Introduction
For all the flower lovers out there - enjoy the best day of your life by combining both flower viewing and Japan travel. See how flowers are grown in their natural habitats and admire their beauty en masse. Japan has some of the most beautiful flower fields and parks in the world and most have very low entry fees of only a few dollars. We've decided to focus on Tokyo and its surrounding areas for ease of traveling, and because it would be easy to slip in one or two of the places here into your Japan itinerary. More than just the capital of Japan, Tokyo is also home to some of Japan's most stunning flower gardens and parks. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these spaces offer a serene escape filled with the vibrant beauty of fresh flowers. From the must-see cherry blossoms in spring to colourful autumn leaves, each garden has its own unique charm. Here's a list of 11 breathtaking flower gardens and parks in or near Tokyo that are sure to captivate nature lovers.
Disclaimer: Information extracted from Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association website (https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/), Tripadvisor reviews and the respective official park or garden websites. Details accurate as of 8 Sept 2024. Please check the respective websites before making any decisions.
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular flower gardens, offering a diverse collection of florals throughout the year. With over a thousand cherry trees blooming in spring, the garden becomes a pink wonderland, making it one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing. The garden also features a French Formal Garden, English Landscape Garden, and a traditional Japanese Garden. During autumn, Shinjuku Gyoen transforms into a vivid palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers amidst a tranquil setting, right in the heart of Tokyo.
Best Times to Visit:
Late March to Mid April: Cherry blossoms
Mid-October to November for autumn colours (orange-red sycamore trees, yellow ginko trees, autumn roses in the French Formal Garden and chrysanthemums)
Operating Hours:
9AM to 5:30PM (15 March to 30 June, 21 Aug to 30 Sept)
9AM to 6:30PM (1 July to 20 August)
9AM to 4PM (10 Jan to March 14)
Closure:
Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday)
Dec 29 to January 3
*There are no closing days during the cherry blossom season (25 March to 24 Apr) and Chrysanthemum Exhibition (November 1-15)
Admission Fee:
500 JPY for adults, 250 JPY for children (~SGD$4.50 and $2.25 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 5 to 8 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station.
2. Rikugien Garden
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/rikugien/index.html
Rikugien Garden, located in the Bunkyo ward, is often regarded as Tokyo's most beautiful traditional Japanese garden. Created in the Edo period, the garden is famous for its weeping cherry blossom trees that bloom with delicate pink flowers in spring. The autumn season showcases fiery red and orange maple leaves, drawing crowds for its stunning reflections in the garden's central pond. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along its winding paths, adorned with fresh flowers and seasonal florals, or relax in one of its charming tea houses.
Best Times to Visit:
Late March to Late April: Cherry blossoms, (weeping cherry variety), azaleas
May to June: Hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas
Late October to November: autumn colours (maple trees)
Operating Hours:
Mon to Sun: 9AM to 4.30PM
Closure:
29 Dec to 1 Jan
Admission Fee:
300 JPY for adults (~SGD$2.70), free for children
Distance from Central Tokyo: 30 to 40 minutes by public transport
7 minutes walk from JR/Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Komagome Station
10 minutes walk from Toei Mita Line, Sengoku Station
3. Kyu-Furukawa Gardens
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/kyu-furukawa/index.html
Kyu-Furukawa Gardens is known for its elegant blend of Western-style architecture and a traditional Japanese garden. The rose garden, which blooms in full glory in May, is the park's highlight, featuring a variety of rose species with vibrant colors and rich fragrances. As autumn arrives, the garden’s Japanese maple trees offer a stunning display of red and orange hues. The juxtaposition of the old mansion, Western florals, and Japanese garden elements make it a unique and must-visit spot in Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit:
Mid March to Late April: Cherry blossoms
Mid April to May: Peonies
May: Roses
October to November: Spider lilies, autumn foliage, roses, camellias
Operating Hours:
9AM to 4:30PM
Closure:
29 Dec to 1 Jan
Admission Fee:
150 JPY for adults, 70 JPY for children and seniors over 65 (~$1.40 and $0.65 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 30 to 40 minutes by public transport
7 minutes walk from Nishigahara Station (Namboku Line)
13 minutes walk from Komagome Station (Yamanote Line)
7 minutes walk from Kami-Nakasato Station (Keihin-Tohoku Line)
*Bonus: Kyu-Furukawa Gardens and Rikugien Gardens are only a 20 minutes walk from each other.
4. Showa Kinen Park
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/
Showa Kinen Park is a sprawling 165-hectare park located in Tachikawa, featuring a vast array of flowers that bloom throughout the year. The cherry blossom season brings thousands of sakura trees to life, creating stunning floral tunnels. The park is also famous for its cosmos flowers, which bloom in October, covering the fields with vibrant pink and white hues. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or a picnic among the fresh flowers, making it a popular choice for families and couples. Bonus, parents bringing their kids along will be pleased to know that there's a huge play area for children!
Best Time to Visit:
Late March to early April: Cherry blossoms
Mid April: Tulips
Late April to Early May: Nemophilia
May: Shirley poppies
June: Hydrangeas
July to Aug: Sunflowers
Late Sept to Mid October: Cosmos flowers, autumn foliage
Operating Hours:
1 March to 31 Oct: 9:30AM to 5PM
1 Nov to 29 Feb: 9:30AM to 4:30PM
1 Apr to 30 Sept (Sat, Sun & holidays): 9:30AM to 6PM
Closure:
31 Dec to 1 Jan
3rd Monday to Friday of January
Admission Fee:
450 JPY for adults, 210 JPY for seniors over 65, free for children (~SGD$4.10 and $1.90 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 1hr to 1hr 20 minutes by public transport
10 minutes walk from north exit of Tachikawa Station (Chuo Line)
2 minutes walk park exit of Nishi-Tachikawa Station (Ome Line)
10 minutes walk from north exit of Higashi-Nakagami Station (Ome Line)
8 minutes walk from park exit of Tachikawa Kita Station
5. Jindai Botanical Gardens
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/jindai/
https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/content/000007552.pdf
Jindai Botanical Gardens, located in the Chofu area, is a paradise for flower enthusiasts. Known for its extensive collection of peonies, roses, and chrysanthemums, the garden offers a fresh floral experience in every season. The rose garden, with over 5,200 rose bushes, is especially stunning in late spring, while the chrysanthemum festival in autumn showcases Japan’s national flower in full bloom. With tranquil ponds, wooded areas, and seasonal flowers, it’s a perfect place for a peaceful retreat.
Best Time to Visit:
Late April to Mid May: Peonies, roses, weeping cherry, rhododendrons
Late May to Mid June: Azaleas
July to September: Crepe myrtle, dahlias
October: Chrysanthemums, maple trees, roses, camellias
Operating Hours:
9:30AM to 4PM (Closed Mondays)
Closure:
Every Monday (if Monday is a holiday, it will remain open but Tuesday will be closed)
31 Dec to 1 Jan
Admission Fee: 500 JPY for adults, 200 JPY for children. (~SGD$4.60 and $1.85 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 1 hr 10 minutes by public transport
Take the Odakyu bus from Chofu Station (Keio Line) going towards Kichijoji and Mitaka. Alight at Jindai Shokubutsu Koen mae (Jindai Botanical Gardens)
Alternatively, take the Odakyu bus from Kichijoji or Mitaka Stations (JR Line) going towards Chofu Station. Alight at the same bus stop Jindai Shokubutsu Koen mae.
2 to 3 minutes walk from the bus stop
6.Hitachi Seaside Park
https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/
Hitachi Seaside Park, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is famous for its vast fields of nemophila (baby blue eyes) in spring and kochia (summer cypress) in autumn. The park’s flower fields stretch across the landscape, offering panoramic views of fresh flowers in brilliant shades of blue, red, and pink. The best time to visit is in late April to May when the nemophila blooms, or in autumn for the vibrant red kochia bushes. It’s a breathtaking destination that’s worth the journey from Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit:
Late March to Mid Apr: Narcissus, cherry blossoms
Mid April to May: Nemophila, tulips, poppies
Mid May to June: Roses, linaria
Late September to October: Red kochia, roses
Operating Hours:
1 March to 20 July: 9:30AM to 5PM
21 July to 31 Aug: 9.30AM to 6PM
1 Sept to 31 Oct: 9:30AM to 5PM
1 Nov to 29 Feb: 9:30AM to 4:30PM
Closure:
31 Dec to 1 Jan
Every Tuesday except for the following periods: 26 March to 31 May, 21 July to 31 Aug, 1 to 31 October, 25 to 30 December, 2 to 7 January
If Tuesday is a holiday it will remain open but will be closed on Wednesday.
Admission Fee:
450 to 800 JPY for adults, 210 to 560 JPY for seniors over 65, free for children (~SGD$4.10 to $7.30 and ~SGD$1.90 to $5.10 respectively)
Higher seasonal prices apply in April, May and October. Actual dates will vary from year to year depending on flower blooming conditions.
Distance from Central Tokyo: 2 hr 30 minutes to 3 hrs by public transport
15 to 20 minutes bus ride from Katsuta Station east exit (Joban Line)
Alternatively, 30 minutes bus ride from Tokai East Exit
*Seasonal bus services may be available during spring and autumn weekends from Ajigaura Station
7. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/koishikawa/
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful gardens, offering a serene escape with its seasonal florals. The garden features picturesque ponds, traditional wooden bridges, and a variety of flowering plants that bloom throughout the year. Visitors can admire the plum blossoms starting late February or the stunning autumn foliage in November. While not a big garden, it has a tranquil atmosphere that's perfect for a peaceful walk.
Best Time to Visit:
March to April: Cherry blossoms
May to June: Iris, roses
Late July to August: Lotus
Late November to Early December: Autumn colours
Operating Hours:
9AM to 4:30PM
Closure:
29 Dec to 1 Jan
Admission Fee: 300 JPY for adults, 150 JPY for seniors over 65, free for children (~SGD$2.70 and $1.40 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 30 minutes by public transport
3 minutes walk from Iidabashi Station (Toei O-edo Line)
8 minutes walk from Iidabashi Station (JR Sobu, Tozai, Yuraku-cho, Namboku Line)
8. Kawaguchi Green Center
Kawaguchi Green Center, located in Saitama Prefecture, offers a delightful experience with its vibrant flower displays. The park is known for its cherry blossom trees in spring and hydrangeas in June. Visitors can stroll through its manicured lawns and gardens, relax by its ponds, or enjoy a picnic under the blooming trees. The center also features a greenhouse with a variety of exotic plants, adding to its floral charm. Families will also surely enjoy this visit as there are quite a few play areas and rides for children available.
Best Time to Visit:
Late March to early April: Cherry blossoms
June: Lilies, hydrangeas
June to July: Rhododendrons
July to October: Zinnias, crepe myrtle
Operating Hours:
9AM to 4PM
Closure:
Every Tuesday (if Tuesday is a holiday, it will remain open but will close on Wednesday)
25 Dec to 4 Jan
Admission Fee:
310 JPY for adults, 100 JPY for children (~SGD$2.85 and $0.95 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by public transport
15 minutes walk from Araijuku Station
9. Ashikaga Flower Park
https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/english/
Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture is renowned for its stunning wisteria tunnels that bloom in late April to early May, creating a mesmerizing canopy of lavender, pink, and white flowers. The park is also beautiful in autumn, with vibrant foliage and a dazzling winter illumination display. It’s a must-visit for flower lovers seeking a unique and enchanting floral experience.
Best Time to Visit:
January to February: Hellebores, clematis
Earl March to Mid April: Tulips, crocus
Mid April to Mid May: Wisteria, peonies, azaleas
June to July: Iris, hydrangeas
July to Septemeber: Lantana, tropical water lilies
October to November: Pansies, purple sage
Operating Hours:
10AM to 4:30PM
*Hours may change during event periods
Closure:
Third Wednesday and Thursday of February.
31 December
Admission Fee:
500 to 1,400 JPY for adults, 300 to 1,100 JPY for children (~SGD$4.60 to $12.80 and $2.75 to $10 respectively)
Higher seasonal prices will be applied depending on flower blooming conditions. Prices updated daily on their website.
Distance from Central Tokyo: 2 hours 20 minutes by public transport
3 minutes walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station
10. Hamarikyu Gardens
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/
Hamarikyu Gardens, located near Tokyo Bay, offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese garden design with a backdrop of the city's modern skyline. The garden is known for its beautiful plum blossoms in late winter and the colorful foliage in autumn. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the flower-lined paths, or take a boat ride on the garden's central pond. It's an ideal spot for those looking to experience a blend of Tokyo’s urban and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit:
Late February: Plum blossoms, daffodil, camellias
July to August: Crepe myrtle, lilies
Late October to November: autumn leaves (maple and gingko trees), osmanthus
Operating Hours:
9AM to 4:30PM
Closure:
29 December to 1 January
Admission Fee:
300 JPY for adults, 150 JPY for seniors over 65, free for children (~SGD$2.75 and $1.40 respectively)
Distance from Central Tokyo: 45 minutes by public transport
5 to 10 minutes walk Shiodome Station
15 minutes walk from Shimbashi Station
11. Tonogayato Garden
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/tonogayato/
Tonogayato Garden, located in Kokubunji, offers a peaceful setting with its lush greenery and seasonal flowers. The garden is most famous for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its vibrant autumn foliage. With its tranquil ponds, traditional tea houses, and beautifully landscaped paths, it's a hidden gem perfect for a quiet retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
Best Time to Visit:
Late March to early April: Wisteria, cherry blossoms
June: Hydrangeas
July to August: Bellflowers, hibiscus, primrose
Late October to November: autumn leaves (maple and gingko trees)
Operating Hours:
9AM to 4:30 PM
Admission Fee:
150 JPY for adults, 70 JPY for seniors over 65, free for children. (~SGD$1.40 and $0.65 respectively)
Closure:
29 December to 1 January
Distance from Central Tokyo: 45 minutes by public transport
2 minutes walk from Kokubunji Station.
Conclusion
Exploring these flower gardens and parks in and around Tokyo provides an opportunity to experience Japan’s natural beauty at its finest. Whether you’re looking to enjoy cherry blossoms, vibrant roses, or the serene beauty of autumn foliage, each of these destinations offers a unique floral display. Plan your visit to witness the best of Tokyo's fresh flowers and seasonal florals in bloom.
