The history of the Institute for Nature Study goes back to 2,500 B.C. Archaeological discoveries, including pottery and shell mounds, suggest that people have lived here for as long as that era. Around the 1400s, a powerful clan ruled over this area. It later served as a daimyo’s villa and eventually became part of the Shirogane Imperial Estate, rendering it a special area closed to the public for many years. In 1949, it was finally opened to the public after the government designated it as a Natural Monument and a Historic Site.

This rich history is precisely what makes the Institute for Nature Study unique among Tokyo’s many green spaces. Although located at the very heart of the city, stepping into the garden, filled with remains of the old satoyama landscapes, feels as though you’ve entered a true forest. In summer, the temperature inside the garden is significantly cooler, making it the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing moment away from the city’s heat.

Covering roughly 20 hectares, the Institute for Nature Study’s garden is truly a treasure trove of biodiversity. It’s home to about 1,500 plant species and approximately 2,800 species of insects, birds, and even reptiles. Despite its city-center location, Genji fireflies have been reported to live in the depths of the forest.

Photography enthusiasts gather in the garden to capture its beauty across the different seasons. Come witness blooming flowers in spring, green-covered trees in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and tranquil landscapes in winter in this natural sanctuary. The highlight of the garden lies in its rich forest and the biodiversity that thrives throughout the seasons.

The Institute for Nature Study’s official name is the “Institute for Nature Study, National Museum of Nature and Science.” It functions as an outdoor museum where the plants and animals themselves serve as the exhibit. While it’s a place for everyone to enjoy nature, it is also engaged in education, academic research, and initiatives to preserve rare species still found in Tokyo. For that reason, protecting the environment is not enough; careful vegetation management is essential.

“Vegetation management goes beyond simply mowing the grass. It involves ongoing observation of how mowing affects plants and animals to guide the environment toward our desired state,” explains Mr. Shimoda from the Institute for Nature Study’s public relations department.

Proper vegetation management requires knowledge and experienced artisans, and the skilled staff perform maintenance tasks daily within the park. It’s the staff’s tireless efforts that safeguard the future of this natural environment.

Only about 15% of the park’s total surface is open to the public. The remaining 85% is a natural reserve, closed to visitors to preserve its ecosystem. Within the accessible area, you’ll find open trails that you can explore freely. Completing the walk typically takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. The paths are mostly flat and don’t require any specific gear. Please note that collecting plants, animals, or insects within the park is strictly prohibited.

It’s hard to believe that such a peaceful place exists right in central Tokyo, offering a refreshing escape for your body and mind. The park is often praised by international travelers, who remark, “It was such a relaxing walk.” Others describe it as “a peaceful oasis filled with butterflies, insects, and birds.”

The Institute for Nature Study is the perfect place to refresh your mind after a long day exploring Tokyo. Why not step away from the hustle and bustle and let this miraculous ancient forest fill your heart and body?

● Address
5-21-5, Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo

● Access
- 9-minute walk from JR Meguro Station East Exit
- 9-minute walk from the Tokyu Line’s Meguro Station
- 7-minute walk from Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway Shirokanedai Station Exit 1
*There are no parking lots in the park

● Opening Hours
September to April: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
May to August: 9 AM to 5 PM
* Visitors are admitted until 4 PM

● Closed Days
Every Monday. Closure days may change during the Year-End/New Year holidays, summer, or when a Monday falls on a national holiday. For details, please check the official website.

● Admission
General and university students: 320 yen

High school students and younger, individuals aged 65 and older, persons with disabilities, and up to one caregiver: Free (ID required)

*Prices in this article are current as of November 2025.

● Other information
Coin lockers, diaper-changing spaces, wheelchairs, and ostomy-friendly facilities are available on the premises.