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Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenvsHama Rikyu Gardens
Both Hama Rikyu Gardens and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are endorsed by travel writers. On balance, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden scores marginally better than Hama Rikyu Gardens. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is ranked #16 in Tokyo with positive reviews from 4 publications including Frommer's, Lonely Planet and Michelin Guide.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Fodor's
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
11 Naitocho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014
From $0/night
Frommer's "Formerly the private estate of a feudal lord and then of the Imperial family, this is considered one of the most important parks of the Meiji Era." Full review
Lonely Planet "Though Shinjuku-gyōen was designed as an imperial retreat (completed 1906), it’s now definitively a park for everyone." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which became the imperial garden after 1906, brings together several distinct styles ... also where the Prime Minister holds his annual hanami." Full review
Fodor's "This lovely 150-acre park was once the estate of the powerful Naito family of feudal lords, who were among the most trusted retainers of the Tokugawa shoguns." Full review
Afar Magazine "The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a gorgeous park that's just a short walk from Shinjuku Station." Full review
Travel + Leisure "In addition to housing native, traditional gardens, you'll find landscapes inspired by French and English gardens and beautiful water features."
Tokyo Travel Guide
July 15, 2021
i
If you can swing it, make a plan to visit during cherry blossom season when the gardens are particularly breathtaking.
Hama Rikyu Gardens Fodor's
Concierge Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Frommer's
1-1 Hamarikyu Teien, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0046
From $0/night
Fodor's "A tiny sanctuary of Japanese tradition and nature that's surrounded by towering glass buildings is a great place to relax or walk off a filling Tsukiji sushi breakfast." Full review
Concierge "If the relentless concrete and expressways get to be too much, take a short walk from Shiodome station to historic Hamarikyu Garden."
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The special thing about Hamarikyu-teien Garden ... is its pond, whose water level fluctuates with the tide." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The garden is an unexpected pocket of greenery, with beautiful pines, a large tidal pond, and two duck-hunting fields." Full review
i
The teahouse serves traditional green tea and Japanese sweets.
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"This beautiful garden, one of Tokyo’s finest, is all that remains of a shogunal palace that once extended into the area now occupied by Tsukiji Market." Full review
Afar Magazine "Hamarikyu Gardens is a 250,165-square-meter landscaped garden built on the site of a 17th-century game reserve owned by the Tokugawa family and located adjacent to Tokyo Bay." Full review
Frommer's "This urban oasis has origins stretching back 300 years, when it served as a retreat for a former feudal lord and as duck-hunting and falconry grounds for the Tokugawa shoguns." Full review
