What are your favorite parks and gardens in Tokyo?
Don’t just drop a name, tell us what’s special about the place and why you love it.
Bonus point if you share the google maps link.
*This is part of a series of weekly threads with recommendations in and around Tokyo. Find the archives* [*in the wiki*](https://www.reddit.com/r/Tokyo/wiki/recommendations) *or* [*through the search*](https://www.reddit.com/r/Tokyo/search?q=tokyo+recommendation+thread&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all)*.*
by AutoModerator
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[Mizumoto Park](https://goo.gl/maps/AUa1fTWSVJ9K9z1AA) in Katsushika-ku is one of my favorite. Massive park, never feels crowded, big lake, sequoia trees, kingfishers, etc. Only downside is it’s not the easiest park to get to as it’s far from any train station. I like to take the train to Shibamata, enjoy the old-world Tora-san charm, then walk along the Edo river to Mizumoto Koen.
[shiroiri park](https://goo.gl/maps/DBn8BQDiYsZRn2gD8) in minami-senju, pretty big, have place for kids to have fun, big place for hanami, BBQ place close to a super market, view on the river and sky tree tower, have some sakura.
todoroki valley. valley, water and momiji. pretty populated with tourists
I like Komazawa Olympic park. It has some flat, green spaces to throw a blanket on and picnic, several sports facilities and a cafe. It’s nice for people watching or catching a game. A lot of people working out, walking their pets or just hanging out.
Kinuta park is also lovely, and it’s gorgeous for hanami (although you can feel the crowds then).
Both are in Setagaya.
[Jindaiji Botanical Garden and Temple](https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/jindai/#googtrans(en))
As someone who likes Trees & Plants I can highly recommend Jindaiji.
The Garden and Temple is great for a Town Holiday.
The Restaurants have the old charme of the Showa Time.
Busy on Sundays but relaxed on the other Days.
My favorite’s Yoyogi park, for its laid back atmosphere and colorful crowds… but that’s hardly a secret.
Some little gems in the center of Tokyo:
* [**Nezu Museum’s Garden**](https://goo.gl/maps/MrPVjSojx5BwcCyj8), near Omotesando: A magical little forested garden hidden behind the museum. Lots of trees, with moss growing in the shade, and ancient statues poking out of the vegetation here and there.
* [**Institute for Nature Study**](https://goo.gl/maps/a48mpSt3Draq34q67), near Meguro: a patch of wild forest in the middle of Tokyo. It’s kept as a natural reserve, with just a few paths your can walk along. There are some marshes in the middle, a few ponds, and is usually uncrowded. Great to get your fix of wilderness without doing 2 hours of train to the mountains.
* [**Meiji Jingu Inner Garden**](https://goo.gl/maps/2YfcuFKTZTuW8KTFA) in Harajuku: you’re probably all been to the Meiji shrine in Harajuku, but might not have noticed the little gate on the left of the path going there. For Â¥500 you can enter the inner garden and it’s actually really nice and quiet, a good break from the crowds in Harajuku. There’s a beautiful big pond, an old teahouse, and some other stuff. Good place to chill.
Rikugien and the Nezu museum garden
I am a fan of Shinjuku Gyoen. I like the manicured lawns. I absolutely detest Yoyogi park. I feel it’s so dirty to sit down. It’s fine if you just want to walk or take your dog of course