Tokyo Parks and Gardens

Tokyo boasts a number of parks and gardens that are located in different areas of the city. These spots of greenery and fresh air make the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. Tokyo's gardens and parks are splendid places for a stroll, combining scenic vistas with people-watching.

Hama Rikyu Park

Tokyo's most attractive park is located alongside Tokyo Bay, next to the fashionable Shiodome. After having been seduced by the Japanese garden aesthetics, you should find your way to its center and the beautiful tea pavilion surrounded by a tranquil pond. Hama Rikyu can be accessed by boat from Asakusa and Odaiba. Alternatively, it is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station or Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line and Yurikamome elevated train.

Imperial Palace East Garden (Kyoko Higashi Gyoen)

The Imperial Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and massive stone walls. The Imperial Palace East Garden, on the site of the old Edo Castle of the shoguns, is the only part of the Imperial Palace that is regularly open to the public. The actual palace and the inner palace gardens are only open to the public on January 2nd and December 23rd. The entrance to the Imperial East Gardens through Otemon Gate is only a short walk from Otemachi Station or 5-10 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Nishi-Ikebukuro Park

This is Toshima City's largest park, located near Metropolitan Art Space and Rikkyo University. There are fountains in the center of the park, and they are lit up at night. Come here to watch the old men sitting in the shade playing the Japanese game shogi, or to try to get a glimpse of the many Yakuza members alleged to hang out here. There is an exercise area in the south portion, and is a mecca for street soccer come nightfall.

Shinjuku-gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku-gyoen National Garden, completed in 1906, is one of Tokyo's largest and most pleasant parks. It is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era. This idyllic oasis with teahouses, lakes and gardens surrounds you in luscious greenery and exudes serenity, completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Tokyo. Shinjuku-gyoen is renowned as one of the best sites in the city for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring.

Sumida Park

Sumida Park, which stretches along Sumida River, is very popular and particularly beautiful in spring when more than 1,000 sakura-trees (cherry-trees) are in full bloom. Sumida River Firework Festival is held here every year on the last Saturday in July.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is Tokyo's first public park and was opened in 1873. This gigantic park is located near Ueno Station. If you happen to be in Tokyo during cherry (sakura) blossom season, come here to participate in the hanami celebrations. This annual tradition takes place in early April, when this park explodes in a pink and white miracle of blooming cherry trees. There are many attractions located in Ueno Park, including rental boats, monuments, temples, and a zoo. See Tokyo Areas - Ueno for more information about Ueno Park.

Yoyogi-koen (Yoyogi Park)

Yoyogi-koen is one of Tokyo's largest city parks, featuring wide lawns, ponds and forested areas. It is a great place for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. The park is a popular hangout, especially on Sundays, when it is used as a gathering place for people to play music, dance, practice martial arts, etc. Yoyogi Park is located next to Meiji-Jingu shrine, just a 10 minute walk from Harajuku Station.