Area Guide

[Tokyo] Kitanomaru National Garden (北の丸公園): Tokyo’s Tranquil Nature Retreat

A Tranquil Oasis Known for Natural Beauty and Rich History

Kitanomaru National Garden, nestled just steps away from the bustling city, offers a tranquil escape into a 200,000 square meter oasis – a natural wonderland and the perfect retreat from the crowds.

Experience the evergreen forest that has withstood the test of time and an array of trees such as zelkova, konara oak, and sawtooth oak. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of fruit-bearing trees that attract a diverse range of feathered friends. But it’s the spring that truly comes alive when over 200 cherry trees, including the famous Yamazakura, Someiyoshino, and Oshimazakura varieties, burst into a riot of color.

As the seasons change, Momijiyama Hill, the park’s highlight, transforms into a stunning sea of red and yellow as maple trees such as Irohamomiji, Oomomiji, and Yamamomiji burst into fiery hues.

However, Kitanomaru National Garden is not only a natural wonderland but also a repository of history. The park has a rich historical background dating back to the Tokugawa shogunate era when it was a part of the illustrious Edo Castle grounds. Visitors can explore the preserved gates and sections of the moat, take a stroll around the serene pond, or immerse themselves in cultural sites such as the Nippon Budokan and National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.

For those interested in Japanese customs, the park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, attracting both locals and tourists. And during the autumn, the Momiji-yama, the garden of maple trees, is a fiery red spectacle not to be missed.

Easily accessible from Kudanshita Station on the Tozai, Hanzomon, and Shinjuku lines, the Tayasumon Gate is the most convenient entrance to the park. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, Kitanomaru National Garden is the perfect oasis for relaxation and unwinding from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

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