The Tokyo Tree Trek or TTT for short is a 55km route that spirals around the wards of Tokyo showcasing some of Tokyo’s oldest and most unique trees from 100 to almost 800 years old. The route starts in Shinagawa Shrine, heading towards the Institute of Nature Study, often dubbed Tokyo's hidden forest, then up toward Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park, an old urban villa of a Feudal Lord, Minonokami Nambu. From there, you will head through bustling Shibuya until you reach Yoyogi Park, a hub for outdoor recreation, concerts, festivals, and cherry blossom viewing. Not too far away is the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, another feudal lord residence now turned botanical garden, which is a lush green oasis in the heart of Tokyo. After the national garden, the route goes through Shinjuku and Bunkyo, passing through some busy areas but also avoiding the most congested roads opting for quieter, more idiosyncratic backstreets with scattered green spots along the way until you reach Ueno Park, a spacious park with several museums and the famous Ueno Zoo, from there you will keep heading west until you have reached the Sumida River, heading down the river there are a few parks and gardens along the way. As you approach Tokyo Bay, the route starts to spiral back into itself towards Shiba Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan that has large zelkova, camphor, and ginkgo trees, temples, and a contracting view between nature and Tokyo Tower. From here, the route takes you toward your final goal, the Imperial Palace.
The best times to attempt this route are times that emphasize the beauty of change, spring, and fall. Doing this route in peak cherry blossom or leaf-color changing season will offer some of the best views of nature in Tokyo. The route does not go through any parks that have entry fees but some of the parks do have opening and closing times. GPX routing can be difficult, so if you find yourself taking a wrong turn just get nack on track as quickly as possible.
This is an urban route, and there any many road crossings, so for the safety of anyone who attempts this route and others, please follow all pedestrian laws.
