8 Best Things about Shinjuku Gyoen

What is Shinjuku Gyoen?

toooooool/Flickr

Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful oasis amid the bustle of Shinjuku, opened back in 1906, during the Meiji Period.  It consists of three sections, each with a unique theme, the English Landscape, the French Formal, and the Japanese Landscape.  The size of the park covers an area equivalent of 12 Tokyo Dome.  From the spring bloom to the colorful leaves of autumn, you will enjoy the seasonal beauty throughout the year. 1100 Cherry trees of 65 different types grace the park, which becomes particularly beautiful when they blossom.

Admission  Adult ¥200; Child ¥50

Open from 9:00am-4:30pm (last admission at 4pm), The Greenhouse 9:30am-4pm (last admission at 15:30)

HP: fng.or.jp/shinjuku/place/index.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

1. Shinjuku Gyoen in Spring

Flowers start to blossom in Shinjuku Gyoen when spring arrives, filling the park with glorious colors.  It is worth a visit especially during the cherry blossom, or sakura season, with  its 1100 Cherry trees of 65 different types. 
Every month different flowers and blossoms will greet you with their unique colors and splendors.

Spring flowers of Shinjuku Gyoen
March – Plum, White Magnolia, Peach Blossom, Japanese Quince, Yoshino Cherry and others
April - Double Cherry Blossom, Rhododendron, Dove Tree, Flowering Dogwood, Japanese Spiraea, Tulip Tree and others
May – Rose, Rhododendron, Japanese Whitebark Magnolia and others

The famous Sakura, or Cherry Blossom of Shinjuku Gyoen 

With its 1100 Cherry Trees,  Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the best spots in Japan to admire the sakura blossoms, or “Ohanami”.  You will be greeted from up close by 65 different types of Cherry Trees, including Yoshino Cherry, Hill Cherry, Double Cherry Blossom to name a few.

2. Shinjuku Gyoen in Summer

鈴木 宏一/Flickr

Looking at the bright green of the trees and the lawn, and the colors of summer blossoms under the bright summer sky, it’s the best energizer for your soul!  During the summer months, flowers continue to blossom.  A perfect chance to soak yourself in nature’s wonder!

Summer flowers of Shinjuku Gyoen
June -  Hydrangea, Hosta, Southern Magnolia, Japanese Stewartia, Hibiscus
July - Agapanthus, Cockspur Coral Tree, Oleander, Gardenia
August - Crape Myrtle, Hibiscus, Japanese Jacinth

3. Shinjuku Gyoen in Autumn

Strolling along the path lined with sycamore trees as their leaves turn bright red and yellow, immerse yourself in the spectacular colors of autumn!

Flowers of Shinjuku Gyoen in Autumn
September -  Red Spider Lily, Chinese Silver Grass, Tricyrtis Formosana, Japanese Clover and others
October - Sweet Osmanthus, Osmanthus Fragrans, Camellia Sasanqua, Cherry Blossom of October, Rose and others
November - Leopard Plant, Camellia, Japanese Narcissus , Loquat and others

4. Shinjuku Gyoen in Winter

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Shinjuku Gyoen during the winter has its own appeal.  Bare branches of the trees after their leaves have fallen, are magnificent to behold.  The scenery turns purely magical when the park is covered with snow.

Winter Flowers of Shinjuku Gyoen.
December – Japanese Narcissus, Camellia, Cherry Blossom of Winter, Japanese Allspice
January - Adonis Amurensis, Plum, Bellflower Cherry, Camellia
February - Plum, Bellflower Cherry, Japanese Dogwood, Japanese Hamamelis, Camellia

5. English Landscape Garden

English Landscape Garden features an expansive lawn, and a majestic 100ft tall Tulip Tree, which is a symbol of Shinjuku Gyoen. It is a perfect spot to relax on a sunny day, surrounded by the lush. green nature.

6. French Formal Garden

The design of French Formal Garden is all about symmetry.  It is an immaculate work of art, with 500 stunning flowers of 110 different types that will take your breath away. Strolling along a tree-lined thoroughfare makes you feel like you have traveled to an idyllic countryside of Europe.

7. Japanese Landscape Garden

Here, you will find everything you expect for a Japanese traditional garden.  It is built around a group of serene ponds where mandarin ducks swim.  You will see the historic pavilion “Kyu-goryo-tei”, an exhibition of chrysanthemum (a symbol of the Japanese royal family), and beautiful trees such as plum, cherry, and maple, which provide amazing colors of the four seasons.  Breathe in the zen-like tranquility in this magical space!