Best Parks in Tokyo and Top Japanese Gardens

Exploring the best parks in Tokyo is one of the most overlooked activities in the city. Japan has been perfecting the art of public gardens for centuries, drawing on Buddhism and Daoism as an inspiration for creating these pockets of peace to escape the bustling city. When I tell you Japanese parks are different, I mean it. They’re internationally renowned for beauty, peace, and design.

Today, the parks in Tokyo are not just made for meditation and relaxation either: many are filled with life, culture, and activities. Visiting a park is one of the best ways to experience a slice of Tokyo-ite life and see how locals spend their weekends. You can eat, dance, and explore throughout these gardens and discover a whole new side of Japan.

This list of the 7 best parks in Tokyo contains options across the city. You can find amazing parks just moments from the busy hubs of Shinjuku and Shibuya, or hidden in the lesser-known residential areas.

Keep reading to discover:

Shinjuku Gyoen Garden view from starbucks

Shinjuku Gyoen: Most Beautiful

Shinjuku Gyoen is my happy place. From the traditional Japanese garden to the magical greenhouse and the iconic Starbucks – this park is one of my favourites in the world. To me, Shinjuku Gyoen represents the best things about Japan. It is a bubble of beauty and peace, found just minutes from one of the busiest train stations in the world.

A visit to Shinjuku Gyoen wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the world-famous Starbucks, or even better, the traditional tea shop. You can get a bowl of matcha with Japanese sweets to enjoy while overlooking the most perfectly manicured trees, streams, and bridges.

Entrance: 500 yen

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014

Photo of Yoyogi Park, best park in tokyo

Yoyogi Park: Most Fun

Yoyogi is infamous in Tokyo as the one place with no rules. The rest of Japan is a culture led by order and politeness where you try to disturb as few people as possible. In Yoyogi, however, these expectations don’t apply. You can run around, dance, play music, or people-watch the amazing sights at Yoyogi.

Yoyogi also hosts festivals and street food markets almost every weekend. I’ve attended a camping expo, Pride, and seafood festival all for free with each event offering entertainment and plenty of handmade souvenirs to buy. You also cannot miss the Tokyo Rockers – a group of rockabilly dancers with leather jackets and quiffed hair who gather most Sunday mornings in Yoyogi to dance.

Entrance: Free

Hours: 24 hours

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052

Ueno Park: Most To Do

There are so many ways to spend an afternoon at Ueno Park. I like to start with a walk around the lake. Depending on the season it’s either surrounded by cherry blossoms in Spring, covered in lily pads through summer, red with momiji leaves in the autumn, or covered with a layer of perfect white snow in winter. Whatever the season, you can rent a paddle boat to explore the lake and visit Shinobazunoike Benten-do, a Buddhist temple on an island in the middle of the water.

Aside from the lake, Ueno Park is also home to a zoo and multiple museums. There are often events happening in the main square and during the warmer months, picnickers fill the open green space. The surrounding area is also amazing for street food and izakaya hopping.

Entrance: Free

Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007

Photo of miyashita park at night, best park in tokyo — Photo by ayumi kubo on Unsplash

Miyashita Park: Coolest Park

You haven’t completed Shibuya until you’ve made a trip to Miyashita Park. Created on the roof of a department store in the heart of Shibuya, Miyashita Park is home to a skate park and volleyball court. Its rooftop location gives amazing views across the city, not to mention the fabulous Miyashita Cafe which is perfect for remote work.

Miyashita Park is a feat of architecture in itself and makes for a perfectly relaxed and fun afternoon or evening hang out. The famous Miyashita Street – a street full of izakayas specialising in cuisine from all across Japan – sits at the bottom of the park’s entrance for delicious and convenient dinner options.

Tamagawadai Park: Best Views

Tamagawadai Park is a little outside of central Tokyo but still really worth a visit. It’s located close to Den-En-Chofu, an area known for European influence and bakeries that’s just 15 minutes from Shibuya.

Tamagawadai Park runs along the Tama River with beautiful views of Tokyo across the water. It’s a magical spot to see hydrangeas in early summer, but stunning year-round with many different areas to stroll through and explore. It’s perfect for families, or a solo afternoon spent exploring a quieter side of Tokyo.

Entrance: Free

Hours: 24 hours

Address: 1 Chome-63-1 Denenchofu, Ota City, Tokyo 145-0071

Rishi No Mori Park: Best for Exploring

Rishi No Mori is a sweet little park straight out of a slice-of-life anime. Mori means forest, representing the winding tree-lined paths that make up this space. Walking through Rishi No Mori Park is so pretty and completely ideal for getting lost or woodland reading.

It’s also great for kids with a large playground and area for sports. You’ll see plenty of young families throughout the park as well as runners enjoying the off-road path. My favourite place in Rishi No Mori is the pavilion overlooking a small pond filled with fish and turtles.

Entrance: Free

Hours: 24 hours

Address: 2 Chome-6-11 Koyamadai, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 153-0061

Hamarikyū Gardens: Most Serene

Hamarikyu Gardens is an edo-style park found a little South of Tsukiji Market. Its design is intentional and delicate, with bridges over streams and pristine landscaping. Walking into Hamarikyu Gardens is like entering a portal of peace where hours can be lost simply sitting in the tranquil space.

There’s a tea house within the gardens to bring your serenity to the next level – there’s truly nothing like enjoying a beautifully made tea against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay. This is an especially romantic area of Tokyo that would make the perfect location for a date, or lovely to enjoy quietly alone.

Entrance: 300 yen

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046

Visiting Tokyo

I’ve lived in Tokyo for the past two years and can promise you it’s just as great as everyone says. Whether you’re living in Tokyo as a digital nomad or on your first trip to the city, visiting a park is always a great way to spend a day.

Planning Your Tokyo Trip?

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Best Tokyo neighbourhoods for remote workers in Japan who want to take advantage of the Japanese Digital Nomad Visa.

As a remote worker, I also love taking the chance to work from parks whenever possible – particularly in the warmer months. Japan is so safe that I have no problem setting up on a park bench with my laptop and iPad and working for hours.

Many of these parks also contain amazing work-friendly coffee shops to bring the experience to the next level. Of course, there are so many more parks not included on this list or that I haven’t discovered yet myself! Is there anywhere I’ve missed? Leave a comment down below.