Shinjuku Gyoen, National Garden and botanical park in Shinjuku, Japan
Shinjuku Gyoen is a National Garden and botanical park in Shinjuku, Japan, spanning 58 hectares with three different landscape styles. The Japanese, English, and French sections are linked by walking paths and open meadows.
The grounds were established in 1892 as an imperial residence and received their current form through landscape architect Fukuba Hayato. The site opened its gates to the public in 1906 for the first time.
The name comes from the Edo period and refers to the historic location in the Shinjuku district, while the three garden styles now form separate areas that visitors experience one after another. In the French section, people sit on lawns and watch the seasons change, while the English part with its winding paths invites walking.
The park opens from Tuesday through Sunday between 9:30 and 16:00, with entrance fees of 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for students. The three garden areas can be comfortably explored in one morning, with paths that are wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers.
The greenhouse preserves a collection of tropical and subtropical plants, displaying exotic flora from different climate zones throughout the year. The site also hosts 1,500 cherry trees and ranks among Japan's Top 100 spots for spring hanami celebrations.
Location: Naitōmachi
Location: Sendagaya
Inception: 1892
Founders: Fukuba Hayato
Official opening: May 1, 1906
Operator: 環境省
Part of: Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots
Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday-Sunday 09:30-16:00; December 29-January 03 off
Phone: +81333500151
Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku
GPS coordinates: 35.68717,139.71064
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:02
These botanical gardens are research centers with greenhouses, plant collections and exhibitions. They maintain native and exotic plant species in designed gardens. The grounds present different climate zones with corresponding vegetation, from tropical rainforests to desert plants. Visitors find scientific information about botany.
Tokyo offers photographers a wide range of subjects, from centuries-old temples to modern skyscrapers and maintained gardens. The city combines traditional Japanese architecture with contemporary urban design, creating environments that shift throughout the day. Sites like Senso-ji Temple in Taito and Meiji Shrine in Shibuya present religious structures amid urban settings, while Tokyo Skytree in Sumida and Tokyo Tower in Minato provide elevated city views. The city's different districts showcase varied aspects of Japanese culture. Harajuku and Akihabara Electric Town in Chiyoda represent modern youth culture and technology, while Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku offers a glimpse of postwar dining alleys. Parks including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Yoyogi Park, and Chidorigafuchi Park provide seasonal photo opportunities, particularly during cherry blossom season. Shibuya Crossing demonstrates urban movement, Nakameguro Canal offers waterway perspectives, and locations like Hamarikyu Gardens and Imperial Palace East Gardens show traditional Japanese landscaping. From the observation decks of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to the street scenes of Takeshita Street and Ginza District, Tokyo serves different photographic interests.
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