Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks.
Close to Shinjuku Station, the park boasts spacious lawns, ambling little walkways and paths and peaceful scenery that provides a welcome green oasis of calm in the heart of the relentless city.
The garden has more than 20,000 trees, including approximately 1,500 cherry trees which bloom from late March to early April.
I imagine that is an incredible sight – another excuse to go back and see it for ourselves!
Shinjuku Gyoen is comprised of three very different types of gardens.
The oldest is a traditional Japanese landscape garden featuring large ponds dotted with islands and bridges. There is also a French style and English style garden too.
There’s a large greenhouse with lots of tropical and subtropical flowers, cactus and other flora to admire.
Shinjuku Gyoen originated during the Edo Period (1603-1867) as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence.
Later it was converted into a botanical garden before being transferred to the Imperial Family in 1903 who used used it for recreation and the entertainment of guests.
Of all the gardens it is naturally the traditional Japanese one that attracts us the most.
With its little bridges and stone pagodas it is the archetypal image of Japan that I had hoped to find.
Feeling refreshed and invigorated we head off to our next destination – the Shibuya Scramble crossroads! But not before I find a few ways to cool down!!
