Romance in Makoto Shinkai’s Works ～ Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen ～ "Distant thunder, gloomy sky, hoping the storm will come to keep you here. Distant thunder, gloomy sky, even if the sky holds no rain, I will stay here."

Shinjuku Gyoen is known as Japan’s "National Park," covering about 58.3 hectares. It is an oasis in the heart of Tokyo, where many visitors picnic and relax on holidays. This place is famous in Tokyo for viewing autumn leaves 🍁 and cherry blossoms 🌸! Within the park, you can enjoy three uniquely styled gardens: the "Japanese Garden," the "Formal Garden," and the "Landscape Garden."

📕 History: It dates back to the Edo period when Tokugawa Ieyasu gifted the land to his retainer, the Naito family, as a residence. It was destroyed during World War II. Before the war, it was an imperial garden, and in 1949 it was renovated and officially opened to the public.

🎞️ Animation:
Fans of Makoto Shinkai will know the film "The Garden of Words," which tells the story of a man and woman meeting during the rainy season. The setting of the story is Shinjuku Gyoen! The word "Kotoba" means "words" in Japanese, and "Niwa" means "garden," the place where the story unfolds. In the garden, a simple rain brings two strangers together; a casual conversation makes them care for each other; a chance encounter leads them to reexamine themselves. "Listening quietly to the rainy season’s story" perfectly describes both Shinjuku Gyoen and this work. 👍

✨ Must-See Highlights:
～ Experience the Japanese-style Japanese Garden～
This is the most common "pond stroll" style garden in Japan 🇯🇵. It features a Chinese-style building called the "Old Imperial Rest House," built to commemorate the 1927 wedding of Emperor Showa 🎎, also known as the "Taiwan Pavilion."

～ Formal Garden adorned with flowers 💐 and autumn leaves 🍂～
The biggest feature of this garden type is its "symmetry"! In the center is a rose 🌹 flower bed. In autumn, this is an excellent spot for viewing colorful maple leaves!

～ Enjoy elegant moments in the Landscape Garden～
Inside this garden is the "Old Western-style Rest House," built in 1896 with American design elements. It served as a resting place for the emperor and imperial family and was once used for tennis and golf ⛳️. It is designated as a "National Important Cultural Property" in Japan.

～ Mother and Child Forest hidden in the city～
Developed in 1985, this is a small rural woodland where you can observe nature. The purpose of creating the Mother and Child Forest was to give city children opportunities to connect with nature and cultivate their rich sensitivity and interest in the natural world. Its significance is profound! 🎉

💐 Best Visiting Seasons:
～ Experience the spring atmosphere symbolizing Japan～
Shinjuku Gyoen is selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots." Besides weeping cherry blossoms 🌸, you can also see the park’s signature variety, the "Ichiyo Cherry." When spring arrives, white and various shades of pink cherry blossoms bloom in succession, adding poetic charm to every corner of the park!

～ Stunning colorful autumn leaves 🍁～
As the trees change color, the entire park becomes a vibrant painting. The striking contrast of fiery red, orange, and green is breathtaking. Rows of golden-colored plane trees are especially dazzling and popular photo spots. The best time to see autumn leaves is from mid-November to mid-December. 😻

📍 Address: 11 Naitocho, Shinjuku, Tokyo

🚴 Transportation:
Take the Marunouchi Line from "Tokyo" Station and get off at "Shinjuku Gyoenmae" Station. From Exit 1, it’s about a 5-minute walk.

🕰️ Opening Hours:
October 1 – March 14: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closing at 4:30 PM)
March 15 – September 30: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closing at 6:00 PM)
July 1 – August 20: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (closing at 7:00 PM)
🔔 Closed every Monday and from December 29 to January 3

🎟️ Admission Fees:
Adults: 500 yen
Seniors (65+) and students (high school and above): 250 yen
Junior high school and below: Free 🆓

💞 Recommended Because:
This place is perfect for travelers who love flower viewing, picnics, and nature. It’s a great spot for families and couples to relax.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary:
Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku Suehiro Garden – Toy Museum – Meiji Shrine

#Top100CherryBlossomViewingSpots
#NationalPark