Sometimes you want to escape the concrete jungle that is Tokyo. Luckily, there are pockets of greenery amongst the high-rises that provide an oasis from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Here are a few of our favorite get-away spots that don’t require leaving the city.
Yoyogi Park
"Meiji Jingu Main Entrance" by Leng Cheng is licensed under CC BY 2.0
An incredible 175-acre park hidden within Shibuya. Here you can see Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken; the shrine houses some of their historical artifacts. The park also has rows of massive sake barrels, donated to the shrine to pay homage to the Emperor, as well as thick, lush woodland. This park has everything for a day out, and it even has regular street performances by busking dancers and singers.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
"Shinjuku Gyoen" by Daniel Galleguillos is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Once a feudal lord’s private residence, now Tokyo’s biggest and most popular park. Visitors can enjoy scenic Japanese landscape gardens, formal French gardens, or wide-open English gardens, as well as greenhouses filled with tropical flora. In spring, the park explodes with pink cherry blossoms and gets packed with spectators who flock to view the fantastical petals.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
"Gingko Avenue" by Leng Cheng is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The perfect place for a romantic stroll, especially in Autumn when the trees transform into a vibrant bronze. Mid-November is the best time to view the golden leaves, which is why a festival is held in the park where visitors can munch on classic festival snacks as they stare up at the beautiful branches.
The Imperial Palace Gardens
"In the East Gardens of Tokyo's Imperial Palace" by jdnx is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Chock-full of history and just a short walk from Tokyo station, the Eastern Palace Gardens are open to the public all year round. You can visit the former site of Edo Castle and explore the ruins; around the remains of the old castle is a pleasant lawn with peaceful ponds.
Kitanomaru Koen
"Kitanomaru Park" by Aw1805 is licensed under CC BY 4.0
This park is so spacious that you may feel as though you’ve been transported to the countryside. It’s a loosely structured park where people can hang out and relax however they want. After kicking back in the park, you can head over to the south side and visit the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art.
Komazawa Olympic Park
"Komazawa Olympic Park" by Aw1805 is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Originally constructed for the 1964 Olympics, this sports park sits on the edge of Setagaya Ward with sections creeping over into Meguro Ward. This park is an awesome place if you want to cycle on smooth terrain without pedestrians, or if you want to get involved with any of the sports clubs that host events here.
Ueno Park
"Ueno_HDR_Photography" by vinitpe46 is licensed under CC PDM 1.0
Ueno Park is full of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum for Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the National Science Museum. There is also the famous Ueno Zoo, and open spaces between all of these where visitors can chill out and have a picnic.
Shiba Park
"Shiba Park in Tokyo" by Irma2403 is licensed under CC 3.0
A cute little park near Tokyo tower. Park-goers can pray at Shiba Toshogu Shrine and stroll through this quiet and understated pocket of Tokyo. It’s known as an excellent place for children who need space to grow in the tightly packed city.
Hinokicho Park
"Hinokicho Park Pond" by Wpcpey is licensed under CC 4.0
A superb place to relax and escape Tokyo. Never too busy, this park can often seem like a bubble of tranquillity. You can stroll through covered canopies of leaves, relax with artists by the pond, or explore the modern art dotted around the park. Hinokicho is most popular in winter when the trees are lit up with magical illuminations.
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