Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden　新宿御苑 – Oasis in Shinjuku　新宿

Beautiful park and lunch recommendations nearby

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden　新宿御苑 – Oasis in Shinjuku　新宿

Shinjuku is a very busy city- lots of skyscrapers, red light district Kabukicho, ladies` favorite department store, Isetan. The station boasts the world record for most users per day on average, i.e. 769,000 in 2016! No wonder it is crowded.

But, there is a beautiful park SHINJUKU GYOEN National Garden where you can relax and sit down/lie down on the lawn. (which is pretty rare in parks in Tokyo)

1 Shinjuku Gyoen- introduction

1.1 history
1.2 Admission fee and rules
1.3 Access and Location
1.4 Trees and seasons

2 Lunch spot near Shinjuku Gyoen

2.1 The famous Italian restaurant, associated with the Japanese animation, “Your Name” Kiminonawa.
Name of the restaurant is La Boheme
2.2 Hidden away and usually with a long waiting line. Try the Japanese style Hamburg.
Name of the resturant is Will

1.1 history of Shinjuku Gyoen

58 hectare in size with a surrounding of 3.5km, it has a Japanese, English, French gardens as well as a botanical garden.

It used to be part of the the Tokyo residence of a famous warlord Naito from present day Nagano Prefecture, then became the private garden of the Imprerial family and finally opened to the public in 1949, after being rebuild post WWII air raids.

1.2 Admission fee and rules

In order to preserve the nature, there is a small fee of Y200/person. Mondays are usually closed, unless it is a public holiday.

No alcoholic drinks or pets allowed. No bicycles, or sports equipments allowed.

1.3 Access and Location

There are three entrances to the park, Okidomon, Sendagayamon and Shinjukumon. The access is excellent from Shinjuku-Gyoen metro station as well as Sendagaya JR station. From Shinjuku station, you need to walk about 10 minutes.

1.4 Trees and seasons

All seasons bring charms to this park, but spring is the most famous. It has 1300 cherry blossoms with 65 different types. But, it does get really crowded due to hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.

Other seasons are more quiet and tranquil. With 20,000 trees, every season is wonderful.

Botanical garden (admission fee is included already. Very hot and humid inside!)

In the fall (November 2017), you can enjoy the yellow, red, and oranges, the colors of fall in the park.

2 Lunch recommendation near Shinjuku Gyoen

2.1 The famous Italian restaurant, associate with the mega hit Japanese animation, “Your Name” Kiminonawa.

La Boheme has always been liked, given its location, just in front of the park. But, it really took off, as it was THE restaurant where the main character from the movie worked part time! Also enjoy the article on Japanese animation here:http://hiddenjapanguide.com/archives/298

The quality of food is ok, but the atmosphere is very nice. Check out the gourmet site TABELOG here: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130402/13004291/

2.2 Hidden away, but usually with a long waiting line for lunch, try the Japanese style “Hamburg” (hamburger with the bread or rice served on the side)

“Will” can be reserved for dinner but not for lunch. You will need to wait in line to get a seat for lunch. But, it is worth it. It may change your perception of what a hamburger can be…! Very delicious!

“Hamburg” with a special sauce and a half-boiled egg. Y1000 with rice or bread, soup, and tea/coffee. You can also add salad, dessert, etc. if you like.