Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Please note that you will need a reservation to attend Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom season.
I recommend spending the morning or afternoon at Shinjuku Gyoen.
It’s a lovely open green space – and according to the season it is also sometimes orange and red and brown and other times – PINK!
There is no play equipment but there a lovely open park, a Japanese garden with a teahouse, a French formal garden and an English landscape garden too. Sport equipment and alcohol not allowed.
I’ve included more details, pictures and tips in my Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden blog post here.
If you go a little later in the morning , why not go to the basement floor of Takashimaya to the food hall, fill up a basket with an obento, tempura, gyoza and salads and have a picnic in the park? Park entrance is 500 yen (even less for seniors and children.)
Please note that you will need a reservation to attend Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom season.
Also, I recommend checking out the Shinjuku Gyoen Starbucks . It offers a beautiful view of the park and all interior design choices have been created to blend with the park beautifully. There is indoor and outdoor seating available. This Starbucks also offers free wifi.
There are great spots under the trees – perfect for a little break for young families.
Please watch toddlers and babies closely around the stairs and gaps between some of the transparent walls in the area- fine for the safety of adults but please hold little hands tight.
SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL PARK
11 NAITOMACHI, SHINJUKU
新宿区内藤町11
OPEN: 9AM-4PM
(CLOSED MONDAYS & SOME OTHER RANDOM DAYS SO CHECK WEBSITE FIRST)
Extra Tip: If you’re looking for an amazing thick, gourmet to eat in or after the park – I recommend a sandwich shop called “&Sandwich.”
It is located just 2 mins walk from the Shinjuku Gyoen Park entrance. They have a dining area with seats for 16 people.
They are open nice and early in the morning too – from 9am on weekdays and 8:30am on weekends.
They have a couple of vegetarian and vegan options too. See here for the “&Sandwich” website and images of their beautiful sandwiches.
This cafe accepts most major credit cards and is a non-smoking establishment.
&SANDWICH
新宿区新宿1-5-7 スキラ御苑 1F
GROUND FLOOR, SKIRA GYOEN BUILDING, 1-5-7 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS AT 5PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS 8:30AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS AT 5PM)
See here for all of my Shinjuku with kids tips and favourite spots.
