An ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo is the perfect spot to unwind and here’s more on this captivating site.
Getting There
Those staying at an apart’hotel Tokyo has to offer in Shinjuku can easily access one of the park’s three gates; the Shinjuku Gate and Okido Gate are near JR Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station and Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo which makes an ideal base for travellers, while the Sendagaya Gate is close to JR Sendagaya Station.
A Bit of History
The origins of Shinjuku Gyoen date to the Edo Period (17th -19th centuries) when it was part of a residence for a feudal lord. It was later transformed into a botanical garden and subsequently came under the Imperial Family in the early 1900s. The park was sadly destroyed in World War Two, though thankfully was rebuilt before reopening as a public park in 1949.
What’s on Offer
While there’s a small entrance fee, the park with its picturesque scenery, walking paths and wide lawns is worth exploring. Not to be missed is the traditional Japanese landscape garden with its pavilions, bridges and ponds with islands; also, of interest are the English landscape garden, the formal French garden and greenhouse with various tropical flora.
Seasonal Highlights
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden has many cherry trees of various varieties making it a popular draw during the cherry blossom season from the latter part of March to early April; some varieties can be seen blooming from mid-March to the end of April too. In autumn, especially from mid-November to around mid-December, you can enjoy seeing tree leaves changing colour too.
