Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is an escape in the heart of Tokyo! It’s steps away from Shinjuku Station’s bustling crowds. This historic park offers seasonal blooms, serene landscapes, and stunning city views. It’s no wonder local and visiting photographers love it. Are you ready to uncover every picturesque corner?
What is Shinjuku Gyoen like?
It is big and spacious. Combine that with its natural beauty, it is perfect for picnics. Even in the cooler months, people still have them on the lawns.
Spring and autumn are especially popular because they are the flower seasons. The most popular of which are the cherry blossoms. But these attract huge crowds which I dislike. Still, I go because the quality of the flowers is so good.
Fewer people are there in other seasons. Summer can be hot and humid, which will keep many people away. Winter is the same due to the cold.
Is the park only about cherry blossoms?
No, it has more. It has three gardens, each with a theme:
- Japanese Traditional Garden – has some large ponds with bridges. Plum blossoms and chrysanthemums are also there.
- French Formal – is romantic with its rose garden and lanes filled with sycamore trees. In autumn, the trees lose their leaves and cover the ground. Both are great for photographs. Photographers and their models often use it. Most play in the fallen leaves.
- English landscape garden – has a huge lawn. Nishi-Shinjuku’s skyscrapers are visible behind its trees. Nature versus urbanity! The contrast is superb. This is one of my favorite Tokyo photo spots.
A brief history of Shinjuku Gyoen
- Hideyoshi Toyotomi gave the area to the Naitō clan. They built a residence and garden there during the early Edo period.
- The house and grounds became an experimental agricultural center after the Meiji Restoration.
- A botanical garden followed, only to become an imperial garden in 1879.
- The air raids of World War II destroyed them. They were rebuilt postwar.
- On May 21, 1949, the garden became a public park. Since 2001, the Ministry of Environment has controlled it. Its official English name is “Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.” Gyoen means “imperial garden.”
- The park was used for the funeral rites of Emperor Shōwa in 1989. His grave is at Musashi Imperial Graveyard.
What to photograph at Shinjuku Gyoen?
- Cherry blossoms in spring. Shinjuku Gyoen’s are among Tokyo’s best. People come from all over the world to see them! 2025 season photos are here.
- A greenhouse houses over 500 plant species. It is a brilliant glass structure.
- Chrysanthemum festival in autumn. See photos of the 2024 season here.
- Roses in spring and autumn at the French Formal Garden.
- Starbucks for a break.
- Shinjuku skyline.
- Taiwan Pavilion. Japanese living in Taiwan donated it to commemorate Crown Prince Hirohito’s wedding.
Photography tips
- Tripods are allowed, but don’t let them block passersby (That is a real rule).
- It gets crowded, especially during the cherry blossom season.
- Be careful with cameras inside the greenhouse. High temperatures and humidity inside might cause moisture to condense on lenses.
Where is Shinjuku Gyoen?
It’s about a ten-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
The park’s address is: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train/subway stations:
- Shinjuku (Yamanote, Chuo, and numerous others)
- Sendagaya (JR Sobu and Toei Oedo Lines)
- Shinjuku-gyoenmae (Marunouchi Line)
Entry fees
500 yen, and you can even use your IC card (Suica/PASMO) at the gate.
Opening hours
Hours vary throughout the year so please look at the official website for up-to-date information (link below).
Conclusion
I’m sure this park will impress you. It has something for every season. The flowers on display help make it a great Tokyo photo spot. It is a beautiful place and should be on every photographer’s itinerary. You could easily spend many hours there exploring every nook and cranny.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a great tourist attraction and a true urban oasis. Have a break from time to time while taking photos. Sit on the grass and enjoy the view. I’m sure you’ll love it. At any rate, it will give you a breath of fresh air!
Bonus tip
Shinjuku Gyoen has a belt of trees around it. So if you stand in the middle of the park on a winter’s day, the city sounds will be muted. It is a tremendous feeling.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
More park articles:
External articles about Shinjuku Gyoen:
- Close Ups From Shinjuku Gyoen (on Tokyo Bling)
- Shinjuku Gyoen (official website)
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