Shinjuku Gyoen

5 years ago

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Nature-Gardens

A green haven in the heart of the city, Shinjuku Gyoen is a blend of Japanese, French and English design. Originally the home of Feudal Lord Naito and his family, the land has undergone a series of changes in the centuries since. Serving as an experimental agriculture center, a botanical garden and the garden of the Imperial Family, it was eventually opened to the public in 1949. Today, the park is one of the city’s most popular cherry blossom spots with over 1000 trees in twelve different varieties dotted along paths and around lawns. In Summer, the French rose garden takes its turn to shine followed by the chrysanthemum displays in Autumn. During Winter, the yukizuri structures protect trees from snowfall while camellias offer bursts of colour. The traditional Japanese garden is one of the most popular areas, complete with linked ponds, a tea house, the Taiwan Pavilion and beautiful manicured plants. The English Garden is a pastoral lawned area with cherry trees while the French Garden has a symmetrical design with a popular rose garden. Aside from these three areas, there are small forests, greenhouses and Maple Hill which is great in Autumn.