Jindai Botanical Gardens is famous for its roses. The 500 bushes are among the best in Tokyo. Other flowers are there too, but they take a back seat. Ignore them at your peril. Every season has something special. This park is a flower photographer’s paradise.
Showa Memorial Park and Shinjuku Gyoen might be much larger. But, at 425000 square meters, Jindai is no slouch. It would take a long time to walk its perimeter. Anyway, people go for its English and international roses. Spring and autumn are looked forward to here!
The rose garden is superb for those into flower photography. One end has a covered area with a kiosk; the other has a greenhouse. In the middle are fountains. Roses cover everything. It is picturesque. Spring and autumn are seas of color. Macro lenses are handy.
And quality? They are better than those of another famous garden in Tokyo, Kyu-Furukawa. To be honest, Jindai’s are better due to the setting and the number of flowers. Both are great, but a botanical garden deserves to win, doesn’t it?
Roses aren’t Jindai’s only attraction. It has other flowers and trees. Scarlet hibiscus, chrysanthemums, camellia, and cherry blossoms are on the list. Of course, there are more! Don’t forget to check out the greenhouse! Inside are warm-weather plants.
There is one thing I don’t like about Jindai Botanical Gardens. That is using public transport to get to it. You can get a train to nearby Tsutsujigaoka, Kichijoji, or Mitaka stations. But, you will use a bus for the last part of the journey. Then you repeat it to go back home. That can be troublesome when carrying your photography gear. It’s tiring if things get crowded.
It’s all about the flowers, which include:
And don’t forget the greenhouse! It houses many tropical plants. A rest area is inside too!
Tripods are not allowed.
Unfortunately, there is nothing within easy walking distance. You’ll need to use buses, taxis or bicycles to move to other places. But some within reasonable distance are:
If you are looking for more flowers in this area, Inokashira and Nogawa Parks are your best bet. Tama Cemetery can yield results, especially in autumn.
It is held in spring and autumn. Flower lovers should put it on their must-see list of events in Tokyo.
Bus will be the best option for most people. You can get one from a nearby Chuo or Keio line station.
From the Keio Line:
Where to get the bus? Chofu Station platform 12
Which bus? An Odakyu Bus bound for Kichijoji or Mitaka Station.
Where to get off? Jindai Botanical Gardens.
From the the JR Chuo Line:
Where to get the bus? Mitaka Station (Platform 2) or Kichijoji Station (Platform 4)
Which bus? An Odakyu bus bound for Chofu Station North Exit.
Where to get off? Jindai Botanical Gardens.
For those wanting to go by car
Parking is limited.
Here it is on a Google map:
Entry fees
500 yen.
Opening hours
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last admittance: 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Monday
But if Monday is a public holiday it’ll open. It will be closed the following day.
A brief history of the gardens
The aquatic botanical garden opened on June 1, 1985.
Conclusion
Jindai Botanical Garden is a fantastic Tokyo photo spot. You could spend several hours there photographing its flowers. It also has a restaurant, little kiosks, and pop-up shops selling flowers. And if you didn’t know, it is famous for its temple and soba shops near the southside gate.
If you are into flower photography Jindai is great. The roses have center stage but it isn’t only about them. Every season has something special. Taking a bus there mightn’t be ideal for some, but this botanical garden is a treasure. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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