4 Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most hectic cities on earth. For the most part, that’s what makes it so exciting to visit — there’s never a dull moment in Tokyo. However, sometimes a break away from the noise, traffic, and hustle is necessary. These Tokyo parks and gardens offer welcome relief from the city’s busy streets, providing quiet spaces in which to enjoy Tokyo’s colorful blooms and foliage.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo. Photo via Flickr by Andrea Schaffer

Located in central Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most accessible and iconic parks in the city. Shinjuku Gyoen is known as a National Garden, and Japanese, English, and French sections give a diverse feel to its 58 hectares. A spectacular greenhouse plays host to tropical and subtropical flowers, and the park is known as being one of the best places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms in spring.

Shinjuku Gyoen is within walking distance of both Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station and Shinjuku Station. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (but is closed Mondays except in cherry blossom season), and entry costs 200 yen.

Imperial Palace East Garden

The Imperial Palace East Garden in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward is situated on the site of a former castle, making it not only a peaceful space in central Tokyo but an interesting one, too. Although none of the original buildings remain in their former glory, ruins are dotted across the gardens as a firm reminder of their existence.

This garden is especially good for travelers staying in the city for just a few days, as it’s located to some of the best places to stay in Tokyo. Hop off the metro at Otemachi Station, or walk from Tokyo Station. Entrance is free, and there are also free two-hour walking tours of the gardens every Saturday.

Rikugien Garden

Rikugien Garden, Tokyo. Photo via Flickr by *_*

Rikugien is everything you imagine a space called “Six Poems Garden” to be: beautiful, tranquil, and harmoniously designed. This landscape garden is centered around a large pond, with walking trails burrowing through tree-lined avenues. Come here in autumn for Tokyo’s famous fall hues, when the leaves change this garden into a multicolored dream.

When visiting Rikugien, keep an eye out for over 80 scenes from famous poems that are re-created here in miniature. There are also teahouses dotted around the park, ideal places in which to take a break and soak up the calm atmosphere.

Rikugien is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open during the evenings in autumn color and cherry blossom seasons. Entry costs 300 yen.

Yoyogi Park

Situated in Tokyo’s Harajuku district, Yoyogi Park is known for being one of the hippest places in the city. The park draws a lot of young crowds from all across town, and weekends feel like a festival here, with people dressed to the nines in a wide range of colorful outfits. It’s also one of Tokyo’s largest parks, perfect for a relaxing half-day.

You can access Yoyogi Park from Harajuku Station or Yoyogi-Kōen Station, and entrance is free.