For a peaceful interlude in the heart of Tokyo, visit Shinjuku Gyoen. It is one of the largest green spaces in the city, built on the former estate of the Edo Period Daimyo, Kiyonari Naito. In 1906 it was turned into a garden for the Imperial family to study modern agricultural techniques, and in 1949 it was opened to the public. Unfortunately most of it was destroyed in WWII, but it is still considered a fine example of a Meiji Era garden.
It incorporates elements of traditional Japanese gardens with English and French formal garden designs. There is a teahouse, restaurants, and an art gallery on the grounds. Of special note are the modern greenhouse with tropical and subtropical plants, and the chrysanthemum show in the autumn.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen costs only 200 yen to enter, or 50 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Disabled visitors can enter for free, and there are wheelchairs available at the gates. The park is open from 9 am to 4 pm, with the gates locked at 4:30. The greenhouse is open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, and other facilities have variable hours. The park is closed Mondays, or on the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.
Shinjuku Gyoen pond and bridge (photo: Marina De Vos/flickr)
Shikjuku Gyoen has three entrance gates. The Shinjuku Gate is a 10 minute walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station, and the Okido Gate is 5 minutes from Exit #2 of the Shinjuku Gyoen Mae Tokyo Metro Subway Station, which serves the Marunouchi line. Though it is surrounded by the bustling city, the park itself is very quiet and peaceful.
For more information: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/
Shinjuku Gyoen beauty (photo: mouseshadows/flickr)
Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms (photo: – Rob Towell/flickr)
photo by:
Andrea Schaffer
