Over 250 years this large 58 hectare parkland in downtown Tokyo has seen many changes.

Built by a local Daimyo (Lord Naito) in 1772 for his family's private use, this space then became an experimental agriculture centre, then a Botanic Garden and an Imperial Garden in the late 19th century. 

Then, largely destroyed by wartime bombing, it was re-built in the post-war period and opened to the public in 1949. Its the prime metropolitan open space - some refer to it as Tokyo's 'Central Park' or 'Hyde Park'.

This is a very satisfying garden to visit as it holds so much of interest while presenting it in a relaxing, parkland environment to wander at will.

There are three distinct garden areas - #1. Japanese #2. French #3. English along with an impressive botanical glasshouse near the Okido Gate entrance. 

You'll also find various ponds and bridges, a Mother and Child Forest (Haha to Ko no Mori), a Taiwanese Pavilion and a typical Japanese Tea House overlooking a small lake.

And for the botanically inclined there are over 20,000 trees, of which 1,500 are Cherries that bloom early, mid and late season to provide Tokyo residents with maximum opportunity to worship the pink and white crepe paper-like blooms and large collection of 'mound' trimmed Azalea. And they flock here for 'Hanami' with an urgent reverence that is an endearing national trait.

Although a relatively young garden by global standards, Shinjuku Gyoen has plenty of mature tree specimens, especially Himalayan Cedar, Cypress, Redwoods, Elms, Zelkova and Plane trees. The glasshouse holds over 1,700 specimens of exotic, tropical and subtropical plants, while the French Garden features a good collection of Roses and Sycamores.

If you find yourself in Tokyo in mid November then don't miss the extraordinary Chrysanthemum Exhibition that takes over large areas of the gardens with multiple temporary display tents. 

This is an absolute must for any visitor as the skills on display of plant growing and presentation are quite breath-taking.

Otherwise, any time of year Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens provide a welcome respite from the bustling nature of Japan's capital city.

Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.