Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, Japan

Many of us have heard about cherry blossoms or even have seen their amazing beauty. And those who have visited a cherry blossom park are aware of its fantabulous magnificence. One such spectacular view can be experienced in a serene and pristine place called Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, Japan. Adorned with almost 1500 cherry trees, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the majestic places to visit and enjoy a moment of solitude among the astonishing beauty of nature.

Spread across an area of 58.3 hectares, the garden is considered to be the best viewing spot for cherry trees. It attracts thousands of tourists during the cherry blossom season for a splendid experience within the vicinity of Mother Nature’s ecstatic beauty. Though there are many cherry blossom parks in Japan this one at Tokyo is more special to me especially because of the vast area it covers coupled with its lush greenery around.

History of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

In Japan colloquial language, Gyoen means an imperial garden. The National Garden was opened to the public on May 21^st, 1949. History says between the periods 1603 and 1868, the park was the official residence of the Naito family of Japan. The park is currently preserved and protected by the Environment Ministry of Japan.

The Exotic Flora

The cherries blossom in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden three times a year within the months of April and May. The late March one is popularly known as Weeping Cherry and the Japanese name it as Shidare. The second one blooms in early April and is known as Tokyo Cherry or the Somei in Japanese colloquial language. And the last one is Kanzan Cherry which flourishes during late April.

The enormous area of the park sparkles with the huge cherry blossom trees of various colors. The most prominent colors are the pink and the yellow ones dominating the garden with their magnificent grandeur and charm. I bet you will keep on gazing at their exotic beauty, immersing your mind and soul at the enchantment prevailing around.

One of the key attractions of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the sparkling pool of water, encircled by the gigantic cherry blossom trees. You can sit and relax on the field adjacent to the pool and indulge in the enigmatic beauty of the garden. A small bridge over the pool adds more charm and elegance to the garden.

The garden has plenty of benches to sit and engulf your mind into the peacefulness and tranquility of the panoramic landscape. The myriad colors of the trees coupled with the lush greenery enchant the human heart and mind. It even has an English garden, the traditional Japanese garden and the tea rooms for refreshments.

Timings and Entry into the Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden can be entered through three different gates – named as the Okido Gate, Shinjuku Gate, and Sendagaya Gate. The garden is open to the public from Tuesdays till Sundays from 9:00 AM till 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays except during the cherry blossom seasons i.e. between late March and late April and also during the chrysanthemum blooming seasons which happens in early November.

How to reach the Garden?

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is located near the Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station. You can walk down from the station to the park. You can even reach the Sendagaya station and walk down to the garden. The exact location of the garden is in the places Shibuya and Shinjuku in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan.

In the heart of the wonderful city Tokyo, witnessing such a dreamland amid the exuberant cherry blossom trees will leave you awestruck and amazed. You will be transmitted into a world of divinity and eternity.

So friends and my readers, next time when you visit Japan do not forget to visit the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It is best to plan your trip during March or April months when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The weather is also pleasant and charming, appropriate for sightseeing.

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