Overview
Home to the world's busiest train station and the heart of Tokyo's commercial character, Shinjuku City Ward is home to a large number of green spaces. From one of the region's top gardens to huge public spaces and local green spots, the city has it all. Here is an introduction to just some of the parks and gardens of Shinjuku and how to reach them.
Kansen-en Park
An Edo-period style garden, the gourd-shaped pond and surrounding flowering foliage of Kansen-en Park make for a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Once the property of powerful feudal period families, the waters of the garden's spring was once used for the tea ceremony.
A 2-minute walk from Omokagebashi Station on the Toden-Arakawa Line.
Shinjuku Central Park
Athletic fields, playgrounds, waterplay areas and open lawn make Shinjuku Central Park one of the largest public spaces in Tokyo. Connected by park bridges, the park is a popular destination for local business people looking to relax. A monthly flea market open only to amateur vendors also adds some authentic appeal.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Home to a multicultural merging of landscape design, incredible is the understatement of the century when it comes to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. With four ponds, a traditional teahouse and even a greenhouse, the gardens are one of the city's premier places of interest and at only JPY500, a bargain.
Toyama Park
Along with its lush foliage, beautiful cherry blossoms and 44-metre high mini-mountain, Toyama Park also happens to be haunted park central. Famous for its ghost sightings, the park's rich greenery belies its supposed supernatural leanings. Away from the ghosts lie baseball and soccer fields.
A 7-minue walk from Takadanobaba Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
