Find solace in three distinctly gorgeous gardens! The handy guide to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots," is home to about 70 varieties and approximately 900 cherry trees. Visitors can see Weeping Cherries and Somei-Yoshino cherries, the latter being a representative variety of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. When in full bloom, the garden goes all awash with the blooms of cherry blossoms ranging from white to light and dark pink, bringing the essence of spring to every corner. While the best viewing times vary for different cherry types, generally, the best overall bloom can be seen from mid-February to mid-April.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is also a highly coveted spot in fall for its famed autumn leaves. As the leaves turn, the garden is lined with vibrant brocade of warm colors, captivating visitors with the fiery reds, oranges, and contrasting greens. The golden-hued rows of London planes are particularly popular as a photo spot. With about 700 maple trees planted throughout the garden, it’s not surprise why so many are overawed by their sheer beauty. The foliage in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden begins to change color from mid-October, with the peak viewing period typically from mid-November to early December.

The Japanese Garden in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a pond-stroll garden, which is the most common type of Japanese garden. It is designed around a pond with paths that allow visitors to enjoy both water and trees. Near the pond is the "Kyu-Goryo-Tei", whose presence amidst nature is both elegant and shrouded in mystique. The "Kyu-Goryo-Tei" was presented in 1927 to commemorate the marriage of Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Shōwa) and features a distinctive Chinese architectural style. This garden is where to find iconic, scenic backdrops that you’d expect from a Japanese garden, all wrapped up in the quiet seclusion that erases the urban tires of Tokyo.

The formal garden, located in the eastern part of the garden, is distinguished by its symmetrical design that exudes a sense of harmony and beauty. The meticulously maintained garden is so breathtaking that it’s no wonder why so many are left in awe. The sheer scale of the gorgeous, sprawling gardens is a particularly rare treasure in Japan.
At its center is a rose bed featuring about 100 varieties and approx. 500 plants, surrounded by approximately 140 London planes. Come in autumn to find the tapestry of warm, golden colors as they nearly steal your breath away. For the utmost in this area’s beauty, be sure to book a little time to visit in the colorful autumn or full bloom of spring.

The landscape garden is marked by its expansive lawns, making it perfect for sunbathing, reading, or simply relaxing and rejuvenating after a busy day of sightseeing in Tokyo. Dominating the view is a towering Tulip tree, standing over 35 meters tall, which is also considered a symbol of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It's definitely a sight you’ll want to bookmark on the list.
In the northern part of the landscape garden stands the "Kyu-Gokyu-Sho (Old Imperial Rest House)," designated as an important cultural property of Japan. (Note: The Kyu-Gokyu-Sho is closed for renovations from August 1, 2023, until further notice. Please check the official website for the reopening date.) Built in 1896, the structure was designed in a style popular in 19th-century America and served as a rest house for the Emperor and imperial family. It was used as a clubhouse for tennis, golf, and as a venue for welcoming state guests. The landscape garden offers a tranquil natural setting and a chance to appreciate historic architecture all at once.

"Mother and Child Woods" is a small satoyama, or rural woodland area, that has been developed since 1985 and is filled with a dense secondary forest. Its purpose is to provide children living in the city with opportunities to interact with nature, fostering a rich sensibility and interest in the natural world. The area is characterized by a variety of trees preserved in their natural state.

One of the significant appeals is the ability to observe nature's true form, including trees and wild birds, right in the heart of the city. Walking through " Mother and Child Woods" can make you feel as if you've stepped into a different world, forgetting that concrete jungle that awaits just outside the grounds. This stark, glittering contrast is what draw so many deep into the "Mother and Child Woods" after the city’s made them overworn.

The Starbucks Coffee Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden branch opened in March 2020, marking the first establishment within Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden operated by a private company. Located just across the middle pond near the Sendagaya Gate, the store is designed with a continuous ceiling and eaves that seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoors, blending into the rich, changing natural scenery of the garden. The interior space is designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing domestic wood in various elements like walls, ceilings, counters, and tables, creating a softened chic look and feel.

Yakiniku Onuki is a popular yakiniku restaurant known for its melt-in-your-mouth lean meat and secret marinade sauce. The slightly sweet marinade, perfectly complementing both the meat and rice, is a legacy carried on from the long-established Yakiniku Onuki restaurant in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, with a history of 45 years. The selected Japanese black beef offers a rich flavor and sweetness, further enhanced by their special sauce. Knowledgeable staff provide advice on the best ways to grill the meat, ensuring that the prime cuts are cooked to perfection without being overdone.

Shinjuku Suehiro-tei is a performance hall known as a "yose," where you can enjoy traditional Japanese arts such as rakugo (comic storytelling), manzai (stand-up comedy), and kōdan (storytelling). The venue is a classic example of Japanese wooden architecture, adorned with many lanterns and names of rakugo performers.
While rakugo and manzai are performed in Japanese, there are various other types of performances like magic tricks, acrobatics, and popular songs, offering entertainment that’s easily loved beyond the words.

The Tokyo Toy Museum is a venue where people of all generations can enjoy toy play, under the theme of "play, create, and interact." Housed in the building of the former Yotsuya Fourth Elementary School, built pre-war and now decommissioned, the space has been renovated using abundant domestic wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Its museum shop, lined with wooden toys, is open to the public, not just museum visitors. Here, you can touch and feel the toys, making it a convenient spot for picking up souvenirs or gifts.

Meiji Jingu Gaien, established in 1926, is the outer precinct of the Meiji Shrine. It encompasses the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery at its center and includes various sports facilities like the Meiji Jingu Stadium, allowing visitors to enjoy nature through all four seasons. The approximately 300m long ginkgo tree-lined avenue from Aoyama Street to the Picture Gallery is famous, especially in autumn when it becomes a stunning golden tunnel. In spring, around 400 cherry trees blossom spectacularly, particularly around the Picture Gallery, offering a breathtaking sight.