This note was originally shared in my weekly newsletter, Letters from Japan (and LA) — a slow and personal space where I write about Japan, culture, and life between two homes. 💌
Tokyo is the world’s largest city in terms of population.
It’s a city full of neon lights, busy train terminals, and an endless stream of people, locals and travelers alike, hurrying from one place to the next.
I love visiting Tokyo, but I’m in no way a big city girl. I tend to crave a slower pace of travel—one where I can quite literally stop and smell the flowers.
(Which is funny, because ever since I started traveling to Japan, I really have become that person who stops mid-walk to admire the flowers lining the streets. It’s something I don’t see nearly as much of back home in LA.)
One thing I appreciate about Tokyo, other than the sidewalk foliage (😂), is how many beautifully landscaped parks are tucked within the city. Places where you can sit, pause, read, or take a moment to breathe before diving into a crowd.
Here are a few of my favorite Tokyo parks and gardens to relax:
- Kiyosumi Garden — a Japanese strolling garden located in the heart of an area known for its coffee culture. Featured in this vlog & blog post.
- Inokashira Park — lots of places to sit and people watch (with Totoro cream puff in hand!), the Ghibli Museum is also located within the park. Featured in this vlog & blog post.
- Hibiya Park — close to the Imperial Palace, ideal for a quiet break or an impromptu lunch. It often hosts seasonal pop-ups and holiday markets.
- Yoyogi Park — beautiful during sakura and fall foliage season, and conveniently near my favorite coffee spots in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — a paid entry worth every yen during peak bloom or autumn color. I love strolling here to admire the changing flowers.
I’m pretty sure I’ve shared all these places in my more casual Tokyo vlogs. They tend to be places I frequent when I need a breather from the hustle.
What’s your favorite park or garden in Japan?
➡️ Watch Next: 3 Calm Corners of Tokyo to Escape the Crowds
🍜 Cultural Nugget
Calling all ramen lovers visiting Tokyo between now and November 24th! There’s currently a huge ramen festival happening in Okubo Park (just 10 minutes from Shinjuku Station). The Great Tsukemen Expo features 116 ramen shops from across Japan — from Fukuoka to Hokkaido.
Tsukemen (つけめん) is a style of ramen that serves the broth on the side. The noodles are usually thicker and chewier than regular ramen, and the broth is rich in flavor.
You can read more about the Expo in this article.
Until next time,
Remi
“From Japan (and LA)”
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