Escape From Tokyo Without Leaving Tokyo!

Posted on 09/23/2022 Last updated on 09/22/2022

Shinjuku Gyoen Park is one the best escapes in Tokyo. I often refer to it as “Tokyo’s Central Park”. For many of us on a limited budget, Shinjuku Gyoen Park fits quite nicely as a modest place to seclude for a couple of hours after experiencing the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Getting rid of stress by relaxing in a beautiful setting and spending time with friends and family in the outdoors cannot be beat! Best of all, access to Shinjuku Gyoen Park is easy!

Access

A quick look at the Japan Ministry of Environment webpage in English, Shinjuku Gyoen Park is from a 5-min to 15-min walk from five train lines. Want to try going by bus? No problem, there are three buses that will take you to the park’s Shinjuku Gate.

Bus No. 97 from Shinagawa-Shinjuku: destination Shinjuku ni-chome; Bus No. 86 from Ikebukuro-Shibuya: destination Shinjuku yon-chome: Bus No. 77 from Waseda-Shinjuku destination: Shinjuku san-chome.

Please refer to the webpage for the Sendagaya and Okido Gates. Once arriving at Shinjuku Gyoen Park, you are ready to explore.

What’s There?

The major gardens are the English Landscape; French Formal; Japanese Traditional (with teahouse) and the “Mother and Child” Forest.

For everyone’s enjoyment, the park rules can be quite limiting on the types of activities you can do there. But it keeps the park nice and quiet compared to others in Tokyo (such as the more lively Yoyogi.)

However, there is still ample room to find a quiet spot to relax, especially during the Cherry Blossom viewing season in late March to early April. You won’t be disappointed!

When to Visit

Shinjuku Gyoen is open Tues-Sun and closed Tues in the weeks in which Monday is a National Holiday.

Admission for adults 500 yen (Group discount 400 yen). Refer to the webpage for updates. Convenient access by train or bus on a modest budget makes this a must-visit!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, hat, and sunglasses and escape without leaving Tokyo. Don’t forget your mobile to snap those majestic photos of your escape. And hey, we can recommend a great place to eat after you visit!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: 夢彦７７さん on PhotoAC

All additional images taken and provided by Robert Henebry, used with permission