Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

After leaving the see through toilet near Yoyogi Park, I walked to Shinjuku Gyoen, which is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks. The one day entrance fee for adults is 500 yen, but I saw a sign that there is also an annual pass available.  If I lived nearby, I would get the annual pass and come here often. 

Shinjuku Gyoen began during the Edo Period (1603 - 1868) as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence. Later it was converted into a botanical garden.  In 1903, it was transfered to the Imperial Family who used it for recreation and for entertaining guests. The park was nearly completely destroyed during World War II, but later rebuilt and reopened in 1949 as a public park. 

There are three types of gardens here: traditional Japanese landscape garden, formal French garden, and an English landscape garden. The remainder of the park consists of forested areas, lawns and several buildings, including a restaurant, an information center, an art gallery and a greenhouse. 

The signage included English translations.

  

I really like this pavillion. In 1924, it was a gift from Taiwan to commemorate the wedding of Crown Prince Hirohito, who later became the Showa Emperor.

How cool is this window?

The day I visited was gorgeous - perfect for reflection pictures.

I had a great day in Tokyo!