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Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/1/18 15:03
Hi all

What kind of reservation and/or tickets do we need to visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in April 2025?

I came across a video saying that either you buy an advance ticket online (https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/2_guide/guide.html) to visit or buy the ticket before entering on the day of visit. There are also articlets on the need to reserve (step 1) the date and time of visit and then buy ticket (step 2) for some days during Cherry Blossom period in 2024.

If I would to purchase the Shinjuku Gyoen Advance Electronic Ticket - each at 500 yen with Ticket availability period Until 2025/7/17, this would suffice for entering the Garden in April 2025 for cherry blossom viewing where I can enter any date and any time as long as it is before July 2025?

Thank you!
by Cj (guest)  

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/1/18 15:13
The 2025 details have not been announced. It is not rare for such details to be announed only a month in advance. Last year, a reservation system was in place for just the weekends.
by Uji rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/1/19 09:09
The last half-dozen visits I have made to the gardens I don't bother with a ticket at all. I simply use an IC card. Yes, you can buy online or at the entry gates, but that takes time.
For cherry blossom season, the timed entry will probably be announced later in February or March. 2024 was less restrictive than 2023, but I did not have any issue getting reservations both years.
by JapanCustomTours rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/1/19 13:22
Ok thanks Uji and JapanCustomTours

I replied to Uji but realised my reply was not reflected here!

Ok I will wait until February or March and either buy online or when I reach there - if I buy online that would be equivalent to buying the admission ticket and there is no need to buy anything else right? But if I have to reserve online then I will need to buy the ticket on top of the reservation?
by Cj (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/1/20 07:45
Ok I will wait until February or March and either buy online or when I reach there

I don't think that it is possible to buy tickets for Shinjuku Gyoen online. As mentioned by JapanCustomTours, the easiest way to enter the garden is with your IC card (e.g. Suica). It removes the need to line up and buy an actual ticket, which can be a horrible experience especially during the cherry blossom season. With a Suica card you tap through the entrance gate like through a ticket gate at a station.

But if I have to reserve online then I will need to buy the ticket on top of the reservation?

No details about the 2025 cherry blossom system have been announced yet. There may not even be one. If there is one, then I would suspect that like last year you would be issued with a QR code, that you can scan at the ticket gate to enter the park without the need to purchase anything additional.
by Uji rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/2/5 00:12
I discovered that Shinjuku Gyoen is again requiring reservations on some weekends during this March and April:
https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/2024/12/24/20241224-2/
by Uji rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/2/5 04:24
@Uji - i hope my reply is reflected as the last didnt and i only realise now

I will get an sucia card as it seems easier - but i land on another problem, which is potentially not being able to get one due to chips shortage that i read about. Welcome sucia is next possible but i read that unused monies in welcome sucia cant be refunded. Plus i will arrive at narita airport where i cant advance sucia card
by Cj (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/2/5 06:16
You can quite easily get your IC card down to 0
- donft put excessive amounts of cash on it
- spend remaining money at shops. Many shops including at the airport accept payment by ic card. And you can pay partially by card and cash.
by LikeBike rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/2/5 10:11
Alternatively, if you don't like the no-refund and expiry policy of "Welcome Suica" (like I would), you could try to get a personalized Suica at the airport, although I think it may require you to enter a Japanese phone number (you may be able to use your hotel's number).
by Uji rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/2/5 18:21
@likebike - yes same thoughts, thanks for advice!

@uji - ok so i can look.for "personalised sucia" ? Ok or spend at convenient stores snacks!
by Cj (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2025/2/6 07:05
Personalized Suica cards can be purchased at selected ticket machines.
by Uji rate this post as useful

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