Most first-time visitors to the Tokyo metropolitan area express a degree of surprise at the lush green spaces that can be found in the capital.

Take the green areas within walking distance of Yoyogi Station on the city’s loop line, for example. Within 20 minutes of disembarking from the Yamanote Line, visitors can access the expansive woodland area surrounding Meiji Shrine, the open spaces of Yoyogi Park, the manicured ponds of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the ginkgo-lined streets near Meiji-Jingu Gaien, site of the verdant Olympic Stadium.

And those are just the main attractions, with a smattering of smaller parks also located close by that warrant a visit in their own right. Shinjuku Central Park, for example, is large enough to host woodland as well as sports facilities.