Copyright © 2024 Tokyo in Pics | Powered by Tokyo in Pics
Jindai Botanical Gardens: a flower photography paradise
Jindai Botanical Gardens is famous for its roses. They are up with the best in Tokyo. You can find about 5000 bushes there. It has other flowers too, but they take a back seat. But 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. If you were to walk around it in its entirety, it would take a long time. Anyway, people go for its English and international roses. Spring and autumn are very much looked forward to here!
The rose garden, for those into flower photography, is superb. At one end is a covered area with a kiosk; at the other is a greenhouse, and in the middle are some fountains. Roses cover everything. It is very picturesque. In spring and autumn, it is a sea of color. You might find a macro lens 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 the only attraction at Jindai. It also has many other flowers and trees. Others include scarlet hibiscus, chrysanthemums, camellia, and cherry blossoms. Of course, this is only a partial list! And don’t forget to check out the greenhouse! Inside are a variety of warm-weather plants.
There is one thing I don’t like about Jindai Botanical Gardens if you use public transport to get there. You can get a train to nearby Tsutsujigaoka, Kichijoji, or Mitaka stations. But, you will use a bus for the last part of the bus. Then you’ll use it again for your return journey. That can be troublesome when carrying a camera bag filled with photography gear. I never enjoy that part of my day there.
A brief history of Jindai Botanical Gardens
- After World War II, the land was opened to the public as “Jindai Green Area.”
- In 1961 it became Jindai Botanical Garden, the first in Tokyo.
- In 1984, a greenhouse was added.
Why do photographers like Jindai Botanical Gardens?
It’s all about the flowers, which include:
- azaleas
- camellia
- cherry blossoms
- chrysanthemums (2022 photos here)
- dahlias
- Japanese iris
- pampas grass
- Roses (2021 photos here)
- scarlet hibiscus
And don’t forget the greenhouse! It houses a lot of tropical plants. You will find a rest area inside too!
Photography tips
Tripods are not allowed.
Other photo spots in the area
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.
Jindai Botanical Gardens Rose Festival
It is held twice a year, in spring and autumn. Flower lovers should put it on their must-see list of events in Tokyo.
How to get to Jindai
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 is a map:
Entry fees
500 yen.
Opening hours
9:30 to 5 pm.
Last admittance: 4:30 pm
Closed on Monday
If Monday is a public holiday it’ll open. It will be closed the following day.
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 would be great. It’s known for its roses, but there are other flowers too. Every season has something special. Taking a bus there mightn’t be ideal for some, but this botanical garden is a treasure. Click here to see the official website.
To see more of the places mentioned in this article click:
External related websites:
- Jindai Botanical Gardens (official website)