Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the biggest and most famous parks in Tokyo. Here you will find a big variety of trees and plants. It is home to over 1000 sakura trees of different kinds, which makes the blooming season quite long. It is also a stunning place during the foliage season. Plus it has spacious lawns and during the warm season, you can have a picnic right here in the park.
Admission: 500 yen for adult
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Mondays)
Location: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku
Yoyogi Park
Just like Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park is also one of the largest and best well-known green spaces in Tokyo. The park is famous because of the Ginko trees and the best time to enjoy them is in autumn. Another reason you might want to visit this park is that it is conveniently located just between Harajuku station and Meiji Jingu (one of the most important shrines in Tokyo).
Admission: free
Hours: always open
Location: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is known for being a green escape with lots of facilities and activities available in the Kichijori area, in Western Tokyo. It is famous for the beautiful sakura trees surrounding the park’s pond. You can rent a boat and enjoy the view from the water. There is also a zoo and a shrine that you can visit. Or you can come here after your visit to Ghibli Museum.
Admission: free
Hours: always open
Location: 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino
Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens is a gorgeous green space located in central Tokyo and within a walking distance from Tokyo Tower. It is the only park in Tokyo where you can find a tidal pond. Also, it is an important place for the Japanese culture and heritage, as in the past it was used as a Daimyo (feudal lord) garden. When visiting this park, make sure to visit a traditional tea house for a cup of matcha and Japanese confectionery.
Admission: 300 yen for adult
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1-1 Hama Rikyu-teien, Chuo
Kinuta Park
Kinuta Park is another park famous for its cherry blossom. But you can enjoy it all year round as it is a specious green space where you can play with your kids or have a picnic with your friends. To enjoy your picnic even more, before coming to the park grab some delicious sandwiches and pastries from a popular Regina bakery. The park is a little far from central Tokyo, which means that it is less crowded, and mainly locals come here as suppose to Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen.
Admission: free
Hours: always open
Location: 1-1 Kinutakoen, Setagaya
Setagaya Park
This is another park in Setagaya ward popular among the locals. It has many elements of a traditional Japanese garden and is also a good place for various activities. Kids enjoy it because here they have a kids’ playground, a pool (open only in summer), and a miniature train that runs around the park. Adults love this place too as it is a great place for sports, picnics, or even barbeque.
Admission: free
Hours: always open
Location: 1-5-27, Ikejiri, Setagaya
Komazawa Olympic Park
Komazawa Olympic Park became famous after the Olympics of 1964 when it was used as a second Olympic stadium. Until this day it is known as a sports park with lots of greenery. You should visit it if you are looking for children’s fields, jogging or cycling courses, or even a dog run. On the weekends the park becomes especially lively with visitors from all parts of Tokyo. On the weekdays it is much quieter and more relaxed.
Admission: free
Hours: always open
Location: 1-1 Komazawakoen, Setagaya
Kasai Rinkai Park
Kasai Rinkai Park is located in Edogawa ward across the river from Tokyo Disney Resort and it is the biggest park in central Tokyo. Visiting this park is one of the best things you can do on a hot summer day. On a bright day, it offers beautiful views of Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji. This park is home not only to many lawns, gardens, and beaches but also to a Ferris Wheel, an aquarium, a seabird sanctuary, and an observation building.
Admission: free
Hours: always open
Location: 6-2 Rinkaicho, Edogawa
Kyodonomori
Kyodonomori is a park and an open-air museum in Fuchu featuring building from different eras throughout Japanese history. The park is especially recommended for a visit in February and March when it holds its annual Plum Festival, as it includes Tokyo’s largest plum orchard.
Admission: 300 yen
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Location: 6-32 Minamicho, Fuchu
