Whether you have a canine friend who needs walking, enjoy nature-watching, or just need a breath of fresh air, there are many reasons why we want to live close to nature. This is why we have compiled a list of six of the greenest of Tokyo’s 23 wards so you can discover the areas that are right for you and your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Tokyo is one of the densest and most built-up cities in the world, and despite the iconic cityscapes of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho or the otaku center Akihabara, Tokyo boasts many green spaces too. Tokyo often ranks poorly for green coverage, but let us guide you to some of the best areas to live if you want to forget you live in one of the most crowded cities in the world.
Minato Ward – Lush Luxury
Both one of the most expensive wards and one of the greenest, Minato Ward consistently tops lists for visible greenery and tree coverage. Home to hotspots like the towering Azabudai and Toranomon Hills, the clubs and high-rises of Roppongi, and the iconic Tokyo Tower, Minato Ward doesn’t necessarily feel synonymous with green spaces. However, more locally, in the residential areas, the streets are lined with trees providing shade in the hot summers, parks—small and large—are scattered about, and greenery adorns the walls and balconies of many houses and apartment complexes alike.
Minato Ward is home to over 50 parks and green spaces. One such park is Shiba Park, home not only to Tokyo Tower but also to Zojoji Temple, the “Light of Peace,” and a mysterious ancient tomb. There are paths you can run or simply stroll along, lined with cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring and maple trees that turn in autumn.
Another popular park is Arisugawa Park, a serene oasis nestled in Hiroo, featuring a mix of walking paths, ponds, and wooded areas. It’s a favorite among locals for morning strolls and picnics, offering a refreshing escape from urban life year-round.
Other notable parks include:
- Kyu-Shiba-Rikyu Gardens
- The Institute for Nature Study’s Botanical Gardens
Minato Ward is well-connected, incredibly central, and green to boot; it’s no wonder it’s popular among expats.
Chiyoda Ward – The Green Heart
Chiyoda Ward may not be a household name outside of Japan, but it is home to the Imperial Palace and the National Diet of Japan. It houses major business districts and even bigger train stations, like Tokyo and Otemachi stations.
As mentioned, Chiyoda Ward is home to the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens, which are open to the public. A visit to these gardens does come with a bag check and early closing times (between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM depending on the season—with last admissions half an hour before closing), but it is free to enter.
Straying from the Imperial Palace, on a slightly smaller scale, is Shimizudani Park. Tucked away near Asakusa-Mitsuke station, it is a public park that blooms beautifully in the spring with pink cherry blossoms and turns stunning shades in autumn come November.
Shimizudani Park is directly next to the New Otani Hotel, which boasts spectacularly manicured Japanese gardens that are beautifully lit in the evening. Many of the hotel’s restaurants offer a view of the gardens from above for another perspective.
Hibiya Park is home to an approximately 500-year-old ginkgo tree and is Tokyo’s first Western-style park. With water features, statues, tennis courts, well-kept gardens, and restaurants scattered throughout, there’s little Hibiya Park does not offer. The exterior path is a one-mile (1.7 km) circuit for runners, joggers, and dog walkers, and the park has restrooms available throughout. Scheduled events are listed on their website and Instagram for those looking for local happenings.
Shibuya Ward – Iconic Green
Another area popular among expats, Shibuya and its eponymous crossing is what comes to mind when someone says “Tokyo”—neon lights, bars and clubs to suit every taste, cafés, and much, much more. Much like neighboring Minato Ward, Shibuya Ward is much greener than one might initially suppose.
The most obvious example of nature in Shibuya Ward is Yoyogi Park. A staple of life in Tokyo, whether for cherry blossom picnics in the spring, night markets in autumn, or various cultural events throughout the year, there are countless reasons to visit Yoyogi Park year-round. With local characters like dance groups, iconic dog walkers with their 20 or so dogs ready for attention from passersby, and rockabilly enthusiasts, this park is certainly a hub for locals and tourists alike.
Shibuya’s remaining greenery is sparse, but Nabeshima Shoto Park is a calm green oasis. Shoto City itself is a beautiful residential neighborhood just minutes from the central bustle of Shibuya Crossing and makes a great option for someone looking for a quieter neighborhood while still enjoying a Shibuya address.
One final option that many might not consider as a green space is Miyashita Park. This park sits atop the Miyashita Park mall complex and is popular among young people, featuring a skatepark, a bouldering wall, and a Starbucks. The major downside is that it closes at 11 PM, possibly another reason it might not be considered a true green space.
Nerima Ward – City Escape
Nerima Ward is one of the outermost areas of the central 23, but what it lacks in proximity, it makes up for with its abundance of greenery and parks. It can often be found near the top of lists for the greenest wards in Tokyo, making this area a fantastic option for those who don’t need to commute into the heart of the city. Nerima Ward is home to the newly opened Making of Harry Potter Experience, Toshimaen—a small-scale theme park—and the Chihiro Art Museum, to name a few.
Some of the parks in Nerima Ward are destinations in and of themselves, such as Shakujii Park, located at the site of the ruins of Shakujii Castle. Filled with tranquil ponds, Shakujii Park is beautiful in the spring for cherry blossom viewings away from the crowds of more central parks like Yoyogi.
Hikarigaoka Park is sprawling and packed with activities, not only the usual sports facilities but also an archery range. For birdwatching enthusiasts, there is a bird sanctuary, and the flora is equally captivating throughout the seasons. The path around the outer edge of the park stretches almost 2 miles through tree-lined trails, perfect for those looking for open spaces and nature at their doorstep.
Other notable parks include:
- Johoku Central Park
- Shiki-no-Kaori Rose Garden
- Oizumi Central Park
Setagaya Ward – Tranquil Oases
Much like Nerima Ward, Setagaya Ward sits on the outskirts of the central 23 and often ranks among the top five Tokyo wards for green coverage. Popular areas such as Shimokitazawa (famous for its various subcultures, cute cafés, and vintage fashion) and Sangenjaya (famous for tea shops, eateries, and an iconic gorilla statue) share this ward with several notable green spaces.
Setagaya Park is beautiful, with its large water feature and numerous benches making it a lovely place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Its mini children’s train is a unique and exciting feature for young families.
Another small but notable park in the area is Kinuta Park, not far north of the Tama River and accessible via a direct line from Shibuya. Kinuta Park is home to some of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in Tokyo, though it is relatively unknown during Hanami. Kinuta Park is also where you can find the Setagaya Art Museum if you’re looking for a diverting afternoon activity.
Tucked away in the center of Setagaya and surrounded by cute cafés, Roka Koshun Park is another dedicated green space worth considering. The park is named after the 19th-century author Roka Tokutomi, whose preserved home is located there. Kinuta Park has something for everyone: a dog run for pet owners, an athletic field, and decorative flower beds.
Suginami Ward – Swift as a Coursing River
Lastly, sandwiched between Nerima and Setagaya Wards, we have Suginami Ward. Home to places like Koenji, an area full of personality, quaint shops, vintage stores, and izakayas galore, Suginami offers a vibrant local atmosphere. A stone’s throw from this exciting area is Wadabori Park.
This park’s fascinating shape follows the river it lines. Stretching over 12 bridges and just shy of 50 acres (20 hectares/200,000 m²), this park is quite large. There are two islands on Zenpukuji River’s semi-artificial lake—one large and one small—both home to rare birds that are no longer seen in the surrounding area. There is even a dedicated space for fishing, along with a dog park, a children’s traffic park, a museum, and a model historical house, among other spaces and attractions. The surrounding area boasts numerous convenience stores, and Omiya Hachiman Shrine is just on the outskirts, offering a more traditional feel.
If you’re interested in buying or renting in any of these areas, please feel free to reach out to us at in**@bl*************.com or fill out a consultation form below.
