Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen)

Enter through one of three access gates (Shinjuku to the north, Okido to the east, and Sendagaya to the south), and grab a map to help plan your visit. Explore the three distinct gardens, including Japanese traditional, French formal, and English landscape, accented with ponds, bridges, topiaries, and statues. The park holds more than 10,000 trees, such as cherry, plum, and maple trees, and plentiful flowers, including chrysanthemums, roses, and camellias.

You can visit the park independently, or as part of a half-day or full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo, which may include other popular attractions such as the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. Opt for a private tour if you want to fully customize your itinerary.

• The park charges an entry fee to everyone 16 and over.

• During cherry blossom season, an advance reservation is required on some days.

• Photography is restricted during the high season, holidays, and weekends.

• Bringing alcohol to the park is prohibited.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover.

• On-site facilities include a greenhouse, teahouses, and a restaurant.

The park is located in the Shinjuku neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (South Exit) and about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station (Exit 1). Yoyogi Station and Shinjuku San-chome Station are also located nearby.

The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays from morning to late afternoon, with holiday closures from December 29 to January 3. (If Monday is a public holiday, or part of consecutive holidays, it's closed the following day.) The park is also open on Mondays during the popular cherry blossom season (late March to early April)—during which an advance reservation may be required—and chrysanthemum season (early November).

There are a number of parks and green spaces in Tokyo that offer an escape from the urban sprawl of the city. Popular options include Yoyogi Park, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Shiba Park, Ueno Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien, and the Koishikawa Botanical Garden.