Tokyo's Most Beautiful Parks
Renowned for its dynamism and skyscrapers, Tokyo calls for moments of respite between strolls through the heart of the city…
Renowned for its dynamism and skyscrapers, Tokyo calls for moments of respite between strolls through the heart of the city… From the traditional Japanese garden of Kyu Shiba-rikyu to the rooftop garden of Meguro Sky Garden, discover Tokyo's most beautiful parks where you can recharge!
1. Kyū Shiba Rikyū: the garden where you can admire Higanbana flowers
Built during the Edo period (1603-1868), the Kyu Shiba-rikyu garden spans over 4 hectares in the Hamamatsucho neighborhood. Arranged around a pond, it promises a serene stroll in the heart of Tokyo.
With hills throughout, the park is divided into several distinct sections (connected by small bridges). Overlooked by buildings, this small green space is home to koi fish and numerous bird species – egrets, herons, wild ducks, and more.
In spring? The park offers views of cherry blossoms, wisteria, and red lycoris flowers. Also called the "Higanbana flower," this bloom holds special significance in Japanese spiritual culture.
Practical Information Address: 1-4-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku How to get there: the garden is a 5-minute walk from Hamamatsuchō Station Opening hours: daily from 9am to 5pm Price/person: 150 ¥ (less than €1) |
2. Hama-Rikyu Garden: an Eden in the business district
The Imperial Hama-Rikyû Garden is located in Shiodome, in the business district. Dating from the Edo period, this 25-hectare green space offers beautiful views over Tokyo Bay – it's even possible to reach it via a river shuttle from the northeast corner of the garden.
Once reserved for imperial use, the garden opened to the public in 1946. Since then, visitors have enjoyed the tranquility of the place and the chance to sip matcha tea in the traditional tea room Nakajima-no-ochaya (located on a small island in the heart of the park), built in 1704!
The garden was once a prime hunting ground for ducks (caught for the shogun). Today? The park still preserves the hiding spots that hunters once used to stalk their prey… Surrounded by skyscrapers, Hama-Rikyû garden offers a striking contrast between old Japan and the modern world!
Practical Information Address: 1 Chome Higashishinbashi, Minato City How to get there: 12 minutes on foot from Shimbashi Station; 3 minutes on foot from Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line); 7 minutes on foot from Shiodome Metro Station Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm) Price/person: 150 ¥ (less than €1) |
3. Kiyosumi Park and Garden: a serene place to enjoy tea
In the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa neighborhood, discover Kiyosumi Park. Wooded and shaded, it's particularly pleasant during the summer months. Its must-see attraction? Its traditional Japanese garden, created between 1878 and 1885…
Lush and beautifully maintained, the garden provides a calm space just steps away from urban hustle. As you wander around the pond, you'll spot turtles, many bird species, and the Ryoutei House – an old building now home to a traditional tea salon.
The garden is nicknamed the "stone garden" because of its many small paths made of natural rocks (sourced from across the archipelago). These "stepping stone paths" are called Iso watari in Japanese.
Practical Information Address: 2 Chome-2 Kiyosumi, Koto City How to get there: 4 minutes on foot from Kiyosumi-shirakawa Metro Station Opening hours: 9am to 5pm Price (average/person): 150 ¥ (less than €1) To know: if you're lucky, you may spot young couples in traditional clothing |
4. Ueno Park: THE Tokyo park for viewing cherry blossoms
Ueno Park is one of Japan's oldest parks and also one of the most visited during cherry blossom season in Japan. Dotted with thousands of trees, the park transforms into a blanket of pink and white in spring! Open since 1873, it celebrates the hanami festival each year – a Japanese tradition dedicated to flower viewing.
Ueno Park is also home to numerous structures on its grounds, including:
● Shinobazu Pond covered with water lilies and lotus flowers. It's possible to rent a pedalo and admire the Benten-dō temple situated on its shores.
● Kan'ei-ji Temple: dating from the Edo period, the building proudly displays its former five-story pagoda.
● Ueno Toshogu Shrine: built in 1627, the structure is recognizable by its stunning golden gate and pathways lined with lanterns.
● The zoo: opened in 1882, it occupies 10% of the park's area. This zoo is known for housing two giant pandas from China! During your walk, you can also see big cats, gorillas, penguins, and kangaroos.
Practical Information Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku How to get there: 1 minute on foot from JR Ueno Station; 5 minutes on foot from Ueno Metro Station Opening hours: daily 8:30am-5:30pm (last entry at 4:30pm) Price: park entry is free, but some attractions are paid, such as the zoo (600 ¥/adult, less than €4). |
5. Shinjuku Gyoen Park: one of Tokyo's largest parks
A former imperial site during theEdo period, Shinjuku Gyoen Park is one of Japan's largest and most popular parks. What sets it apart? It's divided into several distinct sections, each recognizable by its theme… As you stroll, you'll wander between different styles – moving from a traditional Japanese garden to an English garden and then a French one.
Featuring 1500 cherry trees, Shinjuku Gyoen is an essential hanami spot in spring during the bloom season. Popular with athletes, the park is also ideal for a family picnic. Another advantage? Its huge tropical greenhouse!
Practical Information Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku How to get there: about 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Gyoemmae and Sendagaya stations. From Shinjuku Station, the southeast exit is closest to Shinjuku Gyoen. It takes about 10 minutes on foot. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5:30pm (note that hours may change depending on the season). Price: 500 ¥ (around €3)/adult; free for children |
6. Mukōjima-Hyakkaen: the colorful garden
In Sumida-ku ward, in central Tokyo, you'll find Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden. Developed in the nineteenth century by its former owner, this one-hectare park is home to many tree and flower species. The park (designated a Historic Site in 1978) also features a pond, several wells, and calligraphy engravings on stones.
Opened to the public in 1939, the garden was destroyed during bombing in World War II, then reopened in 1949 – restored and enriched with new plant species. Today? The site is home to nearly 200 flower species and over 800 trees… Apricot trees, bamboo, hydrangeas: the park changes color with the seasons.
Practical Information Address: 3-18-3 Higashimukōjima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0032 How to get there: 10 minutes walk from Higashi-Mukōjima Metro Station (Tobu Skytree Line) Opening hours: daily 9am to 5pm |
7. Meguro Sky Garden: the rooftop garden
If you're visiting Meguro-ku, make a stop at Meguro Sky Garden. While it's not one of Tokyo's most beautiful parks, it's definitely worth a visit. Why? It's a rooftop garden, located 35 meters high on a building's terrace!
This rooftop offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surroundings and Tokyo. When the sky is clear, it's even possible to see Mount Fuji! Perfect for recharging between strolls or for a lunch break. Free admission.
Practical Information Address: 1 Chome-9-2 Ohashi, Meguro City Opening hours: daily 7am to 9pm To know: Meguro Sky Garden is accessible from the street by concrete stairs. |
Frequently asked questions
The best period depends on what you want to see. In spring (late March-early April), cherry trees are in full bloom, especially at Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen. Autumn (October-November) is also beautiful for fall foliage colors. Summer can be hot and humid, but parks offer shade and coolness.
Most Tokyo parks and gardens are accessible for less than €1 (around 150 ¥). Shinjuku Gyoen costs 500 ¥ (around €3) for adults, while Meguro Sky Garden and Ueno Park are free. Some attractions within parks, like Ueno Zoo (600 ¥), have separate admission fees.
Hama-Rikyu Garden is one of the most extensive with 25 hectares. Shinjuku Gyoen is also one of the most vast and popular parks in Tokyo, with Japanese, English, and French-style gardens all in one space.
The best places to see cherry blossoms (hanami) in Tokyo are Ueno Park, which has thousands of trees, and Shinjuku Gyoen with its 1500 cherry trees. Blooming typically occurs late March to early April, depending on weather conditions that year.
Yes, picnicking is a beloved tradition in Tokyo parks, especially during hanami. Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park are particularly popular for this. Note that some more formal gardens like Hama-Rikyu or Kiyosumi may have stricter rules about food.
Tokyo has a very efficient public transport network. Ueno Park is 1 minute from JR Ueno Station. Shinjuku Gyoen is 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station. Hama-Rikyu Garden is accessible from Shimbashi Station (12 min walk) or Hamamatsucho Station (3 min walk). All other parks in our selection are also close to metro stations.
