Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Hours, Address, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Reviews: 4.5/5
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: 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.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms

Ikinari Steak Shinjuku Nichome
161
0.5 km££ - £££ • Steakhouse

Gyozanofukuho
140
0.4 km££ - £££ • Japanese • Asian

Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Shinjuku East Entrance
177
0.7 km££ - £££ • Japanese

Nabezo Shinjuku Meijidori
187
0.7 km££ - £££ • Japanese • Asian • Healthy

Burger Kitchen Chatty Chatty
124
0.4 km££ - £££ • American • Fast food • Vegetarian Friendly

Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku
221
0.8 km££ - £££ • Chinese • Asian • Taiwanese

Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Shinjuku
154
0.7 km££ - £££ • Japanese • Barbecue • Grill

Nabezo Shinjuku 3 Chome
720
0.8 km££ - £££ • Japanese • Asian • Healthy

Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku South exit Store
318
0.7 km££ - £££ • Steakhouse

Hamburg Will
58
0.3 km££ - £££ • International
Attractions
5,165 within 10 kms

Old Goryo Tei
10
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Scenic Walking Areas

Sokyusha
2
0.3 kmArt Galleries

Akiba Shrine
8
0.3 kmReligious Sites
Place M
1
0.3 kmArt Galleries

Taiso-ji Temple
41
0.4 kmReligious Sites

Takashimaya Times Square
218
0.7 kmShopping Malls

Arai Hakuseki's Deathplace
4
0.4 kmHistoric Sites

Isetan Shinjuku Store
1,136
0.8 kmDepartment Stores

Taiso-ji
2
0.4 kmReligious Sites

Taiso-Ji Temple Emmado
1
0.4 kmReligious Sites
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
6,155 reviews
Excellent
3,836
Very good
1,955
Average
333
Poor
21
Terrible
10
Dave F
2 contributions
Nov 2021
I have a senior pass to the park and I often use it to go from my house to downtown Shinjuku. Pakas very pleasant watch of grass and good scenery well worth wondering
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Akemi T
Tokyo, Japan4 contributions
Aug 2021
One of the most beautiful gardens in Japan! I love everything here, trees, birds etc. There is an entrance fee which is low for what you are going to see.
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,748 contributions
Jul 2021
My hotel was right near this garden, so I strolled through it one morning. Being in the middle of the park it was hard to believe that I was in the huge city of Tokyo. There is an entrance fee to the park but it was very cheap. I spent about 3 hours here. The park is incredible and well thought out. I really enjoyed the nature here especially the many ponds. There is also a green house within the park that is worth walking through. You can get pretty views of some of the tall buildings outside the park. This garden is definitely an escape if you get tired of the city. I find it fascinating how many large parks are in Tokyo.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shikataganai73
Guam, Mariana Islands1,033 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
A beautiful walk through the garden...the trees, birds, flower showcase, ponds and benches throughout made time spent here so serene and relaxing. There is a 200¥ entrance fee. Also, depends on when you visit, there are special floral showcases in bloom. Also, a walk through the greenhouse was a delight as there was a diversity of flora on display. Rest stops were scattered throughout to provide ample opportunities to use he restroom, purchase drinks or snacks, or just to rest on some seats. Some people even took their snacks or bentos and sat out in the grass area to enjoy their meal. Note that you should have a small plastic bag in case you need to throw your trash, as there are no trash cans throughout unless you are at the bathroom or rest stop area.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bex
Manila, Philippines228 contributions
Mar 2020
Nature trip in the middle of a city? If you're looking for a place to eat and do sightseeing, you've come to the right place. Family-friendly, the cherryblossoms are so surreal. They have tons of different trees and flowers inside (educational for the kids, too!) I went here with my husband and daughters - adults must pay an entrance fee of 500 yen (worth it!) and my daughters got in for free (they were 7 and 3 year old). If you don't have food with you, they have vending machines, restaurants and stores inside. For people who want to take a break from the busy hustle of the city, this is the place to be.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
N&A
Tokyo, Japan98 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Less crowded than the Yoyogi Park, the Gyoen National garden is absolutely beautiful with different areas, decors and ambiance.
You have to pay a fee to enter the park so better to go there for few hours, the time to go all around the park and enjoy it fully.
You have to pay a fee to enter the park so better to go there for few hours, the time to go all around the park and enjoy it fully.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jaja IVe
36 contributions
Aug 2019
Located in the center of Tokyo right after the New-York-style shopping-buildings this garden will immerge you in the zen atmosphere only Japanese people master.
The garden is so huge that you don't see the city once you're in. No car-noise and you won't be too close to anybody because this special place is not that harrassed by tourists.
Be sure to take a look at the tropical greenhouse, full of wonderful trees and flowers.
The garden is so huge that you don't see the city once you're in. No car-noise and you won't be too close to anybody because this special place is not that harrassed by tourists.
Be sure to take a look at the tropical greenhouse, full of wonderful trees and flowers.
Written 27 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter A
Nathalia, Australia462 contributions
Dec 2019
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is perhaps the most beautiful garden in Tokyo, nestled in the heart of Shinjuku/Shibuya within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, this garden to me exemplifies a large Japanese garden, once the private garden of the Naitō family in the Edo period it is now under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit gardens in Japan, the combination of beautiful coloured foliage and stunning landscaping and vistas combine to give garden lovers an experience not to be missed, the garden is built around three lakes with plenty of paths to lead you on to one wonderful view after another, then a tea house or pavilion and then past sculpted beds of shrubs, across bridges and when finaly you need to rest you can sit at one of the cafes and enjoy a snack whilst contemplating the beauty of Japan.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit gardens in Japan, the combination of beautiful coloured foliage and stunning landscaping and vistas combine to give garden lovers an experience not to be missed, the garden is built around three lakes with plenty of paths to lead you on to one wonderful view after another, then a tea house or pavilion and then past sculpted beds of shrubs, across bridges and when finaly you need to rest you can sit at one of the cafes and enjoy a snack whilst contemplating the beauty of Japan.
Written 17 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Akiko Yamakawa
Japan12 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
This is a huge beautiful garden right in the middle of Tokyo. Good to visit in any season. Probably best in fall and spring. Quite nice place to have a photography session too.
Written 8 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruangsak R
Bangkok, Thailand393 contributions
Dec 2019
actually i didn't plan to visit National Garden for this trip during Dec 2019. i thought it have nothing to see but when i were there, oh,.. it was amazing to see some colorful trees and flowers during winter time. it should be great to visit during summer times. the area is very big, it should take you a half day to visit and walk around. the staff were helpful and friendly. they provided a mobile translator for us.
Written 13 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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, UK99 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
Asia199 contributions
Tea service
Rose Anne M
8 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 L
Horten Municipality, Norway103 contributions
It should take you about 10-15 minutes to walk, depending on your speed and the traffic.
clarinetjeanette
clarinetjeanette8 contributions
At Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, can i book tea ceremony in advance
Morten L
Horten Municipality, Norway103 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
Sabrina C
Montreal, Canada11 contributions
About how long does it take to explore the park? Would 2hours be too short to see all 3 gardens? What else is there to see in the park? This would be my first time to tokyo so im trying to plan ahead as much as i can and this park is on my top list of things to see. I was planning on going in april and to arrive at opening time at 9am on a weekday then at 11am go for a lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading to shibuya.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 16:00
- We recommend booking Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 32 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- Tokyo Walking Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Tailored to You ★★★★★ (From £118.51)
- Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with local friendly guide (From £124.84)
- Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover's Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From £82.96)
- Freely set up plans Guided Private Tours in Tokyo (From £66.87)
- Tokyo Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From £78.92)
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.33 km) APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
- (0.63 km) Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
- (0.66 km) Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
- (0.84 km) Hotel Century Southern Tower
- (0.40 km) Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station Exit 3
- Restaurants near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.09 km) Yurinoki
- (0.17 km) Shoutentei
- (0.17 km) Rakuutei
- (0.17 km) Cafe Hananoki
- (0.22 km) Pizzeria Bar Romana
- Attractions near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- (0.17 km) Old Goryo Tei
- (0.52 km) Mayuko's Little Kitchen Japanese Cooking Class
- (0.62 km) Kurand Sake Market (Shinjuku izakaya)
- (0.27 km) Sokyusha
- (0.30 km) Akiba Shrine