Succulents at The Greenhouse of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 新宿御苑 (Tokyo, Japan)

Posted by Grace on June 11, 2023

Quick Facts

Location: Part of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑), 〒160-0014 東京都新宿区内藤町１１ (Map)
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: 500 yen for adults, free for kids to enter the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. No additional cost for Greenhouse.
Kid Friendly: Yes
Dog Allowed: Not sure
Accessibility: Not sure

History of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

During the Edo period, the land where Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden now stands was owned by Lord Naitō, who built a garden there in 1772. After the Meiji Restoration, the property was used as an experimental agricultural center, then later became a botanical garden before being designated as an imperial garden in 1879. The garden was mostly destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt after the war.

In 1947, jurisdiction over the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and Kyoto Imperial Garden was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

In 1949, Shinjuku Gyoen became a national park open to the public.

In 1989, the funeral rites of Emperor Shōwa were held at Shinjuku Gyoen before he was buried at the Musashi Imperial Graveyard.

In 2001, it became the responsibility of the Ministry of the Environment and was officially named "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden" in English, while retaining its original Japanese name.

Succulent Varieties in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Succulents in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Lithops

I only saw one pair of Lithops here, but they are gorgerous!

Lithops in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Conophytum

I was suprised to see more Conophytum than Lithops here.

Conophytum in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Haworthia

Haworthia Vittata in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Haworthia comptoniana in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Cactus

Cactus in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

My Experience

In June 2023, as part of my trip to Tokyo, I visited Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Initially, I had planned to visit some private succulent collectors in Japan, but they were all in suburban areas and difficult for me to reach by train. Instead, my husband took me to this garden, where the greenhouse was a pleasant surprise.

Although the garden is not very large, it has a great collection of well-maintained succulents. I instantly fell in love with the garden and found it difficult to leave after seeing all the lovely plants.

Tea House

If you are new to Japanese culture, a great way to experience it is by enjoying some green tea and snacks at the Shouten-Tei (翔天亭) inside Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The teahouse has a traditional Japanese style with tatami mats, and it's a great place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of the garden.

Shouten-Tei (翔天亭) inside Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden