Hello from GOK, editor of Daily Shinjuku!
Shinjuku isn’t just a bustling shopping district—it’s also home to some of Tokyo’s most beautiful green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku Central Park, and Toyama Park. For this “Up Date” feature, let’s focus on how to have a peaceful picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen.
1. Why Shinjuku Gyoen is Perfect for a Picnic
A favorite among international visitors, once voted most wanted park to visit in Tokyo ウィキペディア+6Daily Shinjuku+6Daily Shinjuku+6.
Admission is ¥500 for adults (annual pass available at ¥2,000) — worth it for its clean facilities and calming atmosphere .
2. Four Ways to Enjoy the Day
① Picnic on the Lawn
Bring home-made onigiri or buy take-out from local shops. No alcohol, but non‑alcohol drinks allowed.
Kitchen Eight (near Gyoenmae Station): great value food, highly popular even among locals.
& sandwich.: gourmet sandwiches right between the park gates—perfect for enjoying on-site.
② Outdoor Lunch Options
Take-out around the park gates:
Chatty Chatty, Komeda Coffee, Mos Burger, Freshness Burger, Mr. Tokyo BURGER’S cafe
Also Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura and VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS at Shinjuku Station South Exit.
③ Sweet Break
If you forget a picnic sheet, enjoy a snack break in park cafés such as:
SASAYAIORI+, selling coffee, soft-serve, wagashi, and a good rain shelter.
ALL SEASONS COFFEE (Shinjuku 2-chome): take-out pudding, cheesecakes, cookies.
EIGHT COFFEE: try the espresso soft-serve in summer.
④ Starbucks Nestled in the Park
Starbucks inside Shinjuku Gyoen is a scenic spot for coffee—and yes, it gets busy during weekends, but the views are worth it.
✅ Final Notes
Shinjuku Gyoen is a green haven in the city’s center, perfect for picnics, coffee breaks, or just a moment of calm. With its surrounding convenience stores and cafés, you can easily spend a full, relaxed day here. Give it a try next time you’re in Shinjuku!
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