Gardens & Parks

For a large urban megalopolis, Tokyo has no shortage of parks and gardens. The lush greenery of the city ranges from traditional Japanese to classic European-inspired gardens, there is a perfect park for everyone in Tokyo.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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Tokyo’s version of Central Park. Once part of a feudal lord’s private residence, this vast green space became a public park in 1949. Located just a short walk away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku town centre, the gardens offer a tranquil reprieve from the busy world and a reconnection with nature. The Within the grounds there are Japanese traditional gardens, formal and landscaped, wide open lawns and quiet groves. In springtime the park turns pink with the blossoming of 1,000 or more cherry trees and autumn foliage is some of the best in Tokyo. Year round the gardens showcase seasonal wonders. Shinjuku’s New-York-like skyscrapers in the background make for a surreal old meets new contrast.

General Admission: 500 JPY

Closed on Mondays

Location/Access: 5 min. walk from Shinjukugyoen-Mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Subway Line, 10 min. walk from JR Shinjuku Station.

Hamarikyu Garden

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Hamarikyu Garden is a stunning Edo-period (1603–1867) Japanese garden linking the land to the sea. Originally designed for a feudal lord’s private residence, the garden sits on the edge of Tokyo Bay and is built around a central pond which is connected to the sea. A teahouse in the middle of the pond is the perfect place to enjoy a matcha green tea. The gardens have established plum and cherry trees, which blossom in spring. November is the best time to see some stunning autumn foliage. Walking distance from the Tsukiji Outer Markets and the park is stop for the Tokyo Water Bus ferry which has services to and from Asakusa.

General Admission: 300 JPY

Location/Access:  5 min. walk from Shiodome Station on the Tokyo Metro Oedo subway line or the Tokyo Monorail Yurikamome Line.

Rikugien Gardens

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Designed back in 1695 by one of Tokyo’s elite, these elegant traditional gardens are a manicured masterpiece. The gardens are designed to be beautiful in every season, but it is autumn which brings the crowds who come to see the glorious colours of the maple trees. The gardens have extended nighttime opening hours, in both spring and autumn, and the trees and flowers are magnificently illuminated. The weeping cherry trees blossom in late March and are a spectacle when lit up at night.

General Admission: 300 JPY

Location/Access: 7 min. walk from JR Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

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East Gardens of the Imperial Palace have an array of seasonal flowers within ancient gardens surrounded by the fortifications of the original moats, walls, entrance gates and guardhouses built by the Tokugawa shoguns. These gardens are free to enter. Imperial Palace East Gardens are a vast 210,000 sq. m. so there is plenty to explore.

Closed on Mondays & Fridays

Location/Access: Easiest access is via the Otemon Gate, next to the Palace Hotel Tokyo, a short walk from the Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda, Marunouchi, Hanzomon and Tozai Lines and Toei Subway Mita Line.

Ueno Park

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Ueno Park is more than a park, famous for excellent museums, the historic Toshogu Shrine, and stunning cherry blossoms in spring. The park is next to Shinobazu Pond and there is even a zoo. Be prepared for crowds in spring as the park draws more than 2 million people during the cherry blossom season. But one of the most impressive sites can be seen in summer when the Shinobazu Pond’s lotus flowers bloom, giving the place a sacred and magical sense. Toshogu Shrine with a gold façade is hidden away in the park and well worth a visit.

If museums are of interest plan a whole day in Ueno, alternatively combine it with an urban walk through to the Yanaka and Nezu areas for glimpse of older Tokyo neighbourhoods.

Location/Access: 5 min. walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, 5 min. walk from JR Uguisudani on the JR Yamanote Line.

Please note: We have included convenient public transport access information for all the attractions in this module. In some cases there are many additional access options.