Image of Start at Shinjuku Gyoen, pass National Stadium, rest at a Harajuku café. Wander through Yoyogi Park

Start at Shinjuku Gyoen, pass National Stadium, rest at a Harajuku café. Wander through Yoyogi Park

This time, a little physical strength is required. The starting point is Shinjuku Gyoen.

There are many nearby stations, but since the route goes south toward Sendagaya, we recommend that you start from a station on the north side: head for JR Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (M10), or Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (F13).

The admission fee to Shinjuku Gyoen has been raised considerably to 500 yen (as of May 2023).

Image of SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN
SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN
An open park where you can relax in the middle of Shinjuku. It is large enough to enjoy various types of gardens. Except for alcoholic beverages, you can bring your own lunch, so we recommend that you buy one at the nearby Isetan before you go. There is also a Starbucks in the park.
  • PUBLIC
I bought a drink at Starbucks in Shinjuku Gyoen and leisurely went to the next spot. It takes about 10 minutes from the Sendagaya Gate.
Image of JAPAN NATIONAL STADIUM
JAPAN NATIONAL STADIUM
The new National Stadium with its tiered roof and greenery looks beautiful even from a distance. Even on days when there are no events, you can take a look around if you are in the surrounding area. Passing through here, Sendagaya and Aoyama are connected.
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It takes about 10 minutes to get to the next spot. If you want to have a meal, this is the right time as there are many restaurants in the area. We recommend “Mos Premium” and “Sendagaya Chubo (formerly Modern Shokudo Tokyo Chubo)”.
Image of HATONOMORI SHRINE
HATONOMORI SHRINE
It is a gorgeous shrine with the Fujizuka. There is also a Noh stage and various events are held here. The path to the Fujizuka is steep, so be careful when going up and down. If you like Shogi, you must know this shrine. The Shogi Hall is right next to the shrine.
  • FACILITY
It takes about 20 minutes to the next spot. Heading toward Meiji Jingu Shrine. You will unexpectedly find interesting stores when you wander around this area. If you like Shogi, go to Shogi Kaikan.
Image of ENSEIGNE DANGLE HARAJUKU
ENSEIGNE DANGLE HARAJUKU
This is a classy coffee shop that has been around for a long time. You can enjoy not only the delicious coffee but also the dishes. Cafe Creme is highly recommended. It seems to be a quiet private store, but there are also stores in Jiyugaoka and Hiroo.
  • EAT
After relaxing at an old-fashioned coffee shop, it is a 10-minute walk to the next spot. On the way, you will find a facility called the “Imperial Court Platform,” a Harajuku station for the exclusive use of the imperial family. If you have time and energy to spare, you can also visit Meiji Shrine.
Image of YOYOGI PARK
YOYOGI PARK
An open park leading to Meiji Jingu Shrine. Festivals and flea markets are often held at the event plaza across the road. It connects Shibuya and Harajuku, so take a walk around it on your way to the park.
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Once you pass through to the other side of the park, it will take about 15 minutes to the next spot. At this point, you will pass by the Yoyogi-Hachiman Station area, but you can explore interesting stores and shrines in this area as well.
Image of LEVAIN
LEVAIN
An old bakery with homemade natural yeast. Slightly sour breads such as melange are very tasty. Recommended for those who don’t like hard bread. There is also an affiliated cafe, Le Ciale, next door.
  • EAT

This time, the goal is Le Vin, famous for this natural yeast bread. After buying bread and pastries, take a break at Le Chalet, a café next door, or Little Nap Coffee Roasters, located along the street.

The nearest stations are Yoyogi-Hachiman (OH04) and Yoyogi-Koen (C02), which we passed just before.

This walk took us to two parks with slightly different atmospheres. Normally, you could spend half a day in one of the two parks, but this is an extravagant use of time to simply take a stroll. You can enjoy various views of nature and man-made structures.

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