Spring in Tokyo is a season of transformation, as the city’s parks, gardens, and shrines bloom with vibrant colors. For most of us, Springtime in Tokyo means cherry blossoms, but there is so much more to see. Among the many seasonal sights, two festivals stand out for their breathtaking displays of flowers: the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival and the Kameido Wisteria Festival. These festivals, along with other flower-themed events at iconic Tokyo shrines, offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the season.
Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival: A Burst of Color in the Heart of Tokyo
Nestled in the quiet residential area of Nezu, the Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most cherished Shinto shrines, founded over 1,900 years ago. During the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival, which typically takes place in mid-April to early May, the shrine’s 1,000 azalea plants come into full bloom, transforming the shrine’s grounds into a stunning sea of pinks, purples, and whites. The festival is a delightful visual feast, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond.
Visitors can stroll through the Azalea Garden, where winding paths lead through clusters of azalea bushes, some of which are centuries old. The sight of these vibrant flowers against the backdrop of the shrine’s traditional architecture makes for an unforgettable spring experience. Beyond the floral beauty, the festival also features food stalls with seasonal treats and traditional festival games.
Dates: April 1–30, 2025 (subject to bloom conditions)
Address: Nezu Shrine, 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031, Japan
Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/tsutsuji/(Japanese)
Tip: While at Nezu Shrine, be sure to visit the Nezu Museum, just a short walk away, which features beautiful Japanese art and a serene garden that changes with the seasons.
Address: Nezu Museum, 6-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Kameido Wisteria Festival: A Dreamlike Experience of Purple Blossoms
Located in Kameido, a neighborhood in northeastern Tokyo, Kameido Shrine is home to one of the most famous wisteria displays in the city. The Kameido Wisteria Festival, typically held in late April to early May, is a breathtaking showcase of purple and white wisteria blooms. The shrine’s iconic wisteria trellis, cultivated for over a century, forms an ethereal curtain of blossoms, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that attracts photographers, nature lovers, and festival-goers.
The festival maintains a traditional atmosphere, featuring food stalls, performances, and various cultural events. The sight of the wisteria flowers combined with the shrine’s tranquil surroundings makes this festival a must-visit for anyone experiencing Tokyo in spring. Kameido Shrine’s wisteria is also known for its intense fragrance, so be sure to take a moment to inhale its sweet scent.
Dates: April 25–May 6, 2025 (subject to bloom conditions)
Address: Kameido Shrine, 3-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan
Website: http://kameidotenjin.or.jp/events/藤まつり/(Japanese)
Tip: While in Kameido, take a stroll along the Sumida River for lovely views of Tokyo Skytree and its surrounding area.
A Final Blooming Thought
With Spring finally arriving in Tokyo, these festivals provide a colorful and peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. They also offer an excellent way to celebrate the fleeting beauty of spring in Tokyo before things start getting hot and humid. Each festival offers a unique atmosphere and a chance to reflect on the changing seasons. Don’t forget to take time to appreciate not just the flowers but also the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them—it’s these experiences that make Tokyo such an unforgettable city.
江戸村のとくぞう, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
