the grass and looking into the distance you can see the city of Japan and it's beautiful skyline of buildings. The park was so quiet and serene, with so many pretty flowers and greenery. I remember many times in Japan on my trip, but this place was definitely one of them. Loved it

Laura I — Google review

Every time I visit, it feels like stepping into an oasis in the middle of a desert. The park offers a variety of seasonal flowers, plants, historical buildings, and even a modern Starbucks. If you're looking to escape the crowds of Tokyo, this place can be quite refreshing.There is an entrance fee of 500 yen. It might seem a bit expensive compared to other parks, but the park is well-maintained and beautiful. I especially like the grassy areas in the park.Just a friendly reminder that bringing alcohol and pets inside the park is not allowed.

Yuriko T — Google review

アクセス温室目当てなら新宿御苑駅か四谷三丁目駅で降車して大木戸門から入園するのが楽かもしれません。駐車場も同じく大木戸門にあるので、車で行く際も同様です。ベビーカーや車椅子、歩行補助器具等を使う場合誰でも気軽に楽しめるように開かれた植物園なので、入園ゲートから温室内まで通路が広くてフラットになっていますが、実際に自然の中を探検しているかのような傾斜ポイントがあります。トイレ入口付近に温室内のトイレがあります。植物珍しい植物が色鮮やかに咲き誇っていました。ダイナミックでありながらも品があって感動しました。入園料は500円ですが、これは値上げするべきです!また行きたい!と思いました。(Translated by Google)accessIf you are looking for a greenhouse, it may be easier to get off at Shinjuku Gyoen Station or Yotsuya Sanchome Station and enter from Okido Gate.The parking lot is also at Okido Gate, so it's the same when you go by car.When using strollers, wheelchairs, walking aids, etc.The botanical garden is open for everyone to enjoy, so the passage from the entrance gate to the greenhouse is wide and flat, but there is an incline point that makes you feel as if you are actually exploring nature.toiletThere is a toilet in the greenhouse near the entrance.plantRare plants were in full bloom.I was moved by the dynamic yet elegant atmosphere.The entrance fee is 500 yen, but this should be raised!I want to go again! I thought.

????? — Google review

Absolutely stunning.Peaceful and tranquil.Good size park.Great features.Costs approx £2.50 for entry.Plenty of clean toilets... especially if you need a number two from having too much sushi.

Benjamin F — Google review

Beautiful garden in the middle of busy Tokyo. I love everything even though I visited it in a cloudy day during winter. I found my inner peace there, peaceful time. Would definitely love to come back to see how it is seasonally

Truc N — Google review

Fabulous park. Probably the best one on the west side of Tokyo. Manicured lawns. Tea house is a bit of a rip off. Entry to the park respects senior citizens. Japanese gardens and landscape are wonderfully cared for. You can walk around and take in the scenery and just forget about the whole world outside. We spent the whole day there.

Avi K — Google review

Expansive park with areas of many different feels to enjoy. Great for families, couples, and solos. It's often crowded (especially the Starbucks inside, so bring in your own from the one just outside the park #lifehack). I liked the recent special chrysanthemum exhibit.

Brittany — Google review

One of my favorite park in Tokyo. Huge amount of open space and tons of well maintained trees and greens and different types of flowers. We saw lots of roses late autumn still. But we missed most of the foliage.If you want a quick escape from this big city, this is a must go. Best for picnic on a mild sunny day.You also see there are couple coffee and tea shops to relax a bit.

Wai W — Google review

Peaceful park at the center of Shinjuku that is one of the most congested areas in Tokyo. It costs $5 or so to enter, but on the flip side, you can enjoy a very clean and peaceful park with a rich nature. The cherry blossoms here are something you need to see if you come to Japan in spring. Highly recommend a place to visit, whether you are a tourist or not.

Kaz T — Google review

One of the most beautiful parks during cherry blossom season. Absolutely stunning during that time. There is a large selection of different cherry tree species and most plants have small labels.I can recommend having tea and some sweets in the tea house in the center of the garden.

Johannes E — Google review

Beautiful garden. Visited in mid-February 2024 and cherry blossoms were starting to bloom. Grass lawns were yellow though. Lots of people and young families come here to picnic or eat lunch on benches or grass lawns. There’s a student and senior discount on tickets too (250 yen versus regular 500 yen price).

Adventurous M — Google review

Very peaceful very big island of greenery and tranquility in the center of the city. I leisurely spend their 4 hours and regret nothing. Heidi suggested to come in the cherry blossom time but regardless it's still beautiful. Do know that there's a small cover charge to get into the park

Hanan Y — Google review

Lovely park in the middle of the city. One of the best parts is all of the water that can be found. There's tons of bathrooms and well manicured vegetation. In addition, there are many unique attractions throughout.There is a fee to enter.

Joseph R — Google review

A beautiful garden in the heart of Tokyo. It is characterized by a traditional Japanese garden, a formal garden and a green house. On its own, it's beauty was evident and it was a wonderful place to picnic and eat lunch or escape from the city without traveling too far. There were many locals doing just that. My only problem was that I had just come from Kyoto and saw the most beautiful temples and gardens in the world that this one fell short to those but on its own was a beautiful place to spend time. Well worth the 500 yen entry fee.

Wes P — Google review

Just about a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku station, this park should be a must visit for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of shopping for which Shinjuku is famous. Yes, it costs 500 yen for adults to enter, but to access these lawns, small woods, greenhouse, the Japanese gardens, and other features I'd consider this a bargain! Just walking around and enjoying sitting on the lawn or a bench is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon and recharge - many people will pick up food for a picnic on the way from the station. Inside, the park is very well signposted, and points of historical interest have information in English. This provision of information extends down to trees and plants being labelled, even in the main park. The whole place is usually spotlessly clean, and one of the few public places that still has rubbish bins. There are vending machines, as well as a shop selling traditional Japanese desserts. Toilets are free, modern, quite clean and have soap dispensers. Just remember to check the opening hours, as the park closes in the afternoon!

Oliver B — Google review

This garden is a must visit in Tokyo, the scenery is spectacular giving you a Insta worthy photo in any angle. The garden is great for any age. The park was so quite and a great place to clear your mind or just rest.On my first day in Japan I took it easy and headed there for a few hours to ready up for the days ahead of me! The gardens are very well maintained with dozens of species of flowers and trees that cover like a canopy. The best time to visit is in fall where there are several colours of plants creating a beautiful contrast!Hope this helps :)

????Boss — Google review

Great botanical garden, lots of plants I didn't even know existed. Flowers were rotting slightly when I came. Maybe if you come in spring instead of summer you will see more. Average garden except for an indoor waterfall. Lots of special leaves and even vanilla, lemon, and coffee trees.

Go A — Google review

平日の夕方訪問。チケット購入をゲートの前ですることも交通系ICカードで入場も可能。中はかなりひろくてスタバ目当てに歩く人もいれば外人が中の景色を楽しむためにたくさん来てました。途中ではかなり広々とした芝生の広場があるためピクニックしたり昼寝に利用してる人もいて気持ちよさそうでした。都会の中で自然と触れ合える場所であり整備もされているため綺麗で虫なども少なめなのでデートでの使用もアリだと思います。(Translated by Google)Visited on a weekday evening.You can purchase tickets in front of the gate or enter with a transportation IC card.The inside was quite spacious, and some people walked for Starbucks, and many foreigners came to enjoy the scenery inside.On the way, there was a fairly spacious lawn square, so some people had a picnic or took a nap, and it seemed comfortable.It's a place where you can come into contact with nature in the city, and it's well-maintained, so it's clean and there aren't many insects, so I think it's perfect for a date.

?????? — Google review

What an amazing place! The most incredible thing is definitely the greenhouse! If you love flowers and plants you definitely need to visit this park! I'd love to go there again ❤️ highly recommended 💯🔥

Laurianne B — Google review

Beautiful place amid 新宿 and you can find a moment of peace here.The park contains a well maintained grassland. Whether just sit here and enjoy the calmness, picnic or lay down, it was just so comfortable. Fresh air, tall trees for pics, and you can easily find a coffee for a rest. It’s a very nice place to wind down.

Nevin Y — Google review

Not a Tokyo “must see” but still a pretty park. The admission fee is justifiable for those with a student ID (about $1.50) but a little high for adults ($3.75) We spent around a few hours walking around and enjoyed the open grass areas and zen garden bridges after our first few days in Tokyo, but after going to Kyoto the next week it offered much better parks to the point where I think this park is only worth it if you aren’t planning to make it to Kyoto. Additionally the Starbucks in the center of the park has a nice view and offers some Japan only matcha flavors which I think are worth checking out if you drink coffee.

Josh W — Google review

Gorgeous garden in the middle of the busy city. we came during early November, and the trees haven’t turned yellow or orange yet, still mostly green. But it is very calm. Tickets were 600 I think and cheaper if you are student or seniors. The garden is huge, but the map is understandable and easily comprehended.

Katy N — Google review

I visited the park 3x, twice at spring and once at very late winter. Surprisingly the park was beautiful in every of my visit.In spring, the park full with old cherry blossom, the trees full with flower until its bench so low so you can take pictures by just standing near it.In late winter, the park full with ginkgo and momiji, their yellow and red make the park very very beautiful

L G — Google review

Although it was at first a bit shocking to pay to enter a public park, ¥500 or ~$3.50, I must confess it was totally worth it.This IS the place to come in Springtime to see the blossoming cherry trees but in late summer it was a delightful experience nevertheless, especially on a hot afternoon.Totally worth it

Urban T — Google review

Oct 24: What a stunning place to spend a morning or afternoon, take a picnic and a rug to sit on. Such a peaceful place in the middle of the skyscrapers. Worth every penny (£2:50 each). Shuts at 4:30 pm.

Martin — Google review

Outstanding garden. Beautiful trees and landscaping including ponds/small lakes. Was ultra surprised to see some cherry blossom trees in full bloom when other parks didn’t have them yet due to the cooler weather. This year the blossoms were delayed in most places. Definitely a beautiful park to walk and spend a couple of hours. Check out Shin near by for a good lunch.

Michael D — Google review

Blooming beautiful 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸Highly recommended with more than 200 trees. You will need to buy tickets on some days. Allow a few hours. It’s very busy during cherry blossom sesson but plenty of opportunity to get photos with just you in. People thoughtful and all helping take photos of each other. A really friendly exciting atmosphere.Dress up to match the cherry blossoms in pink and whites.Our hotel was within walking distance to the park. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan.Bathrooms in the park but no cafeLove your local guide- M❤️Please follow or like me to get more reviews.

Inspired4me2You — Google review

It's a very nice park with lots of nice trees. You can see tall buildings and sky scrapers in the background whilst being surrounded by water and nature. There were quite a lot of tourists. The cost to get in is quite low, too.

Caleb G — Google review

It’s quiet and serene to visit the National Garden on the long weekend Sunday. We particularly enjoy the tropical garden with many unique flowers and cactus. Also love the wood panels and structure of the museum. Overall a very enjoyable experience that adds to the many wonderful experiences in travelling Japan.

Kaman K — Google review

Very beautiful garden in the city. Walkable from hotels and shopping centers. It cost a couple hundred yen to enter but it’s worth it. You’ll never go thirsty because there’s always vending machines at the start and a refreshment cafe. And of course bathrooms, it’s several miles to walk the whole park. It’s not a park because you can’t just eat or bring your dogs and have a picnic on the grass. But there is a place where you have can shave ice and ice cream and that is the refreshment cafe area. It’s so good! The gardens are beautiful and the walk is peaceful. This place is amazingly beautiful and it’s in the city. Probably one of the most beautiful parks in the middle of a city.

Minion_Dave5-O — Google review

The park has entry fee of 500 yen, but its timeless beauty justifies the cost in every season. It seems like an ideal spot for picnicking, attracting locals who gather to enjoy the sun's warmth and each other's company in a scenic setting. This park must truly be a gem for those looking to unwind and connect with nature, while also serving as a social hub for community gatherings and leisurely activities.

Chen J — Google review

We loved the garden! We spent most of our time in the greenhouse and the Japanese traditional garden, though just walking through the park is an amazing experience. Lots of benches and seating spread throughout the park to sit down and enjoy the sights. We went on a pretty cloudy day, but even so it was still very enjoyable and the colors were quite vibrant. It’s clear that there is an extraordinary amount of work put into maintaining and beautifying the garden, and it pays off, resulting in a truly gorgeous experience. There are also a number of tea stands/cafes throughout the garden, and while we were exploring the traditional Japanese Garden, we sat down for a quick matcha and some soft serve, which was a perfect treat. Definitely try and get there early in the day, as the park was noticeably filling up by the time we left at around 12:30. If you can, get there at 9–the park will be much more serene and enjoyable. 5 stars!

June M — Google review

Beautiful park, the Traditional Japanese Garden is amazing and the whole place is very peaceful despite being in such a busy area. It costs 500yen to go in so would probably recommend going early - you can use your SUICA card and get a reentry ticket if you want to go out and back in again.

El O — Google review

Very peaceful and serene. It has few ponds, Japanese garden. And has a very peaceful vibe right in the middle of busy tokyo. There's 500 yen entrance fees for adults. There's also public restrooms in the park.

Zahra B — Google review

Beautiful garden with lots of cherry blossom trees. Has a Starbucks and various other traditional tea houses, vending machines within the property. You can bring your picnic mats and baskets to eat in park. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Cost to enter is 500 yen for adults and kids are free

Nik G — Google review

Great to visit on a fine day, entry to the Park costs 500Ye or 250Ye if over 65 yo and you have Id; driving license fine.The park incudes a Japanese garden, Formal garden and Greenhouse. Some areas have beautiful cherry blossom, but if this is your interest I'd leave it another two weeks when all the trees should be in bloom.Greenhouse is worth a visit, quite humid inside.

Miles M — Google review

It is a lush green garden in the middle of Shibuya, Tokyo. The Japanese Zen Garden inside is a must-see. As we went in late April, we could see only the last of the blooming cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom trees surrounded by a carpet of pink on the lawns formed a very pretty sight indeed. The garden is just right for a picnic and for stopping time to enjoy the gifts of nature. The restaurants in the garden also offer many options for a quick eat. The experience center at the entrance is very informative.

Sriram R — Google review

The best garden we’ve ever been to!! Especially the Japanese garden style! It is really Mind blowing! It’s all about green and blue sky.Though the forrest is hot and humid, they have a building with AC for you to take some rest.You can also do a little picnic under the trees and enjoy the view with clean air! The only thing that annoying is the sound of the airplanes that passing by every 5 minutes!Recommend to visit after 5pm!

Scottish F — Google review

Came to visit because my Mom loves flowers, but it was actually quite a pleasant place to stroll on a rainy day. The air is nice and they even had a large green house full of exotic flowers I had never seen before. I did not take many pictures but there was much to explore. Plus it was only 500 yen per person, what a deal!

Annabel R — Google review

The gardens are around a 10 min walk from Shinjuku station. There is an educational centre with a gift shop and cafe at the entrance to the gardens. The cafe has great food and lovely staff. The food is very reasonably priced. The garden cost 500 yen per person for an all-day pass. You can leave the gardens and grab a picnic and come back in. There are also useful lockers, so bring some 100 yen coins. There are a few cafes around the park, so there are plenty of options. The park is beautiful, so well kept and very peaceful. It is so well signposted and plenty of photo opportunities. We saw a lot of bugs and some frogs around the park, so bring your strongest mosquito repellent. I didn't realise and ended up with a severe allergic reaction to the bites and had to go to the hospital in shinjuku, and when I got home. So remember to bring mosquito spray. Don't let this put you off, though, as it is a beautiful garden and a lovely peaceful day in the middle of a very busy city.

Leanne R — Google review

What a lovely park! There are so many different areas to see, including small museums, a big greenhouse, and various gardens with ponds. It was filled with people and yet still felt spacious for everyone, with quiet spots available to relax in peace.

Claudio L — Google review

Highly recommend visiting this park when you need a respite from the crowds of Tokyo. It cost ¥500 to enter. Beautiful place to have a long leisurely walk or just sit under a tree and eat your lunch.

Joel Z — Google review

Such a beautiful park in the middle Tokyo. A great place to cool off and enjoy such greenery. The rose garden were in bloom when we were there in mid May and colors were a joy. We especially enjoyed the Mother and Child Path that took us into a heavily shaded part of the gardens where a stand of Bald Cypress is planted with their "knees" peaking out from their roots.

John V — Google review

A beautiful, tranquil park only steps away from the busyness of the city. I enjoyed taking a slow, long walk there even though the heat of the summer was almost unbearable - but hey, there are lots of trees and shades and there are also clean, convenient built resting places. Some parts of the park is diligently manicured, while the others are wilder. Totally worth a visit if you're in the area.

Loan Q — Google review

This garden was even beautiful in the cloudy grey July weather in Tokyo! 500 yen per adult was well worth the money to experience great landscaping and wonderful views. I might be biased as I proposed on a bridge overlooking a Japanese garden which was so peaceful and beautiful! Lots of restrooms and drinks available inside the park which meant we could truly relax and take it slow

Joseph B — Google review

A very beautiful and serene garden in the middle of busy Shinjuku. There is much to see in this garden, including a tropical greenhouse, rose gardens, ponds, cherry trees, and more.Takes a couple of hours to explore fully, but well worth it. This garden was probably my favourite garden that I visited during my Japan trip.

Harry H — Google review

Such a phenomenal park. There are so many things to see, we saw the cherry blossoms, the greenhouse, and just the overall walkways are so pretty. You apparently need to get tickets to see the cherry blossoms on more popular days, but we went on a less popular day, and it was raining. The landscaping is impeccable. My favorite was the greenhouse, there were so many different plants to see and they had clear descriptions with each plant.

Lexy M — Google review

The best place to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo in my opinion. Very spacious with great variety of trees showcasing multiple types of bloom.The open space is massive and ideal for picnics. The garden is very well kept as you’d expect.We bought the tickets online so it was a hassle free entry.

Zahidur R — Google review

Very nice park with some spots to lay out on a blanket in an open field. The signage could be better though. But it was still fun to walk along the trails and see the structures. Some parts listed on the map but then there was nothing at the spot, like the cherry tree spot, they looked like regular oaks to me. 500 yen to get in and some benches and toilets. Note; the paths in the Japanese garden are gravel and many roots so not very stroller friendly

M R — Google review

I love walking here every morning I can. It's simply wonderful to find such peace in the middle of a very active megalopolis. The grounds are nicely kept and the staff incredibly kind. The opportunities for photographer are endless. The birding is average during summer months, but that's to be expected. The people watching is good year round.

Norman B — Google review

This was probably one of my favorite gardens to visit. There is so much to see and many picturesque spots to capture. The variety of species are amazing!The pavilion is Taiwanese style, marking some history in the heart of Tokyo.And a food truck. I laughed. The contrast was humorous and put a smile on my face.

Angela S — Google review

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japanhttps://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/index.html+81 3-3350-0151Tips and more reviews for Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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