Shinjuku Gyoen: Which Gate and Station Should You Use?

Shinjuku Gyoen Has Three Public Entrance Gates

You are planning to visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

You arrive in Shinjuku, open your map, and notice something confusing:

There is more than one entrance.

Shinjuku Gyoen has three public entrance gates:

• Shinjuku Gate
• Okido Gate
• Sendagaya Gate

The best gate depends on which station you are coming from.

Choosing the right one can save you from walking around the outside of this large garden.

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Quick Answer: Which Gate Should You Use?

Station	Recommended Gate	Approx. Walk
Shinjuku Station, South Exit	Shinjuku Gate	About 10 min
Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Exit E5	Shinjuku Gate	About 5 min
Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station, Exit 1	Shinjuku Gate	About 5 min
Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station, Exit 2	Okido Gate	About 5 min
Sendagaya Station	Sendagaya Gate	About 5 min
Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station, Exit A5	Sendagaya Gate	About 5 min
Kita-sando Station, Exit 1	Sendagaya Gate	About 10 min

For many first-time visitors coming from central Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gate is the simplest choice.

However, if you are already near Shinjuku-gyoemmae or Sendagaya, another gate may be more convenient.

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Coming From Shinjuku Station? Use Shinjuku Gate

If you are coming from JR Shinjuku Station, head toward Shinjuku Gate.

The official access guide lists:

Shinjuku Station, South Exit → Shinjuku Gate: about 10 minutes on foot

Do not expect the garden entrance to be directly outside Shinjuku Station.

Shinjuku Station is extremely large, and leaving from the wrong side can add unnecessary walking.

A simple route to remember is:

Shinjuku Station → South Exit → Shinjuku Gate

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Shinjuku-sanchome Station Is Closer

If you are using the subway, Shinjuku-sanchome Station can be a convenient alternative.

From Exit E5 on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Shinjuku Gate is about a 5-minute walk.

The official access information also lists Exits C1 and C5 on the Toei Shinjuku Line at about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gate.

This can be easier than navigating the huge Shinjuku Station complex.

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Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station Can Lead to Two Different Gates

This is one of the easiest places to get confused.

The name Shinjuku-gyoemmae means “in front of Shinjuku Gyoen,” but there is more than one nearby entrance.

From Exit 1, Shinjuku Gate is about a 5-minute walk.

From Exit 2, Okido Gate is about a 5-minute walk.

So before leaving the station, check which gate you want to use.

Do not automatically follow a route to Shinjuku Gate if Okido Gate is closer.

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When Should You Use Okido Gate?

Okido Gate is on the eastern side of Shinjuku Gyoen.

It is particularly convenient if you are coming from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station, Exit 2.

The official parking area is also located next to Okido Gate.

If this side of the garden is closer to you, there is no need to walk around to Shinjuku Gate.

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Coming From Sendagaya? Use Sendagaya Gate

If you are approaching from the southern side of the garden, Sendagaya Gate is the most convenient entrance.

The official access guide lists:

Sendagaya Station → about 5 minutes

Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station, Exit A5 → about 5 minutes

Kita-sando Station, Exit 1 → about 10 minutes

If you are already near Sendagaya or the National Stadium area, do not travel to Shinjuku Station just to enter the garden.

Use Sendagaya Gate instead.

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Common Confusion Points at Shinjuku Gyoen

1. Shinjuku Station Is Not Right Next to the Garden Entrance

Shinjuku Gyoen is in Shinjuku, but the garden entrance is not directly outside Shinjuku Station.

From the South Exit of Shinjuku Station, it takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach Shinjuku Gate.

Because the station itself is so large, choosing the wrong exit can make the walk even longer.

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2. Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station Does Not Mean There Is Only One Entrance

This station is close to the garden, but you still need to choose the correct station exit.

Exit 1 → Shinjuku Gate

Exit 2 → Okido Gate

Both are convenient.

Choose the one that works best for your route.

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3. Do Not Try to Enter Through the Historic “Main Gate”

This is an especially important point.

You may see “Main Gate” marked on a map of Shinjuku Gyoen.

However, this is not a public entrance.

The historic Main Gate was originally used by members of the Imperial Family and distinguished guests when Shinjuku Gyoen was an imperial garden.

It is now closed and no longer used as an entrance.

Visitors should use:

• Shinjuku Gate
• Okido Gate
• Sendagaya Gate

If your map takes you toward the historic Main Gate, choose one of the three public gates instead.

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4. You Do Not Have to Use Shinjuku Gate

Shinjuku Gate is convenient for many visitors, but it is not always the best choice.

If you are near Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station, Okido Gate may be easier.

If you are near Sendagaya, use Sendagaya Gate.

There is no reason to make a long detour just to enter through Shinjuku Gate.

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5. You Can Enter Through One Gate and Leave Through Another

You do not have to leave through the same gate you used to enter.

For example:

Shinjuku Gate → explore the garden → Sendagaya Gate

This can be useful if your next destination is closer to Sendagaya, the National Stadium area, or another part of Tokyo.

Check the official garden map before deciding your route.

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Is Shinjuku Gyoen Free?

No.

An admission fee is required to enter Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Admission fees and payment methods may change, so check the latest information on the official Shinjuku Gyoen website before your visit.

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Check the Opening Day and Hours Before You Go

Shinjuku Gyoen is not open every day throughout the entire year.

Opening days and hours can also vary by season, and special arrangements may apply during busy periods such as cherry blossom season.

Before visiting, check the official website for the latest:

• opening days
• opening hours
• admission fees
• entry arrangements
• temporary closures

This is especially important during popular seasonal periods.

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Japan Life Steps Tip

For a first visit, keep it simple.

Coming from Shinjuku Station?

Use:

South Exit → Shinjuku Gate

Coming from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station?

Check whether Shinjuku Gate or Okido Gate is more convenient before leaving the station.

Coming from Sendagaya?

Use:

Sendagaya Gate

And remember:

The historic “Main Gate” is not a public entrance.

Choosing the correct gate before you start walking can save you time and an unnecessary detour.

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Official Information

For the latest station exits, gates, and walking routes:

Shinjuku Gyoen Official Access Guide – English

For current opening days, opening hours, admission information, and entry arrangements:

Shinjuku Gyoen Official Admission Guide – English

For entrances and locations inside the garden:

Shinjuku Gyoen Official Garden Map – English

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Related Guides

Meiji Jingu: Which Station and Entrance Should You Use?

Tokyo Imperial Palace: Which Station and Entrance Should You Use?

Osaka Castle: Which Station and Entrance Should You Use?

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Disclaimer:
Information in this article is based on official information available in 2026. Station exits, walking routes, entrance gates, opening days, opening hours, admission fees, payment methods, reservation requirements, and other visitor information may change due to seasonal schedules, events, maintenance, crowd-control measures, or other circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Shinjuku Gyoen website before your visit.