Why the Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area is a Must-Visit
Are you looking for the best spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo? Many travelers face the same question! This blog post is perfect for beginners visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area.
Here, you’ll find recommendations for the best viewing spots, tips on how to avoid crowds, and information about convenient facilities. By reading this article, you can put your worries to rest and have a more enjoyable hanami experience. Get the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossom area and create lasting memories!
Information about opening hours, ticket prices, and more is up to date as of 2024.
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area
The best spots for cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen has many great spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. The best place is Cherry Tree Area, where many cherry trees are planted, and the view is amazing. Another nice spot is Lower Pond Area, a little further north, where you can see the only weeping cherry tree in the park. The reflection of the cherry blossoms on the water is stunning. The Japanese Traditional Garden is also popular, where you can see cherry blossoms along with a traditional Japanese garden. You can enjoy the blossoms from different angles as you stroll around.
There are three gates to enter Shinjuku Gyoen: Shinjuku Gate, Okido Gate, and Sendagaya Gate. We recommend entering through Sendagaya Gate because it’s close to Cherry Tree Area, Lower Pond Area, and Japanese Traditional Garden, making it easy to see the cherry blossoms. If you have more time, you can also enter from Shinjuku Gate or Okido Gate and walk south to Cherry Tree Area while enjoying the different cherry trees in the park.
The official website of Shinjuku Gyoen has a map of the park and information about the cherry blossoms, so it’s a good idea to check it before your visit.
Are there cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen other than Cherry Tree Area?
Many people visit each year because there are different types of cherry trees in areas other than Cherry Tree Area to enjoy. You can see someiyoshino and yaezakura cherry trees, which attract lots of visitors. Shinjuku Gyoen has a long cherry blossom season: Kanzakura trees bloom in mid-February, Someiyoshino trees bloom in late March and early April, and other cherry trees bloom until late April. Every spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom beautifully.
Visitors can have picnics and take pictures under the cherry blossoms. It’s best to go early in the day, especially on weekends and holidays when it gets crowded. You can bring your own lunch, but alcohol is not allowed. Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful place where you can enjoy nature, even though it’s in the middle of Tokyo.
Tips for visiting Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom season
Here are some tips for enjoying the cherry blossom season at Shinjuku Gyoen to the fullest.
First, it’s important to check the blooming information ahead of time. Visiting when the cherry trees are in full bloom will let you see the most beautiful scenery. The best time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen is from late March to early April. During this time, many cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, Someiyoshino cherry trees, and Oshima cherry trees, will be in full bloom, creating a stunning view.
The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During cherry blossom season, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. To have a pleasant experience, it’s best to arrive right at 9:00 a.m. You might also want to visit on a weekday, like Wednesday or Thursday, when there are usually fewer visitors. Keep in mind that opening hours can change throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to check the official website for the most accurate information. Also, be aware that on some Saturdays and Sundays in late March and early April, you may need to make a reservation, so check the website before you go.
The park has picnic areas, and it’s fun to bring your own snacks (but no alcohol is allowed). You can relax under the cherry blossoms with your family or friends. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture beautiful pictures of the blossoms!
How to get to Shinjuku Gyoen from nearby stations
Access to Shinjuku Gyoen is very convenient. There are five nearby stations within walking distance: Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Sanchome Station, Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, Sendagaya Station, and Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station.
If you’re coming from Shinjuku Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk. We recommend taking the South or Southeast exit and walking straight along the main street—this way, you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
From Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, Exit 1 is closest to the Shinjuku Gate, and Exit 2 is near the Okido Gate, making it easy to enter the park. Both exits will get you to the gates in about 5 minutes on foot. There are signs along the way, so you shouldn’t get lost. I don’t recommend taking Exit 3, as it’s a bit farther away.
From Sendagaya Station, you can reach Shinjuku Gyoen in about 5 minutes on foot. There’s only one ticket gate exit. If you head west, you’ll see a small tunnel. you just keep going, and you’ll arrive at Sendagaya Gate.
How long does it take to do the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden?
Many people wonder how long it takes to visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Generally, you should expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours in the park if you want to enjoy a nice, leisurely stroll. Especially during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn leaf season in fall, many tourists come to the garden, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.
There are many walking paths and viewing spots, so even a simple walk around the park lets you relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. The park also has plenty of benches and rest areas, so you can take a break during your stroll. There are picnic areas for enjoying meals, so planning a lunch break is a great idea.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a special place to enjoy nature in the heart of Tokyo. If you want to relax and take in the beautiful scenery, a visit of at least 2 hours is recommended.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tickets
When visiting Shinjuku Gyoen, it is important to know the ticket information required to enter the park. The admission fees are as follows
Adults : 500 yen (Group discount 400 yen)
Seniors : 250 yen (65 and over, valid ID required)
Students : 250 yen (Valid Student ID required.)
Children : Free (15 and under)
You can buy tickets at the entrance using cash or a credit card. There’s also a convenient online reservation system that lets you make reservations in advance through the official website. Online reservations are especially recommended during busy times like cherry blossom season and Golden Week.
Shinjuku Gyoen is open daily, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. However, hours may change depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check the official website before your visit.
Please keep in mind that you might need to show identification when buying tickets, especially if you’re using student rates.
Overall, admission tickets are reasonably priced, and using the official website will help you enter the park smoothly.
Facilities and Amenities in Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen offers a variety of facilities and amenities for visitors. First, there are clean and safe restrooms located throughout the park. You’ll also find stores and a Starbucks café where you can buy snacks and drinks, which is especially handy during cherry blossom season when people enjoy picnics. There are rest areas where you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Bottle Filling Stations are available in the park, allowing you to fill up your own water bottle for free. Additionally, there are large grassy areas and many benches for visitors to unwind. This makes it a popular spot for families and friends to have picnics. Shinjuku Gyoen is well-equipped for a comfortable visit and is a perfect place to enjoy nature. Be sure to take advantage of these facilities during your trip!
Local food options near Shinjuku Gyoen
There are plenty of restaurants near Shinjuku Gyoen where you can enjoy delicious local food. You’ll find many soba and sushi restaurants, which are staples of Japanese cuisine. Many soba places make their noodles by hand using fresh ingredients, making them worth a visit. You can also find various cafes and restaurants that offer Western and fusion cuisine, often featuring local ingredients, adding to your sightseeing experience. The Shinjuku area is rich in international options, with cuisines like Thai and Italian available. Casual eateries are also great stops. If you’re planning a picnic in the park, you can grab a boxed lunch from a nearby shop. Be sure to enjoy the tasty food in the area when you visit Shinjuku Gyoen!
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area vs Ueno Park
Pros and cons of visiting cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park
Shinjuku Gyoen’s advantages include its large grounds and peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms without the crowds. The admission fees are affordable, and the park is well-maintained. However, it lacks the rows of cherry trees found in Ueno Park.
Ueno Park features about 1,000 Someiyoshino cherry trees in a stunning 400-meter-long row of cherry trees in the park. Surrounded by museums and a zoo, visitors can enjoy various activities after viewing the blossoms. Ueno Park also hosts nighttime cherry blossom events, creating a magical atmosphere. However, it can be very crowded and noisy, making it difficult to move around at times.
Ueno Koen Park Tokyo compared to Shinjuku Gyoen
Ueno Park is rich in cultural facilities and museums, making it another popular cherry blossom viewing spot. Compared to Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park tends to attract more visitors and has a livelier atmosphere with festivals. Ueno Park has about 1,000 cherry trees, providing a great setting for viewing blossoms. On the other hand, Shinjuku Gyoen is spacious and offers a quieter environment for enjoying the cherry blossoms. Each park has its own charm, so choose based on your preference.
Visitor experiences of Shinjuku Gyoen vs Ueno Park
Visitor experiences at Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park differ greatly. Shinjuku Gyoen offers a calm and serene setting for enjoying cherry blossoms, making it popular with families and couples. In contrast, Ueno Park is lively, hosting many events and activities that allow for a more social experience. Both parks provide unique styles of cherry blossom viewing, so it’s important to choose based on your preferences. Experience the charm of both Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park!
What is Shinjuku Gyoen known for?
Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful park in the heart of Tokyo, featuring a diverse natural environment. Originally a garden for a high-ranking samurai during the Edo period, it is now open to the public as a national park. It is especially famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract many tourists in spring. The park combines different styles, including traditional Japanese gardens, formal gardens, and landscape gardens, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. The autumn leaves and the peacefulness of winter are also big draws. In addition to cherry blossoms, the garden is home to about 1,500 plant varieties, including popular roses and Japanese apricots. You can also see tropical plants and rare flowers in the park’s Greenhouse. Shinjuku Gyoen is a lovely place for a relaxing stroll, with many benches and open spaces for picnics.
Is Shinjuku Gyoen worth it?
With its vast grounds and variety of plants, Shinjuku Gyoen’s scenery changes with the seasons. The admission fee is reasonable, and the quiet environment makes it a relaxing getaway. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of Shinjuku Station. If you’re looking to unwind, Shinjuku Gyoen is definitely worth a visit. The cherry blossoms here are highly rated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government tourist website and the National Parks. It’s a must-see for visitors wanting to experience Japanese cherry blossom culture.
Summary of Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area
The Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Tree Area is an ideal place for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo. The park combines natural beauty with cultural attractions, and during spring, the vibrant cherry blossoms attract many visitors. Here are some highlights of Cherry Tree Area in Shinjuku Gyoen:
Various Types of Cherry Trees: In Shinjuku Gyoen, you can enjoy a wide range of cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, allowing for a long viewing period from mid-February to late April.
Quiet Environment: Compared to other parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is spacious and tranquil, making it perfect for those who want to avoid crowds.
Accessibility: Located within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, the park is easy to reach, making it a favorite among both tourists and locals.
Abundant Facilities: The park has restrooms and cafes for visitor comfort. You can enjoy refreshments, especially during cherry blossom season.
With its long history as a cherry blossom viewing spot, Shinjuku Gyoen is loved by both tourists and locals. Especially during spring, many people visit to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
When comparing Shinjuku Gyoen to Ueno Park, the latter is known for its cultural facilities and vibrant atmosphere. Shinjuku Gyoen, however, offers a quieter, more relaxing experience. The choice depends on what you prefer.
Cherry Tree Area in Shinjuku Gyoen is particularly popular with families and couples, providing a peaceful environment for enjoying the blossoms. It’s a great opportunity to create special memories. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience. The charm of Shinjuku Gyoen lies in its ability to offer both nature and cultural experiences. There are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy meals as well.
In summary, Cherry Tree Area of Shinjuku Gyoen is filled with diverse attractions. Visit this wonderful place to not only enjoy the cherry blossoms but also to experience nature and culture, creating lasting memories. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen and make the most of this special spring!
If you want to know about other cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, check out Best Time to Go to Japan Cherry Blossom Ultimate Guide.
