When it comes to planning a holiday to Japan, the islands are at its prime during Springtime! Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and is certainly an amazing sight in spring when the Sakuras bloom and the whole park is a mass of cherry blossom pink.
The park
The Shinjuku Gyoen gardens are spread out across 144 acres of land in the Shinjuku ward in Tokyo. It includes a charming pond and a large number of Sakura trees. 20,000 trees call this place home, and yet it is surrounded by urban skyscrapers in Tokyo city.
What to see
Before entering the park, take a look at some information and a few pieces of art at the Information Centre and Art Gallery at the gates of the park which is open from 9 am to 4 pm. Nature lovers would love the greenhouse near the Okido Gate which is open from 11 am to 3 pm. The old western-style Imperial Resthouse was built is a cultural treasure today.
History
Back in 1590, the park belonged to a Samurai, Tokugawa Ieyasu who gifted it to one of his subordinates called Naito Kiyoshige. When Japan began to modernise, the very first horticulture experiments began here. In 1906, the place was re-landscaped by a French horticulture expert and the opening was attended by the Emperor as well.
Other information
Located a short drive away from Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo, for those lodged at an apartment hotel in Shinjuku, this is a must-visit attraction. The park is open every day from 9 am to 4:30 pm except on national holidays.
_-_新宿御苑_-_panoramio_(18).jpg){kind=link}