Sometimes Tokyo can feel overwhelming. With all the crowds and noise, sometimes you just want to go somewhere a bit quieter and peaceful. You don’t need to travel far, even out to the city, to experience a bit of nature. Instead, why not head to one of Tokyo’s many luscious and spacious parks. Here are just 7 of the best you can find in the city.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Situated in the heart of Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s most famous parks which spans 144 acres in size and a circumference of 3.5 km. A popular spot for Tokyoites and tourists, this park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a peaceful stroll through the French Formal Garden, English Landscape Garden, and Japanese Traditional Garden as well as visit the Western-style Greenhouse.
Once you have done that, you can enjoy a short break at one of the cafes and browse the shops. Alternatively, you can bring in your own food and enjoy a picnic on the grass. You will find many people doing this, especially during the warmer seasons.
Throughout the year, the park hosts different seasonal events such as a Chrysanthemum and orchid exhibition. The most popular time to visit the park is during sakura season, with many people throwing their Hanami parties here. Due to an increase in demand, advanced reservations are required to enter Shinjuku Gyoen during the peak bloom period.
To help keep the park as pristine as it is, visitors are asked to pay a small entrance fee. Adults will need to pay ¥500, and students and seniors ¥250. Those aged 15 and under can enter for free. You can pay by either cash or using your Suica at the ticket gate.
- Showa Kinen Park
- 〒190-0014, 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo
- 9 minute walk from Shinjuku Station
- Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm
- Cash only
- Official Website
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is not only one of Tokyo’s biggest parks but is also located in one of the city’s most visited spots, next to Meiji Jingu Shrine. Filled with ponds, forested areas and even a designated dog park, Yoyogi Park is definitely one of the best places to go if you want to experience a slice of local life in Tokyo.
The park is always filled with many different groups of people. You’ll often see many dance crews, like the renowned Rockabillies, hanging and practicing around the park. In the summer, the park has a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with many people having picnics, jogging or playing sports.
For those planning to visit Meiji Jingu while on their travels, you should definitely schedule some time to wander through the park. You can either stay on the side of the park nearer to Harajuku or use it as a way to get to Shibuya.
- Yoyogi Park
- 〒151-0052, 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
- 3 minute walk from Harajuku Station
- Open 24 hours
- Cash and Suica card
- Official Website
Ueno Park
Near Ueno Station is Ueno Park, one of the city’s oldest public parks. This spacious park is most known for being one of the best cherry blossom spots, being home to more than 100 cherry blossom trees. In autumn, the park is filled with people admiring the yellow ginkgo leaves.
Ueno Park is home to some famous tourist attractions, with the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo being the most notable. Those who visit will also get to see Ueno Toshogu Shrine, some red Torii gates, and statues of famous Japanese historical figures. Make sure to also stop by Shinobazu Pond, a culturally significant and natural pond filled with fish and turtles. If you are feeling up to it, you can even rent a rowboat, cycle boat, or swan boat and explore more of the pond and the surrounding area.
- Ueno Park
- 〒110-0007, Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo
- 5 minute walk from Ueno Station
- Mon - Fri: 5am - 11pm
- NA
- Official Website
Showa Kinen Park
If you are looking for a park filled with lots to do, then Showa Kinen Park is by far the best option. Located in Tachikawa, around 30-minutes away from Central Tokyo, Showa Kinen Park is the perfect escape from the crowded city.
With over 160 hectares of lush green space, Showa Kinen Park is a picturesque spot for a picnic. Opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign, this park is filled with seasonal flowers, water features, museums and sports facilities.
One of the best things about this park is the rental bike cycle. For ¥800, you can rent a bike for the whole day and cycle around the different areas of the park. Although you can walk through the park, it is much easier and fun to cycle. If you don’t want to commit to cycling for the whole day, you can pay ¥600 for three hours, or, if you have young ones, take the park train for ¥400 per ride instead.
- Showa Kinen Park
- 〒190-0014, 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo
- 15 minute walk from Nishi-Tachikawa Station
- Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5pm
- Cash
- Official Website
Setagaya Park
For a more lowkey and local park, Setagaya Park is a great option. Although it is the largest park in the area, it is not normally as busy as some of Tokyo’s other parks. It has a unique charm, offering a lot of green space, a fountain, a play area, and even a mini-train ride for kids. It is also ideal for those who want to play some sports as there is a softball field, tennis court, Western archery range, skateboard plaza and outdoor pool.
Similar to the other parks on this list, Setagaya Park is particularly beautiful in the spring and summer. The park hosts various events and environmental festivals throughout the year. Nearby, you will also find some local eateries and cafes.
Shiba Park
Similar to Ueno Park, Shiba Park is one of Tokyo’s oldest parks. Given that it is situated near both Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple, this park has both a traditional and modern feel to it. As well as its tranquil atmosphere, many people come here to enjoy nature and take a break. In the springtime, the park becomes a popular photo spot as you can capture the cherry blossoms in front of Tokyo Tower.
Other notable features in the park include Shiba Maruyama, an ancient keyhole-shaped tomb, and the Autumn Leaf Valley.
Chidorigafuchi Park
Named one of the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi Park is a 700-meter-long walkway, situated along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Filled with over 260 cherry trees, which are also illuminated at night during the spring, it is no wonder that more than one million people come to visit the park each year.
Although the park doesn’t have too many places to sit, it is still worth taking a stroll and admiring the surrounding views. As well as the cherry blossoms, the park is most known for being a romantic date spot. Many couples spend time renting a rowboat and rowing down the moat.
Which park will you be visiting first?
