Autumn Morning in Shinjuku Ward Parks, Tokyo

🏞️ Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Shinjuku Ward Parks

Shinjuku boasts several parks with stunning autumn foliage. These parks are easily accessible from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and are perfect for an autumn stroll.

1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Features: A vast park blending Japanese, French formal, and English landscape gardens. The "Momijiyama" area is particularly popular during the autumn foliage season.
• Access: About a 15-minute walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
• Admission Fee: 500 yen for adults (as of August 2025).

2. Shinjuku Chuo Park
• Features: An urban park located in the heart of Shinjuku, where ginkgo and maple trees turn vibrant in autumn. The park also features open spaces and ponds for relaxation.
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or a 5-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
• Admission Fee: Free.

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☕ Take a Break at Starbucks

After exploring the parks, enjoy a warm drink at Starbucks. Here are some nearby locations:

0. Starbucks Shinjuku Chuo Park SHUKNOVA Store
• Features: Located just a few minutes from Shinjuku Chuo Park, this spacious store offers a relaxing atmosphere.
• Address: 160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2-11-5

1. Starbucks Shinjuku West Exit Store
• Features: A spacious store located about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit.
• Address: 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−12−1 Takakura Daiichi Building

2. Starbucks Shinjuku 3-Chome Store
• Features: Conveniently located about a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku 3-Chome Station.
• Address: 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−1−24 Keio Shinjuku 3-Chome Building

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🍜 Recommended Lunch Spots Near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

After enjoying the parks and Starbucks, treat yourself to lunch near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Here are some popular spots for tsukemen and seafood bowls:

1. Tsukemen Ramen Namiura
• Address: 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 4 Chome−1−9 Shinjuku Youth Building, 8th Floor
• Features: A specialty tsukemen shop known for its rich seafood and pork bone broth paired with thick noodles. Expect a queue during lunchtime.

2. Uo no Sanze Shinjuku West Exit O-Guard Store
• Address: 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−3−1 Shinjuku Sun Flower, B1
• Features: A highly-rated sushi restaurant offering fresh seafood bowls. Reservations may be required.
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

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🏢 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck Details

The observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers breathtaking views of Tokyo from a height of 202 meters. Here are the details:

Observation Deck Hours (as of September 2025)
• North Observation Deck: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• South Observation Deck: 9:30 AM–10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM)

*Closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month (or the following weekday if it falls on a holiday).

Access
• Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2-8-1
• Nearest Station: Tocho-mae Station (Toei Oedo Line), Exit A4, 1-minute walk
• Note: Access the observation deck via a dedicated elevator. Security checks, including baggage inspection, are required.

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🎹 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Memory Piano (Street Piano)

The South Observation Deck features the "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Memory Piano," which anyone can play freely. Here are the details:

Piano Features
• Design: Created by Yayoi Kusama, featuring a yellow base with black polka dots.
• Location: Inside the South Observation Deck
• Hours: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
• Closed: 1st and 4th Tuesdays (or the following day if it falls on a holiday), year-end holidays, and building inspection days.

Usage Guidelines
• No reservation required.
• Open to everyone, but please be considerate of other visitors.
• Safety: Ensure safety while playing and share the piano with others.

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📝 Summary

Start your autumn morning in Shinjuku with a stroll through parks adorned with beautiful foliage, enjoy a relaxing break at Starbucks, and experience the breathtaking views and musical moments at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Make the most of your autumn day in Shinjuku!

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