Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s most beloved spots for autumn foliage, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. Spanning 144 acres, the garden features an impressive mix of Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and plane trees that turn vivid shades of red, gold, and orange from mid-November to mid-December. Visitors can explore three distinct garden styles, each offering a unique autumn experience, making it a must-see destination for those seeking tranquility and beauty during Tokyo’s fall season.
Overview
| Place Name | Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) |
| Best Viewing Time | Mid-November to mid-December |
| Festivals | None |
| Illumination | No announcements for 2024 yet |
| Foliage Types | Maple, ginkgo, plane, cherry, zelkova |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM) |
| Admission | ¥500 adults, ¥250 seniors/students, ¥200 children |
| Related Site(s) | Ministry of the Environment |
Why Shinjuku Gyoen is Worth Visiting in Autumn
- Brilliant Fall Hues: The park features vibrant red maples, golden ginkgo trees, and golden plane trees, offering a rich palette of colors.
- Diverse Garden Styles: Experience autumn across three distinct garden styles: the traditional Japanese garden, the symmetrical French garden, and the expansive English landscape garden.
- Tranquil Urban Escape: Shinjuku Gyoen provides a peaceful retreat from Tokyo’s busy streets, offering visitors a chance to relax in nature.
Shinjuku Gyoen Fall Foliage
Autumn at Shinjuku Gyoen is defined by its wide variety of trees. The most striking are the Japanese maples, whose red and orange hues dominate the eastern side of the park near Momijiyama (“Maple Hill”). Ginkgo trees, scattered throughout the park, turn brilliant yellow, providing a beautiful contrast to the red maples. One of the park’s highlights is the 200-meter-long avenue lined with golden plane trees, especially beautiful near the Okido Gate.
In addition to maples and ginkgo, zelkova trees add another layer of autumnal beauty, turning deep shades of orange and red. The diverse range of species ensures a prolonged foliage season, with different trees peaking at slightly different times from mid-November to mid-December.
Maple Hill (Momiji-yama)
This popular area is the best spot for viewing vibrant red and orange maples. Situated on the park’s eastern side, it provides stunning views of traditional Japanese architecture nestled among the colorful foliage.
Plane Tree Avenue
Near the Okido Gate, the plane tree avenue is one of the most iconic spots in Shinjuku Gyoen during autumn. These towering trees, with their golden leaves, form a striking pathway perfect for leisurely strolls and photography.
Ginkgo Trees
Adding to the park’s vibrant autumn palette, the golden ginkgo trees can be found throughout the grounds, creating a striking visual contrast with the red maples and remaining green foliage.
Shinjuku Gyoen Facilities & Amenities
Shinjuku Gyoen offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance visitors’ experience. Upon entering through any of the three main gates—Shinjuku, Okido, or Sendagaya—guests can find information centers that provide maps, guides, and ticket services. Throughout the park, rest areas and cafes, such as the Central Rest House Cafe, offer convenient spots to relax and enjoy refreshments. For a more traditional experience, visitors can stop by one of the park’s tea houses, like Rakuu-Tei, to enjoy matcha tea and Japanese sweets in a serene setting. The park also features a greenhouse near the Okido Gate, showcasing tropical and subtropical plants. Spacious lawns provide perfect picnic spots, while designated areas allow for peaceful relaxation. Shinjuku Gyoen ensures accessibility with wheelchair rentals and well-placed restrooms throughout the grounds. Additionally, vending machines and a gift shop are available, offering drinks, souvenirs, and garden-related items. These facilities make it easy for visitors to enjoy the park’s beauty in comfort, whether for a short stroll or a longer visit.
Dining Options
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a variety of dining options both inside the park and in the surrounding area, catering to different tastes and preferences. Within the park, Restaurant Yurinoki provides a cozy spot for visitors to enjoy tea, cakes, and light lunch options, all while offering scenic views of the garden. For a more traditional experience, the Rakuu-Tei teahouse located in the Japanese garden offers matcha tea and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) in a tranquil indoor setting. Additionally, the Central Rest House Cafe serves light snacks and beverages, making it a convenient stop during your visit.
Nearby the park, several popular restaurants provide more substantial meal options. Curry Kusamakura, located just outside the park, is well-known for its flavorful curries and grilled eggplant topping, with vegetarian options also available. For those seeking halal or vegan-friendly dishes, Halal Ramen Ouka offers delicious ramen and wagyu beef options. Another nearby option is Hamburg Will, which specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks for a more upscale dining experience. For a more casual meal, Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen serves Italian-inspired dishes and offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Finally, for a more refined dining option, Gyoen Imai is a highly-rated restaurant near the park, open for dinner and known for its upscale Japanese cuisine.
These options offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from light refreshments to more formal meals, making it easy for visitors to find a meal that suits their preferences and schedule.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early. To avoid crowds, especially on weekends or during peak autumn foliage season, try to arrive at the park when it opens at 9:00 AM.
- Purchase tickets in advance. During busy seasons like autumn and cherry blossom viewing, consider buying tickets online or at nearby convenience stores to skip the lines.
- Cash for Admission: Some ticket machines may not accept credit cards, so it’s best to bring cash for purchasing tickets and other small expenses.
- Photography Considerations: Photography and videography for personal use are allowed, but commercial photography or videography, such as paying professional photographers or selling pictures, is prohibited.
- Avoid alcohol and games. Unlike many parks in Japan, alcohol and ball games are prohibited in Shinjuku Gyoen, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for all visitors.
- Explore the less-crowded gates. Entering through the Sendagaya Gate can offer a quieter experience, as it tends to be less crowded than the Shinjuku Gate, especially during peak seasons.
- Time your visit. The park closes early—around 4:00 PM in winter and 6:00 PM in spring and autumn—so plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have enough time to explore.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Shinjuku Gyoen is accessible, with wheelchairs available for rent at the park’s entrances. The pathways are wide and well-maintained, making it easy to navigate.
How to Get to Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is easily accessible from several major stations:
- Shinjuku Gate
- 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (Southeast Exit)
- 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- Okido Gate
- 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- Sendagaya Gate
- 5-minute walk from JR Sendagaya Station (Sobu Line)
Buses from Shibuya and Shinjuku also stop near the park.
