Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

You might not expect to find tranquility in bustling Shinjuku, but stump up the meagre ¥200 entrance fee and step into the entirely different world of Shinjuku Gyoen, possibly Tokyo’s most beautiful green space. Shinjuku Gyoen is split into a French formal garden, an English landscape garden and a Japanese garden, complete with teahouse for thirsty explorers. Come sakura season, the whole place erupts into so much riotous pink, you’d be forgiven for thinking a Pride march had rolled through town. Don't worry if you've arrived a little late, though – there's still plenty to see, including brightly coloured rose gardens, carefully clipped topiary and expansive green spaces to settle in with a picnic. The Japanese garden is watched from above by the formidable NTT building – an ideal juxtaposition for amateur photographers looking for that perfect Japan old versus new pic. Using toys, sports equipment and the like in the garden is prohibited, as is bringing alcohol into the garden and drinking it there.