Timeline
04:22
Start at Karaokekan in Shinjuku. It is just a one-minute walk from Seibushinjuku Station, making it a convenient and early meeting point before the city fully wakes up.
04:23
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Walk 47 minutes from Karaokekan toward Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Arrive just in time to watch the sun break over the horizon. The garden’s mix of Japanese, English, and French landscapes is at its most serene before the daytime visitors arrive.
05:39
Head to Tokyo Melonpan for breakfast. This bakery opens at 11:00 on Sundays, but on weekdays it opens at 10:00. Since the sunrise is at 05:09, you will have plenty of time to wander the garden and then catch the bakery when it opens. If you are visiting on a Sunday, wait until 11:00. For all other days, arrive by 10:00.
06:09
End your morning back at Karaokekan. You can relax in a room, order an all-you-can-drink set, and unwind after your early start.
Local tip
Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, so arriving before the crowds is the best way to enjoy the space. The walk from Shinjuku Station is about five minutes, but from Karaokekan it is a longer 47-minute walk, so plan your energy accordingly.
Check before you go
- Karaokekan is open 24/7 or late night, so it is always available.
- Tokyo Melonpan opens at 10:00 on weekdays (Mo-Sa) and 11:00 on Sundays (Su).
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden typically opens early, but check the specific daily opening time for the garden as it can vary by season.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tokyo (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).