Timeline
04:54
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Walk into Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden before the gates open. Find a quiet spot near the French Garden or the Taiwanese teahouse to wait for the first light. The garden is one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom spots, so arriving early ensures you have the view to yourself.
05:09
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Watch the sunrise. On 15 April, the sun rises at 05:09 and the sky begins to glow with golden light around 17:39. The early morning light filters through the trees in the Japanese, English, and French gardens, offering a serene atmosphere before the daytime visitors arrive.
05:54
Head to TEMPURA TENSHO for breakfast. As a daytime plan, this is a great spot for a reasonable lunch or late breakfast featuring their signature tempura. The restaurant offers various seating options including counter seats and private rooms, perfect for a relaxed start to the day.
06:39
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Return to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a longer stroll. With the initial rush of sunrise watchers gone, you can now explore the greenhouse and the wider grounds at a leisurely pace. The garden is large enough that you can still find quiet corners to enjoy the spring air.
Local tip
Check the route to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday.
Check before you go
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- TEMPURA TENSHO is open for lunch service; confirm opening hours if visiting early morning.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tokyo (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).