The 10 Most Beautiful Parks In Tokyo 

Even though Tokyo is a futuristic metropolis filled with lots of sky-scrapers, shopping areas and other large scale developments, the city does have its fair share of green areas that give locals and visitors the opportunity to escape from the bustling city life. There are several noteworthy parks that you can go to for picnics, to take pictures, or to relax. We have listed some of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo.
One of Tokyo's hidden gems © Rick McCharles / Flickr
One of Tokyo’s hidden gems © Rick McCharles / Flickr

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Located only a ten minutes’ walk from Shinjuku station, Shinjuku Gyoen is a large garden of 58.3 hectares with wide lawns, trees and ponds. It was originally a residence of the Naito family of feudal lords, associated with the Takato domain in the Shinano province during the Edo period (1603–1868). Presently, it serves as a National Garden under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment. The park boasts three distinctive styles: a French formal and English landscape to the north, and a Japanese traditional landscape to the south. Visit from Tuesdays to Sundays between 9am to 4pm for a small admission fee.

Yoyogi Park

The Yoyogi Park is a large Western-style park situated a five minutes’ walk from the Harajuku Station and the Meiji Shrine. Yoyogi Park sits on the site from where the first successful powered aircraft flight in Japan took place on December 19, 1910 led by Captain Yoshitoshi Tokugawa. Presently, it is one of the locals’ favorite parks, where you will see many rock music fans, jugglers, comedians and hobby groups. For no charge, you get to witness its famous autumn leaves at the right time of year, especially the golden leaves of the many ginko trees.
Yoyogi Park © 日本らしさ スナップ プレス / Flickr
Yoyogi Park © 日本らしさ スナップ プレス / Flickr

Imperial Palace East Garden

The Imperial Palace East Garden is located only a 10-15 minutes’ walk from Tokyo station. For no admission fee you get the opportunity to walk the grounds of the former Edo Castle and part of the current Imperial Palace, and get close-up views of the enormous stones used to build the castle walls. Climb the ruins of one of the keeps, off the upper lawn, and visit the Museum of Imperial Collections that exhibits the more than 9500 artworks owned by the imperial family.
Imperial Palace east Garden © Inga / Flickr
Imperial Palace east Garden © Inga / Flickr

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is located next to Ueno station and features about half a dozen museums, a zoo, a Toshogu Shrine and the Shinobazu Pond. A noteworthy event held in the park are the spring celebrations for its beautiful cherry blossoms and hanami.

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