Shinjuku Gyoen Accessibility Guide

Overview

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful gardens, covering 58.3 hectares in the heart of the city. The garden combines three distinct styles: a Japanese traditional landscape garden, an English landscape garden, and a French formal garden. Originally an imperial garden, it became a public park in 1949. The main paths are wide and paved, making most of the garden accessible. Wheelchair rental is available at all entrances. The garden is a premier cherry blossom viewing spot, with over 1,000 cherry trees representing about 65 varieties.

Getting There

• Metro: Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station (Marunouchi Line, Exit 1) is a 5-minute roll to the Shinjuku Gate. The station has elevator access to street level.
• JR: Shinjuku Station (South Exit or New South Exit) is about a 10-minute roll to the Shinjuku Gate on flat, paved sidewalks.
• Metro: Sendagaya Station (JR Sobu Line) is closest to the Sendagaya Gate on the north side.
• Approach: The sidewalk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station to the Shinjuku Gate is flat and paved with dropped curbs.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• Main paths through the English Landscape Garden and French Formal Garden sections are wide, paved, and flat, making them fully accessible for wheelchair users.
• The Japanese Traditional Garden section is mostly unpaved, with gravel and packed earth paths. The larger bridges in this section have a step at the bottom, making them inaccessible. This is the area most tourists want to see, but it presents the most challenges for wheelchair users.
• The wide lawn areas in the English Garden section are flat and firm enough for wheelchair travel in dry conditions.
• Free wheelchair loan is available at all three entrance gates (Shinjuku Gate, Okido Gate, and Sendagaya Gate) and at the Service Center. First-come, first-served; non-motorized wheelchairs.
• Many benches are placed throughout the garden for rest stops. Most are along paved paths.
• The Greenhouse (tropical plant house) is accessible with step-free entry and climate-controlled interiors.

Accessible Toilets

Multiple accessible toilets are located throughout the garden. The barrier-free guide map marks each location. Accessible toilets are available near each entrance gate and near the central rest house. All have grab bars, emergency call buttons, and sufficient space.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Visitors with a disability certificate (Japanese or foreign) and one companion enter free. Show your certificate at the gate.
• During cherry blossom season (late March to early April), advance booking may be required on specific dates (especially weekends). Check the official website before visiting.
• The English Landscape Garden section offers the best wheelchair experience: wide paved paths, flat terrain, large lawns, and good views of the cherry trees and surrounding skyscrapers.
• No alcohol is allowed in the garden. Food and drinks are permitted; there is a cafe near the Shinjuku Gate entrance.
• The garden closes 30 minutes after last entry, so plan your visit to allow enough time for the full loop (about 2 to 3 kilometers on the main paths).
• Autumn foliage (November to December) is spectacular in the Japanese Garden section, which can be partially viewed from the paved paths along its edges.