The Spot
Featuring more than a dozens of varieties of sakura trees, Shinjuku Gyoen will welcome you with around 1,500 cherry trees and a chance to challenge your photography composition skills with its sheer contrast between nature and the modernity of its surrounding buildings. If you are lucky enough and an early bird, you can for example shoot the famous Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower surrounded by sakura trees.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a wonderful place for hanami but beware, it is forbidden to bring any kind of alcohol into the park. Many first-timers are surprised, and have to get rid of their beers and wine bottles before entering the venue. And do not try to sneak alcohol in the park as the security guards patrolling the park will spot you.
Pro Photo Tip
Depending on the time of day you will wander into the park and have dozens of scenes to frame: from pure park views made of sakura trees and ponds, to hanami shots featuring people enjoying their picnics under the blossoms, not forgetting the contrasts offered by Shinjuku’s skyscrapers just behind the trees. All this will require a lot of adaptability. A good multi-purpose lens such as a 24-70mm can be of great help in this kind of environment. Try waiting until the last moments before the park closes to enjoy a much better light, or try to be there for the opening.
Access Info
Station : Sendagaya / Shinjukugyoen mae stations (JR Line)
Entrance Fees : A 200 Yen / C 50 Yen
Opening hours : 09:00 – 16:00
except every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, then it is closed the following day. Closed the day (weekday) after in case of consecutive holidays.)
Download your FREE copy via one of the following links :Tokyo No Sakura eBook
