Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Visiting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden requires a little forethought to fully appreciate its sprawling beauty. Spring or fall? Early morning or late afternoon? Each choice impacts what you'll see and experience, from cherry blossoms in full bloom to the fiery colors of autumn leaves. While the garden is spacious, weekends and holiday periods can get busy, so consider a weekday visit for a more tranquil experience.

• Best time to visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, Fall for autumn foliage.
• How to get there: Easily accessible via Shinjuku Station, a short walk will get you to the gates.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible for families, seniors, and the differently-abled.
• Average visit duration: Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore.

Within the confines of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, you're treated to a stunning array of scenes: the traditional Japanese garden with its tranquil ponds and teahouses, the more formal French garden lined with symmetrical trees, and an English landscape garden offering sprawling lawns perfect for picnics. Don’t miss the greenhouse which hosts a fascinating variety of tropical and subtropical flowers year-round.

• Key sights or features: Japanese, French, and English gardens; greenhouse.
• Unique experiences: Tea ceremonies (on select days), seasonal flower viewing.
• Photo-worthy locations: The Taiwanese pavilion during cherry blossom season.
• Cultural or historical facts: Once a feudal lord’s residence; opened as a national garden after World War II.