Taste the big season in the heart of Tokyo with cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is an oasis in the heart of the city where you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. In spring, the garden is filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the entire area is covered in a pale pink color, as if one were walking on a carpet of cherry blossoms. Spending a relaxing time under the cherry blossoms in full bloom is a healing experience that will make you forget that you are in the city. In the fall, the entire expansive grounds turn red and yellow, and the colorful autumn leaves create a picturesque scene. The charm of Shinjuku Gyoen is that you can enjoy taking pictures while spending a relaxing time in the clear autumn air. The Shinjuku Gyoen Garden changes its appearance with each season, so be sure to capture the beauty of both the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall.
Key points for photography
The key to taking photographs is to take advantage of the expansive site to express depth and a sense of the season. By composing a springtime cherry blossom shot by incorporating the lawn and tree-lined avenues, you can create an expansive shot that seems to be enveloped by the cherry blossoms. It is also important to check the blooming status of the Kawazu cherry trees in Shinjuku Gyoen in advance, as they start blooming early in the season. The ability to enjoy cherry blossom photography from early spring is a great attraction. In autumn, choosing a location with overlapping colored trees and park paths will accentuate the serene atmosphere of the autumn foliage. In either season, by being aware of the soft light in the morning and evening and the time of day when there are few people around, you can capture the peaceful atmosphere typical of Shinjuku Gyoen in your photographs.
Best viewing and photography timing
Best Season
Spring, Autumn
Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| subject | Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, plum blossoms, daffodils |
| Admission fee | Yes |
| Admission Time | Yes |
| Parking lot | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
The day I visited this place in the past
Route taken on February 18, 2023
Route taken on February 23, 2023
Route taken on February 11, 2024
Route taken on November 30, 2024.
Route taken on April 5, 2025
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