I walked through Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, one of the largest gardens in Tokyo, yesterday morning (March 16, 2024). It was still early for the most popular and beloved Sakura trees, called Somei Yoshino, to start blooming, but I could find a few blossom buds about to open their petals. Since it was a warm day, I expect Somei Yoshino will begin blooming soon, and we can enjoy beautiful and amazing views of Sakura from next weekend.
I could also see some early-blooming Sakura (Japanese cherry trees) among 65 species and 1,300 Sakura trees in the garden, which bloom from mid-March.
General Information
Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed in 1591 on the site of a previous private mansion belonging to a “daimyo” (samurai feudal lord), Naito, just after the Samurai Era ended and the construction of Tokyo began. It started as a government-managed agricultural experiment laboratory in 1872 and transformed into the Imperial Garden in 1906. It developed as a palace garden for international diplomacy, was re-designated as a national garden after World War Ⅱ, and opened to the public.
Many species of flowers are planted and grown in the garden, giving a sense of the four seasons and eco-friendly vibes in the middle of one of the busiest towns in the world. The garden also functions as an institute to protect 170 endangered plants in the greenhouse and outdoors.
Place: Shinjuku Gate (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Huddz7cdBJYR93obA), Naitomachi, Shinjuku Borough, Tokyo 160-0014
Access: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/#access
If you are interested in walking in the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden with an English-speaking guide, please contact me by clicking the following link. I look forward to seeing you soon.
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