Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to a “daimyo” (feudal lord) Naito, at the Edo era (1591). The government-managed agricultural experiment station was established in 1872, and after that it became imperial estate, completed in 1906 as an imperial garden. It developed as a palace garden for international diplomacy, re-designated as a national garden after the World War Ⅱ and opened to the public.
With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, Shinjuku Gyoen, the representative modern western-style garden in Meiji era, blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden.
The garden was designed by French Landscaping designer and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era.
There are historical buildings that retain the history of the imperial gardens, such as the club house’s former Western-style rest station, which was built in the Meiji era, and the former Goryotei Pavillion, which was presented as a memorial for the Emperor Hirohito.
Restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy seasonal views offer original lunches and sweets menus. The shop at resthouse has Shinjuku Gyoen original goods, souvenirs, soft ice cream and drinks. You can enjoy matcha tea at the tea room in the Japanese garden.
There are various events that are related to the nature and history of Shinjuku Gyoen throughout the year, such as the special exhibition of cherry blossoms in spring, the chrysanthemum exhibition and orchid exhibition, Noh perfomance and a photo contest.
Shinjuku Gyoen is an oasis in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy the seasonally varied atmosphere and rich nature, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, greenery in summer, autumn chrysanthemum flower exhibition and autumn leaves, greenhouse in winter and snow scene.
In the oldest Western-style greenhouse built in the nineteenth century, where we grow tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids, and played a pioneering role in Japanese greenhouse horticulture. Rebuilt in 2012, it became an environmentally conservation greenhouse for preserving and displaying endangered species.
| Period | Opening Hours | Gate Closes | Greenhouse Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct.1 to Mar.14 | 9: 00AM ~ 4: 00PM | 4: 30PM | 9: 30AM ~ 3: 30PM |
| Mar.15 to Jun.30 Aug.21 to Sep.30 |
9: 00AM ~ 5: 30PM | 6: 00PM | 9: 30AM ~ 5: 00PM |
| Jul.1 to Aug.20 | 9: 00AM ~ 6: 30PM | 7: 00PM | 9: 30AM ~ 6: 00PM |
Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, closed on the next weekday)
Year-end & New-year days (Dec.29 to Jan.3)
Spring Mar.25 to Apr.24, Autumn Nov.1 to 15
| Adults | Seniors(Over 65 years old) | Students | Children(Junior high school students / 15 and under) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 500yen | 250yen *2 | 250yen *3 | FREE |
| Groups(30 people or more) | 400yen *1 | 250yen *2 | 250yen *3 | FREE |
*1 Group discount applies to a party of 30 people or more. No Reservation is necessary.
*2 Valid ID required. Please purchase a ticket at a ticket window.
*3 Valid Student ID required. Please purchase a ticket at a ticket window.
・Assistance dogs are also allowed to enter with visitors such as guide-dogs, service dogs and hearing assistance dogs.
[Annual Passport]
Adult 2000yen, High school student 1000yen
Reception opening hours and locations 9:00AM to 1 hour before closing time in opening days(Depends on the season)
The passport will not be issued on free admission days.
The National Gardens Association Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
〔Call〕+81-(0)3-3341-1461
〔Email〕info-shinjuku@fng.or.jp
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden visitor information
〔Call〕+81-(0)3-3350-0151
Mistake calls are increasing. Please check the phone number carefully and make sure there are no mistakes.
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