The best parks in Tokyo

Tokyo’s answer to the New York Central Park, Yoyogi Park is a sprawling greenspace filled with forests and fountains, group exercisers and day drinkers. Just a few minutes away from Harajuku Station, the park is perfect for an afternoon picnic or jog in the city centre, and is so large it never feels crowded, although you might have trouble finding a bench on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Yoyogi Park is also home to monthly events showcasing Japanese and international food and culture – but that’s currently on hold due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. 

Inokashira Park stretches from the heart of Kichijoji towards Mitaka – you can even walk to the Ghibli Museum from the park entrance. Most popular for spring cherry blossoms and autumn momiji (maple leaves), the park also boasts a large lake, often filled with couples riding in swan-shaped boats. Be careful though: legend has it the goddess Benzaiten will curse boating couples with a breakup, so make sure to pay your respects and apologies at the park’s Benzaiten Shrine. Children will love the Inokashira Zoo next to the lake, which features small animals like guinea pigs and squirrels.

Established back in 1873, Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks. Ueno Park doesn’t offer much in terms of greenery or nature or grass lawns to lay your picnic mats, except for the spring cherry blossoms that draw hordes of hanami viewers onto the hard pavements. Instead, the park is filled with cultural attractions. You’ll find four museums on site: the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and National Museum for Western Art. Plus, there’s the Ueno Zoo, famous for its adorable pandas.

Right around the corner from ritzy Ginza is Hibiya Park, Japan’s first western-style park, built in 1903. There are plenty of benches to relax on while gazing at the fountains and flower gardens. Located near the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park has a deep feudal history: you’ll find Hibiya Mitsuke, which is a preserved part of the front gate of Edo Castle, and Shinji Pond, which is part of the old moat. The park is also home to a 400-500-year-old ginkgo tree which was saved from destruction by Dr Seiroku Honda, the park’s designer. 

Stretched along the banks of the Sumida River, Sumida Park is most famous for its summer fireworks display, when thousands of people line up to watch the show. The park is beautiful during the day as well – 1,000 cherry blossom trees and breezy river weather make it a perfect place for a picnic post-sightseeing in Asakusa. It also makes for a nice stroll from Tokyo Skytree to Sensoji Temple. Tip: get there during sunset and you’ll see a glorious golden sky over the river as Tokyo Skytree begins to sparkle. 

The East Garden of the Imperial Palace is open to the public and completely free. Formerly the site of Edo Castle, the East Garden surrounds the Emperor and Imperial Family’s living quarters. You'd want to stroll through the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese garden dating back to the Edo period, when it's exceptionally beautiful in autumn, as the momiji (maple leaves) turns from bright green to red.

North of the garden is Kitanomaru Park, where you can rent a rowboat (from March to December) and float along the Chidorigafuchi Moat, where cherry blossoms bloom in abundance come spring. Kitanomaru also has a large lawn for picnicking and is home to the Nippon Budokan, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo and the Science Museum. 

With a Ferris wheel, aquarium and bird sanctuary, Kasai Rinkai Park is filled with activities for the whole family. Near Tokyo Bay, the park aims to preserve the area’s natural habitat. Be sure to stop by the Crystal View Observatory, a large glass building where you can gaze out across the park and Tokyo Bay from higher ground. In between sightseeing, take a breather on the sprawling lawn, perhaps with a bento lunch, and take in the fresh air. Entrance to the park itself is free, but you’ll have to pay admission to the Tokyo Sealife Park and Ferris wheel.