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Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenvsMeiji Jingu Shrine
Both Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are highly recommended by professional reviewers. Overall, Meiji Jingu Shrine scores significantly higher than Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Meiji Jingu Shrine comes in at #1 in Tokyo with endorsements from 10 sources such as Frommer's, Condé Nast Traveler and concierge.com.
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.
Meiji Jingu Shrine Fodor's
Concierge Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler Travel + Leisure
Departures
On the Grid
The Telegraph Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
From $0/night
Fodor's "A wonderful spot for photos, the mammoth entrance gates (torii), rising 40 feet high, are made from 1,700-year-old cypress trees from Mt. Ari in Taiwan." Full review
Concierge "The shrine is an impressive sight—austere wooden buildings surrounded by greenery."
Travel + Leisure "On New Year's Day, eat osechi (a special feast of seafood and vegetables) and join the happy crowds huddling outside the Meiji-Jingu Shrine to get good tidings." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"One of the most important Shinto buildings in Tokyo and it is where newly-weds come to seek spiritual transformation ... access is via a majestic gate." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Meiji Shrine, a peaceful, wooded haven dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912)." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined here at one of the city's most famous sacred sites." Full review
Departures "The two enormous Japanese cypress torii (shrine gates) that guard the grounds are particular highlights—and they teem with tourists accordingly—but the site is serene and worth a visit." Full review
On the Grid "The Meiji Shrine was built in honor of Emperor Meiji, the 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West." Full review
The Telegraph "In typical Tokyo style, one of the city’s most peaceful forest shrines is just a stone’s throw from the 21st-century Harajuku crowds." Full review
i
Wear comfortable shoes if possible, avoid taking baby strollers (the path is long and gravelly), and once you arrive, look out for silent wedding processions led by the billowing white kimono of a Shinto bride.
Afar Magazine "The serenity of the Meiji Jingu Shrine is a notable contrast to the crowds of Harajuku hipsters just beyond the giant torii gates." Full review
