Tokyo is known as the largest metropolitan area of Japan. Formed in 1943, it’s a merger of the former Tokyo Prefecture and the city of Tokyo. This megalopolis might be a jungle of concrete, bright lights and other man-made structures, but there are actually a few surprisingly ‘green’ spots where you can escape to.
These places in Tokyo are where you can commune with nature. Women in traditional Japanese kimonos carrying clear plastic umbrellas are a common sight here, as well as Elvis impersonators dancing to the tune of their boomboxes. Some have free admission while others charge a minimal fee for you to enjoy the lush greenery of the parks.
Take a look at the top five lushest green escapes in the megacity that it Tokyo, Japan:
Park Admission Fee: Free
For those who would like to enjoy nature while having a glimpse of Japan’s history at the same time, check out the Imperial Palace East Gardens in Tokyo. It’s far removed from the commercial district of Tokyo and you’ll definitely feel like you have a temporary escape from the busyness of the citylife when you’re strolling around the park. The gardens have a smattering of the old Edo castle and serves as a memorial of the shoguns and samurais which ruled the country for more than two and a half centuries.
Park Admission Fee: ¥300
Those who are looking for a Zen-like break from all the chaos of Tokyo culture immersion would find exaclty what they’re looking for in the Rikugien Garden. It has neatly-manicured Japanese gardens which are interspersed with the six elements of the ancient waka poetry.
Rinshi No Mori Park – Musashi Koyama Station
Park Admission Fee: Free
Take a break from the strerile air of air conditioned offices in Tokyo as you hit the Rinshi No Mori Park. It’s a favorite summer destination of the locals which cool them off during the entire month of August.
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Park Admission Fee: ¥200
Think of Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen as Japan’s answer to New York’s Central Park. It’s one of the most photographed parks in this part of the world. Take a break from being amidst one of the buildings in Tokyo’s economical command centers by breathing some of the fresh air in this park. To get there, simply take the train and get off the Shinjuku Station, the Shinjuku Garden is a mere 10-minute walk from there. The garden is popular for having more than 1,500 cherry trees which are a sight to behold during their blossoming season – and the park is open seven days a week.
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Park Admission Fee: Free
If you’re bound to feel like you’re in the set of “Memoirs of a Geisha” when you visit the Shinjuku Garden parks, the scene in Yoyogi Park is quite the opposite. During weekends, you are bound to see a parade of young locals clad in trendy outfits, while the older men are giving their best Elvis impersonations. It’s quite an immersive experience of what life in Tokyo is like – but the hustle of the corporate world is left. Instead, you’re free to enjoy the lush surroundings, have a good laugh over the antiquated outfits and antics – while having a dose of old school music all at the same time.
These places in Tokyo are where you can commune with nature. Women in traditional Japanese kimonos carrying clear plastic umbrellas are a common sight here, as well as Elvis impersonators dancing to the tune of their boomboxes. Some have free admission while others charge a minimal fee for you to enjoy the lush greenery of the parks.
Where to Go in Tokyo to Get Your “Green” Fix
Take a look at the top five lushest green escapes in the megacity that it Tokyo, Japan:
- Imperial Palace East Gardens – Tokyo Station
Park Admission Fee: Free
For those who would like to enjoy nature while having a glimpse of Japan’s history at the same time, check out the Imperial Palace East Gardens in Tokyo. It’s far removed from the commercial district of Tokyo and you’ll definitely feel like you have a temporary escape from the busyness of the citylife when you’re strolling around the park. The gardens have a smattering of the old Edo castle and serves as a memorial of the shoguns and samurais which ruled the country for more than two and a half centuries.
- Rikugien Garden – Komagome Station
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| Rikugien Garden – Komagome Station |
Those who are looking for a Zen-like break from all the chaos of Tokyo culture immersion would find exaclty what they’re looking for in the Rikugien Garden. It has neatly-manicured Japanese gardens which are interspersed with the six elements of the ancient waka poetry.
Rinshi No Mori Park – Musashi Koyama Station
Park Admission Fee: Free
Take a break from the strerile air of air conditioned offices in Tokyo as you hit the Rinshi No Mori Park. It’s a favorite summer destination of the locals which cool them off during the entire month of August.
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- Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku Station
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| Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku Station |
Think of Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen as Japan’s answer to New York’s Central Park. It’s one of the most photographed parks in this part of the world. Take a break from being amidst one of the buildings in Tokyo’s economical command centers by breathing some of the fresh air in this park. To get there, simply take the train and get off the Shinjuku Station, the Shinjuku Garden is a mere 10-minute walk from there. The garden is popular for having more than 1,500 cherry trees which are a sight to behold during their blossoming season – and the park is open seven days a week.
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- Yoyogi Park – Harajuku Station
| Yoyogi Park – Harajuku Station |
If you’re bound to feel like you’re in the set of “Memoirs of a Geisha” when you visit the Shinjuku Garden parks, the scene in Yoyogi Park is quite the opposite. During weekends, you are bound to see a parade of young locals clad in trendy outfits, while the older men are giving their best Elvis impersonations. It’s quite an immersive experience of what life in Tokyo is like – but the hustle of the corporate world is left. Instead, you’re free to enjoy the lush surroundings, have a good laugh over the antiquated outfits and antics – while having a dose of old school music all at the same time.
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