e curated a list of natural getaways in Tokyo so you can get away from the hustle and buslte of the city and instead enjoy the natural attractions in Tokyo. You can easily take a nature day trip from Tokyo and visit these places nature spots in Tokyo we have curated below!
So, is there such a kind of natural escape in Tokyo?
As this is Japan's capital city, many think that it is harder to find a peaceful place in this bustling area.
Well, the truth is, there are several hidden natural spots in Tokyo, which will give a tranquil feeling.
Here, I am gonna introduce you to some of these places that include forests, mountains, hiking trails, lush valleys, and other natural places in Tokyo.
Let’s get into the main segment.
8 Best Natural Attractions & Forests in Tokyo
Being one of the best cities to roam around in Japan, Tokyo is equipped with many gardens, parks, shrines, mountain trails, and a sacred forest.
Whenever you come to this beautiful country, I will suggest you visit as many places as you can.
And, while staying in Tokyo, try to drop by the places that I am going to mention now.
Okay, here comes my first natural hideaway.
Hamarikyu Garden
Hamarikyu gardens was initially built as a residence for the feudal lords. The best time to visit this garden would be during the cherry blossom season and the autumn season. However it’s very beautiful at other times of the year as well. You can take a nice long walk around the garden while enjoying the beautiful scenery around you.
If you want a guided tour visit the Hamarikyu garden on Monday morning at 10:30 AM or on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM. These guided tours are in English and free of cost! However, you do have to pay an entrance fee of JPY300.
The garden is open from 9:AM to 5PM. However, they don’t allow entries post 4:30PM.
Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046, Japan
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuky Gyoen has both Japanese as well as European style gardens and is known as one of the biggest Tokyo parks. The Sjinjuku Gyoen was initially built for the Naito family for residential purposes back in the 16th century. Then it turned into an imperial garden.
The mix of different styles of gardens give this park a unique vibe and it’s definitely worth the visit. If you’re planning to visit Japan during the hanami season then it’s the perfect place to be since it has a lot of cherry blossom trees.
From October 1st – March 14, the park is open from 9AM to 4PM. From March 15 - June 30, the garden is open from 9AM to 5:30 PM. From July 1 - August 20, the park is open from 9AM to 6:30 PM. And from Aug 21 to September 30, the park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30PM. The park is closed on Mondays. The entrance fee to this park in JPY500.
Depending on where you’re coming from, the park has 3 access gates - Shinjuku gate, Okido gate, Sendagaya gate.
The Shinjuku station’s new south exit is the closest to the Shinjuku gate. The Shinjuku gate and the Okido gate is only a 5-minute walk from the Shinjukugyoenmae Station. The Sendagaya gate is a closer to the JR Sendagaya station and is only a 5 minute walk.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Meiji Jingu: A Spiritual Forest
Breath a sigh of relief!!
Yes, Meiji Jingu is a sacred forest surrounding a large Shinto shrine, where you should go to escape from the busy streets of Tokyo.
It is located beside the busy Harajuku Station and beyond the Yoyogi Park.
After entering this forest through the huge torii gate, you will find over 230 distinct varieties of trees.
Although this place seems natural, there is a twist!!
Well, it is actually a man-made forest, and the trees are planted by 110,000 volunteers in honor of Empress Shokan and Emperor Meiji.
The forest covers an area of 70 hectares, and the trees it consists of were donated from all over Japan.
Each tree was selected based on how it would look after 100 years. Still, they ensured that the forest looked natural when it was made in 1920.
Since this forest is considered a holy place, there have been no human interferences as long as it was created.
Nothing is taken away or added here, and when the trees fall over, they are left to return to the soil.
Many new species, including insects and rare birds, have made their home here.
So, when you walk through the forest, there will always be something new to discover.
In each season, it looks breathtaking, so you will be blessed with the ethereal beauty of nature whenever you come.
I will say it will be a perfect place to visit when you want to take a break from the desecrated world in search of peace.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
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Okutama: A lush Natural Paradise
About 90 minutes away from Shinjuku, Okutama is a beautiful town situated in the western portion of Tokyo prefecture.
This place is a part of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, where you have plenty of things to do, including trekking or swimming.
If you are adventurous, I will suggest you start the day by hiking Mt Mitake.
And after that, how about trying something crazy?
Yes, water sports like canyoning or rafting on the Tama River can give you a thrilling experience.
Well, even if you are a newcomer, you don’t need to worry about safety.
The staff will explain everything from paddling style to protection procedures.
After conquering the rapid currents with your team, you will feel extra brave at the end.
Anyway, if you are not into such kinds of craziness, you can wander around the picturesque green town and soak yourself in an outdoor onsen while watching the sunset.
In short, Okutama is such a place where you will want to come back to find the true rhythm of life.
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Institute for Nature Study: An Ancient Forest in Central Tokyo
Situated in the Shirokanedai of Minato, Institute for Nature Study is a scientific area established in 1949.
This 20-hectare reserve has three diverse botanical gardens that have a wild look.
This institute aims to preserve as much as the natural sight of Tokyo so that the city's people can have a place to relax.
Here, you will find watercolor-like grasslands of the Musashino Plain along with tree-lined trails.
The color of the leaves turns into fiery shades of orange and red during autumn, which creates a picture-perfect scene.
Although it is mainly used for research, Nature Study is open for everyone interested in spending a quiet time.
Note that entry is limited to a few hundred people at a time so that travelers can enjoy the forest hills and turtle-filled ponds in serenity.
You will notice a one-room museum at the entrance, where a map is displayed to show how the greenery has decreased in Tokyo since 1677.
This site is open for visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM (September-April until 4.30 PM) and remains closed on Monday. And the admission fee is around $3.
Address: 5 Chome-21-5 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
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Todoroki Valley: A Secret Escape
If you don’t have enough time to wander around western Tokyo, you may head to Todoroki Valley, which is near the Futaki-Tamagawa shopping center.
It’s a secret escape from the town that many travelers don’t know about.
With bamboo trees, shrines, and the sounds of a river, Todoroki Valley is such a natural spot in Japan that will wash away all your worries.
Many natural attractive sites can be found in the valley, such as walking trails, a couple of bridges, tunnel tombs, and viewpoints of geological rock strata.
You can roam along the jungle-like path and sometimes relax under the trees to feel the cool breeze.
At the end of the 1 km route, the grand Todoroki Fudoson Temple is a great place to drop by after a 20 to 30 minutes walk.
Even though this place is never too crowded, it is also rarely desolate because this area is popular among the students of Tokyo City University and casual office workers.
But, if you choose to come early on a midweek afternoon, there is a high chance that you will see fewer people.
Address: 1 Chome-22-26 Todoroki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0082, Japan
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Suzume no Oyado Ryokuchi Park: A Bamboo Grove in Tokyo
If your travel destination is only limited to the capital city, you can’t visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto.
However, what if I say you have an alternative option!!
Yes, visiting Suzume no Oyado Ryokuchi Park will be a perfect deal instead of Kyoto’s bamboo forest.
The best thing is, it’s only 20 minutes away from Shibuya Station by bus or train.
This forest was created over 200 years ago during the Edo period and is filled with bamboo trees and benches, where you can cherish the murmur of leaves and cooler weather.
Are you worried about the mass crowd?
Well, don’t worry, unlike Tokyo’s other busy parks, Suzume no Oyado Ryokuchi Park rarely gets packed with people. Therefore you can spend a couple of tranquil hours either reading a book or hanging out with friends.
It will be better if you bring bug spray with you to shoo away all the tiny insects!!
In the northeast corner of this park, there is a traditional Japanese house that has been preserved to its original condition, which you may consider paying a visit.
Address: 3 Chome-11-22 Himonya, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0003, Japan
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Mount Takao: Suitable Place for Hiking
While searching for pure nature in Tokyo, Mt Takao is a fantastic place to look for.
It’s also convenient to reach there via the Chuo or Keio lines from Shinjuku Station in about an hour.
At the base of the mountain, the Tama Forest Science Garden is located.
There are ten hiking trails available to conquer the hill, which will take approximately 30 to 90 minutes according to difficulty range.
Most of the visitors use the number one track as it is broad, mostly paved, and equipped with major sites.
If you choose to use this trail, it will take about 90 minutes to reach the top of Mount Takao.
However, you can cut the time by half by utilizing the chair lift or the cable car that leads halfway up the hill.
Meanwhile, the other trails are narrower, unpaved, and have less traffic.
So, if you want to evade the potential crowd, you may choose the other tracks.
As it is near central Tokyo, Takaosan gets packed with people on weekends, especially during the second half of November, when the mountain flourishes with autumn colors.
Thus, I will recommend you plan a trip during the week and if possible in the morning time which will be helpful to escape too many people.
Anyway, near the mountain’s summit, there is an attractive temple where many travelers stop by to pray to tengu (Shinto Buddhist mountain gods) for good fortune.
So, don’t forget to look into it.
Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan
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Akigawa Valley: A Space Surrounded By Mountains
Located in Akiruno City, the western area of Tokyo, Akigawa Valley is surrounded by rivers, forests, and mountains.
Coming here will let you enjoy the natural environments, a tree-lined temple, campsites, a sky bridge, gently flowing streams.
In case you come here during the fall season, you are gonna be mesmerized by the gorgeously colored leaves covering everywhere.
But, it doesn’t mean the other season’s views are less attractive.
It is such a location where every season has its own kind of glamour.
No matter how your style of enjoying the outdoor activities is, something will surely strike your interest in Akigawa Valley.
And after arriving here, you will feel like stepping into a quieter space full of charm and serenity.
Address: 1420 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173, Japan
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Jindaiji Temple & Botanical Gardens: Offers Seasonal Beauty
A trip to Jindaiji Temple and the encircled Jindai Botanical Gardens is like traveling into a time machine and ending up in the ancient period of Japan.
Here, you can stroll along the cobbled paths lined with green maple trees and explore the temple ground that is surrounded by forest.
Well, don’t get tired soon as you still need to visit the nearby botanical garden, where over 400 distinct types and 5,200 seasonal varieties of flowers are seen.
If your tummy starts to growl after roaming around the place, you may drop by the stalls near the shopping street.
These stalls sell soy-sauce covered dango, traditional sweets, and candies that can make your tummy happy.
Or, you may enjoy handmade buckwheat noodles from the soba restaurants nearby.
Okay, I have completed discussing all the forests, gardens, and other nature spots in Tokyo.
So, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.
Address: 5 Chome-31-10 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017, Japan
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Kiyosumi Garden
Kiyosumi Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Tokyo, Japan. It was originally built in 1878 by Iwasaki Yataro, the founder of the Mitsubishi Group, as a private garden.
The garden was later opened to the public in 1932 and has since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The garden features a central pond with several small islands connected by bridges, as well as various rocks, trees, and shrubs arranged in a traditional Japanese garden style.
There is also a teahouse, called the "Sakura Tei," located on one of the islands in the pond where visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
One of the unique features of Kiyosumi Garden is the "Turtle Island," which is a small island in the center of the pond that is shaped like a turtle.
The island is said to represent longevity and good fortune, and it is a popular spot for visitors to take photos.
Another notable feature of the garden is the "Kyu-Furukawa Teien," which is a separate garden area located adjacent to Kiyosumi Garden.
This garden was also originally built as a private garden in the early 20th century and features a Western-style mansion as well as a traditional Japanese garden.
Overall, Kiyosumi Garden is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the middle of Tokyo, and it offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility and beauty of traditional Japanese garden design.
To get to Kiyosumi Garden, you can take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line or the Toei Oedo Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station.
From there, it's just a short walk to the garden. Here are some more detailed instructions:
- Take the Hanzomon Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (H12/Z11) or the Toei Oedo Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (E-14).
- Exit the station from Exit A3 or A4, which is the closest to the garden.
- Once you exit the station, you'll see a sign pointing towards the garden. Follow the sign and walk straight for about 5 minutes.
- You'll see the entrance to Kiyosumi Garden on your left. The entrance fee is 150 yen for adults and 70 yen for children.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or walk from nearby neighborhoods like Fukagawa or Monzen-nakacho, which are also known for their historic and traditional atmosphere.
Address: 3 Chome-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0024, Japan
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Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a large public park located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, with an area of approximately 134 acres (54 hectares).
The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, and it offers a variety of activities and attractions throughout the year.
One of the most notable features of Yoyogi Park is its expansive green space. The park is home to over 14,000 trees, including ginkgo, cherry blossom, and zelkova trees, which make it a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the spring.
There are also several open fields where visitors can have picnics or play sports such as frisbee or soccer.
Another popular attraction in Yoyogi Park is the Meiji Shrine, which is located on the park's eastern edge.
The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and it is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the forested path that leads to the shrine, passing by various torii gates and other Shinto structures along the way.
Throughout the year, Yoyogi Park hosts a variety of events and festivals. One of the most popular is the Yoyogi Park Flea Market, which takes place on weekends and features over 800 vendors selling everything from antiques to handmade crafts.
Other events include live music performances, dance festivals, and cultural celebrations.
Overall, Yoyogi Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tokyo. Its beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions, and lively events make it a great place to spend a day or an afternoon relaxing and exploring.
To get to Yoyogi Park, you can take the train to one of several nearby stations, depending on which entrance you want to use. Here are the most common stations and entrances:
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Yoyogi Station: Yamanote Line or Chuo-Sobu Line
- Takeshita Entrance: Exit the station from the Takeshita Exit and walk north for about 10 minutes.
- Harajuku Entrance: Exit the station from the Omotesando Exit and walk south for about 5 minutes.
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Harajuku Station: Yamanote Line
- Harajuku Entrance: Exit the station from the Takeshita Exit and walk west for about 5 minutes.
- Meiji-Jingumae Station: Chiyoda Line or Fukutoshin Line
- Meiji-Jingumae Entrance: Exit the station from Exit 1 and walk south for about 5 minutes.
If you prefer to take the bus, there are several bus stops near the park. One of the most convenient is the "Yoyogi Koen" stop, which is served by several bus lines, including the Toei Bus "Shibuya-eki-mae" line.
Once you arrive at the park, there are several entrances to choose from, including the Takeshita Entrance, Harajuku Entrance, and Meiji-Jingumae Entrance.
Each entrance has its own unique features, so it's worth exploring different parts of the park to see what interests you.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
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Showa Memorial Park
Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Park in Japanese) is a large public park located in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan.
It was opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's ascension to the throne, and it covers an area of approximately 1,500 acres (610 hectares).
The park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the most popular features is the extensive flower gardens, which are designed to showcase a variety of seasonal blooms throughout the year.
The park is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, when thousands of trees burst into bloom, creating a stunning pink and white landscape.
In addition to the gardens, Showa Memorial Park also has several large open fields where visitors can play sports, have picnics, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
There are also several walking and cycling paths throughout the park, as well as a large lake where visitors can rent paddle boats and canoes.
For children, there is a large playground area with various play structures and equipment, as well as a water play area where kids can cool off on hot days.
There is also a small petting zoo, a miniature train ride, and a variety of other attractions.
One of the park's most unique features is the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, which is located on its grounds.
This museum features a collection of over 30 historic buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods, which have been relocated to the park and preserved for visitors to explore.
Overall, Showa Memorial Park is a great destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
With its beautiful gardens, wide-open spaces, and diverse range of attractions, it's easy to spend a whole day exploring everything the park has to offer.
To get to Showa Memorial Park, you can take the train or bus to the nearest station or bus stop and then transfer to a park shuttle bus.
By Train:
Take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station. From there, transfer to the Tama Monorail and take it to Nishi-Tachikawa Station. Exit the station and follow the signs to the park shuttle bus stop, which is located just outside the station. Take the bus to the park entrance.
By Bus:
Take the Keio Line or JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji Station. From there, take the Odakyu Bus bound for Showa Kinen Koen, which will take you directly to the park entrance.
Alternatively, you can also take the Seibu Tamagawa Line to Tama-Center Station and transfer to the Tama Monorail, taking it to Nishi-Tachikawa Station, and then take the park shuttle bus to the entrance.
The park shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes, depending on the time of day, and the ride from Nishi-Tachikawa Station to the park entrance takes about 10-15 minutes.
Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0014, Japan
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Conclusion
Today, I have shared about the 8 best natural attractions in Tokyo.
Now that you have enough knowledge about each one, I hope you can finally decide where to go or not when staying in the capital city.
Although each spot is excellent, I suggest you at least not miss the forest in Tokyo that I have mentioned in my list.
But, if you have enough time, try to travel to each place.
I can assure you will be gifted with some beautiful memories.
