Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen)

The basics

Enter through one of three access gates (Shinjuku to the north, Okido to the east, and Sendagaya to the south), and grab a map to help plan your visit. Explore the three distinct gardens, including Japanese traditional, French formal, and English landscape, accented with ponds, bridges, topiaries, and statues. The park holds more than 10,000 trees, such as cherry, plum, and maple trees, and plentiful flowers, including chrysanthemums, roses, and camellias.

You can visit the park independently, or as part of a half-day or full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo, which may include other popular attractions such as the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. Opt for a private tour if you want to fully customize your itinerary.

Things to know before you go

• The park charges an entry fee to everyone 16 and over.

• During cherry blossom season, an advance reservation is required on some days.

• Photography is restricted during the high season, holidays, and weekends.

• Bringing alcohol to the park is prohibited.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover.

• On-site facilities include a greenhouse, teahouses, and a restaurant.

How to get there

The park is located in the Shinjuku neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (South Exit) and about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station (Exit 1). Yoyogi Station and Shinjuku San-chome Station are also located nearby.

When to get there

The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays from morning to late afternoon, with holiday closures from December 29 to January 3. (If Monday is a public holiday, or part of consecutive holidays, it's closed the following day.) The park is also open on Mondays during the popular cherry blossom season (late March to early April)—during which an advance reservation may be required—and chrysanthemum season (early November).

Popular parks in Tokyo

There are a number of parks and green spaces in Tokyo that offer an escape from the urban sprawl of the city. Popular options include Yoyogi Park, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Shiba Park, Ueno Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien, and the Koishikawa Botanical Garden.

Ways to explore

Enter through one of three access gates and grab a map to help plan your visit. With three distinct gardens and a huge variety of seasonal flowering and fruiting plants, there’s plenty to keep nature enthusiasts happy.

Visit the park independently (just buy a ticket online or in person) or as part of a half- or full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo, which may include other popular attractions nearby, such as the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. Opt for a private tour if you want to fully customize your itinerary.

Accessibility

The park is generally wheelchair accessible, with wide paved paths and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs can be borrowed for free.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small picnic blanket and snacks

What to wear

Season-appropriate clothing and hats, and comfortable shoes for strolling outdoors

Not allowed

Alcohol, drones, ball games, and exercise equipment (except for elementary school-aged kids in the play area only)

Amenities

Eateries, museum, coin lockers, drinking water refill stations

Address

Shinjuku Park is located in Shinjuku, in central Tokyo. It’s best to get there on foot, on a tour, or using public transportation—it’s south of Shinjuku Station, which is important to note when seeking the right exit from the world’s busiest train station.

Driving

Driving in central Tokyo isn’t recommended, due to the traffic and difficulty of parking. If you must drive, there’s a paid parking lot with some EV charging stations.

Public transportation

The park is about a 10-minute walk southeast of Shinjuku Station (South Exit). Even closer are Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi line and Sendagaya Station on the JR Chuo-Sobu line.

Best times to visit

Exact opening and closing times vary by season, but the park is typically open from 9am until around dusk.

Best days to visit

The park is typically open Tuesday–Sunday, unless a public holiday falls on a Monday, in which case it closes the following day. It tends to be busier on the weekends.

Best months to visit

The park is especially busy during the cherry blossom (March–April), chrysanthemum (November), and autumn leaf (November–December) seasons, but that’s simply because these are beautiful times to visit.

Special events

The park remains open on Mondays throughout the popular cherry blossom and chrysanthemum seasons, when people hold picnics and parties.